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Tecpan-Pana Route of the Kaqchikel

Tecpan-Pana Route of the Kaqchikel

From USD $392.80 /pp

With years guiding in the mountains of Tecpán we have created the ultimate route to reach Lake Atitlán by bike! Two days of riding more than 2300m of downhill a day – come experience the MTB Guatemala difference with this mega classic that connects the high mountains of Tecpán to the shores of lake Atitlán below.

This exclusive two day tour includes accommodation, meals, vehicle support and more – so what are you waiting for? Come experience routes that have taken us years to develop and construct.

  • Duration: 2 Days
  • Level: Intermediate — for riders with 2+ Years of experience mountain biking. Please contact us if you are in doubt of your ability.
  • Departure: Antigua, Guatemala, Panajachel, Tecpán, Guatemala
Technical 2 / 5
Fitness 3 / 5
  • Distance 76 km 47 mi
  • Total Ascent 2,353 m 7,720 ft
  • Total Descent 4,549 m 14,925 ft
RESERVATIONS
Tecpan-Pana Route of the Kaqchikel
GROUP DEPARTURE
CONTACT INFO
Tecpan-Pana Route of the KaqchikelGROUP DEPARTURE
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A classic point-to point Guatemalan backcountry ride

Follow the route of the Kaqchikel Maya on this two day Lake Atitlán mountain bike tour! Start from our base at 2600m in the mountains of Tecpán and finish at the shores of Lake Atitlán. Your experience begins with a vistit to the Mayan Ruins of Iximché and follows 600 year old trading routes that connect the Kaqchikel kingdom.

We were the first company to develop this route which took years of exploring, cleaning and thousands of man hours and trail work. The result is an experience that is sure to make into your list of top rides.

What Makes this Route Unique

On this ride you will experience a diversity climates and Mayan cultures in a single day. Our route crosses high-altitude pine forests, a labyrinth of dry canyons, remote villages and finishes at the shore of one of the world's most beautiful lakes - Lake Atitlán!

Highlights

  • Two days of shuttle-assisted mountain biking
  • Reach Lake Atitlán via a remote and canyonous route
  • Bike Through remote communities
  • Tour the Mayan Ruins of Iximché
  • See one of the world’s most beautiful lakes from the saddle of your bike.
  • Full service picnic lunch
  • Views of the volcanoes of Antigua and Lake Atitlán
  • Visit la Laguna Chichoy
  • This route is 80% agricultural singletrack and 100% offroad

Looking for the single day version of this ride?

If you don’t have two full days to ride, we also offer a single-day version of our Tecpán Pana Route. It’s the fastest way to reach Lake Atitlán by bike, riding quiet backroads and skipping the traffic. Just like the two-day tour, we take care of luggage transfers so you can focus on the ride.

TecpAN PANA (SINGLE dAY)

TECPÁN - PANA (2 DAYS)TECPÁN - PANA (SINGLE DAY)
Slower pace with more overall ridingOne-day push to the lake
Includes a visit to the Mayan ruins of Iximché with cultural guide.Direct ride
Hotel in Panajachel included—
Additional day of riding at Lake Atitlán—
Departure: Antigua, TecpánDeparture: Antigua, Tecpán
Return: Panajachel or lakeside towns (boat service)
optional return to Antigua		Return: Panajachel, Tecpán,
or lakeside towns (boat service)

Whether you’re after a multi-day adventure or a single, full-day ride, both tours take you by mountain bike through hidden highland towns and deliver unforgettable views of Lake Atitlán from the seat of your bike!

Tecpán - Pana Photo Gallery

Tecpán - Pana via la ruta de Kaqchikel

Today Begins with a visit to the ruins of Iximché where a local historian and guide will explain the history of the ruins from the postclassic Mayan period.

We will descend from the ruins on the route of the Kaqchikel passing through remote Mayan communities on ancient agricultural infrastructure traversing canyons and ridges before dropping to the Rio Madre Vieja where we will enjoy a picnic lunch.

