Trip
Guatemala
Mountain Bike
Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
1-866-386-1590
Guatemala is truly an undiscovered mountain bikers paradise.This riding adventure, powered by our partners at Big Mountain Bike Adventures, starts in the city of Antigua with its magnificent Spanish colonial relics, cobblestone streets, pastel facades surrounded by volcanoes and lush forests. Our warm-up ride is at ‘El Zur’, a private mountain bike park in the jungle with over 15 miles of machine-built flowing bliss. Then it’s time for some singletrack riding in the beautiful hills around the Antigua before we begin our ascent of Acatenango volcano with views of erupting Volcan de Fuego.
The next leg of this Guatemala mountain bike tour is a two-day point-to-point ride through authentic communities to our destination at Lake Atitlán. Fishermen in rustic boats crisscross the lake’s aquamarine surface while indigenous women in multicolored outfits do their washing by the banks, all while a volcano-studded horizon looms in the distance. The accommodations on this adventure are unparalleled; a renovated colonial mansion in the center of Antigua, an eco-friendly lodge and avocado farm with sweeping views, a high-alpine volcano camping night, an antique flour mill converted into a guest house. Finally, we will stay at one of Guatemala’s most magical hotels on Lake Atitlán, accessed only by boat or on foot. Natural scenery, fun, and varied singletrack riding and the fusion of Spanish and Indigenous cultures make Guatemala an excellent place to travel and ride.
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Itinerary
Itinerary
Subject to change based on conditions.
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1
Arrive to Guatemala City Airport and be met by a Big Mountain driver who will be holding a sign with your name. Transfer one hour to our central Antigua hotel, Meson de Maria, a quaint, Colonial-style restored mansion of the XXII century. After building your bike we encourage you to explore this historical city with cobblestone streets and citizens dressed in colorful Mayan clothing. We will sleep at Hotel Meson de Maria. -
2
The El Zur mountain bike park is a private reserve sitting at 8,500 feet with over 15 miles of flowing purpose-built singletrack bliss. We’ll have lunch at the bottom of the flow line and then you will be able to test your mettle on the “G-Line” built by Gravity Logic, the folks who built out Whistler Bike Park. This afternoon we’ll have free time to explore Antigua and enjoy the local scene. -
3
Amazing XC riding from the door of our hotel to the indigenous Mayan town of San Juan del Obispo towards
the Volcan Agua. Some big climbs today and great singletrack riding through the agricultural fields of corn,
peas, nísperos, coffee and avocado trees. A final last downhill technical section before popping back out in
Ciudad Vieja. From there we’ll follow the local roads back into Antigua -
4
Transfer from Antigua to the Mayan ruins of Iximche near Tecpan to start today’s ride. After a short guided tour of the ruins, we’ll climb out of Tecpan through the outskirts of town and quickly into the lush forest. We will top out at the highest point and be rewarded with views to Lake Atitlan and it’s three surrounding volcanoes. After a big descent back to town we’ll bed down at Helvetia Molino, an old flour mill that’s been converted into a beautiful country hotel where we’ll enjoy the evening. -
5
A backcountry ride with a little bit of everything today from dirt road climbs to technical singletrack descents across the
mountains. We’ll enjoy lunch high above Lake Atitlan with stellar views. Finally, we hit the famous Santa Cat trail that then
drops onto amazing contouring trail to the Santa Catarina village. Finish off the day in Panajachel and you’ll have the night -
6
Today’s ride to the lake is not easy, but it certainly has some of the biggest views. A beautiful riverside trail takes us out from the Parramos to the base of a climb to the indigenous town of Patzun. From here it’s up and down cross-country style through remote settlements with a last big climb up to the edge or the Lake Atitlan caldera. The final descent to the lake is perhaps some of Guatemala’s most scenic singletrack. We’ll finish the day in Panajachel and catch a boat to our hotel. -
7
Enjoy a relaxing morning at Casa del Mundo where you can take in the views, swim or kayak and enjoy the amazing setting. After 11 am checkout we’ll catch our boat back to Panajachel and transfer to Antigua. For those craving more singletrack we have a quick ride planned. Otherwise, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to pack your bikes, grab some last-minute souvenirs and enjoy one more night in town. -
8
Shuttle back to Guatemala City airport to catch your departure flight. Bon voyage!
