Antigua’s bike tours let you experience Guatemala’s colonial gem and volcanic landscapes on two wheels. Four standout options deserve special attention. I love the challenging Cielo Grande Half-Day Expert Ride for its technical terrain – perfect for experienced cyclists. The Sip N Cycle brilliantly combines biking with a coffee farm visit, giving you both exercise and cultural insight. For beginners, the Half-Day Mountain Bike Tour through Volcano Valley offers gentle trails and stunning scenery. The Lake Atitlán Mountain Biking Adventure, while longer at 10 hours, rewards riders with unforgettable views of Central America’s most beautiful lake. All tours include quality equipment and knowledgeable guides. Let’s explore these top biking adventures in detail.
Good To Know
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The Cielo Grande Half-Day Expert Bike Ride offers a challenging 22-mile route with technical climbs, thrilling descents, and visits to indigenous towns.
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The Sip N Cycle Half-Day Bike Ride and Coffee Tour combines cycling from Antigua to a coffee farm with cultural experiences at Mayan museums.
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The Half-Day Mountain Bike Tour With Guide provides a scenic 4.5-hour descent of 2,500 feet from Volcán Acatenango, suitable for experienced riders.
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The Lake Atitlán Mountain Biking Adventure offers a 10-hour tour with panoramic lake views, backcountry dirt roads, and technical climbs and descents.
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Most tours cater to varying skill levels, provide necessary biking gear, and offer culture, but accessibility and customer satisfaction may vary.
Antigua: Cielo Grande Half-Day Expert Bike Ride
The Cielo Grande Half-Day Expert Bike Ride in Antigua offers an exhilarating 4-hour cycling adventure through the old growth cloud forest trails of the Cielo Grande region.
Covering 22 miles (35 km) with an elevation gain of 2,323 feet (725 m), this expert-level tour reaches altitudes of 7,438 feet (2,324 m) for panoramic views.
Riders can expect challenging technical climbs and thrilling descents as they visit indigenous towns in the Panchoy Valley and cool off in hidden waterfalls.
The small group size is limited to 10 participants, and the tour is offered in both Spanish and English.
Included in the $59 per person price are a Kona mountain bike with Shimano components, a helmet and gloves, and a 1-liter water bottle.
While the tour is intended for expert riders in excellent physical condition, customer reviews indicate dissatisfaction with the experience.
Read our full review: Antigua: Cielo Grande Half-Day Expert Bike Ride Review
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Antigua Sip N Cycle Half-Day Bike Ride and Coffee Tour
Antigua’s Sip n Cycle Half-Day Bike Ride and Coffee Tour offers an immersive experience that combines the city’s colonial charm with a deep dive into the world of Guatemalan coffee.
Over the course of 4 hours, cyclists will ride from Antigua to the Finca Azotea coffee farm in Jocotenango, enjoying scenic valleys along the way. At the farm, they’ll learn about coffee production from seed to cup and sample various blends.
The tour also includes visits to Mayan music and textile museums, where participants can admire local crafts. Suitable for beginner-level riders, the tour provides all the necessary equipment, including Kona mountain bikes, helmets, and water bottles.
While visually impaired, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues can’t participate, the tour is open to most visitors.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 12 reviews, the Sip n Cycle tour is a must-try for coffee enthusiasts and cycling aficionados exploring Antigua.
Read our full review: Antigua Sip N Cycle Half-Day Bike Ride and Coffee Tour Review
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Antigua Guatemala: Half-Day Mountain Bike Tour With Guide
Explore Antigua’s dramatic Volcano Valley on a thrilling half-day mountain bike tour. This 4.5-hour adventure takes you on a scenic ride through stunning landscapes, with views of surrounding volcanoes.
Cycle along a single-track trail descent from Volcán Acatenango, covering a total descent of 2,500 feet (760 meters). The trail conditions vary, with soft volcanic soil, steep technical sections, and creek crossings. The final descent includes rocks, drops, switchbacks, and an aqueduct trail, providing an exhilarating end to the tour.
The tour includes a shuttle to the trailhead at 8,300 feet (2,600 meters), followed by a brief climb and singletrack descent along dramatic ridges. After the descent, you’ll climb a 4×4 road through agricultural fields.
The tour is limited to 12 participants and is conducted in English. Cancelation up to 24 hours in advance is available for a full refund. This tour isn’t suitable for certain participants, including those with low fitness levels, visual impairments, or motion sickness.
Read our full review: Antigua Guatemala: Half-Day Mountain Bike Tour With Guide Review
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From Antigua: Lake Atitlán Mountain Biking Adventure
This exhilarating 10-hour mountain biking adventure takes participants from Antigua to the stunning Lake Atitlán region. For $185 per person, adventurers can enjoy panoramic views of the lake, a delicious lunch at a scenic viewpoint, and an adrenaline-pumping ride through backcountry dirt roads, jeep tracks, and technical singletrack climbs and descents.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, coffee, lunch, equipment, and a first-aid trained guide. Riders should come prepared with comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sun protection, and a small backpack for rainy season. Not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, the route covers a 2-kilometer climb and a 2000-foot descent.
Participants will finish with a singletrack ride into the village of Santa Catarina Palopó. With a private group option and free cancellation, this mountain biking adventure is the perfect way to explore the Guatemalan countryside around Lake Atitlán.
Read our full review: From Antigua: Lake Atitlán Mountain Biking Adventure Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Times of Year to Go on Bike Tours in Antigua?
The best times to go on bike tours in Antigua are during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This is when the weather is ideal for cycling, with low rainfall and moderate temperatures.
Are There Any Child-Friendly Bike Tour Options Available in Antigua?
Yes, there are child-friendly bike tour options in Antigua. Several tour companies offer family-friendly tours that accommodate riders of all ages and skill levels, making it a great activity for adults and kids alike.
Do the Bike Tour Companies Provide Water and Snacks During the Rides?
Most bike tour companies in Antigua provide water and snacks during the rides to keep riders hydrated and energized. Some may also offer child-friendly options with smaller bikes and extra support for younger participants.
Can I Bring My Own Bike on the Tours or Do I Need to Rent One?
Most bike tour companies in Antigua provide rental bikes, but you can also bring your own bike if you prefer. It’s best to check with the specific tour operator about their policies on bringing your own bicycle.
Are There Any Special Discounts or Packages Available for Multiple Bike Tours?
Many bike tour companies offer discounts for booking multiple tours. Customers can often save by purchasing package deals or multi-tour passes. It’s best to check with individual operators to inquire about any special offers or promotions.
The Sum Up
Antigua Guatemala offers a variety of bike tours showcasing the city’s colonial architecture, lush landscapes, and local coffee culture. Whether you prefer a half-day ride through the countryside or a more challenging mountain biking adventure, there’s an Antigua bike tour to suit your interests and fitness level. With expert guides, quality equipment, and beautiful scenery, these tours provide an excellent way to explore the heart of this historic city.