Chichicastenango by Bike!

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.

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

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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!

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