How to Visit Hobbitenango From Antigua?

Everything you need to know before visiting Hobbitenango

Is Hobbitenango worth a visit?

Yes, Hobbitenango is worth a visit if you’re in Antigua, Guatemala. It’s a unique spot designed to resemble a Hobbit village from “The Lord of the Rings.” The place offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, interesting photo opportunities and so much more.

When I first read about Hobbitenango, I thought it would be a remote place with some photo props, so I wasn’t fully convinced even though I love photography. But considering that we were staying in Antigua for almost 2 months, I decided to give it a try.

Let me just say that I was very happy with my decision and it was one of the highlights of my time in Guatemala. This is why I decided to put together this travel guide and hopefully inspire you to visit Hobbitenango.

If you still have some doubts, I am sure you will be impatient to visit Hobbitenango after reading this article, seeing all the beautiful photo opportunities, and discovering all the fun things to do at Hobbitenango.

How far is Hobbitenango from Antigua?

Hobbitenango is about a 20 to 30-minute drive away from Antigua. The drive is approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) and offers some scenic views along the way, but be prepared for some steep streets.

How to get to Hobbitenango from Antigua, Guatemala?

To reach Hobbitenango from Antigua, you have a few options. You can drive yourself, take an Uber, or use their shuttle service. Given the steep and winding road, the shuttle service is the easiest and most convenient choice, but let’s explore each option in more detail.

Antigua to Hobbitenango by shuttle bus

We chose the shuttle service to reach Hobbitenango, and it turned out to be a convenient and hassle-free option. I highly recommend it.

The shuttle service to Hobbitenango departs daily from 3a Avenida Norte #20A in Antigua at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm. Return trips from Hobbitenango are available at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm. The cost for a round trip is Q45 per person (cash only).

If you are visiting Hobbitenango during peak season, you can contact them via WhatsApp (+502-3918-4502) to secure your spot on the best. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

We took the shuttle bus at 8 am and it was almost empty, however, this was in August, which is considered low season in Guatemala. If you are visiting during the high season, avoid peak hours.

Once you reach the final stop of the shuttle bus, you will be guided to a 4×4 truck to complete the last leg of the journey. It takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the entrance and this is the part where the road gets very steep.

Antigua to Hobbitenango by car

If you are visiting Guatemala by car, you can use it to reach Hobbitenango. The parking costs Q20 for all day and your entrance ticket includes a ride on a 4×4 truck that takes you from the parking to the entrance.

Antigua to Hobbitenango by Uber

We initially planned to use Uber to visit Hobbitenango, but we struggled to find a driver (early morning during low season). Peak season might offer better chances, but securing a return ride on Uber could still be tricky.

To come back to Antigua, you can try to negotiate with local drivers nearby, but that is not a reliable option. An Uber ride to Hobbitenango costs about Q80, but the return trip could cost double or more, depending on your negotiation skills and luck.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend relying on Uber for this trip. Similarly to other options, you will need to jump on a 4×4 truck that takes you from the parking to the entrance. Please don’t try to walk this route as it is very steep and simply unnecessary.

Opening Hours Of Hobbitenango

Hobbitenango is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm. The best time to visit Hobbitenango is on a weekday. Ideally, you will take the 8 am shuttle bus from Antigua and start exploring the park around 8.30 am.

Hobbitenango Tickets

The entrance to Hobbitenango costs Q50 for adults and Q30 for children aged 4 to 10 years old. This ticket includes transportation from the parking lot to the Hobbitenango gate, which is an adventurous ride on an open-air truck.

If you are taking a shuttle bus, you can purchase your shuttle bus and entrance ticket together at the office in Antigua, but only cash payments are accepted. 

If you don’t need the shuttle, you can just pay at the entrance, and cards are accepted, but I would still bring cash in case there is a problem with your card.

On weekends, there is an all-you-can-eat buffer available. Breakfast (8 am to 12 pm) costs Q149 for adults and Q69 for kids. Lunch (12.30 pm to 5 pm) costs Q184 for adults and Q79 for kids. If you decide to purchase a buffet option, your entrance is included.

How long to spend at Hobbitenango?

Depending on your interests, you can easily spend an entire day at Hobbitenango, especially if you are a hiker and want to explore trails nearby.

If you are visiting Hobbitenango only for photos, I recommend 2-3 hours. For a meal, you will want to include an additional hour and maybe another hour for activities like archery, axe and machete throwing, fairground games, and a 6-hole mini-golf course.

During our visit, we took a lot of photos and we were done in 2 hours. However, there were only a few people around so we never had to queue. I heard that you can wait up to 1 hour to take the iconic photo with the hand during peak season, so that’s something to consider as well.

If you’re taking the shuttle to Hobbitenango, you’ll need to reserve your return trip to Antigua when you buy your tickets at the office in Antigua. Be sure to plan your time carefully to avoid any issues with your return, because your ticket can’t be changed.

What to do in Hobbitenango

You can start by exploring the Hobbit-inspired village with its unique architecture and charming details. Even if you are not a fan of The Lord of the Rings and don’t know much about Hobbits, you will want to visit these unique houses and snap some photos on the way.

The park is home to over 10 viewpoints, each providing a different perspective of the landscape.  El Nido and La Mano Gigante are the most popular spots, but I believe you will want to visit them all during your time in Hobbitenango.

Another highlight of Hobbitenango is the giant swing, which takes you up to 2500 meters above sea level, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You have unlimited jumps, but your weight can’t exceed 200 pounds.

For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, the park offers unlimited games, including archery, axe and machete throwing, fairground games, and a 6-hole mini-golf course.

Hobbitenango Map

Above you can see the map of Hobbitenango, which gives you an idea of the size, available activities, and trails that guide you through the park. Take a screenshot so you don’t get lost during your visit.

Hobbitenango Office in Antigua

The Hobbitenango office in Antigua is located at 3a Avenida Norte #20A. This is where you can purchase tickets, book your shuttle service to Hobbitenango, and get any additional information you might need before your visit.

If you need assistance or want to confirm shuttle availability, you can also contact them via WhatsApp at +502-3918-4502. The office staff is helpful and can provide details on shuttle times, ticket options, and any other services you may need.

Hobbitenango Restaurants

Hobbitenango offers a couple of dining options that blend delicious food with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can have snacks at the food stalls, stop at their cafe, or enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

On top of that, on weekends, there is an all-you-can-eat buffer available. Breakfast (8 am to 12 pm) costs Q149 for adults and Q69 for kids. Lunch (12.30 pm to 5 pm) costs Q184 for adults and Q79 for kids. If you decide to purchase a buffet option, your entrance is included.

Initially, I wasn’t planning to eat at the Hobbitenango, but we ended up having breakfast at their cafe, and chocolate coffee was 10/10! Judging by reviews, their restaurants serve amazing food as well, so I would give it a try next time.

Hobbitenango Hotel

Hobbitenango offers a unique lodging experience with its eco-friendly hotel that allows you to stay overnight in this enchanting setting. The hotel features a few cozy cabins, each inspired by Hobbit architecture. 

These cabins are built with natural materials and have a charming, earthy design that makes you feel like you’re staying in a storybook village. Inside, the cabins are equipped with basic amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

These cabins sell out quickly, so unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to experience night at the Hobbitenango, but I recommend you try your luck and check their availability here.

In conclusion…

This is the end of the Hobbitenango travel guide and I am sure you are fully prepared to visit Hobbitenango from Antigua.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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