Photo: © MTBguatemala.com

Agua Escondida, San Antonio Palopó, Panajachel

The second half of the day begins high above the lake traversing through a rich fertile region called "la cumbre" where amazing vistas abound. We will dip down into farmland following agricultural jeep and singletrack through plantations of avocado, coffee and fruit trees.

We will take a steep 4×4 road down to the shore to the town of San Antonio Palopó, 800m below. In San Antonio we'll visit a weaving cooperative before continuing on the rolling terrain on the shore of the lake. Next, we'll pass through the town of Santa Catarina Palopó famous for its textile markets and brightly painted buildings.

The last climb to Panajachel will end with a rewarding ride along the beach of Lake Atitlán. Finishing on the docks, we'll enjoy a cool beverage, finishing on the docks we'll enjoy a cool beverage, catch the sunset from the market street Calle Sentender – and check into our hotel located just a few blocks away for the night.

Mountain Biking at Lake Atitlán Lake Atitlán Sololá, Guatemala
Mountain Biking at Lake Atitlán

Tecpán - Pana Canyon Route

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

Part 2 - La Cumbre

GPX Elevation Profile — choose a track in the block options.
DistanceAscentDescentMax Altitude
 38.87 km (24.16 mi)733 m (2,405 ft)-2,008 m (-6,588 ft)2,836 m
(9,305 ft)

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 beautiful dirt roads and highland jeeptrack through 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.

Chupól, Guatemala (2707.7 m)

Gallery

Part 1: Panimaché Atiltán Slickrock

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

Part 2 San Andres Semetebaj - Panajachel

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

Day Two Totals:

DistanceAscentDescentMax Altitude
35km (22mi)733 m (2,405 ft)-1,957 m (-6,421 ft)2,836 m (9,305 ft)

We select high quality 3 star lodging for our tours with double accommodations standard in Panajachel.

Photo: © MTBguatemala.com

BOOKING

This tour can be reserved instantly online a minimum of 24 hours before your date.

DEPARTURE

Departure time: 6am (a stop for breakfast is included en-route)

This tour starts and finish from Antigua, Guatemala

Please let us know your hotel and will be happy to meet you there!

If you are already staying or have plans to stay at Lake Atitlán we can meet you in Panajachel for this tour.

Arriving internationally? let us know if you would like us to pick you up at the airport

ONWARD TRAVEL

This tour is a great start for an extended stay at Lake Atitán. If you would like to extend the tour with another day of riding or to stay beyond your tour let us know – we would be happy help you coordinate your accommodation at the lake.

INCLUDED

  • Full Suspension bike rental
  • Protective Equipment
  • Helmet, Gloves, Kneepads
  • Meals (Breakfasts and lunches)
  • Accommodations
  • 1:4 Staff
  • Private shuttle and driver
  • Expert Mountain Bike Guide
  • Fruits & Snacks
  • Filtered water
  • Park Entrances
  • Vehicle and 4x4 Support
  • Mechanical assistance
  • Access to pro tool kit.
  • Picnic Lunches
  • First-aid kit, two way radio Communication, Satellite locator
  • Pre-departure info package
  • Daily Bike Cleaning

NOT INCLUDED

  • Dinners
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

Have a Question?

If you need any to chat on details of this tour – just reach out!

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Included Bike rentals

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

COMMENCAL META AM29

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

COMMENCAL META TR29

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

GROUP DISCOUNTS

Tecpan-Pana Route of the Kaqchikel

Select your group size to see the price per person.

2 people (30% discount)
OptionIncludesPrice per person
No Bike Rental Guided tour + mechanical support $688.00Q5229 USD $466.60GTQ 3546
Hardtail Bike Rental Guided tour + 29" hardtail MTB $718.00Q5457 USD $496.60GTQ 3774
Full Suspension Bike Rental Guided tour + premium full suspension bike $738.00Q5609 USD $516.60GTQ 3926
ebike Rental +$50 Guided tour + electric mountain bike $788.00Q5989 USD $566.60GTQ 4306

*Prices shown are for open group tours.

