Herein, find a body of routes in Oaxaca (and some neighbouring states) that I’ve posted to Bikepacking.com, as well as others devised by fellow bikepackers, and smaller local trips that can be used to complement longer stays in the area.

If you’re planning to follow any of these routes or put together your own, please be sure to read the Important Info for Bikepacking in Oaxaca and Staying Safe in Oaxaca posts, as all of these routes can be subject to add hoc changes and issues, due to the nature of riding in this state and in Mexico in general.

The routes that I enjoy putting together and sharing are invariably of a dirt road or trail persuasion, so an appropriate bike, and thoughtful packing, will help you get the most out of your journey. Many of these routes are relatively remote, so some Spanish language skills are valuable too; be sure to stop and chat to those with whom you cross paths, as it will likely smooth your journey across community land, as well as adding immeasurably to your experience and those around you, transcending the biking itself into something even more special.

I’ve included an overview of the road conditions in the synopses below, but remember that this is a rugged part of Mexico, so expect ever-changing terrain and steep grades, and bear in mind seasonal variations will apply too. For example, March and April can be especially dry, dusty, and hot, so I tend to keep to the higher elevation sierras at that time of year, whilst November through to January can be lovely times to be bopping about the valleys.

The timeframes that I suggest are mostly geared towards those who enjoy a balance between hours in the saddle and time spent experiencing local interactions. Adjust accordingly, depending on your intentions, riding pace, weather, and fitness.

Mix and Match (and download too)

To see how all these rides interconnect, I recommend loading the ones you’re interested in into a RideWithGPS Collection – that way, you can create your own routes in the area, depending on your interests and timeframe. I’d also suggest importing them into a phone app like Mapout, another handy way of seeing them all in one place, offline, for on-the-fly re-routes and changes. And another useful tip: download the quadrant of Googlemaps onto your phone, that way you’ll have access to lodging options and shops when you’re out of data or cell service.

Bear in mind that this is a personal blog, so please do your own research before embarking on a route, check locally for updates and changes, and ensure you’re prepared!

If you’re an iPhone user, Mapout is a great way of gathering routes in one place, and linking them up, or rerouting, on the fly.

For more route ideas, sift through the Route Reports tab above, which has additional multi-day rides and accounts of our local adventures.

Dig in and enjoy!

Do you have an Oaxacan dirt road bikepacking route to share? A link between existing routes that worked especially well? Let me know and I’ll add it in!

MAIN OAXACA BIKEPACKING ROUTES

These tend to be the bigger, longer, or more challenging dirt road routes in the area, though there are a few shorter and mellower ones too.

SAN JOSE DEL PACIFICO GRAND DIRT TOUR

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/san-jose-del-pacifico/

• This is the first route we put together! It’s a 6-8 day dirt road loop that’s rugged and backcountry in flavour, with a number of permutations available. As well as leading riders into areas largely bereft of tourism, it incorporates several classic sights in the Mitla valley, including a visit to the textile town of Teotitlan del Valle and the archeological site of Dainzu. Expect mixed quality dirt roads throughout with very little pavement, a number of steep grades may well have you pushing, and a wide variety of elevations and temperatures.
• Recommended setup: ATB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres
• Should you want to peel off from San Jose Del Pacifico and ride to the Pacific coast and areas like Mazunte, consider this route – you can then bus back and resume the ride. Or, use this connector, if you want to ride to Puerto Escondido, from where there’s an ADO bus back to the city. Head up to the mineral pools of Hierve el Agua on the way back, or if you have the energy, climb up into the Sierra Norte and visit the Pueblos Mancomunados.
• Note that dispersed camping can be more challenging on this route, making it better suited to small groups.
• Conditions are mixed with steep grades throughout; low gearing and a tyre size of 2.3in or more are recommended.
• Nov 2024: a rider was assaulted and his bike taken whilst on a day ride in the area north of Santa Marta Chichihualtepec. Whilst there hasn’t been a history of similar incidents there, it’s worth being extra cautious, and riding with a companion or in a group if possible. See route post for more details.

