Whilst the various bikepacking routes we’ve been posting strive to showcase this beautiful and culturally diverse state, for those coming from afar, the city of Oaxaca de Juaréz makes a great base to learn about Zapotec culture and traditions. As such, it’s well worth allotting yourself at least a few days to enjoy the fantastic regional fare, visit the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, pop into the Museo Textil, and ride out various nearby archaeological sites – like nearby Monte Albán and Atzompa. Thanks to the many local riders who have shown me around the area; some of these rides are local classics, others are concoctions of my own!

With this in mind, here are three fun mountain bike day rides of differing lengths to bookend your trip, which take in a number of the area’s cultural sights too.

In terms of terrain, they’re all a mix of dirt and trail, and unlike the super fun enduro trails in Ixtepeji – Oaxaca’s main mtb magnet – they’re accessible straight out of town. They can be chunky and unorthodox in places, the climbs are often steep, but I like to think the juice is always worth the squeeze! They all require confidence on a mountain bike, and at the minimum, the likes of a hardtail or a rigid bike with big tyres.

Be aware that much of the countryside and mountains are community-owned and community-maintained land, so always say hi and be respectful to those you meet. Some Spanish language skills are useful for these rides.

Laguna Seca

To be honest I don’t do this ride too often, as it beats me up – suspension is highly recommended! And yet… I’d still consider it a local favourite that’s likely to reveal a part of Oaxaca, close to town, that you’d otherwise never know about. The climb is a challenging one. It’s steep and exposed in places – if it’s the dry season, leave super early to beat the heat. There’s a challenging section of hike-a-bike, and expect a stint of awkward, peddle-grabbing terrain. But once you’re made some initial elevation, the trails in this hill system become magical and flowy. Past Laguna Seca, it’s a fast descent that quickly morphs into a burly rockfest with tight switchbacks. Expect a bit of everything! I’ve routed it back via a dirt road I call Tule Vulture Road… but you can always opt for a mellow cruise along the bike path. Be check out the big Montezuma Cypress in Tule and cool off with a nieve or three!

37km, 3 hours ride time, 900m elevation gain

Huayapam with added Herrera

This ride is a variation on a theme of one of the dirt road day rides, except it climbs above Huayapam into the base of the Sierra Norte, before a loose, rutted and techy descent (Herrera) back down again. Huayapam makes a great place to stop for a break, drink a tejate, and gulp down some memelas!

36km, 3 hours ride time, 900m elevation gain

La Reina + Marimba

Marimba is another fun trail out of Huayapam. This time though, it begins with an unually stout climb on the fabled ‘La Reina’. But instead of continuing onwards towards Ixtepeji, it peels back down again on a backcountry trail that’s sometimes flowy, sometimes rutted, and always a handful (in the best possible way). As ever, Huayapam makes a great place to stop for a tejate! Note that there is a small cuota to access this area – either in town, or at weekends there’s sometimes someone at the bottom of the main climb. Heads out on dirt roads and returns via a more direct route, but if you want to extend the ride, you can mix and match with the route above, heading out to Huayapam on trails, and returning on dirt roads.

San Felipe Tajalapam on trails

This is the trail alternative to one of my favourite dirt/gravel loops, out to Tejalapam. It heads out via a succession of push ‘n ride trails towards Atzompa, zig-zagging across the land to connect with a network of ridgetop trails that offer some glorious panoramic views, returning on dirt (though you could easily ride the route in reverse, too). Just note that in the dry season, this area is hot and exposed, so it’s best to peel yourself out of your bed super early.

42km, 3.30hr ride time, 900m elevation gain

San Bartolo Botanical Loop

To be honest, most of this loop is on dirt roads, but there are a few fun little sections of trail to spice things up. Routing via San Bartolo offers a great chance to check out this village’s pottery, which is known for its almost metallic, black colour – there are plenty of workshops to pop your head into. Then it’s a big climb up and over to San Sebastian Teitepec – if it’s the dry season, leave early, as the ascent is very exposed – that includes some fun trails.

If you have the energy, and it’s dry, you can also return via ‘Vulture Road’, as per the Laguna Seca route above, which edits out some asphalt. This version hops on the bike path from Tule, after refreshing aguas and nieves!

56km, 3.30hr ride time, 650m elevation gain