Why Ride With Us?

The Mountain Bike Guatemala Difference

With years of experience riding, racing and exploring in Guatemala, all our routes are carefully designed and unique to our company.

Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to carry all my stuff with me for the whole trip?

Nearly all of our trips are accompanied by support vehicle and professional driver who will meet with us at checkpoints throughout the day.  The support vehicle will carry supplies / spare parts and water. If you would like to leave anything in the vehicle such as extra layers rain gear camera etc. you are more than welcome. All our vehicles maintain GPS location and radio communication with our guides.  

Where will my bike be kept overnight?

All of the hotels that we partner have a storage area where we will secure the bikes overnight. If you are especially attached to your rental bike you can bring it into your hotel room at night.  

Are food/snacks provided?

On our day tours we supply light snacks such as energy bars and fruit and water. Multi-day tours include breakfast and lunch. Dinners are on your own. If you would like a recommendation for a place to eat or would like to dine as a group we can make that happen!  

Will my dietary restrictions be accommodated for?

All of our snacks / picnic lunches include a vegetarian option. If you have any other dietary restrictions please let us know when you are booking your tour.

Details

TRIP DETAILS

ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE Departure time: 6am (a stop for breakfast is included en-route) This tour starts and finish from Antigua, Guatemala Please let us know your hotel and will be happy to meet you there! If you are already staying or have plans to stay at Lake Atitlán we can meet you in Panajachel for this tour. Arriving internationally? let us know if you would like us to pick you up at the airport
EXTENSION This tour makes a great jump off for a stay at Lake Atitán. If you would like to extend the tour with another day of riding or to stay beyond your tour just let us know - we wold be happy help you coordinate your accommodation.
MEALS Day 1: Tecpan-Pana Breakfast in restaurant Picnic Lunch Day 2: Atitlán Highlands Breakfast in restaurant Picnic Lunch
INCLUDED
Meals, Snacks 4 Star Accommodation
Transportation including follow car and multiple shuttle uplifts Professional driver
Amazing Profesional Guide Full Suspension Bike Rental
Breakfasts and Lunches Bottled and/or filtered water
Trip planning and packing assistance Bike maintenance support and access to our tool kit
   
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Dinners
Gratuities for guides and drivers

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FAQ

Are there any extra fees that I will have to pay on top of the listed price?
No, we do not charge any extra fees or fuel surcharges. The listed price is the price you pay. Including tax.
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
You must call 72 hours ahead of your scheduled tour for a full refund. Within 72 hours you will assess a $35 termination fee. There are no refunds for cancellations within 24 hours of your tour, or if you decide not to show up.
Are we going hiking even though it’s raining and windy?
We do hike in the rain, snow, wind and any other weather conditions that nature decides to throw at us. After all, we’re going on adventures! If the weather is unsafe for any reason, the trip will be changed or postponed. You will be notified the week of your trip if there are changes due to weather.
Should I print a receipt to show the tour guide?
We understand that you may not have a printer handy when you're traveling so it is not necessary to have a printed copy. However, we require that you show ID matching your reservation and also the Order # that is immediately emailed to you after you make your reservation.
How much does it cost to do a private tour?
Please contact us to get the latest information on your desired trip.
Do I have to make a reservation or can I just show up?
Yes. Reservations are required for guaranteed spots on all tours. Reservations help us determine the number of guides we need to ensure that our groups remain manageable and enjoyable, and they allow us to notify you of changes to the tour due to weather or anything that could disturb the tours.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever is comfortable. It is recommended to have a sturdy pair of broken-in trail shoes, boots, or sneakers. It is preferable to dress in layers and wear clothing that will wick away perspiration and keep you dry and comfortable
What do I need to bring?
Not much, remember our trips are all inclusive. We do suggest you bring appropriate clothing to fit the season and a day pack to carry extra snacks and water.