VUELTA DE LOS PUEBLOS MANCOMUNADOS

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/vuelta-a-los-pueblos-mancomunados/

• This route is a challenging, 3-4 day loop into the Sierra Norte, the mountain range that overlooks the city. It connects the mellow and culturally diverse Mitla Valley with the high-elevation Pueblos Mancomunados alliance. Although it’s primarily on dirt roads, it can be extended by a further 1.5 days by riding to Lachatoa, via some fun, techy singletrack (see the route post linked for details). If the route is ridden anti-clockwise, mountain bikers can also weave in the fabulous Mil Rios trail as a means of returning to the Mitla Valley (or even traverse across to Ixtepeji and drop down from into the valley from there – see Doble Mirador for ideas).
• Recommended setup: ATB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres or more.
• Fee paying camp sites are used on this route, making it well suited to groups of different sizes.
• Conditions are mixed with steep grades throughout; low gearing and a tyre size of 2.3in or more are recommended, and even a dropper post would be welcome if you’re including the mountain bike alternates.
• Note that there are access fees to pay in San Miguel del Valle and Cuajimaloyas.
• As of 2024, you’ll need a guide to ride to El Carrizal, which can be organised in San Miguel del Valle. However, it’s possible this restriction will be lifted in the future. Check for updates in the Centro Ecoturistico in San Miguel del Valle.
• Update Feb 2025. It should now be possible to ride unguided through the high elevation llanos that form a highlight of this loop, camping within the boundaries of the San Miguel del Valle community, or in El Carrizal. Be sure to check in at the centro ecoturístico in San Miguel del Valle and pay the 100 peso entrance fee, and explain that you know the route, that you will keep to the main tracks, and will camp in a designated camping area, or in El Carrizal.

VUELTA DE SANTIAGO APOALA

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/la-vuelta-de-santiago-apoala/

• This is a 6-7 day dirt and railroad loop from Oaxaca to Santiago Apoala, home to an impressive (and refreshing) waterfall that’s great for a plunge. Short on time? The highlight and most diverse section of the route is between Oaxaca and Santiago Apoala – from there, it’s an easy bus ride back from Asunción Nochixtlán, which trims it down to 3-4 days. Expect mixed quality dirt roads throughout, with small sections of trails that trace the old railway line. Time to spare? Use the Vuelta de Santiago Apoala as a connector to access the Ojos de Cuicatlan route below.
• Recommended setup: ATB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres or more.
• You can read the blog post about our experiences researching this route here.
• This route uses a mix of dispersed and paid camping, making it better suited to small groups.
• Conditions are mixed with steep grades throughout; low gearing and a tyre size of 2.3in or more are recommended.

OJOS DE CUICATLAN

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/tcbr-sur/

• This 3-4 day loop is an easy bus ride away from Oaxaca and offers an insight into the beautiful Tehuacán-Cuicatlán biosphere reserve, home to organ, cacti, column cacti, and all kinds of bromeliads. Expect mixed quality dirt roads and in the dry season especially, high temperatures at its lowest points; the route drops down to around just 600m in elevation. If you have time to spare, the Vuelta de Santiago Apoala route (see above) is a great way of reaching this area from Oaxaca City, or returning to it.
• Recommended setup: ATB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres or more.
• This route uses a combination of dispersed and paid camping, making it better suited to small groups.
• Conditions are mixed with steep grades throughout; low gearing and a tyre size of 2.3in or more are recommended.

MEANDROS EN MITLA

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/meandros-en-mitla-mexico/

• This 3-day, Mitla Valley meander is perhaps the mellowest route in our collection, with an accent on Zapotec history and culture. For the most part, it’s flat, though there is a hearty climb to Hierve el Agua, and the likelihood of headwinds when heading east out of the valley. Expect mixed-quality, but mostly smooth dirt roads. This is a route you could ride on a hire bike (see this post for ideas), as there are plenty of hotels, hospedajes, and cabanas in the area.
• Recommended setup: Most bikes, including rentals!
• Conditions are relatively mellow on this route; a tyre size of 2.1in or more is recommended.

HEBRAS DE IXTEPEJI

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/oaxaca-ixtepeji/

• Hebras de Ixtepeji is a fun, challenging, mountain bike-flavoured 2-3 day loop that includes a taste of La Cumbre Ixtepeji‘s fantastic Enduro trail network. Expect dirt roads, prolonged climbs, and technical singletrack. We strongly recommend spending an extra day in the area, and riding additional trails, such as the ones featured in this post.
• This route uses paid camping, making it suited to group trips.
• Note that there are access and camping fees to pay at La Mesita and Ixtepeji.
• Conditions are mixed with steep grades throughout.
• Recommended setup: MTB with dropper and 2.4in tyres or more.
• 25/04/24: The zone above La Mesita, owned by the San Pablo community, has been closed to cyclists. As this is core part of this route, it unfortunately makes it unrideable in its current form. See original post for contact details in La Mesita to check for updates. It’s also quite possible you will be granted permission to cycle there if you get in touch with them directly, and specify a date you will be passing through.
• Jan 2025: The Reserva Ecológica La Mesita is open again, as are the trails. Bear in mind that as the dry season approaches, it’s possible it will be closed again to reduce the risk of fires, so send them a WhatsApp message (+52 951 236 5708) to double check later in the season.

