Chichicastenango by Bike!
Cycle through colorful towns and rolling hills on a cultural cycling tour to the Chichicastenango market.
This is a full day tour that includes transportation to and from antigua (2-3hrs each way) Breakfast, Lunch and cultural guide.
Our tours are limited to just 8 riders for flexibility and fun.
- Duration: 10 hours
- Level: Intermediate — for riders with at least 2 Years of mountain bike experience. Please contact us if you are in doubt of your ability.
- Distance 26 km 16 mi
- Total Ascent 845 m 2,772 ft
- Total Descent 2,050 m 6,726 ft
- Difficulty Intermediate
- Duration 10 hours
- High Point 3,095 m 10,154 ft
- Modality Cultural
- Modality Cross Country
- Category Day Tours
- Riding Time 4 h
Confirmed Group Departures
Join an open group and ride for less.
Cycle through colorful towns, rolling hills and reach the Chichicastenango market by bike! Explore the heart of Mayan Culture on this cultural cycling tour in Quiché. This is a unique ecological way to tour the Mayan heartland while visiting one of Guatemala's most famous sites by bike.
Our route follows curvy mountain roads through folding terrain with a variety of views at every corner. Visit several Mayan sites and learn about the history of ceremony and importance of textiles in the region. The ride includes a picnic lunch in a small village before continuing to the village of Chichicastenango and their world famous Thursday market.
Do this route if
- You are a road or intermediate cyclist
- You appreciate cultural stops, nature and a full day of exercise.
- Exploring little known parts and authentic villages of Quiché
- You would like to learn about Guatemalan culture.
Details
This tour departs and returns from Antigua Guatemala. This is a full day tour - come prepared for a sunup-to sundown adventure.
DEPARTURE LOCATION
This tour can be reserved instantly online a minimum of 48 hours before your date.
This tour can start in Panajachel, Antigua, or Tecpán please select your start location on the booking form.
INCLUDED
- Optional Bike Rental
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Safety equipment
- Private shuttle and driver
- Bi-Lingual Mountain Bike Guide with international certification
- Fruits & snacks
- Filtered water
- Park entrances
- Mechanical assistance
- Access to pro tool kit.
- MTB Guatemala Swag
- Emergency vehicle support
- First-aid kit, two way radio communication, satellite locator
NOT INCLUDED
- Dinner
- Gratuities
Cycling through Quiché: heart of the modern Mayan world
From Antigua we will shuttle up to the mountainous of Totonicapán. We will begin at 3100m (10,100ft) at a Mayan sacred site with incredible views of Lake Atitlán Quiché and the volcanoes. Descending on remote gravel roads our route passes through small communities and steeply sloped agricultural plots.
Community visits and traditional textiles.
Our route we will cycle through terraced fields, small aldeas (villages) cross steep canyons and catch a glimpse of daily Mayan life. We will have lunch with a local family and learn firsthand the preparation of a traditional family dishes as well as the process of weaving Güipiles --brightly colored blouses with intricate design.
Tierra de las Manzanas
After lunch we will continue down the mountain with big views across Quiché at every corner. Our bus will be available for riders who wish to shuttle the climbs or take a break. From our route we will view orchards of citrus, peach and manzana (apple).
Chichicastenango Market
Reaching Chichicastenango we will have an opportunity to change before heading out on a foot tour of the Market. Stay with the cultural guide or explore on your own. The Chichicastenango market is one of the largest indigenous Mayan markets in the Americas and an incredible place to shop for handcrafts and other artisan goods. We will return to Antigua - reaching the colonial city by evening.
Elevation Profiles
Part 1 - Piedra María Tecún
Part 2 - Cycling to the Chichicastenango Market
Chichicastenango by bike Tour Gallery
FULL SHUTTLE SUPPORT
All of our multi-day trip include full shuttle support with 4x4 vehicles that follow us along the route.
Our custom vehicles are outfitted with radios, GPS, USB power outlets, and refrigerator for drinks.
The Shuttle vehicles provide a mobile base for the tour and give the opportunity to cut out sections or take breaks if needed!
Why Ride With Us?
The Mountain Bike Guatemala Difference
With years of experience riding, racing and exploring in Guatemala, all our routes are carefully designed and unique to our company.
Reserve Now
Chat With UsFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, most likely. Our day tours run on any date that’s open on the tour’s booking calendar: pick your date and book. Riding solo or flexible on dates? Book a Wildcard and we’ll put you on a ride with other riders.
Most of our tours start at 9am and include hotel pickup. The exact time and pickup details are on each tour page and in your booking confirmation.
Our office is in the mountains of Tecpán. We run day tours in Antigua, at Lake Atitlán and from our base in Tecpán. Each tour page shows where it starts, and for Antigua tours we pick you up at your hotel.
Yes. Every rental bike comes with a helmet and gloves.
You choose a hardtail, full-suspension or e-bike in the booking form. We ask each rider’s height before the tour and have the right size ready.
Yes. Choose “No bike rental” in the booking form.
Each tour page shows its fitness and technical rating, so you can pick a ride that suits you. If you’re not sure, message us and we’ll recommend one.
Book online with a 50% non-refundable deposit. The rest is paid before the tour leaves.
Online bookings close at 6 PM, 48 hours before your ride. For a last-minute ride, message us on WhatsApp.
Yes. Choose Private in the booking form (+20%).
Comfortable riding clothes in layers, closed shoes and a small day pack.
Yes, we ride in most weather. If conditions are unsafe, we change the route or reschedule, and we’ll let you know before your tour.
Join our next big tour