Day 1 – Friday, October 31

Arrival in Guatemala – Transfer to Antigua

Upon arrival at Guatemala City International Airport, our private drivers will meet you in the arrivals area for transfer to Antigua. The drive takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Once in Antigua, check in to your lodging and take some time to rest. You can explore the cobbled streets or enjoy a quiet evening. Dinner is on your own.

Day 2 – Saturday, November 1

Pacaya Volcano Hike

Today you’ll visit Pacaya, one of Guatemala’s most well-known volcanoes. After a morning transfer, begin a guided hike over volcanic terrain with views of lava fields and the surrounding mountains. The hike lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours. We’ll be summiting neighboring cerro Grande, where we’ll pass through inactive calderas and visit a hidden lake. A picnic lunch will be provided before returning to Antigua in the afternoon. Your evening is free.

Meals: Lunch included

Dinner will be planned as a group
Accommodation: Camino Real Antigua

For today’s route, we will be starting in the town of San Francisco del Alto, taking a non-traditional route up the Pacaya volcano, connecting two summits. One is Cerro Chino, which is where the lava fields begin. Once we reach the lava fields, we’re going to be crossing extinct and rocky terrain to reach the old summit crater of Volcán de Pacaya, Cerro Grande. 

The route crosses a variety of ecosystems and traversing several extinct craters of the Pacaya Massif. We’ll cross native grasslands, subtropical forests and see virgin earth and lava from recent eruptions.

Although Pacaya is a relatively low elevation volcano by Guatemalan standards, its prominence in relation to the coastal plains makes it vulnerable for high winds and the occasional rainstorms and fog. Please come prepared for today’s trip with a rain jacket, as well as dry clothes for changing into afterwards. 

Distance	Gain	Loss	Min. Altitude	Max Altitude
6.1 mi	2,746 ft	– 2,746 ft	5,955 ft	8,340 ft

From the top of Cerro Grande (8340ft), you’ll be afforded incredible views of neighboring Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes. After summiting we will descend down through farms and ranching areas to reach Laguna del Calderas, completing the circuit of just over six miles. This will be a great introduction to the trip and a fantastic way to get off the beaten path on one of Guatemala’s most visited sites.

Day 3 – Sunday, November 2

ANTIGUA GUATEMALA

Today we stay close to Antigua, exploring both its trails and its charm. Riders will spend the day at Carmona Bike Park, Antigua’s newest mountain biking area, featuring flow trails, technical descents, and incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes. It’s a chance to warm up the legs, fine-tune the bikes, and get a feel for Guatemala’s highland terrain.

For non-riders, the day begins with a beginner-friendly mountain bike ride through the coffee fields outside Antigua, followed by a guided coffee farm tour to learn about Guatemala’s most famous export from bean to cup. After lunch, we’ll regroup for a walking tour of Antigua’s historic center, visiting the main plaza, cathedral, and cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial architecture.

We’ll return to our lodging in the afternoon with time to relax, enjoy the evening light on the volcanoes, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Meals: Lunch included
Accommodation: Client-arranged in Antigua

Carmona TRAILS

In recent years, Carmona Trails has become Guatemala’s premier destination for gravity-oriented mountain biking. Located just outside Antigua in one of the region’s oldest coffee fincas, the park boasts over 50 kilometers of groomed trails suitable for all skill levels.

Today’s ride begins in the heart of the historic coffee finca, where we’ll start with a five-mile introductory loop. This route circles the flat, lower portion of the property, offering views of the coffee operation, including plant preparation and a small on-site dairy farm and processing area.

After the loop, we’ll divide into groups. Advanced riders will take a 4×4 shuttle to the summit of Cerro Cucurucho (8,700 ft), where panoramic views stretch across Pacaya Volcano, Lake Amatitlán, and Guatemala City. From the summit, we’ll ride two intermediate downhill trails.

