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Antigua Mountain Trail: Hiking in the Clouds

Hike through cloud forests near Antigua, Guatemala, for birdwatching and stunning views on the Antigua Mountain Trail.

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Escape the bustle of Antigua with a visit to the Antigua Mountain Trail, located in San Cristobal El Alto. This nature preserve offers hiking and birdwatching in a tranquil pine-oak and cloud forest setting, with stunning views when the clouds part.

A brief summary to Antigua Mountain Trail

  • Monday 7 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-4 pm
  • Friday 7 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the trails can be slippery in places.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the trail.
  • Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as the summit can be shrouded in clouds.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Antigua, the hike to Antigua Mountain Trail takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. Start by heading north from Parque Central towards the Calzada Santa Lucía. Continue along this road, passing the Iglesia de la Merced. As you leave the main part of Antigua, the road will begin to ascend. Follow the road towards San Cristobal El Alto. Once in the village, follow signs for Antigua Mountain Trail. The trail begins on the outskirts of the village. Consider taking a tuk-tuk or taxi up to San Cristobal El Alto to shorten the walking distance. Tuk-tuk fare to San Cristobal El Alto: Q15-Q20.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Antigua Mountain Trail by public transport, take a 'chicken bus' from the Antigua bus terminal to the village of Magdalena Milpas. From there, ask for directions to the road to the park and walk the remaining distance (approximately 30 minutes uphill). Chicken bus fare: Q10-Q30.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Antigua, a taxi or ride-share to the entrance of Antigua Mountain Trail in San Cristobal El Alto will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Negotiate the fare beforehand. Expect to pay around Q75-Q100 for a one-way trip.

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Discover more about Antigua Mountain Trail

The Antigua Mountain Trail, situated in the Central Volcanic Chain near Antigua Guatemala, offers a refreshing escape into nature. Located in San Cristobal El Alto on the Carmona Mountain, the trail is part of Finca El Pilar, a private nature reserve spanning over 950 acres. This mountain setting protects vital pine-oak and cloud forest ecosystems, making it an ideal destination for birding and hiking. Visitors can explore over 12 miles of hiking trails, with more than 200 bird species having been reported in the area. The diverse habitats range from dry scrub forest to cloud forest on El Cucurucho Hill. The summit of El Cucurucho offers views of Lake Amatitlán, Pacaya, Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes. The trails provide opportunities to see local flora and fauna, and on clear days, glimpses of villages below. The Antigua Mountain Trail provides a peaceful experience away from the more crowded tourist spots. The trails are also used by local Maya people.

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