MICRO VUELTA DE LA SIERRA NORTE

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/micro-vuelta-sierra-norte/

• This challenging, 2-3 day loop zones in on forest roads in the high sierras between the city and San Agustin Etla; a dirt road cousin to Hebras de Ixtepeji route, of sorts. There are access fees to pay at Arroyo Guacamayas and Huayapam. Expect mixed quality dirt roads and if you’re aboard a suitable bike, consider taking an extra day to ride the cross country/enduro trails in La Cumbre Ixtepeji.
• Conditions are mixed with steep grades throughout
• Recommended setup: MTB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres or more.
• 2024 Update. The climb to Guacamayas has now been paved. In April, one rider reported an issue with a logging truck driver, and disputed access to the area around Nuevo Zochiapam. If need be, loop around on the paved road, rather than cutting across on the forest road.

TRANS MEXICO NORTE AND SUR

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/trans-mexico-norte/

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/trans-mexico-sur/

• The long-distance Trans-Mexico Norte finishes in Oaxaca and the Trans-Mexico Sur begins in Oaxaca City, as devised by Alaska to Ushuaia bikepackers Mark and Hannah. The Oaxacan segments are infamous for their long climbs and daily revelation gains! Surface-wise, these routes are approximately 50/50 dirt and pavement.
• Recommended setup: MTB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres or more.

BIKING FROM OAXACA TO THE COAST

Biking to the coast is a perennial favourite, so here are some options depending on where you want to end up… on a beach or surfing!

I have to be honest, riding to the coast isn’t one of my favourite routes in the state, as there tends to involve more pavement than dirt, and it can be really hot. Personally, I find the mountains more enjoyable to tour on a bicycle, but for those who feel the pull of the Pacific, here are a couple of options that will drop you off in different points along the coast!

OAXACA ESCONDIDA (Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, via the direct route)

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/oaxaca-puerto-escondido/

• This classic ride connects Oaxaca city to the Pacific coast and takes 2-3 days. It has the highest percentage of pavement of all the rides listed, making it especially well suited to gravel bikes. Expect high temperatures and humidity on the last day. Note that this route is subject to disruption due to ongoing construction work to finish the new autopista between Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido. If you’d like to extend this route by 1.5 days and incorporate a more cultural route out of town, use this Mitla Connector to see some of the fabulous Mitla Valley sights before leaving Oaxaca.
• Conditions are mixed with steep grades throughout.
• Recommended setup: ATB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres or more.
• 2024 update: The autopista has now been completed between Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido, which means reroutes may be required to the original route. The upside is that the bus back now takes only 3 hours. See the ADO website for details of bus schedules, most of which are large enough to carry bikes. Unfortunately, completion of this highway has created unrest in the communities through which it passes, making it a less welcoming zone to ride through at times.
• Nov 2024: a rider was assaulted and his bike taken whilst on a day ride in the area north of Santa Marta Chichihualtepec. Whilst there hasn’t been a history of similar incidents there, it’s worth being extra cautious, and riding with a companion or in a group if possible. See route post for more details.
• In Jan 2025, two men on a motorbike attempted to hold up a bikepacking couple heading to Puerto Escondido, outside La Pe, near Santa Marta Chichihualtepec. The completion in 2024 of the autopista to the coast has created significant unrest in the communities through which it passes. Riding in a small group is recommended.

OAXACA TO THE COAST VIA SAN JOSE DEL PACIFICO (longer alternative)

Website link (with route): see below

• This route starts by riding to San José del Pacifico on the Grand Dirt Tour (counter clockwise, or clockwise, you choose) and then peels off to head down to the coast, either to the Puerto Angel area (for beach vibes) or to Puerto Escondido (for surfing and easy logistics back to Oaxaca)
• Here’s a track that gets you from San José del Pacifico to Mazunte, via a mix of dirt and pavement: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39062471
• And here’s a track that gets you from San José del Pacifico to Puerto Escondido, via a mix of dirt and pavement: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49327390. See the ADO website for details of bus schedules back to the city, most of which are large enough to carry bikes.
• Conditions are mixed with steep grades throughout.
• Recommended setup: ATB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres or more.
• Although there are lots of permutations, riding anticlockwise on the GDT out of Oaxaca and then connecting to the coast will tot up to around 300km, which we suggest makes a challenging and varied 5-6 day ride.

