Mountain Bike Los Cuchumatánes - Join one of Guatemala's oldest Group Rides to the the top of the mountain

The Travesía a los Cuchumatanes is one of Guatemala's oldest mountain bike events. This massive group ride, organized by Huehue Mountain Bike Paradise attracts mountain bikers from across the country to ascend the majestic Cuchumatánes mountains (12,000ft) from the city of Huehuetenango.

A Legendary Guatemalan Travesía

This is an organized group ride - with all the fanfare of a race but without the clock! We will be running a private tour the next day to the magical valley of Todos Santos. The travesía begins in Huehuetenango - passing past the Mayan of ruins of Zaculeu. We will follow singletrack and dirt roads through steep canyons before beginning the 7 mile switchbacking ascent that climbs to the summit of the cuchumatanes at 10,500ft. A catered asado or BBQ is provided for those who reach the top by local restaurant Casa Brava Steak house.

For those unfamiliar the north of Guatemala is absolutely stunning with a unique dry climate with rolling hills along a unique alpine plateau with agave plants and limestone cliffs. Locals here heard sheep and brave sub-freezing temperatures at night. The timing of this travesía aligns with peak wildflower season in the mountains - with red Lancetilla, and bright Orange Tritoma (red hot pokers) and violot bushes of bleeding hearts - a sight not to be missed!

Gallery

Itinerary

We will be organizing a group that will leave from Antigua Friday November 20th, 2020 12:00pm : Leave Antigua 7:00pm - Arrive Huehuetenago Hotel / Dinner : Casa Blanca, Huehuetenango

Casa Blanca Hotel - Huehuetenango, Guatemala ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hanging ferns and sculpted shrubs grace the attractive courtyard here, ringed by spacious, modern rooms with arched pine ceilings.

6:30am : Breakfast 8:00am : Event registration at Casa Brava 9:00am : Event start This ride those in good physical condition for cycling (intermediate / expert) with a moderate amount of acclimatization. The loop is approximately 50km and has a single climb that goes from 1,800m to 3,200m Average time is approximately 8hrs. Trucks are usually offered to collect riders that can not make the full ascent. Food / beverages are offered at the summit for a small price (Usually a BBQ and coffee) Riders enjoy a full gourmet Guatemalan buffet at the top (3200 m)

Distance	Ascent	Descent	Max Altitude
50.2km 18.31mi	1,766m 5,794ft	1,766m 5,794ft	3,250m 10,670ft

GPX Elevation Profile — choose a track in the block options.

Distance	Ascent	Descent	Max Altitude
27.42 km	719m 2,359 ft	-1,322 m -4,337 ft	3,520m 11,543ft

Lodging

Casa Blanca, Huehuetenango

Casa Blanca Hotel - Huehuetenango, Guatemala ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hanging ferns and sculpted shrubs grace the attractive courtyard here, ringed by spacious, modern rooms with arched pine ceilings.