Las Guacamayas Bike Ride

About the Ride

Las Guacamayas Bike Ride is an advanced mountain cycling experience in Oaxaca. The route follows a mountain road with a long sustained climb, high-altitude sections, forest scenery, and a long descent back toward the start. This ride is for experienced cyclists who are comfortable climbing, descending, and riding for about 2 hours on a demanding route. Your guide may be Emily, Juan, Luis Fabian, or Mane, depending on the date and availability.

The Las Guacamayas route climbs through the area around Ecoturismo Arroyo Guacamaya, a community ecotourism project in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca. The area belongs to the municipality of Teococuilco de Marcos Pérez, in the district of Ixtlán de Juárez. It sits about one hour from Oaxaca City, accessed through the federal highway 190 via Villa de Etla and San Miguel Etla.

The ecotourism site is known for its pine forests, mountain views, a waterfall called Novia Mía, community-managed trails, and trout from local farms. Oax Sport also offers a running tour in this same area. See the Guacamaya Trail run page for the hiking and trail running version of this route.

• Distance: About 30 km total
• Route Type: Out-and-back mountain ride
• Surface: Cemented mountain road and paved sections
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,500 m+
• Altitude: About 1,671 m at the start, with a high point near 2,836 m
• Duration: About 4 hours total, including transportation, ride time, and return transfer
• Ride Time: About 2 hours for strong cyclists, adjusted to pace and conditions
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Best For: Experienced cyclists with strong climbing fitness
• Not Recommended For: Beginners, casual riders, or guests without mountain cycling experience
• Support: Guide and support vehicle included
• Pickup: We pick you up from your accommodation in Oaxaca City and return you after the ride.
• Included: Guide, support vehicle, accommodation pickup, and return transportation
• Route Highlights: Sustained climb, pine forest, mountain views, cool high-altitude sections, and a long descent back toward the start

The elevation gain, altitude, and descent make this ride physically demanding. Riders must follow guide instructions, control speed on the descent, and ride within their ability.

• Climbing: The route includes a long sustained climb with steep sections.
• Altitude: Riders should expect reduced oxygen and cooler temperatures at the high point.
• Descent: Riders need good braking control for the return.
• Weather: We may adjust, shorten, or cancel the ride because of rain, heat, fog, road conditions, or local safety concerns.
• Traffic and Road Conditions: Riders may encounter vehicles, pedestrians, animals, wet pavement, loose debris, or construction.
• Helmet: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Gloves: We strongly recommend cycling gloves for climbing and descending.
• Experience: Riders should have prior cycling experience and strong fitness.

• Water, ideally 1.5 to 2 liters
• Light snack or energy gel
• Sun protection
• Sunglasses
• Cycling gloves
• Closed shoes or cycling shoes
• Comfortable athletic clothing
• Light jacket or wind layer for higher elevation
• Small cash
• Phone with battery