Exploring Antigua Guatemala’s Hidden Trails: A Mountain Biker’s Paradise
For over 20 years, I’ve called Antigua, Guatemala, my home. As a Swiss expat, I arrived here ready for adventure. Over the years, I’ve worked in tourism, launched businesses in the industry, and most importantly, immersed myself in Guatemala’s natural beauty and adventures and culture. Early on, I discovered that Guatemala is a paradise for mountain biking, a passion that has only grown as I’ve explored the endless trails that crisscross this incredible landscape. I’ve taken my bike up Acatenango Volcano (not recommended 😊), ridden through the thick jungle to the Mayan ruins of El Mirador and Rio Azul, and biked the high plateaus of the Cuchumatanes. So many different landscapes in a relatively small country!
My love for mountain biking was sparked by a fellow Swiss, Beat (RIP), who had been riding in Guatemala since the 90s. He founded a travel company here(www.viaventure.com) offering high-end bike adventures and travel. His enthusiasm, and working with them as an adventure guide, inspired my own exploration, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
The Trails Around Antigua: Never-ending fun
Antigua’s trails are a treasure trove for mountain biking. Woven into the countryside by generations of local campesinos, these paths connect villages, farms, and forests in a way that makes for epic biking. You can ride for days without retracing your steps, constantly stumbling upon new routes with different challenges and amazing views!
Whether you’re descending the rocky paths of Volcán de Agua, navigating the forested trails up around El Hato, or winding through coffee plantations, every ride is unique.
Some of my favorite rides lie above the village of San Cristóbal El Bajo: “El Precipicio.” This downhill ride is pure magic, with its single-track winding through massive agave plants and its beautiful forests; the perfect mix of flowy sections and technical challenges that test your skills.
More amazing trails can be found above San Antonio Aguas Calientes- after a hard uphill push you get to enjoy a flowy trail with all 3 volcanoes: Agua, Acatenango and Fuego in full view!
Respecting the local Trail Keepers
One of the things that I always enjoy riding in Guatemala is meeting the local farmers who use these trails daily. Their smiles and friendly greetings are a reminder of the deep connection between the land and its people. As riders, it’s important to remember that we are visitors here—giving farmers the right of way and showing respect for their space ensures that these trails remain a shared place for everyone.
Community Rides
Mountain biking in Antigua isn’t just a solo sport; it’s a vibrant community activity that connects locals and visitors alike. A great way to dive in is by joining Old Town Outfitters’ Thursday community rides, a weekly event open to all.
No bike? No problem—Old Town rents them for a minimal fee, making it easy to join. These rides go beyond exercise; they are a chance to discover trails, meet great people, and see how a shared love for biking bridges cultural and language barriers.
True to its name, Thirsty Thursday ends with the tradition of sharing a cold beer or drink—perfect for winding down and sharing stories.
Empowering local Women Through Mountain Biking
Antigua’s mountain biking scene isn’t just about riding; it’s also about empowering people. A great example of this is Christa, an ambassador for World Ride, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women access the world of mountain biking. World Ride provides bikes, training, and opportunities for women to work in the biking industry.
Christa’s work is a testament to the influence of mountain biking. Her efforts have inspired other women to take up the sport both as a hobby and a profession. As a result there are more women guiding bike trips now than ever!
Safety
Safety, of course, is a priority when riding around Antigua, and I’m glad to say that in over 20 years of exploring these trails, I’ve never had a safety issue. If you’re new to the region, it’s a good idea to ride with a guide on your first outings. A guide can not only help you navigate the trails and familiarize you with the terrain but also take you on safe routes where you won’t encounter any bandidos- even if the chance of that is close to zero.
Carmona Trails
For those seeking a more structured mountain biking adventure, Carmona Trails offers well-maintained paths for all skill levels. Their setup ensures a safe and enjoyable ride, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bikers. They also offer shuttle rides up the mountain for more downhill and enduro-oriented rides.
Supporting Local Talent: Bici Taller El Gallo
Another great example about the community spirit of the local mountain bike scene is “Bici Taller El Gallo” who exemplifies this spirit by organizing races and providing support for local riders who might not have the funds to compete in their and other events. You will find the owner Don Joel clearing paths for his race just for the love of the sport on any given Sunday morning!
My restaurant, Toko Baru, along with Old Town Outfitters and other local businesses, proudly supports their mission whenever we can.
I strongly encourage anyone to try this amazing sport. And who knows, you might just fall in love with it, as I did, one ride at a time! 😊
Written by Christoph Ege
Photos by Christoph Ege and Old Town Outfitters
A Mountain Biker’s Paradise Antigua Guatemala
