Herein, find important thought nuggets for those planning a bikepacking trip to Oaxaca – advice on following routes, camping beta, on-the-road hydration tactics, city water awareness, safety, appropriate bikes to bring on a trip to Oaxaca, and more. If any of the information slips out of date, please let me know.
Want to meet up? When I’m in town, I’m generally available for a local, early morning ride with our dog Huesos. Have a little space in your luggage? We’re grateful to anyone for bringing small parcels for us from the US or UK. And, if you have any leftovers in your camping gas bottles at the end of your trip, we’ll gladly take them off your hands!
Drop me a line via Instagram and I can share my What’s App, which is how most people communicate here.
Following established bikepacking routes and general route-finding
- Many of the dirt roads in the Oaxacan backcountry see little travel – a wave, a friendly greeting, and a roadside chat go a long way within the small communities. I’d really recommend slowing down and setting your sights on a more modest itinerary than you might usually expect on a bike tour, especially when striking out into less travelled terrain. These unique and personal encounters can become highlights of riding in the area, so I’d recommend allowing time for them to unfold.
- Following gpx files: Much of the riding in Oaxaca is on ejido land, particularly in the mountains. These are often run autonomously by close knit indigenous communities, centred around a set of laws known as “usos y costumbres“, and aim to protect valuable resources like forests and (increasingly) water. Similar to the suggestions above, wave or say hi to those you pass, and take the time to engage in conversations when you can. In many lesser travelled parts of Oaxaca, introducing yourself and explaining what you are doing is often appreciated, as well as opening doors to richer, more personal experiences. “Con permiso podemos pasar” is a polite expression that shows respect to those who live there and whose land you are crossing, as does opening conversations with the general greetings, ‘buenas dias and ‘buenas tardes’. Oaxaca has more municipalities governed by “usos y costumbres” than anywhere else in Mexico, and we’re becoming ever more aware of the impact, both subtle and overt, on bike touring here as we spend more time in the state. In sharing routes and ideas with other visitors to the state, we’d love everyone to be on the same page! Bear in mind that issues can arise between neighbouring communities, be they historic or temporary, causing unexpected road closures or regional tension. When in doubt, always check with the Municipio, ask for permission to ride through an area, pay any fees that are required (you’ll be given a receipt), and be sure to respect the wishes of any local landowners. Be prepared to detour if need be, as inconvenient as it might seem. Please remember that this is community land and it’s the community members who live and work here, whilst we’re just on a cycling holiday…
- Downloading regional maps: For the reasons listed above, be sure to download the surrounding maps of any route you’re following or have created, should you need to detour away from a gpx file. I’m a big fan of the Mapout app, as it’s easy to use, quick to download for offline use, and includes many dirt roads in the area. Unfortunately, it’s only available for iPhones. Maps.me is another good general mapping app into which you can load gpx files, in case your plans change on the fly.
- Original route finding: Much of the land in Oaxaca is community-owned. This means that roads whilst roads may exist on the ground, or on Googlemaps, they aren’t always ‘public’ – at least without permission, generally gained at the local Municipio. This is especially the case in the Sierra Norte and the Sierra Sur, where indigenous communities are close knit and can be very wary of outsiders. Flexible itineraries are recommended for this reason. Similarly to the above, introducing yourself and explaining what you are doing is recommended, as is heeding advice and avoiding certain villages if it’s recommended to you.
- Having a basic grasp of Spanish will make all the difference to your time in backcountry Oaxaca, as many of the places you’ll ride see few foreign visitors. Consider spending a few days or a week enjoying morning day rides and taking Spanish lessons in the afternoons, before embarking on a bigger tour. You can find some suggested day rides, all of which start in the city, here and here.
- Cell service: Depending on where you are headed, this can be very sporadic outside of main towns and cities, as is often only found along high ridges or at the top of passes. Be sure to download any important info you need before heading out on your trip. Some villages sell ‘fichas’ for internet access, but speeds and connections can be patchy.
