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Exploring Sierra Norte: An E-Bike Mountain Biking Adventure through Oaxaca’s Sacred Forests - Oaxaca de Juárez

Exploring Sierra Norte: An E-Bike Mountain Biking Adventure through Oaxaca’s Sacred Forests

Oaxaca de Juárezmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

8–9 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for riders with moderate fitness comfortable on mixed-terrain trails, including uphill sections aided by e-bike power

Overview

Discover the rich culture and rugged beauty of Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte on a guided 8-hour electric mountain bike tour. Pedal through sacred Zapotec forests, explore remote villages, and savor authentic Oaxacan cuisine on this unique eco-adventure.

Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca

E-Bike tour: Mountain Biking through the Sierra Norte Forest

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Adventure Photos

E-Bike tour: Mountain Biking through the Sierra Norte Forest photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable 8-hour mountain biking adventure through the breathtaking Sierra Norte of Oaxaca. Experience the rich culture of the Pueblos Mancomunados, savor a scenic picnic, and explore sacred sites like Cerro del Jaguar. This unique journey blends stunning nature with deep-rooted traditions, leaving you with lasting memories.

Group size

Up to 8 people


IMPORTANT: This tour operates with a minimum of 3 persons. In case the tour doesn’t meet the minimum, the tour will be canceled, and you will receive your full refund


Duration

8 hours


Description

For our mountain biking adventure, we’ll start by meeting at the Coyote Aventuras office at 8:00 AM. Once you arrive, ring doorbell A to let your trip leader know that you’re outside. Then, we’ll introduce ourselves and get to know each other a bit while you receive a brief of the activities for the day. Once we’re ready to head out, we’ll hop into the Coyote van and head out to the mystical Sierra Norte.

This e-bike adventure traverses the sacred territories of the Pueblos Mancomunados. These pueblos represent a collective of eight rural communities nestled in the Sierra Norte mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. These communities —Benito Juárez, Cuajimoloyas, La Nevería, Lachatao, Latuvi, Llano Grande, San Miguel Amatlán, and Yavesía—have come together to form a unique initiative that collectively protects their territories from transnational corporate exploitation. Sharing a commitment to sustainability, the preservation of their indigenous Zapotec heritage and a distinct approach to ecotourism, the Pueblos Mancomunados are a beacon of light globally for regenerative travel.

These communities collectively work in harmony to preserve and prosper under the all-encompassing principle of Comunalidad. Comunalidad is the way in which communities approach life. It is based on 4 central tenets, which are communal territory, the communal assembly, tequio and festivity.

This adventure begins with a 35 kilometer (approx. 22 mile) ride through the impressive Sierra Norte until we arrive at our destination of Lachatao. Along this journey, you will feel yourself deeply immerse into the deep green of the mountainous forests that expands as we ride.

We begin our ride in the town of Benito Juárez, a community deep within this mountainous Zapotec region. We will ride to a beautiful lookout point that is the perfect spot for a little picnic. With views of the Sierra in front of us, our guide will share some stories about the Pueblos Mancomunados, giving us a clear idea of their unique cosmovision and philosophy on life.

With our stomachs full and our minds fresh, we will begin pedaling to Cuajimoloyas, traversing through grand mountains and serene forests. Once we arrive, we’ll ride through the town’s cobblestoned streets where we will be received by our local hosts who will introduce to us the concept of Comunalidad. As we leave the town, we will go even further into the forest where, between pine trees, mountain agaves, and single track trails we will arrive at the mystical Cerro del Jaguar. Here, you will become acquainted with a sacred mountain filled with ancient stories, rituals and ceremonies which have been passed down by our Zapotec elders.

Finally, we arrive in Lachatao where we’ll enjoy a delicious traditional meal accompanied with delicious local drinks such as hot chocolate or aguas frescas made to order. Beer is also offered on the menu if that’s what you’d prefer! Our adventure concludes as we return to Oaxaca City at approximately 5:00 PM, feeling a profound sensation of having lived through a truly extraordinary experience that emphasizes cultural tradition and nature. tradition and nature.

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ITINERARY: 8:00 Meet at the Coyote Aventuras Office 9:30 Arrive at Benito Juárez 11:00 Ride through the mountains 12:00 Visit the community of Cuajimoloyas 13:00 Bike through the forest 15:00 Ride to the Cerro del Jaguar 16:30 End our e-bike journey in Lachatao 17:00 Traditional Lunch 18:00 Arrive at Oaxaca City


Includes

  • Certified guide
  • Transport
  • Drinks: Water, coffee, tea
  • Picnic
  • Lunch: Vegetable soup, tostadas and refreshments (vegan and vegetarian options will be available)
  • Trail Mix: Organic snacks
  • Access to protected natural areas
  • Insurance

Notes

  • Make it private just for your party with the private charter

  • We recommend that you bring your protective equipment (gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, helmet)

  • Don't see your desired date available? Please contact us! We will do our best to make special arrangements for you!

  • If you need to rent a bike we can check are availability.

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Adventure Tips

Prepare for variable weather

Bring layered clothing and a rain jacket as mountain weather can change quickly in the Sierra Norte.

Stay hydrated on the trails

Carry plenty of water; hydration is crucial during extended periods of cycling in the forest.

Respect local customs

Engage respectfully with community members and follow guidance at sacred sites like Cerro del Jaguar.

Use insect repellent

Apply insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other forest insects along the route.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Rock squirrels
  • Oaxacan spiny-tailed iguanas

History

The Pueblos Mancomunados formed a community alliance in the 1990s to preserve their land rights and cultural traditions through cooperative ecotourism.

Conservation

Tourism proceeds directly support forest preservation efforts and indigenous self-governance, helping maintain biodiversity and cultural heritage.

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Adventure Hotspots in Oaxaca de Juárez

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Helmet

Essential

A helmet is vital for safety on mountain trails and is provided by the operator but personal helmets are recommended.

Sun protection (sunscreen and sunglasses)

Essential

Protect your skin and eyes from strong mountain sun exposure.

all specific

Layered clothing

Essential

Mountain weather varies—bring lightweight breathable layers plus a rain jacket.

Hydration pack or water bottle

Essential

Keep water easily accessible to stay hydrated throughout the ride.

all specific