Experience the ultimate mountain bike tour on the Oaxaca MTB TOUR!
Nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains, Oaxaca has everything a mountain biker could dream of!
From fast and flowy hand-built trails, to moderate to advanced tech on 1,000-year old agricultural footpaths, and plenty of optional features, Oaxaca is the ultimate mountain biking experience!
Oaxaca also offers a rich and unparalleled cultural experience, as home to more than 24 different indigenous peoples, colorful markets, historic monuments, picturesque churches, archaeological sites, colonial buildings, and some of the best regional cuisine in Mexico.
It’s no wonder that Oaxaca is emerging as a top destination for mountain biking!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Finish everyday’s mountain bike ride with the best meal of your life!
Descend down hand-built trails and thousand year old agricultural footpaths
Sleep in the verdant pine-oak forest of the Sierra Madre Mountains
Visit a 6-generation old mezcal distillery and taste up 20 different types of mezcals
Discover a different side of Mexico on this Mountain Bike Tour Mexico
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
- You are an Intermediate+ to Advanced mountain biker with an Enduro/All-mountain bike.
- You’re into riding both hand-built and natural trails, with some tech and optional features.
- You’ll enjoy getting off-the-beaten track and immersing yourself in the local culture and cuisine
Oaxaca MTB TOUR
with MTB Experience
Date
Nov 9 – 16, 2024
Price:
From $2,395
Ability:
Fitness:
Duration:
8 Days / 7 Nights
Total Distance:
105km / 75mi
Total Descent:
10,500m /35,000 ft
HOW TO BOOK
DEPOSIT: $500 due at booking
FINAL PAYMENT: Due 60 days prior to departure
PAYMENT ACCEPTED: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX, debit, PayPal, Venmo, cash, Western Union, or bank transfer
READY TO BOOK: Click BOOK NOW or contact Julie at +1 707-799-9609 or julie@twowheelepix.com
TRIP ITINERARY
Welcome to Oaxaca!
Upon arrival at Oaxaca International Airport, our 2Wheel staff will welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation.
After building your bike (we will help!), join fellow travelers and 2Wheel guides at an evening orientation meeting (~7:00pm).
If you arrive early, we suggest immersing yourself in the magic of Oaxaca City.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Oaxaca
- Meals: None
After a stunning market breakfast, we begin our fist epic day of biking.
The mountains of Oaxaca are named after their 1st indigenous president. Today we honor the indigenous cultures by arriving at their sacred lookout and then descending over 4,500ft down a 2,000 year old trail that takes into the Oaxaca Valley. You will arrive at the worlds oldest tree in the town Tule, known for its art, food, culture and of course the world’s oldest tree.
Following a traditional Oaxaca lunch, pedal (mostly flat and DH) back to Oaxaca City.
- Distance: 50 km / 35 miles
- Ascent: 125 m / 350 ft
- Descent: 2000 m / 6,500ft
- Accommodation: Hotel in Oaxaca
- Meals Included: B, L, Snacks
Today we leave Oaxaca City and head to La Cumbre Ixtepeji, home of the Epic Oaxaca Enduro, an EWS Qualifier, for the three days of amazing riding.
In the past decade, Oaxaca’s mountain biking scene has exploded, with the 10,000 ft Ixtepeji mountain serving as its heart. Blanketed by verdant pine-oak cloud forests with soft, loamy soil at higher elevations, and arid, desert-like terrain at lower levels, Ixtepeji has something to offer for all riders. From fast and flowy, to jumps and features, to rooty, to steep, loose, and chunky, the trails at Ixtepeji are truly epic!
After our day of exploration, we make ourselves at home in the charming cabanas at Ixtepeji, and eco-lodge nestled in the heart of Ixtepeji’s lush trails and forest.
- Distance: 14.4 km / 9 miles
- Ascent: 125 m / 350 ft
- Descent: 2400m / 8000ft
- Accommodation: Cabanas at Ixtepeji
- Meals Included: B, L, D, Snacks
This morning, don’t miss the chance to rise early and hike to a breathtaking viewpoint where you can witness an unforgettable sunrise over Oaxaca’s cloud forests. Completely optional, but we highly recommend you don’t miss this!
Today we have an entire day to explore more of Ixtepeji’s magical trails. Choose to re-ride some of the trails we explored yesterday or tackle some of the bigger and more technical MTB trails of Oaxaca. Or both!
Tonight we stay another night in the charming cabanas at Ixtepeji.
- Distance: 20 km / 13 miles
- Ascent: 125 m / 350 ft
- Descent: 2,750 m / 9,000ft
- Accommodations: Cabanas at Ixtepeji
- Meals Included: B, L, D, Snacks
Today we’re taking on the epic Ixtepeji to Oaxaca City Traverse! Beginning at the top of Ixtepeji, we’ll begin the the most incredible descent of the trip, featuring three separate downhill trails, two hike-a-bikes and one 45-minute climb. Covering over 20 miles and 6,500 feet of vertical downhill, this trail is beyond epic. Our descent will take us straight into Oaxaca City, marking the ultimate end to an unforgettable epix journey.