When to go
- Best time of year: Oaxaca is a popular holiday destination throughout the year, with November to February considered the high season for overseas visitors. Bear in mind that during the dry season (November to May), dirt roads become increasingly dusty as the months progress, streams can run dry, and temperatures soar, especially in the Valles Centrales and down by the coast. By March and April, it’s sizzling hot and the landscape becomes increasingly dull and brown which makes it especially challenging for bike touring – I’d recommend avoiding those months or heading for the mountains. In contrast, the rainy season (mid-May to October) brings lush countryside and much more bearable midday riding temperatures, but expect heavy rain in the afternoon and nightly downpours. Good waterproofs or a poncho are a must. Thankfully, rain in the mountains of Oaxaca is rarely an all-day affair, unless there’s a storm system lingering on the Pacific coast or the Gulf of Mexico, in which case it can be rainy and overcast for a few days. All things considered, mid-October through January are probably my favourite times to ride here, as the landscape is still green, the heaviest rains have passed, and the temperatures aren’t yet oppressive. Within these months, November is perhaps the sweet post, and allows you to tie in a bikepacking trip with experiencing Día de Muertos (Nov 1-2). If this idea tempts you, be sure to book accommodation in advance as it’s especially busy over the week surrounding these dates (see below for more details).
- Dry season tips: Be prepared for high daytime temperatures (topping out at around 35c/95f in the city) and balmy nights. Humidity also increases towards the coast. Early starts are recommended, as is extra water capacity – at least 4-5 litres, depending on the route and time of year – and midday siestas are the way to go! A bandana can be useful, as the dirt roads can be very dusty when traffic passes, especially once the dry season is in full swing. I’d suggest heading for high country, where it’s considerably cooler, and sometimes there’s even a chance of rainfall. In terms of waterproofing, it’s still worth packing a lightweight waterproof jacket, as storms can still roll in.
- Rainy season tips: It’s worth bringing a poncho to wear around camp, which can double up for protecting your bike and its drivetrain from rusting at night. For the most part, the mountains drain well, but we’ve marked potential mud-clay trouble spots on routes that stick to the valleys. Rule of thumb: if it’s an area famous for pottery, it’s probably going to be bad! Storm systems aside, rains mostly come in the late afternoon or at night, so they don’t tend to get in the way of enjoying your days in the saddle. The rainy season has its charms, including epic skies, storm racing, and the chance to forage for mushrooms. The mountains can feel cold in the rainy season due to ambient humidity, so I recommend packing some extra layers. Mushrooms are most plentiful from July to September, though the season can extend into October and even November too. Check out Oaxacan mushroom guru Osvaldo Sandoval’s Instagram for ideas and inspiration.
- El Día de Muertos: Consider timing your trip around Oaxaca’s famous festival and ceremony, held in early November. Book accommodation in advance though, as the city is especially busy at that time of year and in the week leading up to it. Nearby Mitla and San Agustín Etla and also known to be interesting destinations for El Día de Muertos, and are less commercialised than the city scene.
Water in Oaxaca and hydration tactics on the road
- (Lack of) water in the city: Oaxaca’s population has far outgrown its infrastructure and the city has been experiencing a water crisis for a number of years. It’s very common for household to run out of their allotted city and you’ll often see big water trucks – pipas – deliver additional, paid water across town to make up for the shortfall. This water is often drawn from dwindling aquifers and it’s a situation that’s greatly exasperated by tourism and the thirsty hotel industry, so be extra mindful of your water use when using toilets and showers. Read this report for more info, whilst this podcast, by Today Explained, concerns similar woes in Mexico City. This is a very informative report about the impact of tourism on local water supply in Oaxaca, and generally on gentrification there.
