Lake Atitlán Enduro P2P

Tecpán - Pana

This legendary trail follows the route of the Kaqchikel Maya from the mountains of Tecpán to the shores of Lake Atitlán. The route is isolated and unique! Mountain Bike Guatemala has been working in this area for years scouting trails and collaborating with the local communities. Our route follows the exodus of the Kaqchikel to Lake Atitlán beginning at the Mayan Ruins of Iximche.

The route begins on Cerro Tecpán a majestic pine forested mountain with views to the Lake. From a summit of nearly 3000m we will connect ancient trails, crossing tiny communities and a patchwork of steep agricultural fields. Our route descends an ancient and eroded trail to the Madre Vieja River. “sendero de las vacas” named after encounters with cows ascending the deep, switchbacking trail – with nowhere to go, bikers had to climb up to let the herd pass!

After a quick shuttle we will get our first views of Lake Atitlán: an enormous volcanic caldera surrounded by 3 volcanoes. We will have a picnic lunch at a viewpoint before descending “La Culebra” a legendary 5 star downhill following an aqueduct along cliffs above the lake. Our day will finish with an urban downhill through the town of Santa Catarina Palopó – famous for its rich colors and textiles.

Elevation Tecpán Pana Sendero de Las Vacas

Highland Traverse

Today we will go deep into the indigenous communities above the lake. You will see rural life at its purest as we pedal along rough jeep track and logging roads through high alpine sheep meadows and pine forests.

After a shuttle to the rim of the caldera of Lake Atitlán, we climb 3mi to an alpine plateau at 1800m (9200ft) El Corazón de Las Nubes (the heart of the clouds) – a Mayan ceremonial site. We will follow old logging roads with unmatched views of the lake and its environs. Canyons and volcanoes abound.

We will descend a patchwork of agricultural and logging tracks along rough singletrack with several river crossings. The riding here is green, humid and a stark contrast to the dry riding near the lake. Picnic at an isolated river in the heart of a pine forested canyon.

Part 1: Slickrock - Panimache

Afternoon

Our second shuttle will take us high above the lake where we will drop into one of the longest technical descents in the volcanic caldera with approximately 100m (3,200m) of rough, rocky descent beginning in pine forests and finishing at the shores of Lake Atitlán!

Part 2: Santa Vic Enduro

Night 1: Panajachel