Herein, find a body of routes in Oaxaca (and 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. The routes that I enjoy putting together and sharing are invariably be of a dirt road or trail persuasion, so an appropriate bike, and thoughtful packing, are important. 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. 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, and mountain fitness.

I’ll load them all into a RideWithGPS Collection at some point. Alternatively, load them into your own RWGPS Collection to help connect and create your own routes in the area, depending on your interests and timeframe. Or, import them into a phone app like Mapout, another handy way of seeing them all in one place, offline, for on-the-fly changes.

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. If you’re planning to follow any of these routes or put together your own, it’s well worth reading the Important Info for Bikepacking in Oaxaca post, as all of these routes can be subject to change, due to the nature of riding in this state.

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!

CORE 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: 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. As well as leading riders into areas largely bereft of tourism, it incorporates several classic sights in the Mitla valley, like a visit to the textile town of Teotitlan del Valle and the archeological site of Dainzu. Expect mixed quality dirt roads throughout, with little pavement, and some steep grades that might well have you pushing. Should you want to peel off from San Jose Del Pacifico and ride to the Pacific coast, consider this route – you can then bus back and resume the ride. Permutations abound. 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.

Vuelta de los Pueblos Mancomunados

Website link: 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). Note that for the core Vuelta, there are access fees to pay in San Miguel del Valle and Cuajimaloyas. As of 2024, you’ll need a guide to El Carizal too, which can be organised in San Miguel del Valle, though it’s possible this restriction will be lifted in the future.

Vuelta de Santiago Apoala

Website link: 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. You can read the blog post about our experiences researching this route here. Time to spare? Use the Vuelta de Santiago Apoala as a connector to access the Ojos de Cuicatlan route below.

Ojos de Cuicatlan

Website link: https://bikepacking.com/routes/tcbr-sur/

• This 3-4 day loop is also 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.

Meandros en Mitla

Website link: 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.

Hebras de Ixtepji

Website link: 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. Consider spending an extra day in the area, and riding additional trails like this. Note that there are access and camping fees to pay at La Mesita and Ixtepeji.
• 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.

Micro Vuelta de la Sierra Norte

Website link: 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.
• 2024 Update. Check in San Agustin Etla for news on road construction. In April, one rider reported an issue with a logging truck driver too.

Oaxaca Escondida

Website link: https://bikepacking.com/routes/oaxaca-puerto-escondido/

• This classic ride connects Oaxaca city to the Pacific coast and takes 2-3 days. It’s mostly dirt, though it does have 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, use this Mitla Connector to see some of the fabulous Mitla Valley cultural sights before leaving Oaxaca.
• 2024 update: The autopista has now been completed between Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido, making for a quick and easy return to Oaxaca.

Trans-Mexico Bikepacking Route

Website link: https://bikepacking.com/routes/trans-mexico-norte/

Website link: 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. They’re challenging classics, by all accounts!

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 Eco Overnighter

Website link: 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 cabana options. If you stay in a cabana, this would be a good one to tackle on a rental bike, requiring little more than some small panniers or a backpack. The claim is sizeable, but it’s a manageable ride nonetheless. Expect mixed quality dirt roads, with a few rougher sections.

Excursiones en Etla Overnighter

Website link: 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 stay in a hotel or B&B, this would be a good one to do on a rental bike. Expect mixed-quality dirt roads, with some singletrack options.

Mil Rios Overnighter

Website link: 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 up to Benito Juárez, and a primo, rowdy singletrack – Mil Rios – to get back down. For maximum fun times, consider staying in a cabana in the Centro Ecotruristico, as you’ll be able to pack extra light. Expect mixed quality dirt and technical trails. 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. A hardtail with a dropper is the best tool for the job! Addionally, 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!

Cruz de La Peña Overnighter

Website 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 sunset of 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. 100 pesos per person to camp, pay at the Centro Ecoturistico San Pablo Etla (La Mesita). There’s lots of techy singletrack, so a hardtail with a dropper post is best. For views of the plant life on the side hike, see here. Expect mixed quality dirt roads and technical singletrack.

La Reina and Llano Carreta Overnighter

Website link: 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 at the end. Pack light, or consider staying in one of the dormitorios or cabanas at Ixtepeji. There’s an access to pay in Huayapam for riding La Reina. Expect dirt roads, steep grades, and technical singletrack (black graded).

Mitla Lux Overnighter

Website link: 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 – now 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 in Mitla too. This would be a good one to do on a rental bike, just be wary of thorns and goatheads. Terrain-wise, it’s mixed-quality dirt roads.

Hierve El Agua Overnighter

Website 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.

OTHER LOCAL BIKEPACKING ROUTE VARIATIONS

The ideas are variations on a theme; ways of turning existing sections of routes into other routes.

La Mesita, Ixtepeji, and Huayapam on Dirt

Website 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. Expect mixed-quality dirt roads, with steep grades out of La Mesita. Access and camping fees to pay at La Mesita and Huayapam.
• 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.

Doble Mirador on Dirt (anti-clockwise)

Website link: 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)

Website 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 loops you can do in Ixtepeji. I’d recommend riding Puma, Carbonera, and OlaHaiwana for starters! This loop takes in Puma, Carbonera, and Jabali, another fun trail.
• 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.

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 – CDMX to Oaxaca City

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

• The Tour to Frankie is a tough gravel race, following routes that changes yearly. The one linked above was held in 2022 and runs from Mexico City to Oaxaca City, whilst the 2023 LTdF ends in Puerto Escondido. 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.

Tehuacan to Oaxaca

Website 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

Website 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

Website 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

Website 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: 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: 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!

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