- Tap water in the city isn’t for drinking; most hotels and Air B&Bs will supply water from big, reusable garrafones, or use a filtration system. Outside of the city, it’s always worth asking; in many mountain villages, the water is considered clean, and there are a number of springs in the Sierra Norte and the Sierra Sur which we drink from unfiltered. This said, if you’re coming from afar, it’s best to err on the side of caution and filter or boil water if in any doubt.
- To avoid buying single-use plastics, your best bet is to allow for 4l or more of H20 carrying capacity on your bike (depending on the time of year). You can source clean water in the mountains (use your filter to be on the safe side) and fill up your bottles/bladder from a garrafone when it villages and towns. Garrafones are generic, 20l water bottles and are available in many small stores throughout Mexico. They’re re-filled rather than recycled. You won’t need to buy the bottle itself – just explain to the storekeeper that it’s only the water that you’ll need, and you’ll be returning the bottle straight away – it should cost between 18-30 pesos per garrafone. This tactic works best with couples or as a group, but even as a solo rider, it’s way both more eco-friendly and more economical than buying smaller plastic bottles. You can also leave any leftover water in the bottle for the storekeeper.
- If you’re in a restaurant, you can ask to top up your bottles – it’s best to offer to pay if you’re filling a number of them, as this water will likely come from a garrafone. Otherwise, leave some extra pesos in your tip.
- Additionally, we’ll often order a big jarra de agua fresca (a fresh, watery juice), to keep us hydrated when having lunch in a restaurant. Or, we’ll opt for a soft drink from a glass bottle, as these are also reused.
- Bring some rehydration salts with you, especially in the dry season months when climbing into the mountains can be a sweatfest.
- I pack a 3L Hydrapak within my framebag and a water bottle or two on my handlebars, which keeps everything clean – and if you’re filling them up in a restaurant, they won’t have to deal with crud and dust! Nalgene/Klean Canteens work well under the downtube but they do tend to get dusty and dirty.

Decanting water from a 20l garrafone into the bottles and bladders you carry is both eco-friendly and economical.
Food
- Carry more than you think: I try and mark a number of eating options and stores on the various route maps but it’s not exhaustive in any way – you can easily research others on Googlemaps (download the area before you leave), depending on how much info you feel you need. Just be aware that places change and it’s likely that some will be closed when you pass, or they’ll be poorly stoked, or just have cookies and soft drinks… It’s easy to hit a town on a Sunday, or at lunchtime when it’s become a ghost town, for instance. Ultimately, I’d recommend carrying more than you think you’ll need to the next resupply spot, especially in the way of snacks, just to be sure. Plus, if the terrain is more challenging than you think, and progress is slower, you won’t go hangry!
- Dehydrated meals: As mentioned above, it’s easy enough to resupply locally as long as you have the capacity to carry a couple of days of food and snacks. However, I’d recommend bringing a few dehydrated meals from home too, particularly for mountain routes where resupply options are more limited, and packing light is key with all the big elevation changes. I’ve probably mentioned this before, but supplements like Nun tablets are good too.
What bike?
The best bike is the one you have! But if you have some choice in the matter, here are some distilled thoughts. For a deeper dive, head on over here.
- Mountain bikes: A rigid mountain bike or a hardtail (2.3″ to 2.6″ tyres) is likely your best steed for general riding in Oaxaca, due to the mixed terrain, the extended climbs, and the often steep grades. In short, there’s little you won’t be able to ride confidently if you’re aboard a mountain bike with a wide range drivetrain. Unless you’re hitting the big enduro trails in Ixtepeji, you won’t need more than a 100-130mm suspension fork, if any suspension at all. A drop bar bike with equivalent gearing and tyre size will work great too, but I do think a flat bar riding position lends itself to the more technical parts of some of the routes. If you’re riding one of the more singletrack-orientated day rides, a dropper post is highly recommended, as the trails can be very steep, loose, and rocky.
- For those aboard a gravel bike, I recommend running gearing that is comparable to that of a wide range mtb, fit the widest tyres your frame will fit (at least 2.1in and ideally 2.3in), and expect to be jostled around at times.
