Río Motagua Campout

Two days, one night by the river

Our journey from the high mountains of Tecpán to the Río Motagua crosses several regions with an incredible diversity of landscapes. Ride down through pine forest, coffee and banana plantations to the largest river in Guatemala, which divides Chimaltenango and Quiché along the Motagua fault.

Spend the night at a beautiful eco park alongside the river, with a pool, bathroom facilities, showers and electricity. We set up camp in our large safari tents and fire up the grill for a BBQ camp dinner. The next morning, after breakfast, we visit the Mayan ruins of Mixco Viejo before heading home.

Highlights

• Over 2,300 m of descent from Tecpán to the river
• Three climate zones and remote Kaqchikel communities
• Glamping at a riverside eco park with pool
• BBQ camp dinner under the stars
• Guided visit to the Mayan ruins of Mixco Viejo
• All meals included: BBQ dinner, breakfast and 2 lunches

Why the Motagua matters

For the people who live along it, the Río Motagua is far more than a river. Born in the highlands of Quiché and Totonicapán, it runs nearly 500 km east to the Caribbean, the longest river in Guatemala. For centuries its valley was a highway linking the Maya highlands to the coast.

A border between peoples. Here the river separates Chimaltenango from Quiché, and the Kaqchikel Maya from the K'iche'. The two were once a single kingdom; in the 15th century the Kaqchikel broke away and founded their own capital at Iximché, and the river remained a natural frontier between their lands.

Maya jade. The middle Motagua valley is the only known source of the jadeite the ancient Maya prized above gold. Jade from this valley was traded across Mesoamerica and carved into masks, beads and offerings for kings.

A living fault line. The river follows the Motagua Fault, where the North American and Caribbean plates meet. In 1976 this fault caused the great Guatemala earthquake, a memory every highland family still carries, and it is what carved the deep canyons and cliffs you ride through.

Life on the valley floor. Down at the river the climate is hot, and the riverside communities grow fruit and other warm-weather crops that cannot survive in the cold highlands above. Suspension bridges link the villages on both banks, and the river is where families come to swim and cool off, just as we do at the end of the ride.

Day 1 – Tecpán to the Río Motagua

Beginning high above in the cloud forests of Tecpán, we explore little-visited communities with spectacular views as we pedal all the way down to the bottom of the Motagua River Valley. The route follows backroads, old Mayan paths and agricultural singletrack, with a picnic lunch on the way.

At the river, cool off in the pool while we set up camp: large 3×4 m safari tents with cots, sleeping bags, pads and pillows. Dinner is a BBQ by the campfire.

Day 2 – Mixco Viejo

After breakfast at camp we drive to the Mayan ruins of Mixco Viejo, the capital of the Chajoma Kaqchikel kingdom. The city was built on a hilltop surrounded by deep cliffs and canyons to protect it from intruders, which today gives it magnificent views. We explore its temples, plazas and ball courts with a guide, have lunch, and return to Tecpán or Antigua in the afternoon.

What's included

• Glamping in large 3×4 m safari tents with cots, sleeping bags, pads and pillows
• BBQ camp dinner, breakfast and 2 lunches
• Eco park entrance: pool, bathroom facilities, showers and electricity
• Guided visit to the Mayan ruins of Mixco Viejo (entrance included)
• Bilingual mountain bike guide with first aid certification
• 4×4 vehicle support with private driver, pickup and drop-off
• Snacks, fruit and filtered water
• Mechanical assistance and daily bike cleaning

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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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Included Bike rentals

This tour package includes one of our following high end mountain bike rentals

COMMENCAL META AM29

29" Wheels
Shimano Drivetrain
4 piston Hydraulic disc brakes
OneUp Dropper Post
170mm/160mm Travel
Fox Suspension
Flat Pedals

COMMENCAL META TR29

29" Wheels
1x12 Shimano Drivetrain
4 piston Hydraulic disc brakes
Dropper Post
160mm/150mm Travel
Fox Suspension
Flat Pedals