Antigua ATV tour: Chocolate, jade and mountain villages

You ride the ATV yourself through highland towns, not just watch them pass.

An ATV tour from Antigua that climbs to the base of Volcán de Agua in the highland town of Santa Maria de Jesus, then heads down through San Juan del Obispo, San Pedro de las Huertas and back to Antigua, with stops at a chocolate factory, wine store, jade workshop and local restaurant. You drive your own ATV (or ride as a passenger), see chocolate being made and watch jade being carved into jewelry. A valid driver's license is required to operate an ATV.

Step-by-step itinerary

Antigua ATV Cultural Adventure

• Travel to base of Volcan de Agua
• Visit Santa Maria de Jesus market
• Tour Chocolateria Antigua factory
• Visit local wine store
• Visit handcrafted jade factory
• Meal stop at a local restaurant

The experience

The ride climbs to Santa Maria de Jesus at over 2,070 meters above sea level, an indigenous town where you stop at the local market in the town square. The altitude and the switchback road are the point. You are not being driven through the highlands, you are riding through them, which changes what you notice and how long the moment stays with you.

On the way back down to Antigua, the tour stops at three working sites. At Chocolateria Antigua in San Juan del Obispo, you watch the chocolate-making process in a short demonstration. Next door is Vinieria Los Lobos, a local wine store where you can look around. Then comes San Pedro de las Huertas and a handcrafted jade factory, where artisans show you how raw stone becomes fine jewelry. The kind of detail-work that takes years to learn.

The final stop is a local restaurant, a pause for a meal before the tour wraps up. You need a valid driver's license to operate an ATV. If you don't have one or prefer not to ride, you can book as a passenger, though at least one adult in your group must book as a driver. Children can come along, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The tour runs in all weather, so dress for mountain conditions.

What’s included

• ATV or motorcycle with fuel and parking included.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• the chocolate factory demonstration.
• a visit to the handcrafted jade workshop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Simoon Rentals & Tours Panajachel

Is this one for you?If you have a driver's license and want to move through the highlands under your own control rather than sit in a vehicle, this tour puts you on the ATV: the stops at the chocolate factory, jade workshop and market are the same for everyone, but the ride itself is yours to feel. Passengers without a license can come along, but someone in the group has to drive.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

Can I ride the ATV myself, or do I have to be a passenger?

You can ride your own ATV if you have a valid driver's license and book as a driver. If you prefer to ride as a passenger, at least one adult in your group must book a driver rate. You cannot book a passenger-only reservation.

What is Santa Maria de Jesus like when we get there?

Santa Maria de Jesus is an indigenous highland town at over 2,070 meters above sea level, near the base of Volcán de Agua. You stop at the local market in the town square to walk around and see what the community trades and grows.

Do we actually see chocolate being made at the factory?

Yes. At Chocolateria Antigua in San Juan del Obispo, you watch a brief demonstration showing how their chocolate is made.

What happens at the jade factory?

At the handcrafted jade factory in San Pedro de las Huertas, you see artisans at work and learn how they carve raw stone into fine jewelry.

What should I bring or wear?

The tour climbs to 2,070 meters and operates in all weather, so dress in layers and bring rain gear if needed. You will need a valid driver's license if you plan to operate an ATV. The tour includes the vehicle, fuel and parking.