LOCAL OVERNIGHTERS

If you have a few extra days to play with, a free weekend, or would like to test out your setup, consider these overnighters:

CUATRO VENADOS OVERNIGHTER

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/cuatro-venados-eco-overnighter-oaxaca/

• A dirt road overnighter to a nearby Centro Ecoturístico Cuatro Venados – where you can find a restaurant, camping and cabaña options. If you stay in a cabaña, this would be a good one to tackle on a rental bike, requiring little more than some small panniers or a backpack. The climb is sizeable, but it’s a manageable ride nonetheless. Expect mixed quality dirt roads, with a few rougher sections. For an easier ascent, stay on the newly paved road, rather than connecting with it further up.
• Conditions are mixed with steep grades throughout.
• Recommended setup: ATB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres or more.

EXCURSIONES EN ETLA OVERNIGHTER

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/excursiones-en-etla/

• This 2-day Etla Valley meander is packed with cultural interest, including a visit to the wonderful Centro de las Artes de San Agustín. If you choose to overnight in a hotel or B&B, this would be a good one to do on a rental bike.
• Conditions are mixed with short but steep grades throughout, and some singletrack options.
• Recommended setup: ATB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres or more.

MIL RIOS OVERNIGHTER

Website link (with route): https://stilloutriding.com/2023/03/improbable-bikes-and-the-thousand-rivers-overnighter/

• The Mile Rios Overnighter is a super fun outing that incorporates valley trails and dirt roads up to Benito Juárez, and a primo, rowdy singletrack – called Mil Rios – to get back down. For maximum fun times, consider staying in a cabaña in the Centro Ecoturistico in Benito Juarez, so you can pack extra light.
• There’s an access to pay in Benito Juarez and Tlalixtac. You can find more details in the link above – just note that we rode this loop on ‘unconventional’ bikes, which I wouldn’t recommend!
• Additionally, here’s a track that includes riding up to the Mirador and swing bridge at Benito Juarez, a beautiful spot with grand views, which is very much recommended!
• Dirt roads and singletrack with steep grades throughout.
• Recommended setup: MTB with dropper and 2.4in tyres or more.

CRUZ DE LA PENA OVERNIGHTER

Route link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45423634

• This little overnighter is low on mileage but big on climbing! It’s basically a shrunken-down version of Hebras de Ixtepeji (see above), and includes a short but fabulous sunrise hike to Cruz de La Peña (close enough to the sky you can almost touch the clouds). Start early, as the initial part of the climb is steep and exposed.
• 150 pesos per person for access and camping, pay at the Centro Ecoturistico San Pablo Etla (La Mesita) on your way through.
• For views of the plant life on the side hike, see here.
• Dirt roads and singletrack with steep grades throughout; there’s lots of techy singletrack on the return leg, unless you retrace your route along the forest road.
• Recommended setup: MTB with dropper and 2.4in tyres or more.

LA REINA y LLANO CARRETA OVERNIGHTER

Website link (with route): https://stilloutriding.com/2021/06/la-reina-and-llano-carreta/

• Short on distance, big on climbs and white knuckle thrills! This little overnighter uses one of the Black Diamond enduro trails to drop back down into the valley, plugging into Three Molinos (now paved) at the very end. Pack light, or consider staying in one of the dormitorios or cabanas in Ixtepeji.
• There’s an access to pay in Huayapam for riding La Reina.
• Dirt roads and singletrack (black diamond graded) with steep grades throughout.
• Recommended setup: Slack MTB with dropper and 2.4in tyres or more.

MITLA LUX OVERNIGHTER

Website link (with route): https://stilloutriding.com/2023/02/mitla-lux/

• This overnighter isn’t ‘bikepacking’ as such, as it involves staying a night (or two) in Mitla. Still, it’s great for those getting into multi-day rides, anyone relatively new to riding, and families. It includes the Dainzu archaeological site, the Jaguar Sanctuary (Jan 2024 – currently closed), and the Mitla archaeological site. In Mitla, we like to treat ourselves and stay in a beautiful B&B with a swimming pool and a cactus garden (hence the name of the route), but there are plenty of other options at different price points too. This would be a good one to do on a rental bike, just be wary of thorns and goatheads on the edges of the road.
• Conditions are relatively mellow on this route, but there’s often a headwind on your way out.
• Recommended bike: Almost any, including rentals!

