MTB Bike Tour: Monkey Tree + Tule Tree

If you’re after an active way to experience Oaxaca beyond its lively markets and colorful streets, this mountain biking adventure offers a compelling blend of nature, history, and adrenaline. Designed for those with intermediate biking skills, the tour takes you away from the urban buzz into some of the region’s most captivating landscapes. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll explore ancient routes, marvel at the world’s widest trunk at Tule, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances physical activity with cultural discovery. The route is carefully chosen to showcase Oaxaca’s natural beauty while giving you a taste of local life in Santa Maria del Tule and Santo Domingo Tomaltepec. Plus, the chance to see the famous Tule Tree—the largest tree in Mexico—adds a memorable highlight. That said, since the ride is about 70% trail and 30% paved road on moderate terrain, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of a workout and uneven surfaces. It might not be ideal if you’re very new to mountain biking or prefer a very relaxed pace.

This tour is perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone keen to combine outdoor activity with culture. If you enjoy exploring off-beat paths and want a guided experience that emphasizes both safety and authentic scenery, this ride could be a highlight of your Oaxaca trip.

Key Points

• Active exploration of Oaxaca’s countryside with expert guidance
• Highlights include the Tule Tree, Santo Domingo, and mountain landscape
• Trail and paved sections balance challenge and comfort
• Duration is about 5.5 hours, covering roughly 40 km of riding
• Suitable for moderate fitness levels with an emphasis on safety
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed vibe

What to Expect on the MTB Bike Tour

This half-day adventure begins bright and early at 8 a.m. at Bike Flow Oaxaca, a shop situated in the heart of Oaxaca City. From there, you’ll leave the city behind, pedaling along a cycle path toward the first major stop: the Arbol del Tule. This iconic tree, with its enormous trunk, is a must-see. It’s considered the widest tree in the world—something that even avid nature enthusiasts find surprising.

Your guide will navigate you along a basic to intermediate-level MTB single track that takes about an hour. The trail is mostly on dirt and packed earth, so a decent level of biking comfort is necessary. Along the way, expect scenic views of local farms, mountains, and traditional villages, giving you a real sense of rural Oaxaca.

Once you arrive in Santa Maria del Tule, you’ll have time to explore the quaint town and admire the massive Tule Tree. Multiple reviews highlight how special this stop is—one reviewer shared, “I loved the route to the Monkey Tree,” adding that it felt both challenging and rewarding.

After soaking in the Tule’s grandeur, the ride continues to Santo Domingo Tomaltepec, a picturesque town that offers another taste of local life. Here, you can explore, take photos, and enjoy the tranquility away from urban hustle. The journey then takes you along mountain roads—surrounded by stunning landscape—toward the entrance of the Sierra Norte, following an old route that historically linked the mountains to Oaxaca City. This part of the ride, about 1.5 hours, offers a mix of dirt trails and some paved sections, with rewarding views of rugged terrain and lush vegetation.

Midway through, the group will pause at La Mina dam, one of Oaxaca’s most beautiful reservoirs. It’s an ideal spot for a rest, a snack, and photos of the water’s mirror-like surface framed by mountains. The return trip involves either cycling along a dedicated cycle path or on more rugged single tracks, finalizing the roughly 40 km ride before arriving back at the shop around 1 p.m.

Throughout the tour, safety and guidance are prioritized. We read reviews where guides like Humberto are praised for their attentiveness and local knowledge—it’s clear that having an experienced guide makes a significant difference in both safety and enjoyment.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Initial Ride

The tour kicks off at Bike Flow Oaxaca, located on Mártires de Tacubaya. Expect to start at 8 a.m., with a quick briefing before heading out. The first stretch is a paved cycle path that leads to the Tule Tree, allowing riders to warm up and get comfortable on their bikes.

The Tule Tree Stop

The Tule is a highlight—the largest tree in Mexico with the widest trunk in the world. The size is mind-boggling. Expect to spend some time here, walking around the base and soaking in the scale. Several reviewers mention their appreciation for the personal touch guides give in sharing local stories and history.

