Tecpán

Home to the Kaqchikel Maya and a strong German influence Tecpán Guatemala is a mountain-top city with a layered history.

Located at 2200m (7,200ft) in the heart of the highlands Tecpán is situated on a pine-forested region. The area once served as the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya – who built the metropolis of Iximché (1300AD) atop steep cliffs.  It is said that the country’s name originated here, from the K’iche’ word Quauhtemallan or “place of many trees”.

The Ruins of Iximché with the volcanoes of Lake Atitlán behind. (2318.6 m)

Mountain Biking in Tecpán Guatemala

The mountain biking in Tecpán Guatemala is characterized by high altitude, cool pine forests – pine needle singletrack and impressive views of the volcanoes of Lake Atitlán.  With hundreds of mountain bike trails and tons of climbing it’s no wonder Guatemalan national cross country champion Jhonnathan DeLeon grew up training here.

Tecpán has a strong German / Swiss influence which you can see in the many log cabins and chalet restaurants. The weather here is cool to cold and many of the older houses have fireplaces – this is not your typical Guatemala!

Cerro Tecpán

Rising to 3300m (10,800ft)  Cerro Tecpán’s pine-forested slopes are home to hundreds of trails – interconnecting woodlots and fincas. Guatemala’s first highway CA-1 once passed through here following the ridge of the mountain. CA-1 has long been abandoned but provides a fantastic backbone for a trail system that is utilized by horse and bike travel.

Dropping into the canyons. Tecpán, Guatemala (2400.0 m)

Patzún

Below Tecpan lie the barrancos of Patzún, a sprawling web of spidery and steep eroded canyons. The riding here is high, dry and varied. Linking long descents you can connect to the lake with over 2000m (6500ft) of downhill.

OUR TOURS in TECPAN

Multi-Day
$2,375

Guatemalan Highland Tour

Our 7 day Guatemalan highland mountain bike tour is a one-of-kind introduction to the country and it’s amazing riding. Experience
Hard
4/5
New!
$395

Tecpan-Pana Route of the Kaqchikel

Follow the path of the Kaqchikel Maya in this new multi-day mountain bike route for 2019! With high-altitude pine forests,
Hard
4/5
Multi-Day
$1,699

5 Day Enduro Tour

The best enduro rides in Guatemala in 5 jam-packed days.
Hard
5/5
Multi-Day
$395

Lake Atitlán Enduro P2P

2 days of technical enduro riding around Lake Atitán with raw agricultural trails and cliff-lined singletrack with views that will
Hard
3/5
Multi-Day
$395

2 Day Atitlán XC (Hard)

An amazing way to discover Lake Atitlán. Remote, canyons deep forests and rugged agricultural singletrack.
Hard
5/5

Attractions in Tecpán

Before You Go

Climate

The climate in Tecpán Guatemala is perfect for mountain biking  and is characterized by cool mornings – at or near freezing warming to daytime highs of 16°C (65°F)

PHoto gallery

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