Travesía de Los Cuchumatánes

Travesía de Los Cuchumatánes – A Legendary Guatemalan Group Ride

One of Guatemala’s largest mountain bike events the Travesía de Los Cuchumatánes ascends the Cuchumatánes mountains 12,000ft from neighboring  Huehuetenango. This is a group ride – with all the fanfare of a race but without the clock!

Route Description:

The travesía de Los Cuchumatánes begins in the city of Huehuetenango – passing the ruins of ruins of Zaculeu a Maya archaeological site. The first 15km of the route follows singletrack and dirt roads through steep canyons before beginning the the legendary las manzanas HC climb – a 10km switchbacking ascent to the summit of 3200m (10,500ft)  a catered asado or Guatemalan BBQ is provided for those who reach the top by local restaurant Casa Brava Steak house.

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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 violet bushes of bleeding hearts – a sight not to be missed!