Mototrip Antigua to Lake Atitlán: The Ultimate Guatemala Adventure

If you’re staying in Antigua and looking for an epic day trip-or if you just love a good mototrip-let me tell you about the best ride you can do: a mototrip from Antigua to Lake Atitlán. This isn’t your average tour; it’s a real adventure across mountains, valleys, pine forests, and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Guatemala.

Me on a moto at the lake atitlan with the volcano Atitlan in the background

Mototrip Antigua to Lake Atitlán: Why Go?

There are plenty of quad and moto tours offered in Antigua. Some stick close to the city, while others take you all the way to the coast or Lake Atitlán-or even both if you’re feeling ambitious! (Check out GetYourGuide for options if you want a group experience or a guide.)

But me? I went solo. My plan: ride north from Antigua to Lake Atitlán, cruise along the lakeside roads, and loop back south to Antigua. Trust me, this route is packed with surprises-some amazing, some a little less so. Here’s my honest breakdown: what rocked, what I’d tweak, and what to avoid. Ready? Let’s gooo!

Where to Rent a Moto in Antigua

Antigua has tons of moto rental shops-some with websites, some just word of mouth. I picked Motohound, a spot with great local reviews just down the street from my Airbnb. The team was super friendly, and I ended up with a beast of a bike (the “Holor Hero” or something like that) for about $50 a day, helmet and insurance included. Prices are pretty standard across town, so just go with a place that feels right. Pro tip: pay the day before so you can grab your bike first thing in the morning. And unless you have secure parking, don’t leave your moto on the street overnight!

Hitting the Road: Antigua to the North

I picked up my moto early, aiming to reach Panajachel on Lake Atitlán by lunchtime. Riding a tall, powerful bike through Antigua’s cobbled streets was a bit of a challenge-my feet barely touched the ground! But once I got out of the city, the ride became pure joy. The roads opened up, traffic thinned, and I cruised past farms, rolling hills, and those infamous Guatemalan speed bumps (velocity reductors).

First Stop: A Local Town

About an hour in, I stopped in a small town center-classic church called Itzapa with bustling market, locals going about their day. Honestly, it wasn’t the most charming stop, but it was interesting to see daily life away from the tourist trail. I grabbed a fresh orange juice, stretched my legs, and hit the highway again, hoping for better views and vibes closer to the lake.

Into the Pines and Mountain Magic

Leaving the highway, I took a winding secondary road through pine forests. Yes, pine trees in Guatemala! For a moment, I felt like I was riding through Canada. The scenery was stunning: valleys, forests, and tiny villages scattered along the way. At one point, the road literally turned into a rocky path and crossed a shallow river. (Apparently, this is a main route on Google Maps-so be ready for anything!)

As I climbed higher, the views just kept getting better. Suddenly, I rounded a bend and there it was: Lake Atitlán, ringed by volcanoes, spread out below me. Magical, surreal, absolutely worth every kilometer. I stopped for photos at a viewpoint-still high up, with a panoramic view of the lake and those iconic volcanoes.

Panajachel: Lunch, Lake Views, and Local Life

I rolled into Panajachel around 12:30 pm. Compared to the small towns I’d passed, Panajachel felt huge. The lakeshore wasn’t super lively when I arrived-no busy beach resorts, just fishermen and boats, which gave it a mellow, authentic vibe. Later, I discovered other parts of town with amazing hotel views, so where you stay really matters!

For lunch, I hit up Blue Coffee Restaurant: classic pollo a la plancha, tortillas, guacamole, and an unbeatable view of the lake and volcanoes. Perfect spot to relax and fly my drone (and realize how sunburned my arms were-don’t forget sunscreen at altitude!).

The Lakeside Challenge: Panajachel to San Tolimán

After lunch, I set off along the lakeshore, aiming for San Tolimán. If you’ve ever driven the Amalfi Coast or the winding roads of southern France, you’ll know the vibe-except here, there are fewer guardrails and sometimes, well, less road! The route climbs for sweeping views, then dips into valleys with villages and dramatic rock formations. Every curve brought a new surprise.

But beware: parts of the road are rough-rocky, sandy, and sometimes right on the edge of a cliff. Add in steep inclines (up to 15%!) and it gets intense. My scariest moment? The moto stalled on a steep hill, and I had to jump off and hold it steady on the slope. Not fun, but I managed to get going again. If you’re not confident on a bike, take it slow and don’t be afraid to walk tricky sections.

Ice Cream, Jungle Roads, and the Final Stretch

After that adrenaline rush, I hit smoother roads near San Tolimán. I wanted to stop at a famous ice cream shop ‘Tienda Parma' recommended by my rental guy Daniel, but the line was out the door with local school kids-so no ice cream for me this time!

Heading south, the landscape changed dramatically. The air got warmer, the trees turned lush and green, and suddenly I was riding through jungle instead of pine forest. It was wild to see how quickly the scenery shifted.

Choosing the Right Road Back

From the ice cream shop, I had two options: a longer, scenic route past Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes, or a faster highway. I chose the highway-a mistake! The scenery was dull, and I hit traffic jams (though with a moto, you can weave through pretty easily). Next time, I’d definitely take the scenic route, even if it’s a bit longer. And leave time for that ice cream!

Back in Antigua: Reflections on an Epic Day

I made it back to the shop 30 minutes early, even with a few photo stops and a quick gas fill-up. Looking back, this mototrip from Antigua to Lake Atitlán was packed with everything: beautiful landscapes, local life, a few surprises, and a couple of heart-pounding moments. That’s what adventure is all about, right? If you’re up for it, I can’t recommend this route enough. Enjoy every minute-and let me know if you finally get that ice cream!