Trip Package Includes
- Seven nights hotel accommodation
- All breakfasts, six lunches & four dinners
- Ride snacks
- Airport transfers to/from Guatemala City airport on scheduled days only
- All transportation during the trip
- Detailed pre-departure information and trip extension assistance
- Big Mountain guide for the duration of the trip
- 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)
Not Included
- Airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage charges (if any)
- Two dinners and personal items like drinks (win, beer, etc.)
- Mandatory personal travel and medical insurance (we recommend World Nomads for travel insurance)
- Your bike and related gear (High-performance rental bikes are available for approximately $50 USD per day. Please inquire for more information).
- Guide and local staff gratuities
- Questions? Call or email us!
Area Information
Mountain Biking in Guatemala
Although it may not be the first place that comes to mind for epic riding, Guatemala is truly an undiscovered mountain bikers paradise. The steep mountainous landscape is covered with singletrack, dirt roads and jeep tracks, all perfect for quick descents above treeline or long winding rides through the jungle. On this adventure, we will be based in Antigua, a two-hour drive to the beautiful Lake Atitlán. Between the two destinations, there is miles and miles of biking. Some of these trials are ancient Mayan footpaths that have been worn down over centuries and are prime for epic biking. While the secret is getting out, most of the traffic you will see on these trails are farmers or the occasional local gathering wood.
Gallery
Gallery
Trip Planning
Trip Planning
November through April are great months to visit Guatemala with little rain and temperatures in the high 60’s to low 70’s. Expect high humidity especially in the jungle and a cool night spent on Volcan de Acatenango where temperatures can dip to near freezing.
The perfect bike for this trip is a 4-5” travel all-mountain dual suspension bike with hydraulic disk brakes. All participants are required to have their bikes in excellent working order before the trip begins. Also required: helmet, hydration pack, eye protection, and appropriate clothing. Kneepads are mandatory. All participants are required to bring extra brake pads, tubes, a patch kit, and any other parts specific to your bike. We will send you a detailed list of required equipment and clothing before departure. Bike rentals are available for approximately $50 USD per day. Please inquire with us if you would like more information.
Bike Gear
Clothing
Other
FAQ
FAQ
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Are departures Guaranteed?
All trips must reach a minimum of 4 guests in order to run. Please check with evo or Big Mountain before purchasing flights. -
How technical are the trails and what skill level of riding is required?
The technical ability required for this ride is rated as Level II and higher. In other words, the trails are mildly technical at times. Riders should have at least two years of singletrack riding experience. For fitness level, this trip is a Level I-II, riders can expect 4+ hours in the saddle daily. As with all Big Mountain Bike Adventures trips, the fitter you are the more fun you’ll have. This trip is demanding at times in a remote landscape. Please fill out Big Mountains rider questionaire to help choose if this trip is right for you. Inevitably there will be slower and faster riders in each group but, from experience the differences in ability work themselves out: some will simply enjoy the view for a little longer. If needed, riders can elect to skip a day's riding or a portion of it depending on logistics. You will get more enjoyment out of any trip if you are in good physical condition. -
What is the food like? What if I have special diets requests?
The meals provided are typical of the region. Guatemalan food is a mix of Mayan and Spanish dishes with African and Caribbean influences. Big Mountain makes sure that everyone eats well, guaranteed. When you register for this trip you will be asked about specific dietary needs or preferences. Accommodations can be made for most unique dietary requests such as; vegan, vegetarian, allergies, gluten-free, etc. -
What is lodging like on this trip?
From a Colonial-style restored mansion in central Antigua to comfortable ‘tree-houses’ to a lakeside resort and a night in a tent on the side of a volcano; we’re confident that you’ll enjoy the variety of properties on this trip. Big Mountain rates the technicality of this trip at 2. This generally requires that you have been mountain biking consistently for two plus years, can climb and descend under control on moderately steep singletrack with loose rocks and some roots. Can ride with mild exposure at times. You know when to walk a section that might be too difficult. Would embrace more riding time and consider taking a lesson or enrolling in a camp to help prepare for the trip. -
Can I room by myself? Is there a single supplement fee?
