LOCAL TRAILS

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there are areas around Oaxaca City where it’s best to tread extra carefully – both in the city centre at night and along a few of the local trails during the day.

It’s a while since I’ve heard of any instances of theft, but still, in terms of riding, hiking, and running in areas close to the city, be mindful in the following areas:

• Cerro del Fortín
• The cross at the Torre de Microondas
• The wall (El Muro) dividing the communities along Libramento Norte, before the road drops down to Viguera on the other side. Note that this road is used by some of our bikepacking routes and day rides into the Etla Valley, so it’s best travelled in a group.

I’ve marked pins for three areas on this map.

My advice? Be especially aware of your surroundings in these areas. If it’s a day trip to hike, run, or bike, try not to go solo, and aim to visit when they’re likely to be more busy – before 9am or so – leaving your money and phone in your guesthouse. The robberies aren’t targetted towards visitors as such, just anyone with a phone or with visible earbuds. Very occasionally, bikes have been taken along the Libramento Norte too, by guys on motorbikes.

IN THE CITY

If you’re out late, take a taxi home, or at least keep to busy and well-lit streets. In the years I’ve been here, I’ve heard about a number of assaults in touristy parts of the city.

A few bikepackers have asked about leaving their bikes locked up around town. I’ve never left my bike unattended or out of sight and would advise you to do the same, as it does seem that bike theft is on the increase.

Most establishments, like coffee shops or restaurants, will find room to stash a bike or two, or I leave mine at home, as the city is small enough to explore on foot.

OUTSIDE THE CITY

Outside of Oaxaca, the countryside and the mountains have been historically very safe, especially compared to other states in Mexico. Still, if you’re camping in non-official, dispersed spots, I advise arriving late in the afternoon and camping out of sight of the road, or asking for permission from a landowner or with the local community.

Over the few years that I’ve been here, I have heard of a few instances when bikes or possessions have been taken by force from riders out on day rides, by men on motorbikes.

The most recent was north of Santa Martha Chichihualtepec in the Ejutla area, in late 2024 and involved a solo rider out on a day ride.

In Jan 2025, two men on a motor bike tried to hold up a bikepacking couple heading to Puerto Escondido, outside of Le Pa. The completion of the autopista to the coast has created significant unrest in the communities through which is passes.

Whilst isolated, I wouldn’t want to downplay such occurrences. Riding in a pair or a small group is likely to be your safest bet. And as a general rule of thumb, avoid travelling at night – I’ve heard this in particular in reference to Miahuatlán and its surroundings. If you’re cycling into the city in the dark for some reason, take main roads rather than the small dirt ones.

Additionally, being low-key with phones and cameras is always a good idea. Similarly, it’s best to keep small change handy, rather than pulling out a big wad of notes from your wallet, when you’re making a purchase.

If you’re concerned in any way, I would consider the Sierra Juarez, and particularly the villages that make up the Pueblos Mancomunados, to be particularly safe and delightful to tour through, due to their low impact tourism program that provides food and low cost camping. It’s also an alliance that has proved very successful in protecting the area from the illegal extraction of timber.