Santa Maria del Tule Exploration

Next, the ride takes you into the town of Santa Maria del Tule. Here, you can wander the streets, see local life, and admire the architecture. The town itself offers a glimpse into rural Oaxaca, far from the tourist-heavy spots.

Mountain Roads and Sierra Norte Entrance

The most scenic part of the ride is the journey along mountain roads, surrounded by mountains and lush landscapes. This stretch is both challenging and peaceful, a perfect combination for those wanting authentic outdoor experience. It also contains historical significance as this old route was traditionally used for transporting merchandise.

La Mina Dam and Return

The final leg involves a visit to La Mina dam, a peaceful spot for rest and reflection. From here, you’ll retrace your route either via cycle path or single track, returning to the start point around midday. The total ride covers about 40 km with an elevation gain of approximately 300 meters, reaching an altitude of over 1,700 meters above sea level.

Insights from Reviews

Many reviewers praised the guides’ knowledge and attentiveness. One shared, “Humberto was a great guide, always attentive. He made biking in the city feel safe,” emphasizing the importance of a good guide for confidence and safety.

The scenery and scenery variety also come through strongly. “The backdrop of the Sierra Norte was wonderful,” one reviewer noted, capturing how the mountain vistas add a spectacular dimension to the adventure.

Participants also appreciated the flexibility and personalized attention, especially when last-minute changes or health issues arose—”Humberto was willing to switch the date for us,” one review mentions, showing the tour’s accommodating nature.

The Practical Side: Cost, Duration, and Suitability

At $89.14 per person, this tour offers a solid value for a memorable half-day outdoors. The detailed itinerary combines active biking, sightseeing, and relaxing breaks, making it a well-rounded experience.

The duration of about 5.5 hours is ideal for travelers who want a full but not exhausting adventure. Covering approximately 40 kilometers with moderate elevation, it’s best suited for individuals with moderate fitness levels who enjoy physical activity but aren’t looking for an intense workout.

The tour’s small group size (max 10 travelers) ensures personalized attention, which is especially helpful if you’re new to mountain biking or want to learn more about local history and geography.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventure enthusiasts with some biking experience, looking to explore Oaxaca’s natural beauty without the strenuousness of multi-day rides. It’s perfect for those wanting a balance of physical challenge and cultural discovery.

Nature lovers will enjoy the scenic landscape and the chance to see the famous Tule Tree. History buffs might appreciate the old mountain route and the stories that guides share. It’s also a good option if you’re traveling with a small group or prefer guided trips that prioritize safety and local insights.

The Sum Up

This mountain biking tour through Oaxaca offers more than just exercise; it’s an opportunity to learn about the region’s stunning scenery, historical routes, and local culture. The combination of expert-guided trail riding and visits to iconic sites like the Tule Tree makes it a memorable experience for those comfortable on a bike and eager to see a different side of Oaxaca.

The thoughtful pacing, scenic vistas, and attentive guides make it a great value. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or an active traveler craving a meaningful outdoor experience, this tour provides an excellent way to combine adventure with cultural discovery in a safe, enjoyable manner.

For travelers seeking authentic landscapes, scenic views, and a touch of local life, this MTB tour hits all the right notes. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the ride ends.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
No, this tour is designed for those with intermediate biking skills. The terrain is mostly trail (70%) with some paved sections, so a moderate fitness level and some riding experience are recommended.

What is the total distance covered?
The ride encompasses approximately 40 kilometers, including stops at the Tule Tree, Santa Maria del Tule, and La Mina dam.

How long does the tour last?
Expect the experience to take around 5 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 8 a.m. and returning around 1 p.m.

What’s included in the price?
While the specific inclusions aren’t detailed, the price generally covers guide services, bike rental, and safety equipment. Check with the provider for any additional costs like snacks or extra gear.

Is the tour physically demanding?
It requires moderate physical fitness, as it involves mountain biking on trail surfaces with an elevation gain of about 300 meters. It’s suitable for active travelers but not for those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel if I change my plans?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, making it flexible for travelers with changing schedules.

In brief, this MTB tour to Tule and the Sierra Norte offers a well-rounded adventure, perfect for those eager to explore Oaxaca’s natural beauty and history on two wheels. It’s practical, scenic, and designed to deliver an authentic experience with the safety and insight of local guides.