- If you have an older mtb to hand, fear not. Valley rides are perfect for vintage 26inchers, spares are easy to come by, and the more adventurous pilots can certainly tackle some of the trails too.
- Gearing: How low can you go? I tend to run 29 x 2.6in tyres for mountain touring in Oaxaca, with a 30t chainring and a 50t cassette. I’m grateful to have the low gears, and I rarely find myself spinning out at the top end. I’d suggest something similar, in the interests of preserving your knees and your high spirits!
- Tyres: I’m a big fan of the Vittorio Mezcals for general riding here, and not just because of the name! Their relatively fast rolling, the sidewalls are very stout, and they’re long lasting. I prefer to run a more aggressive tyre up front, but if you’re keeping to the mellower dirt road tours, double Mezcals is a good way to go. For mountain biking, however, you’ll want a much more aggressive combo. My trail bike is shod with a Specialized Butcher up front and a Maxxis Forekaster at the back. Trails can often be steep, loose and rocky, with some rootiness in the high country too.
- Punctures: Due to the number of goatheads and thorns in the area – especially in the valley – a tubeless setup is highly recommended. Sealant in inner tubes can work well too. Otherwise, be sure to bring lots of patches and patience! Sealant is readily available in the shops here… as are patches…
- Just go light: Whatever bike you choose, my main recommendation is to pack light and gear your setup low, as there’s lots of climbing to contend with in Oaxaca. The inclines are sometimes very steep, with pushing required.

A hardtail is a great option for bikepacking in Oaxaca, as is a rigid mountain bike, and for valley rides especially, a vintage MTB!
Packlists
- For my latest and greatest dry season packlist, see this post!
- For a dialled and minimal solo packlist, check this one out.
- For a more general packlist that I base my own trips on, see this post.
On a budget? You can also get by with relatively basic gear, thoughtful packing, and a simple, well-maintained bike with a suitable gear range. The roads are rarely so remote that you won’t see the odd car or pickup truck trundling by, temperatures aren’t so cold that you need specialist equipment and layers, and in a pinch, you can almost always find a spot to stay if the weather turns against you – so there’s no need to go down an expensive gear rabbit hole if you don’t want to. Here’s a fun example of a trip I shared with Chalino in Ixtepeji, in which he rode a locally purchased bike, ran homemade bags, and carried gear bought from local thrift stores!
Oaxaca is often either toasty hot or it’s raining! It rarely gets too cold, except in the mountains, which makes platform pedals and sandals a great choice for dirt road touring here.
Camping and layering

An enclosed tent wards of critters and condensation.
- Many of these routes use dispersed, non formal camping areas. Be discreet and out of view of the road, arrive late and leave early, and leave no trace. Never light a fire, particularly in the forest. Always ask for permission if you see anyone, if anyone sees you, or if you’re unsure in any way. I’ve marked which routes use paid camping sites and which use dispersed camping sites on the route page, and which are thus better suited to larger groups of riders.
- A fully enclosed tent is generally preferable in Oaxaca, due to an assortment of critters, black flies, and mosquitoes at different times of the year. Even in the dry season, there can be high levels of condensation when camping in the valley, and the mountains are often damp and misty. Plus, it’s good psychologically given the spiders and scorpions that you may be sharing your campsite with!
- Sleeping bags: Despite the high elevations of the Sierra Norte, it’s rare for temperatures to drop below freezing. This said, it can feel surprisingly chilly at 3000m, especially if rain is in the forecast, or when the clouds roll in, so I recommend bringing a 0-5c bag and having extra layers on hand, or choosing a -5c bag if you’re a cold sleeper or expecting damp conditions. Packing a sleeping bag liner is useful too. Use it to supplement your quilt when needed, or by itself at lower elevations, particularly as you drop down to the coast and the evenings are humid and balmy. For bikepacking routes that stay in the valleys, you’ll likely be fine with a summer quilt, though there can be some cold snaps, even in the dry season, so a liner is handy to have too. Bear in mind that beautiful woolly hats and socks can be bought locally, which will keep you warm and stylish!
