Explore Oaxaca - by Bicycle or Motorbike
Mountains, beaches, tropical rainforests, deserts - Oaxaca has it all!
The opportunities for exploring México’s fifth-larget state by bike are almost limitless. With a vast range of microclimates and elevations, ranging from deserts to rainforests to high-altitude coniferous forests, travelling in Oaxaca can sometimes seem like muliple countries inside just one state.
The cultural context is also amazing. Of the 570 municipalities in Oaxaca, almost a quarter of the total in all of México, the majority have opted out of the formal political process to follow indiginous traditions known as ‘Usos y Costubres’. While Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Oaxaca, you’ll find most place names are in Náuhuatl, the language of the ancient Mexicas – and also the official language of the Virreinato de Nueva España – while local communities continue to speak indigenous languages including Zapoteco, Mixteco, Chinanteco and at least ten others.
And what’s perhaps most interesting, with the exception of Oaxaca de Juárez and the beaches of Huatulco, the huge state Oaxaca seems completely undiscovered by the outside world.
Travel the highways, backroads and ‘terracería’ dirt roads of Oaxaca by bike, and it’s like you’re discovering it all for the first time. This must be what all of México used to be like.
Our favorite routes
Sierra Sur > > > Pacific Ocean
Taking the little-travelled route through the Teitipac-Jalieza area, then continuing south down the Ejutla-Ocotlán valley as far as Miahuatlán. A steep ride up to the peak of the Sierra Sur, then a long and winding 3,000-metre descent all the way to the Pacific beach of your choice...
Sierra Norte > > > .Gulf of México
A steep ride up to 'La Cumbre' then all the way back down again to Oaxaca's very own Río Grande. Then back up through Ixtlán to the 'Comedor in the Clouds', and an ENORMOUS 3,000-metre descent to Tuxtepec and the coastal plains. Ending up at the volcanic 'reserva biósfera' of Las Tuxtlas, Verzcruz, and the dramatic sea cliffs of Punta Roca Partida...
We can help you create your own spectacular bike route through Oaxaca
Whatever route you choose to explore, we’re here to support you with accommodation, trip planning and support, bike rentals and hotel bookings.-
Create your own experience
You’re a biker or a cyclist, right? So you’re probably pretty self-sufficient, and looking to experience the real wind-in-your-face, gravel under your tires Méxcio. No problem – in addition to the Sierra Sur and Sierra Norte routes, we can offer support if you just want to get out there and explore:
La Cañada is a world unto itself, semi-desert in the dry season, with an opportunity to see rare macaws in their native habitat.
The route down to Istmo and beyond is another treat, passing through a wide range of ecosystems to end up in the hot-and-steamy tropical lowlands.
For the intrepid, we can also offer support for longer trips on into Chiapas. Why not aim for Volcán El Chichonál? It was the site the most recent and devastating eruption in México, and now features a spectacular green lake hidden away inside the remote crater…
