Canyoneering on the Rio Xaya

Always looking to forge new ground, we headed out on an expedition to the Rio Xaya.  We were looking to get a first descent of thie upper part of the river and scout it out for a future kayak run later on in the year when the rains come.

It was pretty tough going but we found sweet tight canyons and fun rapids and managed to make it out with only a torn pant leg.  The run during the rainy season looked do-able although you better bring your A game as its a steep canyon all the way to the take out.  

Highlands Ride

When the man upstairs created Guatemala, he must have had mountain biking on his mind.  The Guatemalan altiplano is evidence of this.  If you are looking for some real, out of bounds back country riding, the highlands outside Huehuetenango is the place to go. 

As its a bit of a haul to get to, we normally hang out for a few days.  There is just so much single track to ride that you could stay here a month.  Outside of the odd hiking group, you probably wont see any other gringos out here the entire time.  This is a unique opportunity to ride in countryside among people whose traditions are very much still alive and present.
Our favorite ride is a 5 day epic ride that crosses the most remote section of the mountains called the "Trans Maya"
Come by or email the shop today and get on the next ride.
See ya on the trail

Cuchumantanes trekking

About five hours to the west of La Antigua, Guatemala lies Central America's highest mountain range, the Cuchumantanes.



These mountains have a feeling of remoteness similar to some of it's South American cousins. Life in many areas of these mountains goes in as it has for centuries. Mayan farmers and sheep herders work and walk the land. There are very few villages up here in these mountains, most of which only comprise of a few houses.


Taking advantage of the low population density, open space, huge views and most importantly, abundance of trail, Old Town Outfitters offers many different walks across these remote mountains. We can build day walks into an existing itinerary or build a custom five day walk across the altiplano from Nebaj to Todos Santos.



This past weekend we were fortunate enough to head out on an amazing three day trekking circuit taking in some of the best trail in the area. We stayed in community hostals and locals houses to fully immerse ourselves in the local surroundings. There is no better way to really experience the area than to gather around the hearth at meals times and talk to the folks from the area.



There is an amazing opportunity to take in more than just the natural beauty of an area when you are invited into their homes.
On day two we reached our treks objective of Laguna Magdalena, a hidden alpine lake that impossibly sits in a steep valley overlooking the low-lands below. It was a tough walk across the limestone studded hills but the Laguna made it all worth while.



The trails that cross cross the western highlands of Guatemala weave their way in and out of beautiful valleys, wide and vast plains and amazing pine studded hills. As you walk you are constantly reminded of a time long past, villages with no roads to get to them, houses with no power, and candle lit meals by the hearth.



This is truly one of the last untamed expanses in Guatemala. A place where back country lives up to its name.
This is a place that although requires a bit of effort to get to, pays off ten fold in what it gives back.


Come check it out! Get in touch with Old Town Outfitters and let us put together a trek for you that is for sure to leave a lasting impression.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

El Zur DH tour **NEW TRIP**

A few years ago some of our friends bought a mega swath of the south slope of Agua Volcano.  Being real estate developers, the idea was to create a mountain community much like the ones that we all covet back home.  These guys had the vision to take an immense piece of a giant volcano and turn it into an outdoor enthusiasts playground.



The vision was robust, the landscape enormous but the possibilities endless.  They got in touch with Old Town as they knew we were the premier mountain bike outfit in Central America to help create the mountain bike park aspect of the project.  Over the course of the next 2 or 3 years we toiled to carve out epic world class single-track bliss from as high up on the mountain as we could get our machines all the way down to the highway.  The trail was thoughtfully planned and cut in following IMBA trail building standard and concepts.

The result, over 25 kilometers of Downhill and Cross-country flow, so fun you might forget your on a bike and mistakenly take your hands off the bars as if you were on a roller coaster as a kid.
Starting this summer El Zur will be opening its doors exclusively to Old Town Outfitters to start running DH and XC tours there.  Our idea to make a day of it so we'll be packing a cooler full of beer and snacks for the end of the ride.

Call or come by the shop, or even email us for more information, tour departures and prices.
This really is a one of a kind place, not just by Guatemalan standards either.  Come with us and check out what 25 KM.s of handmade, purpose built mountain bike trail feels like.

See ya there,

Antigua Bicycle Co-op!!

Finally! 

 A good local bike shop for Antigua.  We blew out the wall between Old Town and the space next door and got the Co-op going.

  We have a full inventory of all the bits and bobs your bike could ever need.  The new Guatemalan National XC jersey is in too.  Stop in and see what we have or just come in to say hello and have a cold Brooklyn IPA or Lager.

 We have plenty of new Kona 29'ers in stock and a few used bikes as well.  Look for us on Facebook to find out about up coming events, rides and specials.

See ya on the trail!