The single supplement of $395 USD is an additional fee for solo travelers who wish to have their own rooms during the trip. If riders agree to share a room with someone of the same gender BM will pair you up. If there isn’t another single participant of the same gender available, you will automatically have your own room and incur the additional single supplement fee. -
What kind of bike do I need?
The perfect bike for this trip is a 4-5” travel all-mountain dual suspension bike with hydraulic disk brakes. All participants are required to have their bikes in excellent working order before the trip begins. All participants are required to bring extra brake pads, tubes, a patch kit, and any other parts specific to your bike. We will send you a detailed list of required equipment and clothing before departure. Bike rentals are available for approximately $50 USD per day. Please inquire with us if you would like more information. -
Should I be worried about theft or the handling of my bike and gear?
Clients are responsible for the care and prevention of theft of their bikes and gear. Guides will aid in bike load and unload to racks and vehicles during the trip – it is the client's responsibility to approve methods of loading and also storage. If ever in doubt, we encourage everyone to talk to their guide or host and, if needed, agree on an alternative or ask to store your bike in your room. On all our trips we recommend bringing a durable lock for added security (even in your hotel room). Big Mountain Bike Adventures, staff and partners are not responsible for lost or stolen bikes, bags or personal items. -
What is the group size?
Groups are typically between 4 and 12 participants, with 1-2 guides per group. Often, a third guide will provide extra support during the trip. Our groups are kept small so that we can ensure every participant is well looked after. Small groups mean riders can give each other space, yet be sure that everyone is on the right track.
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How old do you have to be to join this trip?
Participants must be 18 and over, unless accompanied by an adult. -
Do I need trip insurance?
Health insurance is required and we highly recommend World Nomads for travel insurance. Please see Big Mountain’s Terms & Conditions page for more info. -
What If I need to cancel?
If canceling, the following policy applies for our scheduled trips: - Within 14 days of receiving your registration (and outside of the 90 day pre-trip window) you will be fully refunded. - At 90 days before the trip start date, 50% may be refunded up to 60 days prior, 25% refunded up to 30 days prior. - All trips are non-refundable 29 days or less prior to the trips start date. . -
Can you help me with my pre and post travel arrangements or airfare?
International airfare (and associated costs) to your trips starting or ending place is not included nor organized by evo or Big Mountain. Big Mountain can, however, assist with extra hotel nights, bike bag storage or revised airport transfers if you wish to extend your trip before or after the Big Mountain adventure. -
What kind of information will I receive to prepare for my trip?
Once registered Big Mountain riders will receive a detailed pre-departure 'Trip Preparation Guide' specific to the trip. It covers important information like trip planning timeline, recommend packing list, tips on traveling with your bike, insurance requirements and helpful information according to your destination to ensure that you are well prepared for the adventure ahead. -
Who are the guides?
evo and Big Mountain know how important good leaders are in the enjoyment and success of a trip and we are proud to offer the best leaders available. They are the link to unforgettable riding, new cultures, and great experiences. You will learn more from them than any guidebook. Their riding expertise, enthusiasm, language skills, environmental appreciation, cultural understanding, and safety training are unparalleled. Besides showing you secret singletrack, they will make sure your trip runs smoothly and safely. -
Can I fly with my bike?
Yes. Most airlines will charge additional fees for bikes. Ensure that you review the airline's policy before finalizing any bookings. We will send you detailed information on tips for packing your bike in our Trip Preparation Guide specific to your trip. -
How long will we be riding for each day?
You'll typically spend four to five hours on your bike each day depending on the group and particular day. Please visit Big Mountain’s Ability Guide for more information on different skill and fitness ratings.
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Trip
Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
1-866-386-1590
Select Your Trip
A destination near you
Coming Soon
Trip
Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
1-866-386-1590
Select Your Trip
A destination near you
Coming Soon
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