After lunch, settle back into our hotel in Oaxaca City. Take the evening to unwind or venture out to explore the vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene of Oaxaca!
- Distance: 10.2 km / 8 miles
- Ascent: 125 m / 350 ft
- Descent: 2000 m / 6,500ft
- Accommodation: Hotel in Oaxaca
- Meals Included: B, L, Snacks
- Accommodation: Hotel in Oaxaca
- Meals Included: B, L, Snacks
As our Oaxaca MTB vacation draws to a close, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to this charming and picturesque city. Oaxaca truly is a magical place, bursting with breathtaking art, farm-fresh culinary delights, and above all, warm-hearted locals. We want you to experience the heart of Oaxaca during your trip and make the most of your remaining time here!
Today we spend the morning exploring Oaxaca’s famous street-art-filled neighborhoods. These beautiful murals depict Zapotec and Mixtec folklore, and also shed light on contemporary issues of Oaxaca and Mexico. This tour is an opportunity to unify your experiences into a vibrant tapestry.
After lunch, we head back out on our mountain bikes to shred down local Oaxacan Lunch laps on the city trails!
Tonight enjoy one final night on the town in Oaxaca.
- Distance: 20 km / 15 miles
- Ascent: 125 m / 350 ft
- Descent: 1000 m / 3,000ft
- Accommodation: Hotel in Oaxaca
- Meals Included: B, L, Snacks
Today we say adios and transfer you to the Oaxaca International Airport for your departure home.
The 2Wheel Epix team will happily assist you with packing your bike if needed.
- Meals: B
price breakdown
- 5 days of fantastic singletrack mountain biking in 3 different locations
- 7 nights of accommodation (2 nights cabañas and 5 nights hotel)
- Airport arrival and departure transfers (if arriving on Day 1 and departing on Day 8)
- All ground transportation during trip, including ride shuttles
- 7 breakfast, 6 lunches, 2 dinners. Meals are a mix gourmet restaurant dining to home-cooked meals.
- Ride snacks and purified water in the shuttle
- Experienced local bilingual guides guides (1 guide per 4 riders) and driver
- Park entrance fees for all ride days
- Guided tour of mezcal distillery (including tasting fees) OR guided tour of the astounding Monte Alban Ruins (including entrance fee and local guide)
- 24-hour attention and support
- 2Wheels bike jersey
- Airfare
- Trip insurance
- Mountain bike and gear
- Tips to guides (suggested 5%-15% of trip cost)
- Bike rental (if needed)
- Meals not listed as included.
- Items not listed in the “included” list
RIDE DETAILS
- 5 DAYS of fantastic singletrack mountain biking in 3 different locations
- SHUTTLE RIDES with minimal climbing (avg 350 of ascent per trail)
- PER DAY: Descend an avg of 7,000 vertical ft and 13 mi
- PER TRIP: Descend an avg 35,000+ vertical feet and 60 mi
- ABILITY:
- FITNESS:
- Very friendly for Intermediate+ riders looking to level up their riding.
- Also very fun for Advanced riders!
- All rides are no-drop and trails can be ridden at your own pace.
- Large diversity of trails, ranging from blue to black diamond
- Mix of hand-built trails and old agricultural paths
- Fast and flowy to moderate/advanced tech, with roots and rock gardens
- Some steeper sections and long ridgelines
- Natural and manmade optional features, including jumps, drops, and rock rolls
- Bringing your own bike is the best option.
- Ideal bike is an acoustic Enduro or All Mountain bike, with 140-160mm of travel.
- Limited acoustic bike rentals are available in Oaxaca.
- E-bike rentals are available for $150/day.
LOGISTICS & FAQS
Start & Finish City:
Oaxaca City, Mexico
Arrival & Departure Airport:
Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)
AIRPORT TRANSFER: An arrival airport transfer is included if arriving on Day 1. The airport-to-hotel travel time ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
ARRIVAL TIME: Please try to arrive in time for a 7pm Welcome Meeting. No other activities are scheduled for this day.
ARRIVING EARLY. If you would like to arrive before Day 1, we can book extra nights at our hotel.
DEPARTURE TRANSFER: A departure airport transfer included if departing on Day 8.
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS: If you would like to stay longer in Oaxaca, please let us know. We can book extra night accommodation or arrange for other activities.
PASSPORT: A valid passport with at least 6 months validity is required.
VISAS: US passport holders do not need a visa, but checking visa requirements is solely your responsibility. Contact the Mexican consulate or embassy for more info. USA passport holders click here.
COVID: Currently, there are no Covid-19-related entry or exit requirements. For up-to-date information, please check here.