- Spikey things: Given that much of Oaxaca is very much desert-like and abundant in spikey things, a Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite style pad, in addition to your normal sleeping pad, is a great idea. A ground sheet will help protect your pad, and minimise the chance of punctures.
- Layers: If you’re headed into the mountains, whether it’s the Sierra Norte or the Sierra Sur (in the dry or the rainy season), it’s worth having a puff jacket in your bags, whether it’s down or synthetic, along with a beanie or woolly hat. Likewise, sleeping thermals are nice to have, if only to ensure you always have a dry layer after a rainy day. Other than that, it’s very much down to personal preference, though anyone who gets cold hands should consider thin gloves.
- Waterproofs: I tend to pack a windbreaker and a light waterproof in the dry season, as occasional storms can roll through, and bring full-on waterproofs in the midst of the rainy season. We find that ponchos work great for around camp, and can double up as bike covers to protect drivetrains from rusting, or as a tent groundsheet.
- Footware: For general touring and day rides in Oaxaca, I’m a big fan of riding in sandals and platform pedals, be it in the dry or season. If you’re tackling one of the more techy bikepacking routes, closed shoes are more appropriate, due to all the roots, rocks, and spikey things.
- Stoves and camping fuel: Given that tasty and affordable food is easy to find in Oaxaca, it’s relatively easy to ditch your stove, for those who prefer to travel light. However, I always pack a stove for maximum camping vibes, morning coffee, and more flexibility. If you’re running an alcohol stove, ask for alcohol industrial in a tlapaleria, where it’s often available to buy in bulk (approx 40 pesos per litre). Otherwise, hardware stores (ferreterias) can be a good option too. Alternatively, alcohol pura (typically sugar cane, look for the 96° one, often with a red cap) can be found in many pharmacies and tiendas, though it’s a bit more expensive and doesn’t always burn as well – we’ve come across a number of stubborn batches that are probably mislabelled, so test it before you head out on a trip.
- Buying denatured alcohol and compressed camping gas Oaxaca City: We procure our denatured alcohol from a small tlapaleria next to a paleteria (ice cream parlour) behind the Zocalo – find it on googlemaps here. You can buy compressed camping gas bottles in the city which will likely last you your trip. The shop is called La Gran Montaña – and it’s on Miguel Hidalgo. As far as I know, there’s nowhere to recycle these bottles locally unfortunately. If you’re after high-end camping gear, this is your place – prices are a bit higher than the US, but there’s a good selection of gear in case you’ve forgotten anything.
Safety
- Safety whilst bikepacking: Generally speaking, the state of Oaxaca is a safe place to travel. However, it’s always worth seeking up-to-date information, checking in with valley and mountain communities for local issues, and taking the usual travel precautions – be discreet with your money, don’t flash an expensive phone or camera around, and camp out of eyesight. Plenty of visitors bike tour and day ride solo, but it’s worth pointing out that the very few robberies that I know of have involved solo riders rather than those travelling in pairs or small groups; I’ve marked known instances on the routes post and here.
- Safety in the city: Unfortunately, there’s been increasing reports of robberies in and around the city Oaxaca de Juárez, both in the city centre at night and on a few of the local trails during the day. If you’re out late, take a taxi home. In terms of riding, hiking, and running, be especially mindful in Cerro del Fortín, the cross at Torre de Microondas, and the very top of the Libramento Norte (before the road drops down in Viguera, as used by some of our bikepacking routes and day rides into the Etla Valley). Keep an eye out and don’t linger; find a map of these areas and other important recommendations pertaining to safety here.
