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Bucketlist Bri

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Adventurous Slomad Travel

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Day Trip to Hobbitenango From Antigua — Is It Worth It?

Last Updated: March 15, 2022 · Guatemala

Hobbitenango — have you ever heard of this “Place of the Hobbits”? If not, it’s a hobbit-inspired eco-park in the ‘misty mountains’ outside of Antigua, Guatemala.

If are a big Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan as I am, then you will definitely want to check out this Guatemalan version of the Shire! (While it’s not the real movie set in New Zealand, it’s the next best thing!)

That said… Is visiting Hobbitenango worth it? How do you get to Hobbitenango from Antigua? What is there to do at Hobbitenango?

In this guide, I’ll be sharing our experience of visiting the Hobbitenango theme park on a day trip from Antigua. Get a sneak peek of the Instagram-worthy Hobbitenango hand, restaurant menu, and more!

Here’s the ultimate guide to visiting Hobbitenango in Guatemala!

Table of Contents show
Ultimate Guide to Hobbitenango in Guatemala
Getting to Hobbitenango From Antigua
🎟 Hobbitenango Cost
Things to See & Do at Hobbitenango
Hobbitenango Hand
Archery & Axe-Throwing
Tree Swing
Other Stuff to Do
Hobbitenango Casitas (Hotel)
Restaurant, Cafe & Bar
Hobbitenango — Is It Worth It?

Ultimate Guide to Hobbitenango in Guatemala

girl sitting on step in front of hobbit hole in Hobbitenango hobbit-inspired eco-park
girl entering hobbit casita with a blue door inside hobbitenango guatemala

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Getting to Hobbitenango From Antigua

Ok, you’ve decided to spend the day playing pretend Hobbit! But how do you get to Hobbitenango from Antigua?

Hobbitenango is approximately 8km (5 miles) away from Antigua in Vuelta Grande (nearby Aldea El Hato and Earth Lodge). It takes about 20 minutes to get there driving. That said, there here are your transport options, including:

  • Shuttle from the Hobbitenango Office in Antigua (located nearby Cerro de la Cruz – Q85/person)
  • Driving there yourself
  • Carpooling or taking a private Uber
  • ATV Mountain Adventure Tour (includes a 1-hour visit to Hobbitenango)

If you don’t mind spending about Q30-60 for an Uber, then I would definitely recommend getting an Uber to pick you up and drop you off. It’s just the easiest, especially right now, to get a private lift.

Note: Uber cars won’t likely be available for the return journey back to Antigua. In this case, local taxis are parked at the bottom of the hill and will take you back for Q60-70.

Exploring around Antigua for a few days? If so, make sure to bookmark these guides:

  • 10 Fun Day Trips From Antigua
  • The Ultimate Antigua Guatemala Bucket List
  • 3 Days in Antigua — The Perfect Itinerary
  • Everything You Need to Know About Living in Antigua
  • Where to Eat in Antigua
  • Hiking Pacaya Volcano at Sunrise
Overlooking the Panchoy Valley and volcanoes from Hobbitenango ecopark in Guatemala

The Panchoy Valley and backdrop of volcanoes (view from Hobbitenango)

However you get there, when you arrive you will get dropped off at the bottom of the hill. That’s because the last portion of the road to reach the Hobbitenango eco-park is extremely steep and gravel — you’ll need to hop in the back of a 4×4 off-roader jeep (provided, and included in your ticket price) to make it up there.

🎟 Hobbitenango Cost

  • Q50 per adult, Mon-Sun (Q30 for children aged 4-11)
  • All-you-can-eat buffet on Sat-Sun and holidays for Q129-169 per adult (breakfast or lunch)
  • Shuttles depart every 15-20 minutes or so

It’s here, at the bottom of the hill before Hobbitenango, where you’ll purchase your admission ticket. The ticket price of Q50 includes the shuttle from the entrance up to Hobbitenango, unlimited play on all games and activities (i.e. axe throwing, archery, minigolf, etc), a drink (natural or beer), and access to all green areas and trails inside the park.

Also Read: Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide to Antigua, Guatemala

Things to See & Do at Hobbitenango

woman knocking on hobbit door inside Hobbitenango theme park near Antigua Guatemala
girl looking out from hobbit hole in the hobbit-themed ecopark of Hobbitenango in Guatemala

It’s a cloudy day here in the misty mountains of Hobbitenango!

There isn’t a ton of things to do at Hobbitenango, but enough to fill up 2-3 hours!

Tips: I would recommend checking the weather beforehand and planning accordingly. When we went, clouds covered the volcano views which definitely took away from the experience. Crowds will also make waiting times for the tree swing, troll hand, and fair games longer, so aim to go through the week rather than on a weekend.

Hobbitenango Hand

The stone troll hand at Hobbitenango is an Instagram-worthy spot overlooking the Panchoy Valley and volcano peaks towering in the distance.

couple standing on troll hand (mano del gigante) in Hobbitenango
girl on gigantic troll hand at Hobbitenango eco-park near Antigua Guatemala
girl on giant troll hand in Hobbitenango ecopark overlooking volcanoes
girl posing for instagram photo on giant Hobbitenango hand

This area can be found by following the trail off to the right, past the hobbit hole with the blue door. You can look out over the hand from the upper-level viewing deck (right beside the troll head), or skirt down the trail to queue to have your picture taken on the hand itself.