MEDICAL/EVACUATION: Travel medical insurance is REQUIRED & must be provided prior to travel.
Your policy must cover medical expenses abroad, evacuation, and repatriation. Most domestic insurance policies DO NOT cover these requirements.
Ensure your travel medical policy covers mountain biking, as it may be an excluded activity.
Strongly consider opting for trip insurance that covers trip cancellations, interruptions, delays and loss/damage of personal effects, to ensure a worry-free and enjoyable trip.
We recommend World Nomads or Travel Guard.
HOTEL (5 nts):
Our Oaxaca City hotel is centrally-located, and walking distance to restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Rooming is double (1 big bed) or twin-share (2 single beds).
CABANA (2 nts):
The cabanas in Ixtepeji are located in remote ecolodge. Rooming is twin-share (2 beds), triple-share (3 beds) or quad-share (4 beds), depending on cabana availability. Single rooms are not available.
All accommodation has secure storage for bikes, gear, and personal items.
A Single Supplement for hotel nights is $375, subject to availability. Please request at the time of booking.
Solo travelers that do not book the single supplement will be paired with a roommate of the same gender.
MEALS INCLUDED:
7 breakfast, 6 lunches, 2 dinners.
Ride snacks and purified water in the shuttle
RESTAURANTS: Our accommodation serves breakfast. We’ll visit local restaurants for lunches & dinners, enjoying fantastic local cuisine & homemade specialties. 2Wheel Guides will also coordinate or provide recommendations for dinners that aren’t included in your itinerary.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: Dietary requirements? No problem! All meals can be changed super easily. Let us know when you book.
Private minibus and driver stay with your group for the entire trip.
Minimum of 1 professional, local, bilingual 2Wheel MTB Guide per 4 travelers.
Your safety, health, and happiness are our priority. All 2Wheel Guides have least 3+ years of experience and Wilderness First Aid training. In addition to our 2Wheel Guides, each location has local guides. Our team provides round-the-clock support during your trip.
CURRNECY: Mexican Pesos MEX
The exchange rate is about USD $1 = MEX $17.
CASH/ATMs: Cash is used for most purchases. ATMs offer the best exchange rates for withdrawing the local currency. ATMs are widely available, but can sometimes be down for a day or two. Bring some MEX or carry several days’ worth of cash..
CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS: Tourist businesses in Oaxaca and larger towns generally accept credit and debit cards, but some may put a surcharge.
SPENDING MONEY: Budget appropriately for items like dinners not included, shopping, drinks, laundry, optional activities, and more. We recommend around $150-$300 per person (excluding Guide Team Gratuity). You know your spending habits best!
Oaxaca has a comfortable sub-tropical climate year-round.
Nov-Mar is the dry winter, with pleasant days (60s-80s) and colder nights (40-50F).
Higher elevations, like Ixtepeji, can be significantly colder than Oaxaca City
At 2Wheel Epix, we work hard as a team to provide the ultimate mountain biking experience.
If you receive exceptional service and your guides have contributed to an enjoyable trip, please consider tipping them. It’s not customary for everyone, but it’s highly appreciated in the guiding industry.
A typical gratuity is 5-15% of your trip price per person, usually equivalent to USD $120-$360 in the local currency for a USD $2,400 trip.
Tip the Lead Guide, and they’ll divide it among the team.
On this trip, the altitude varies between 1,533 m / 5,102 ft (Oaxaca City) and 3,050m / 10,000 ft (Ixtepeji summit).
This trip emphasizes gradual acclimatization, but if you’re worried about altitude, consider arriving a day or two early.
CELL SERVICE: Available throughout Oaxaca City, but spotty in the mountains. Stay connected abroad by adding international travel to your plan for continuous cell and internet service.
WIFI: All accommodation has WiFi, but it may be slow or only available at certain times.
MAIN LUGGAGE: 40-50L suitcase or duffel bag
DAILY GEAR: Small duffel bag for change of clothes; hydration backpack or hip pack for rides.
BIKE: Bike travel bag or box
The packing and gear list will be provided upon booking.
Laundry is available in Oaxaca City.
Laundry is not available in Ixtepeji.
Check the CDC (www.cdc.gov/travel) or WHO (www.who.int/travel-advice) for recommended or required vaccines and general travel health guidance. Or consult a travel health specialist in person or online.
A 2Wheel Guide will accompany you during included activities, but you are responsible for any actions, food, water, people, or transportation you encounter in free time. 2Wheel Epix accepts no responsibility for such activities or other tour operators.
Check your government’s travel advice website for the latest information before departing & ensure your insurance covers your destinations and activities. US travelers check here.
Note that your 2Wheel Guides may change or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if necessary for safety reasons.
Our itineraries are based on accurate local knowledge from our highly-experienced and trustworthy team. Keep in mind that weather, local conditions, public holidays, or other factors may cause itinerary changes – but our 2Wheel Guides will keep you informed every step of the way.
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