HIERVE EL AGUA OVERNIGHTER

Route link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45381510

• This route is an extended version of Mitla Lux. It includes side trips the archeological sites of Dainzu and Yagul on the way out, as well as a possible side trip to Presa La Mina, turning it into two full days of riding, with one big climb each day (in and out of Hierve El Agua). Arriving in the late afternoon/sunset works well, as you can jump in the waters before anyone arrives the next day. It’s currently 100 pesos to camp per person, plus 50 pesos for access to Hierve, and it’s best to go tubeless and avoid the rainy season, as sections along the Camino Real and ‘Vulture Road’ can become very water logged. Expect mixed quality dirt roads.
• Conditions are mixed with steep grades throughout
• Recommended setup: ATB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres or more.

OTHER OAXACA BIKEPACKING ROUTE VARIATIONS

These ideas are variations on a theme; ways of customising existing routes into something that suits your particular interests or your timeframe.

La Mesita, Ixtepeji, and Huayapam on Dirt

Route link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41904344/

• A challenging 2-3 day, mix-and-match dirt road loop that combines the forest climb from Hebras de Ixtepeji with the descent to Huayapam from the Micro Vuelta de la Sierra Norte, avoiding singletrack.
• Access and camping fees to pay at La Mesita and Huayapam.
• Expect mixed-quality dirt roads, with steep grades out of La Mesita.
• 25/04/24: The zone above La Mesita, owned by the San Pablo community, has been closed temporarily to cyclists, a core part of this route. See the post for contact details in La Mesita to check for updates.
• Jan 25: La Mesita is open once more, but it’s worth checking in again, in case it closes in the dry season.

Doble Mirador on Dirt (anti-clockwise)

Website link (with route): https://stilloutriding.com/2023/02/doble-mirador-coffeeoutside/

• This 3-day dirt road loop climbs up to Benito Juárez, traverses over to Ixtepeji, and drops back down into the valley via Huayapam. Doble Mirador is mostly mixed-quality dirt roads and there’s potential for singletrack flurries in Ixtepeji. We also recently rode this route anti-clockwise (not recommended unless you’re a glutton for punishment), which you can read about here, with more POIs on the RWGPS map. There are fees to pay in Benito Juarez (to camp and visit the Mirador), Ixtepeji (to camp), and Huayapam (to ride the section of road known locally as La Reina).

Doble Mirador On Trails (clockwise)

Route link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45796559

• This loop is similar in essence to Doble Mirador on Dirt, in that it hits the same lookouts, but works in bonus trails. It starts in the same way as Hebras de Ixtepeji (where trails abound), crosses over to Benito Juarez on a little used forest road, before descending back into the valley via the fun Mil Rios trail. The RWGPS linked above isn’t quite tidied up, but I think it should all work. Access fees to pay in La Mesita, Ixtepeji, and Benito Juarez (in order to visit the mirador). A possible itinerary: Day 1 Camp below Cruz de la Pena, Day 2 Ride to Ixtepeji and hit the trails Day 3 Sunrise ride to the Pelado Chico mirador, then ride to Benito Juarez, Day 4 Sunrise ride to the Benito Juarez Mirador, then return to Oaxaca via Mil Rios. Mixed quality dirt roads and challenging trails.
• There are plenty of trail loops to be enjoyed in Ixtepeji; see here for ideas.
• 25/04/24: The zone above La Mesita, owned by the San Pablo community, has been closed temporarily to cyclists, a core part of this route. See the post for contact details in La Mesita to check for updates.
• Jan 25: La Mesita is open once more, but it’s worth checking in again, in case it closes in the dry season.

Hierve El Agua and Las Salinas (with bonus adventure!)

Website Link (with route): https://stilloutriding.com/2024/12/out-to-las-salinas-at-last/

• Here’s a relatively new one for us. It links the popular Hierve El Agua mineral pools to a beautiful slot canyon-style waterfall called Las Salinas, across the valley. The caveat? There’s a fairly protracted, 2-3 hour hike-a-bike to contend with. Some may find it rideable in places, whilst others will likely be pushing most of the time. The version above is a fairly direct ride out towards Mitla, and a return routing via the red clay workshops of San Marcos Tlapozula, but there are lots of possible alternates, depending on what interests you in the valley.
• Terrain-wise (and hike-a-bike aside), it’s mostly valley style dirt roads, with a climb up to Hierve El Agua.
• Recommended setup: ATB or gravel, low gearing and 2.3in tyres or more.

