Sierra Sur to the Pacific Ocean
Since the opening of the new super-carretera from Barranca Larga (south of Oaxaca de Juárez) to Ventanilla (east of Puerto Escondido) in February 2024, the old route through the Sierra Sur is now wide open for cyclists, with much less traffic than before.
The Pluma de Hidalgo route takes to a coffee-growing centre with fabulous views down to the coast. The coffee is the shade-grown variety, which doesn’t require the destruction of the rainforest, and may be part of the answer to climate change – at least for this coffee addict!
We meet one large river along the way: Río Copalito, which rises just above Jalatango Bridge, which we’ll cross along the way, and meets the ocean at La Bocana, just north of Bahías de Huatulco.
When to Ride
By April/May, the weather in Oaxaca de Juárez can be quite hot during the day, although the ride south to Miahuatlán and up through the mountains is usually quite manageable.
But in down on the coast, this time of year is only the beginning (see climate chart for Bahías de Huatulco below). While Mazunte, and espcially Punta Cometa, is a strong favourite for us, on a recent trip during April, the heat was overwhelming, and we cut our visit short after a quick hike out to the point. By May, the rainy season has begun, with high temperatures and overcast skies. Of course, the bright point in all of this is in November/December, when the weather is perfect and the forests are still an unbelievable green under the endless blue skies.
Language Tips
Portillo = Pass
Camionetta = Pick-up Bus
Puente = Bridge
Valle de Zimatlán-Ocotlán
Section 1: South through the Valles Centrales
Head south on a little-known route through Teitipac and the Jaliezas, then on through Miahuatlán to the foothills of the Sierra Sur
Mountains, mountains
Section 2: Crossing the Sierra Sur
A steep climb up from the valley floor at around 1600m to Portillo Paxtlán at 2410m, then a long stretch through the high sierra, with spectacular views in all directions, followed by a MASSIVE descent to Copalita Junction at 1050m
¡Vamos a la playa!
Section 3: Copalita Junction down to the Pacific Beaches
A choice of routes depending on your preferred destination - the more developed beach resorts and the international airport of Bahías de Huatulco, or the more laid-back, hippie feel of Mazunte and Playa Zipolite
