Hobbitenango, near Antigua Guatemala, is one of the most interesting attractions in the area and a popular day trip destination.
The restaurant, ecolodge and camping grounds have unmatched views – you’d need to go on a 6-hour volcano hike to get the views you can enjoy from here. In fact, on a clear day, you can see five volcanoes from here: Pacaya (near Guatemala City), Agua, Fuego, Acatenango, and even Toliman at Lake Atitlan.
From left to right: Pacaya, Agua, Fuego, Acatenango and Toliman volcanoes.
The Guatemalan Shire
As you can guess by the name, the concept is based around the idea of building a real-life Shire – J.R.R Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” if you still don’t get the hobbit/Shire references. The owners turned what used to be a personal camping spot and have built a self-sustaining, environment-friendly complete with organic garden.
Restaurant (center), private cottage (left), dorms (right)
Admission to Hobbitenango
There’s free admission from Monday through Saturday.
Admission on Sundays and during holidays
On Sundays and during holidays admission costs Q35 per person, which includes transportation from the parking lot (usually Q10 roundtrip). The admission fee is waived for visitors that arrive after 4 pm and those who purchase buffet packages (see below).
Hobbitenango’s All You Can Eat Buffet
Hobbitenango has buffet service on Sundays and holidays. Visitors who purchase any of the “All You Can Eat” breakfast/lunch/all-day buffet have admission included in the price.
The All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet runs from 8 am to 12 pm and costs Q75 per person (admission fee waived).
The All You Can Eat Lunch Buffet runs from 12 pm to 4 pm and costs Q135 per person (admission fee waived).
The Whole Day Pass All You Can Eat Buffets allows visitors to enjoy both breakfast and lunch buffet and costs Q185 per person (admission fee waived).
For children, the buffet prices are as follows:
Kids All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet costs Q35 per person (admission fee waived).
Kids All You Can Eat Lunch Buffet costs Q65 per person (admission fee waived).
Kids Whole Day Pass All You Can Eat Buffets costs Q75 per person (admission fee waived).
Hobbitenango Restaurant
The restaurant has a conventional menu (burgers, pasta, soups, salads) with a few items dressed up with Hobbit-themed names – mildly amusing. Check out Hobbitenango’s complete menu here. There are options for kids as well.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Payments are accepted in quetzals, dollars and credit cards – Visa only.
Jalapeno “The Dragon” Burger at Hobbitenango
Hobbit-themed cocktails
The bar has a nice selection of cocktails, beers, wine, and even champagne if you’re in a celebratory mood. You can “upgrade” the quality of your cocktail for a fee.
Main Area
Hobbitenango’s main lounge
The property’s showstopper is its Hobbit house-like round door, which it’s my guess would become the most photographed door in Antigua if the grounds were located there.
Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes can be seen in the distance
Even the restrooms have million quetzals views.
Bathroom at Hobbitenango – Agua volcano in the background
Hobbitenango Ecolodge and Camping
Hobbitenango used to have a two-bedroom cottage (very rustic and charmless) and dorms.
Original private cottage structure at Hobbitenango
There are now two very nice cottages, which you can check out here. The cottages start at $75USD/night.
There’s also a campsite (Madam Balam) with room for seven tents – it has an eco-toilet, but no shower, and space for a campfire. Camping is $11.25 for a two-person tent. Oh, and you must bring your own tent and sleeping bag.
How to get to Hobbitenango
You can drive up to Hobbitenango – it’s reasonably straightforward to get there. Just head north on 1ra Avenida Norte, as if traveling to Cerro de la Cruz – go past it. Once you get to Aldea El Hato (where the turnoff for Earth Lodge is) keep driving uphill on the paved road. After 5-10 minutes you’ll spot the sign to Hobbitenango on your left.
Entrance to Hobbitenango
Here’s where things get a little dicey. From this point forward, the road is rutted and only fit for 4×4 vehicles. You can leave your car parked on the side of the road and huff your way uphill. More on that in a moment.
Alternatively, you can catch a shuttle in Antigua – it’s Q35 per person roundtrip. Shuttles start departing from Antigua daily every two hours, from Hobbienango’s office located at 1a Avenida Norte #36, just past the basketball court as you walk towards Cerro de la Cruz.
The first shuttle leaves at 8:00 am. Call the folks at Hobbitenango ahead of time to let them know you’ll be waiting for shuttle service (phone #: (502) 3090-8812).
If you drive here, you can park at the lot at the bottom of the hill. All-day parking costs Q15 for cars, Q10 for motorcycles.
Arriving at Hobbitenango
Shuttle vans will only take you so far as they’re not 4×4 vehicles. From the bottom of the hill is a strenuous (for us at least) 30 minute walk uphill. Unless you’re in top physical shape, or don’t mind making lots of stops to catch your breath – it’s up at 2,400 meters here – pay the extra Q10 per person (roundtrip) and have a pickup give you a ride from the bottom of the hill and haul you up the required 800 meters.
The “easier” uphill walking path of the two
Once the uphill walk levels off a bit, the scenery turns very pleasant.
Walking paths
As you get closer, Hobbitenango will come into view.
Hobbitenango in the distance
Getting closer…
After an arduous walk, reward yourself by plopping on the couches and ordering a cocktail or smoothie.
Things To Do at Hobbitenango
If the uphill walk hasn’t woken up your appetite, maybe head for the nearby trails around the property to get it going.
In addition, they also have a few Middle Earth attractions to keep you entertained. There’s an archery range, horseback rides, hammocks, really high swings, and even a jousting stage. They also have live music every weekend.
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Hobbitenango is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, until 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The bar is open until 10 pm on weekends.
More information at https://www.facebook.com/Hobbitenango
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