- Bike safety: Out on the road, most restaurants are amendable to bikes being brought inside or being left within eyeshot. Theft is rarely an issue in the pueblos and I personally don’t carry a lock on my trips here. At most, I’ll lash our bikes together at camp, or make them awkward and noisy to grab in the night. Within the city, however, it’s becoming more of a problem. I’d recommend leaving your bike in your hotel and walking around the city, to save having to haul around a stout lock. Unfortunately, I’ve occasionally heard of a few people having stuff taken from inside framebags when bikes are locked up on the street.
- What out for topes! Aka speedbumps. Mexico has more speedbumps per head than anywhere I’ve ever cycled, and some of them are very steep! They can sneak up in the shadows and throw you off your bike, especially if you’re looking down and scrolling through your IG feed (-; The inverted tope is a more rare breed, but arguably more lethal as they’re harder still to see.
- Driving: I’m relatively critical of drivers in general and I’d say Mexican drivers are more patient than most, at least when caught behind you on a narrow countryside road. However, city drivers are very distracted and more impatient, and prone to leaving indicators on for no clear reason, or even using hazard lights to announce the intention of doing ‘something’. Could be a turn, could be a full stop!
- Dogs: Mexico is overrun with street dogs and you can expect to find them loitering and lounging in the shade in Oaxacan towns and villages. Some of them are more vocal than others at niht, so bring earplugs when camping! Most are relatively mellow, especially in the heat of the day, but invariably there are always a number who like nothing more than to take up chase, some more aggressively than others. To fend them off, we’ve found the best practice is to either stop, pick up a rock, and pretend to throw it, or make a sharp, loud ‘tzztzztzz’ sound. This is what the locals do and it stops them in their tracks.
- If you get bitten: Although very rare, we’ve heard of a few bikepackers who have been bitten. Clean the wound well with soapy water or iodine, and bandage it to keep it free of dirt, especially if you’re out on a trip. We recommend going to a pharmacy as soon as you can and explaining the situation – they will likely suggest a short course of antibiotics. Alternatively, many towns have health centres that you can visit for a small fee. Thankfully, there hasn’t been a case of canine rabies for a number of years – see this article for more details – but if in any doubt, consider taking post exposure treatment nonetheless.
- If you’re a dog lover and would like to help out, there are a number of dog shelters in the area, including Caravana Canina and Friends of Megan, both of which can help with the logistics of adopting an Oaxacan dog. If you’d like to help financially, you can also take part in Caravana Canina’s hikes with rescue dogs, in conjunction with Coyote tours.
- Bugs and snakes: There can be mosquitos, black flies, and occasionally poison ivy, so pack some Benadryl if you’re sensitive to any of these. We’ve spotted a number of brown recluse spiders and scorpions, as well as rattlesnakes and corral snakes, so an enclosed tent is recommended.
Money matters
- Try and break 500 peso notes into small bills in one of Oaxaca’s banks, or a supermarket, before heading into the backcountry, as small stores and restaurants will have trouble changing them.
- Generally speaking, bring all your cash with you. Beyond towns like Ocotlán and Mitla, ATMs are few and far between, and sometimes they run out or are broken.
Staying in Oaxaca de Juárez
- I don’t have any particular recommendations for places to stay, as there are so many, and it’s very dependent on personal budget and the time of year that you are visiting – places get especially busy around the main holidays, like Dia de los Muertos, Christmas, and Easter. However, Booking.com is a good place start looking, as most places are listed there. Jalatlaco is a popular area that’s very centrally located, and Xochimilco is another good base. Otherwise, look for options further afield, such as Las Cascadas or Guadeloupe Victoria, if you prefer to be away from the main hubub. For longer term options, Facebook seems to be the best option, or negotiating a longer let with an Air B&B host.