OTHER LONG-DISTANCE BIKEPACKING ROUTES IN OAXACA

This list of routes is a mixed bag, from half-baked route ideas, to local endurance bikepacking races…

Le Tour de Frankie

Route Link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41830299

• The Tour to Frankie is a tough gravel race, following routes that changes yearly, that takes place in one of the hottest part of the year! The one linked above was held in 2022 and runs from Mexico City to Oaxaca City, whilst the 2023 LTdF ends in Puerto Escondido.
• Here’s the 2024 version, which also finishes in Puerto Escondido. There’s definitely some long paved stretches, but I bet there’s some great dirt roads in there too.
• For more info on this event, see here. Surfaces are dirt and pavement, though you can expect longer stretches of highway too, making these routes more suited to gravel bikes.

Reserva de la Biósfera Tehuacán to Biósfera Cuicatlán to Oaxaca

Route link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45575378?privacy_code=MkDRkiIMsSgj9JQnevRqaBmBeEiIG2st

• We recently tried to link the Ojos de Tehucan route with the Ojos de Cuicatlan route, via Zapotitlan, Coatepec, Santa María Ixcatlán, and Santiago Apoala, keeping to dirt roads where at all possible. For the most part, it worked out really well, but there are three sizable glitches that make it hard to recommend. Firstly, it means riding the autopista for 11km (questionable legality and rather unpleasant). Secondly, it requires riders to seek permission from the municipio in Coatepec to access the area. And lastly, there’s a sizeable hike-a-bike to get to the autopista. I have some ideas for next time, but for now, this is the way we rode it. Surfaces were very mixed, with a few big climbs and descents. A request: please don’t follow this route without checking in with the municipio in Coatepec. Everyone we met insisted we seek permission first out of both respect and to avoid a fine. Be aware of the sketchy stretch on the autopista, too.

Oaxaca to Orizaba via the Biósferas

Route Link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41494446/

• This is Alain’s ride, combining the Vuelta de Santiago Apoala route, sections of the Ojos de Cuicatlan route, and quiet dirt and paved roads to Tehuacan and onwards.

Mexico City to Huatulco – The Back Roads

Route Link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40714341/

• I came across this long-distance route online. I don’t know who to attribute it to but there are some great sections, and would lend itself well to incorporating Puebla into a trip. Dirt and pavement, with a section on the autopista.

The Big Quesillo

Route link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42127401

• Some hardened mtber friends were looking at linking up as many dirt roads and trails as they could in the area, so I suggested some ideas. Just be aware that it’s roughly drawn out and still needs some work. Mixed-quality dirt roads, hike-a-bikes, and challenging trails. IMPORTANT: there are fees to pay and permissions required from local communities throughout this ride.

OTHER BIKEPACKING ROUTES IN NEIGHBOURING STATES TO OAXACA

Lastly, here are a couple of routes we really enjoy in neighbouring states, which can be reached by bus from Mexico City or Oaxaca.

Ojos de Tehuacan, Puebla

Website link (with route): https://bikepacking.com/routes/tcbr-norte/

• This 3-day loop incorporates dirt roads and trails in the wonderful Reserva de la Biósfera Tehuacán-Cuicatlán. The updated route, as described in this blog post, heads straight out of town on trails, and includes a visit to a botanical garden, a local XC race route, pottery workshops, dinosaur prints, and a wide variety of desert flora. Dirt, pavement, and trails. Find the updated RWGPS route here.

La Vuelta de Citlaltepetl, Veracruz/Puebla

Website link (with route):: https://bikepacking.com/routes/la-vuelta-de-citlaltepetl/

• This challenging, week-long loop begins in the city of Orizaba (Veracruz), a night bus away from Oaxaca. The route forms a 360 circuit around Citlaltepetl/Pico Orizaba, the 3rd highest peak in North America, and includes a detour to Sierra Negra, the highest road in Mexico (4600m). We’re still working on some changes and improvements, but as it stands, it’s a great tour. Surfaces are dirt, pavement, trails, along with some hike-a-bikes and ankle-deep dust to contend with too! Our original blog post, from when we researched this route, can be found here, and further insight into the area can be found here.

Best bikes and setups for riding these routes? See here for some ideas!

–