There are various ways to get around the San Pedro area of Lago Atitlan. Horseback riding along the lakeshore was offered to tourists and was probably still a common mode of travel for some locals. The rock paving on all the streets made for a very bumpy ride in whatever vehicle you chose. I sure didn't see any silly high heeled shoes on women in this town -- they're too sensible for that.
I love Guatemalan buses. They're very eye-catching, yet there's something else more subtle, too. They have such personality. The owners keep them sparkling clean and brightly painted, so I imagine that each bus is very proud of its looks. They each really seem to have a particular character, mostly portrayed in the paint job, yet I also felt they exuded a sort of energy field that let the world know they were proud to serve the people, transporting them safely around the beautiful countryside. Some seemed to yell out "Hey, look out, when I'm on the road, get outta my way!" and others were quieter, "Aren't I handsome?!"
I suspect the little 3-wheeled tuc tuc's with their tiny wheels had the bumpiest ride on the rough streets. They certainly had the loudest engines. Initially I thought they might be electric cars. Nope. Gasoline-powered internal combustion engine. Those steep streets leading from the lakeshore up the side of the volcano need a bit more oomph than an electric car would have, I guess.
Another very common mode of transport, for commuting to other communities along the lakeshore for work, shopping or social visits, were the "launchas" pulled up at the dock. They're amazingly stable in choppy water, and I was very impressed with how calmly the drivers managed the boats. They weren't speed demons, which I was grateful for.