Getting here by bus and plane
- Bus: Oaxaca is a six-hour bus ride away from Mexico City. ADO is a recommended bus company and the station is right in town. If you’re taking a night bus, treat yourself to the Platinum service for maximum shut eye. There’s generally plenty of room for a bike or two (no extra charge, though a tip is always appreciated); we remove the front wheel and drop the seat post, so make our bikes as compact as possible, and possible to store upways. The views are great if you go by day (the route crosses the Reserva de la Biósfera Tehuacán-Cuicatlán) but consider a night bus for more efficient use of your time.
- Flights: Volaris, AeroMexico, and a number of other airlines fly to Oaxaca via Mexico City or Guadalajara. There are some direct flights to LA, too. There’s less chance of your bike getting lost if you choose a direct flight. If it has a connection, make sure it’s not too rushed. If you have an iPhone, I think it’s a good idea to pop an Air Tag in there, just to be on the safe side. Airlines invariably have different bike policies – cost/size/weight – so always check ahead. I like to travel with a compact bicycle bag – like the Tardis from Ground Effect – as it fits into smaller taxis and is easier to store in a hotel or hostel.
- Transportation to and from the airport: Depending on the size of your bike boxes or bags, it’s likely to cost between 350 and 500 pesos for a taxi from the airport into town – for 2 to 3 people with bikes. You can buy tickets (cash or card) for the official airport taxis when you arrive (the office is just by the exit) and it’s all regulated – you’ll either be charged for Zone 1 or Zone 2, depending on your hotel. There’s no Uber in Oaxaca, and Didi (see below) isn’t allowed to pick up travelers. If you have a compact bike bag (like the Ground Effect Tardis, see above), you can likely fit it into the collectivo minibus, which drops its passengers off at their various destinations (140-160 pesos per person, depending on the zone). If you have big boxes, you’ll be assigned your own minibus-style taxi, and it will cost more. Note that there are also a number of ATMs at the airport – we find Santander the most reliable. For your return, download the Didi App on your phone and book a taxi (you can pay the driver in cash directly, which is preferred, or by card). These are the yellow taxis that you see around town – most drivers are fairly creative and can fit a bike bag/box or two, depending on their sizes. A standard taxi back to the airport tends to cost around 200-230 pesos, depending on the time of day. Otherwise, arrange a shuttle through your hotel, guesthouse, or Air B&B. To arrange a van suitable for larger numbers of riders with big boxes, Taxi Oaxaca may be able to help (+52 1 951 200 6878).
Health
- If you hurt yourself, Hospital Reforma, just a few blocks away from Santo Domingo, is a good private hospital that works with insurance companies like AXA. Even if you’re paying out of pocket, the prices are reasonable. If it’s something minor, there are a number of small clinics that offer very affordable care across the city. We’ve had good experiences visiting the Centro de Salud in Xochimilco (59 Dr. Gilberto Bolaños Cacho).
A.J. Kamish
12 September 2023 at 6:10 pm
Hey Cass – I’ll be riding the Grand Dirt Tour route (with an add-on down to Zipolite on the coast) in November and we’re stoked!
I’m seeking some insight about temps/sleeping bags if you wouldn’t mind sharing some insight.
Looking at weather averages would have me believe that it doesn’t get too cool at night, even higher up in places like San Jose del Pacifico and throughout the mountainous parts of the route. I’d like to get by with a super light and small 50 degree bag… but I’m skeptical with elevation.
Any thoughts on temps and the right sleeping bag rating for this route in November?
Thanks!
Cass
18 September 2023 at 10:26 am
Hi A J. That route doesn’t stay up in the mountains for too long, so you can likely get by with a lightweight summer quilt and sleeping in your clothes if needed – or buying some additional warm socks (bought locally in San Jose del Pacifico!). Otherwise, a thin silk liner can be useful, as it can double up for sleeping at lower elevations, too.
This said, my favourite riding in the area is the Sierra Norte, so if you end up heading into the mountains for a longer period of time, I think it’s worth having a bag/quilt that will comfortably take you down to around 5c. Although it can get chilly up at 3000m, it rarely drops below freezing.
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