Looking for how to visit Hobbitenango Guatemala this year? This detailed visiting guide has got you covered!
Visiting Hobbitenango, nestled in the majestic hills near Antigua Guatemala, offers a unique and immersive experience.
This eco-friendly theme park, inspired by the Hobbit houses of the Lord of the Rings saga, not only captivates fans of the series but anyone looking to enjoy the Guatemalan Highlands.
The park provides a perfect blend of fantasy and breathtaking landscapes, with the added bonus of overlooking the magnificent volcanoes surrounding Antigua.
A day spent here can involve wandering through hobbit-sized houses, enjoying the local cuisine with a view, and participating in various outdoor activities such as archery or hiking.
How to Visit Hobbitenango
How to get there
- Shuttle: I highly recommend taking a shuttle to Hobbitenango. Purchase your tickets at the Hobbitenango Office in Antigua at least a few hours before you plan to leave.
Round-trip tickets cost 95 Quetzales or $12 USD. The ticket office accepts cash-only payments. This cost includes entrance tickets to Hobbitenango. Seriously, it’s a good deal!
When purchasing your tickets, you will be asked to provide your return shuttle time. Keep in mind that the final shuttle to get back to Antigua is at 5:00pm.
Shuttles depart daily every two hours at 8:00am, 10:00m, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm. Arrive back at the ticket office 20 minutes before your departure time.
My group departed the ticket office 15 minutes before our scheduled departure time. We walked 20 minutes to a parked shuttle bus in the north side of town.
From here, it was a scenic 15-minute drive into the mountains to Hobbitenango, where we transferred to an open-air jeep.
- Uber: This is a second, more flexible, but less affordable option. One way to Hobbitenango via Uber can cost as little as $15. It can cost more during peak travel times. This option might make the most sense for you if you are traveling with a group of people who can split the cost.
However, I can’t really provide any tips about Uber service at the top, for finding a trip back to Antigua.
Most travelers I have heard from found it extremely difficult to locate an Uber that will drive all the way into the mountains to drop them back off in Antigua. While an Uber on the way to Hobbitenango might make sense, finding one on the way back can be difficult. - ATV Tour: ATV Mountain tours are a popular tourist activity in Antigua, and most include a visit to Hobbitenango on the tour.
Popular Mountain ATV Tours
Getting Around Hobbitenango
Navigating Hobbitenango is straightforward. The primary way to get around is by walking. I recommend contacting the Hobbitenango Office to confirm official wheelchair accessibility.
The park is designed with an emphasis on ecological sustainability, aiming to minimize its impact on the beautiful Guatemalan highlands.
Things to do at Hobbitenango
1. Explore the Hobbit Houses
Delve into the intricately designed hobbit homes, each offering a cozy and immersive look into the world inspired by the Lord of the Rings.
2. Infamous Hand Photo: El Coloso
Taking a photo on the infamous hand sculpture is iconic. At 4:00pm on a weekday, I had about a 20-minute wait in line.
There are workers you can hand your phone or camera to who will take several photos of you and let you know when to change your pose!
There is no additional cost for this, but the staff taking your photo accept tips.
3. Photo Stops
There are tons of other decorated photo opportunities all over the park. Take a photo on a beautiful swing overlooking the mountains, at a set of butterfly wings, or in front of one of the many Hobbit homes.
Tip: There’s probably going to be a line at most photo stops, so plan accordingly.
4. Largest Tree Swing in Central America
Take flight on a swing over the Guatemalan Highlands. You are required to wear a harness and helmet in order to be safely strapped into the swing.
(My favorite tree house swing is in Banos, Ecuador!)
💲This is an extra and is not included with general admission.
5. Stay in a Hobbit home
Lord of the Rings fanatics LOVE to stay in their very own hobbit home overnight.
6. Eat
Indulge in the delicious local dishes served at the park’s restaurant, which boasts unparalleled views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Be mindful that most tourists consider these over-priced, which aligns with the average theme park.
Since I just went for an afternoon visit, I just grabbed a quick drink to hydrate at Hobbitenango and ate dinner back in Antigua.
7. Archery
Test your skills with a bow and arrow, channeling your inner Legolas in a scenic outdoor archery range.
💲This is an extra and is not included with general admission.
8. Other Games
Other games include mini golf, bags sets, and more.
Lawn games are sprinkled throughout Hobbitenango in addition to various paid options like the zipline, mini golf, and others.
💲Many of these activities are an extra cost.
Getting Back to Antigua
- Shuttle: Present the round-trip ticket that you purchased at the Hobbitenango Office. Return shuttles are offered every 2 hours daily at 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, and 5:00pm.
Where to Stay Near Hobbitenango
Hobbitenango is known to be one of the best day(or half-day) trips from Antigua. Most people stay in Antigua.
Alternately, some people spend a night or two in one of the Hobbit houses at Hobbitenango. You can book that stay here.
Another highly rated mountainous stay less than a mile from Hobbitenango is at the Earth Lodge.
Best Hostels in Antigua
- 🏨Maison Bougainvillea
- 🏨Purpose Hostel
- 🏨Click for more of the best hostels in Antigua
FAQ
📅Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance to visit Hobbitenango?
A: Yes, it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak season. This ensures your entry and helps in better planning your visit.
⏰Q: When is the last shuttle to get back to Antigua?
A: 5:00pm.
🎒Q: What should I bring with me when visiting Hobbitenango?
A: Considering the outdoor nature of the park, it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes for a full day of walking. Also, remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.
⭐Q: Is visiting Hobbitenango worth it?
A: That entirely depends on what you are looking for. People who love theme parks and are Lord of the Rings fanatics will totally love it.
There are plenty of alternate day trips from Antigua like hiking Pacaya Volcano if you are looking for something different to do.
⛰️Q: Can I get mountain views anywhere else in the area?
A: Cerro De la Cruz is probably the next best alternate viewpoint within the Antigua area itself. However, I found Hobbitenango to be much more nestled into the mountains itself, offering panoramic views.
Conclusion
Hobbitenango offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie eager to zipline through the forest or a leisurely traveler looking to unwind in the mountains.
Capture amazing photography against the backdrop of lush mountains and adorable, flower-covered Hobbit homes.
Your adventure in Hobbitenango awaits!
