by Kelley | Jan 2, 2025
I recently had the incredible opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Guatemala on a mountain biking trip organized by Mountain Bike Guatemala. This journey was nothing short of exhilarating, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
We began in the charming town of Antigua, where we were warmly welcomed by Brendan James, the Director of Mountain Bike Guatemala & his amazing team Maria, Oscar & Frank. MTB Guatemala guides small groups through cultural routes that connect Mayan sights on technical trails. Guatemala, with its canyons and 14,000ft active volcanoes, offers a unique and immersive riding experience.
The itinerary was meticulously planned to showcase the diverse regions of Guatemala. We started our journey in Antigua, known for its beautiful colonial architecture and vibrant culture. From there, we made our way to Tecpán, nestled in the cold mountains, and finally to the tropical paradise of Lake Atitlán. Each day promised a new adventure, with an average of 6,000ft in elevation and 5,000ft of shuttle-assisted descent.
Our tour included airport transportation, accommodation for five nights, private transportation, 4×4 assistance trucks, bilingual mountain bike guides, and much more. We enjoyed delicious breakfasts, restaurant and picnic lunches, and snacks. Mechanical support and daily bike cleaning were also provided, making sure our bikes were always in top condition.
Day 1
The first day kicked off with an exciting ride at Carmona Bike Park. This bike park is also a coffee farm or “finca”. You arrive in a beautiful shaded lot and look out onto immense rolling hills covered and in dense forest and coffees groves. We started off with a warmup lap, riding up to Frijol Verde, the “Green Bean” trail to get accustomed to the unique terrain. We quickly learned that the trials in Guatemala would be different than the ones we frequented in Colorado. We encountered wet steep terrain, lengthy rutted sections, soft dirt and thick vegetation. To reach the very top of the park we all packed into 4×4 vehicles with our bikes and made the bumpy journey up to the summit. The fast-rolling tracks and epic views of the Antigua valley’s volcanoes were simply breathtaking.
Day 2
Day two took us to Tecpán, where we experienced the immensity and versatility of the region. From misty cloud forests to profound dry canyons, Tecpán offered a diverse range of trails. We did three shuttle runs, connecting the most fun trails on Cerro Tecpán with spectacular views. Tecpán is home to the Mayan Kaqchikel Kingdom, and we had the chance to ride on ancient trails connecting the ruins of Iximché with lookout points and altars.
Day 3
On day three, we embarked on the legendary Ruta de los Cañones, riding from high-altitude pine forests through a maze of dry canyons and small towns, finishing on the shore of Lake Atitlán. The route included full car support, allowing us to take breaks and cut out segments if needed. After lunch, we shuttled to Mirador Mario Montenegro, a lookout point above the lake, and descended through La Culebra, an epic Guatemalan classic, all the way to the docks of Santa Catarina Palopó. We stayed at Casa Hagan, a secluded home with a refreshing pool and spectacular views of the lake.
Day 4
The final day was all about the views. We ascended one of the steepest roads at the lake by 4×4, joining the Mesoamerican route in San José Chacayá with its famous onion terraces. We rode along the northwest rim of Lake Atitlán, enjoying great views along 4000ft cliffs. Our picnic lunch was at the Chuiraxamoló Ecological Park, a popular viewpoint 3000ft above Santa Clara Atitlán. In the afternoon, we descended a steep trail through a cloud forest, finishing at the lake over 1000m below. A boat ride took us to Santa Catarina Palopó, where we spent the night.
Throughout the trip, we experienced Guatemala’s unique micro-climates, from cool foggy summits to hot dusty farms and villages. We also enjoyed the local cuisine, with meals ranging from street food to traditional restaurant dining.
This mountain biking adventure in Guatemala was truly unforgettable. The combination of challenging trails, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences made it a trip of a lifetime. If you’re looking for an adventure that connects you with nature and culture, I highly recommend exploring Guatemala by bike with Mountain Bike Guatemala as your guide.
Chloe Reis (she/her) has called Salida, Colorado her home for four years now, and it’s been an incredible journey. Chloe’s love affair with skiing began when she moved to Colorado in 2015, but it wasn’t until they settled in Salida in 2020 that she began to explore the backcountry and fell in love. Most of Chloe’s free time is spent outdoors, soaking in the beauty of nature biking, rafting or skiing.