Carmona Warm Up Loop (Part 1)

Loop through the lower part of the coffee finca (all Riders)

Distance	Gain	Loss	Max Altitude
4.72 mi	1,168 ft	-1,168 ft	6,352 ft

Carmona Shuttle 1 – Caffeine Fix

Distance	Gain	Loss	Max Altitude
4.72 mi	1,200 ft	– 1,200 ft	6,352 ft

Carmona Shuttle 2 

From the top and back to to the hotel in Antigua

Distance	Gain	Loss	Max Altitude
6.19 mi	407 ft	– 3,018 ft	7,644 ft

Day 4 – Monday, November 3

DEPARTURE TO TEcpÁN

We’ll leave Antigua early for the one-hour drive to Tecpán, a highland town perched at 8,500 feet in the heart of Guatemala’s western mountains. Known as one of the country’s original trade centers, Tecpán sits at the crossroads of ancient Maya routes connecting the Pacific coast to the Altiplano. Today it’s a blend of rural markets, pine-covered hills, and farmland—a gateway to both the cultural and natural heritage of the highlands.

Our day begins with a visit to the archaeological site of Iximché, the ancient Kaqchikel Maya capital. A local guide will walk us through the plazas and ceremonial temples, sharing the history of this powerful pre-Columbian city and its lasting importance to the region. The visit lasts about one to two hours.

Riders: After exploring the ruins, set off on a cross-country ride through Tecpán’s rolling terrain and cool pine forests. Our route follows rural trails and farm roads, with full vehicle support and local guides along the way.

Non-Riders: You’ll visit a nearby horse farm for a relaxed trail ride through the countryside, followed by a traditional highland lunch before rejoining the group later in the day.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation: Bonanza La Poderosa Tecpán

Mayan ruins of Iximché

Our first stop is the ancient Maya city of Iximché, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Guatemalan highlands. Founded in the late 1400s by the Kaqchikel people, Iximché served as their capital and later became one of the final strongholds of the Maya during the Spanish conquest. Built atop a fortified ridge surrounded by deep ravines, the city was both a strategic refuge and a center of political power in the late Postclassic era.

Within the site you’ll find more than thirty visible structures, including temples, palaces, and ceremonial plazas that once formed the heart of the Kaqchikel kingdom. At the far end of the complex lies an active ceremonial altar, where modern-day Maya priests continue to perform rituals and offerings—living proof of the culture’s enduring presence.

The tour includes a bilingual cultural guide who will share the history, mythology, and significance of the site, as well as a visit to the small on-site museum, which houses original artifacts such as obsidian tools, ceramics, and fragments of ancient codices. The entire experience lasts approximately two hours and provides a meaningful introduction to Guatemala’s deep and continuing Maya heritage.

Following the ruins, we’ll split into two groups. Cyclists will embark on a challenging cross-country ride deep into the highlands, descending from Tecpán (8,700 ft) to the Motagua River Fault Line at 4,500 ft. This route travels through a mosaic of farmland and pine forest, tracing ancient Mayan paths that once connected the region.

Distance	Gain	Loss	Max Altitude
26.24 mi	4,167 ft	-6,214 ft	7,992 ft

TECPÁN FARM EXPERIENCE

Non-riders will visit Third Eye Connections, a horse farm and wellness retreat operated by local host Juliana Contreras, located within Finca Pasajinak. Here, participants will enjoy a guided horseback tour through the farm’s expansive pastures and rolling hills, taking in panoramic views of Tecpán’s green countryside.

The experience also includes a hands-on dairy tour, where visitors can interact with the farm’s young calves —and explore the full cycle of artisanal cheese production. Guests will get an inside look at the craftsmanship behind the farm’s cheeses.

Day 5 – Tuesday, November 4

Tecpán to Lake Atitlán

Ride from the mountains of Tecpán down to the shores of Lake Atitlán. This full-day point-to-point ride covers 32 miles with over 8,700 feet of descent. A picnic lunch and full vehicle support are provided. After the ride, board a private boat to your lakeside bungalows.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included

Accommodation: Sacred Tree, Santa Cruz La Laguna

The centerpiece of our guiding operation, this legendary route from Tecpán to the shores of Lake Atitlán traces the historic trade path of the Kaqchikel Maya, connecting the highlands to the Atitlán Caldera. It’s a ride that blends cultural history, rugged landscapes, and backcountry adventure into one unforgettable day.

Distance	Gain	Loss	Max Altitude
32.82 mi	6,306 ft	-8,720 ft	8,635 ft

Starting high in the pine-forested mountains of Tecpán, the route descends through a wild network of spidering dry canyons, eventually finishing at the shores of Lake Atitlán. At 32 miles, this is the longest ride of the trip—but it’s also one of the most rewarding, offering breathtaking views and a taste of off-the-beaten-path Mayan towns.