An employee of the park will offer to take photos for you (if you’re traveling solo), or you can hand over the camera to a friend. There’s an hourglass that begins when “your turn” starts (1-2 mins each) so that everyone has a chance to cycle through the line at least once.

Archery & Axe-Throwing

man trying archery and axe throwing at Hobbitenango ecopark in Guatemala

Paul got a bullseye!

One of my favorite parts about the Hobbitenango eco-park is that there are fun activities, such as axe/machete throwing and archery. Even though the setup isn’t that grandiose, and is geared more for children and young adults, it’s still fun to partake in!

So if you ever wanted to try your hand at shooting arrows like Legolas… now’s your chance! You get three arrows per turn, then you need to move along or wait back in line for a second go.

Tree Swing

Hobbitenango tree swing

The tree swing is the biggest draw to the park, as the park boasts it’s the “largest tree swing in Central America.” Whether that’s true or not, which I’m sure it is, the swing wasn’t all that impressive.

You’re actually closer to the ground than the photo angles make it look. In any case, lots of people seem to thoroughly enjoy themselves swinging over Hobbitenango with a view!

Since this is one of the busiest activities/things to do in Hobbitenango, plan on getting there earlier in the day rather than waiting until the afternoon.

Other Stuff to Do

El Nido (neset) inside Hobbitenango Guatemala

El Nido (The Nest)

market stalls and fair games inside Hobbitenango Ecopark

Artisanal market and fair games inside Hobbitenango

Trails: There is a small network of trails you can explore in Hobbitenango, but don’t be surprised if they just suddenly stop and lead to nowhere.

Minigolf: If you’re spending the day at Hobbitenango with family or children, there’s a small 6-hole mini-golf course.

El Nido: You can rent out El Nido for a private, romantic event or dinner. They decorate it out and you’ll have it just for you and your significant other!

Live music: On sunny days, not during pandemic times, there is often live music and events that take place on the Hobbitenango stage front and center of the park.

Hobbitenango Casitas (Hotel)

Other than the hand, swing, archery, and all the fun games, people really come here to disconnect and spend a night in one of the fantasy hobbit holes. (They look just like the real deal!)

a hobbit hole casita with a red door at the Hobbitenago hotel in Guatemala

La Casita del Sueño

hobbit-themed hotel at the Hobbitenango Lord of the Rings theme park in Guatemala

There are currently three little homes (casitas) each with a painted door: red, yellow, and green.

  • La Casita del Sueño (best for couples)
  • La Casita del Nido (couples or small families)
  • La Casa Esmeralda (largest with its own terrace)

All the bedrooms are made with eco-friendliness in mind and are cozy as can be with Hobbit-style furnishings.

If the hobbit holes are full, a wonderful alternative place to stay is at Earth Lodge. They have a yoga studio, avocado farm, eco-friendly rooms, and an on-site restaurant from their garden.

Restaurant, Cafe & Bar

baked eggplant dish from the Hobbitenango restaurant (La Comarca)

Feasting like a Hobbit — baked eggplant with parmesan and roasted tomatoes!

Finally, there is an on-site restaurant, cafe, and tavern in Hobbitenango to make your day even more memorable with hobbit-style menus and decor. All of the restaurant food is made fresh with ingredients inspired by the Shire.

Chow down on Hobbit pancakes, forged eggs, a magic garden salad, pizza, and more! I had a homemade baked eggplant dish and Paul had the sliders.

La Comarca restaurant with round hobbit-inspired doors inside Hobbitenango Ecopark Guatemala
cafeteria inside Hobbitenango park

Both the food and service were great, and we enjoyed our Shire meal by a cozy fire inside the restaurant! You can check out the full menu here.

Although we didn’t have time to grab a drink in the tavern, it is one of the cutest buildings you’ll pass when you first walk in Hobbitenango.

Hobbitenango — Is It Worth It?

Considering that Hobbitenango is an eco-park, created among friends with a love for the franchise, and considering that it’s the next best (or at least, closest) thing to the real Shire set all the way over in New Zealand, then yes — it’s worth visiting!

hobbit-inspired decor inside the Hobbitenango theme park in guatemala

What hides behind the blue-doored hobbit hole…

Could they do a better job at bringing the Shire to life? Absolutely.

For example, the music throughout the entire park is not at all Hobbit-style music, but rather Guatemalan marimba music. It just changes the vibe completely and takes you out of the fantasy you came here for. (The only Shire music playing can be heard as you pass through the entrance of Hobbitenango when arriving or leaving.)

If you only have 1-2 hours to spare, then I don’t think it would be worth your while to visit Hobbitenango from Antigua. However, if you plan on spending a full day there, eating lunch there, and just relaxing and taking part in the games, then definitely go for it. Better yet, if you want the full experience of Hobbitenango, then consider staying overnight so you can have unlimited access to the games, restaurant, bar, and above all — the views — when all the tourists leave to go home.

I hope this guide to visiting Hobbitenango in Guatemala helps plan your visit! The park is definitely gaining in popularity and remains one of the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala. While there’s lots of room for improvement, you can definitely appreciate the efforts taken to bring this fantasy to this corner of the world.

SAVE THIS GUIDE TO HOBBITENANGO TO PINTEREST!

hobbit hole and troll hand inside Hobbitenango ecopark with text overlay
photos of Hobbitenango Guatemala with text overlay
grid with photos from Hobbitenango
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By: Bri · In: Guatemala

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
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