Our ride is fully supported by 4×4 vehicles, and we’ll pause midday for a picnic lunch in a scenic halfway spot. For those who prefer to conserve energy, there’s an optional shuttle available for the final stretch through the Río Madre Vieja Canyon—a steep, demanding descent known to be a true leg-burner.

This point-to-point journey crosses departments and has taken years to scout, refine, and build in partnership with local communities. 

Non Riders:

San Antonio
Palopó Cultural hike and Weaving Tour

Non-riders will shuttle directly to Lake Atitlan after breakfast where you’ll visit the weaving village of San Antonio Palopó, followed by a hike to a local waterfall.

Perched dramatically on the cliffs of Lake Atitlán’s southeastern shore, San Antonio Palopó is a traditional fishing village known for its rich weaving traditions and enduring  Mayan heritage. Here residents continue to uphold ancestral customs—from farming steep terraces to weaving traditional clothing.

On this cultural immersion hike, you’ll ascend through terraced hillsides where onions and vegetables have been cultivated for centuries. Along the way, observe local farmers tending their crops on sheer slopes with spectacular lake views, and see ancient Mayan irrigation systems that distribute water evenly across the terraces. 

After returning to town, you’ll visit a local women’s weaving cooperative, where artisans create intricate textiles using traditional techniques passed down through generations. 

Here, you’ll witness the creation of the “güipil” a richly embroidered blouse worn by Indigenous women across Guatemala. These wide blouses feature distinctive patterns and embroidery that vary from village to village, each design reflecting the identity of a specific Maya community.

Get up close with the local weavers as they work thread by thread on handmade backstrap looms, crafting garments that can take up to a month to complete. This hands-on cultural experience offers a rare glimpse into daily life and local artistry of the women of Guatemala.

Hotel day 5-7

Sacred Tree Bungalows

Located a private property on the shores of Lake Atitlan on the western side near the village of Santa Cruz. Sacred Tree is a newly constructed retreat center with modern bungalows each featuring a jacuzzi, small kitchenette, king-size bed, and hammocks for lounging. The property is yours for the next three days and includes a swimming pool as well as Temescal or Mayan sauna. 

Explore hikes available right out your back door, borrow kayaks or stand-up paddle boards (included) for a morning paddle, or simply lounge by the pool.

Day 7 – Thursday, November 6

Riders: Lake Atitlán Oeste Ride

Start the day with a cross-country ride along the western highlands of Lake Atitlán. You’ll travel in 4×4 support vehicles to trail access points. The ride includes approximately 20 miles with a final 4000ft singletrack descent. All equipment, snacks, and lunch are included. In the evening, enjoy a chef-prepared farewell dinner at Sacred Tree.

Non-Riders: San Juan La Laguna Visit

In the afternoon, you’ll visit San Juan La Laguna, a town known for its murals and artisan cooperatives. A guide will walk you through the main streets and art installations. You’ll return to the lodge by boat in time for the final group dinner.

Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation: Sacred Tree, Santa Cruz La Laguna

Distance	Gain	Loss	Max Altitude
18.85.mi	4,098 ft	-6,512 ft	8,694 ft

Our Atitlán Oeste route traces the dramatic western rim of Lake Atitlán, combining ancient history with some of the region’s most spectacular views. In the morning, we climb one of the steepest roads around the lake, ascending from its shimmering shores toward the highland town of San José Chacayá. Our route follows an ancient Mesoamerican trail, passing through onion terraces that have been cultivated since 500 AD.

Riding along the northwest rim, we traverse towering cliffs with panoramic views of Volcán Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro, their peaks rising above the blue expanse of the lake. The trail winds through the pine forests of Santa Lucía Utatlán, a vast highland reserve and eco-park rich with birdlife and cool mountain air. From there, we descend on one of the original Maya trade routes that once connected these highlands to the lakeshore, finishing in the colorful artisanal town of San Juan La Laguna over 5000ft below.

Day 9 – Saturday November 8

Departure

Breakfast is included at the hotel in the morning. Transportation will be arranged by the hotel depending on flight times.