MTB Bike Tour: Monkey Tree + Tule Tree

When it comes to exploring Oaxaca beyond its colorful streets and vibrant markets, a mountain bike tour offers a refreshing escape into nature. While we haven’t personally pedaled through this route, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest this experience is a perfect blend of physical activity, stunning views, and cultural insights.

What we love about this tour is its focus on small-group experiences and professional guidance, making it suitable for those who want to push their limits while feeling safe. The beautiful scenery and historic roads promise an outdoor adventure with a genuine local flavor. Plus, the chance to see Mexico’s largest tree—the Tule Tree—up close is genuinely special.

A possible consideration is that the tour is rated intermediate level, meaning you’ll need a moderate level of fitness and some cycling experience. It’s not tailored for complete beginners or very young children, but if you’re comfortable on a bike and enjoy physical challenges, this tour offers excellent value for the price.

This would suit active travelers, nature lovers, or those wanting a deeper, more authentic experience outside the typical tourist trail. If you’re keen on combining a little history, nature, and adventure, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Good To Know

• Balanced Route: 70% mountain trail, 30% paved, around 40 km of cycling.
• Stunning Views: From mountain landscapes to the Tule Tree, Mexico’s largest.
• Professional Guides: Attentive, knowledgeable guides like Humberto ensure safety and local context.
• Authentic Experience: Ride along historic roads used by locals for transport, not just travelers.
• Physical Challenge: Suitable for those with moderate fitness willing to cycle uphill +300m.
• Time Efficient: About 5.5 hours from start to finish, making it a manageable half-day adventure.

An In-Depth Look at the MTB Tour Itinerary

Starting Out from Oaxaca City

The tour kicks off bright and early at 8:00 am from Bike Flow Oaxaca, located conveniently in the city center. You’ll leave the urban buzz behind and start with a warm-up on a bike path heading toward the first highlight: the Arbol del Tule. This initial stretch, which takes about an hour, combines paved surfaces and a moderate trail, giving riders a chance to settle into the rhythm.

Visiting the Tule Tree

Once you arrive at Santa Maria del Tule, you’ll get to see the world’s widest trunk of the Tule Tree—an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Reviewers mention that guides like Humberto are both attentive and informative, sharing facts about the tree’s history and significance, making the stop both educational and visually impressive. Expect to spend some time exploring the small town, soaking in its local charm, and taking plenty of photos.

Exploring Santo Domingo Tomaltepec

After Tule, the route continues to Santo Domingo Tomaltepec, a smaller but culturally rich village. Here, you get a taste of local life and traditions before heading into more remote areas. The ride from Tule to Santo Domingo involves scenic mountain views and a mixture of paved and mountain trails, roughly 1.5 hours. Reviewers appreciated this segment for its spectacular backdrop of Sierra Norte and the feeling of being away from tourist crowds.

Mountain Road and Historical Route

At the mountain entrance, the route shifts to a historic trail once used to connect the mountains to Oaxaca. This part of the journey is the highlight for many, as it offers a combination of adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery. The ride along this old road is a unique chance to see how local residents have historically transported goods—adding an authentic touch to the experience.

The Return Journey and the “La Mina” Dam

After crossing the Sierra Norte, the tour pauses at La Mina dam, renowned for its striking beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Here, you’ll take a well-deserved break, enjoy a snack, and take in the panoramic views. The final stretch involves either a mountain trail or cycle path back to Oaxaca, culminating around 1:00 pm.

What Makes This MTB Tour Stand Out?

Professional and Attentive Guides

Multiple reviews speak highly of guides like Humberto, who is noted for being attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. They keep the group comfortable, monitor pacing, and share insights into local culture and natural landmarks. This emphasis on personalized service elevates the experience, especially in a group limited to 10 participants.

Stunning Scenic Highlights

The Tule Tree is naturally the star attraction, but the mountain vistas, the historic old road, and the dam views also contribute to a well-rounded tour. Reviewers mention that the backdrop of Sierra Norte creates a “wonderful” setting, making the physical effort worth every moment.

Authentic Local Encounters

Riders get a glimpse into local life beyond the tourist hubs, passing through small villages and historic routes still used by residents. This adds a sense of authenticity and connection to the landscape, which often goes missing in more manufactured excursions.

Suitable for Active Travelers

Rated as intermediate, the tour involves some uphill climbs (+300m elevation gain) and a mix of trail and paved riding. It’s perfect for those with moderate fitness levels and some biking experience who are looking for a challenge within a manageable timeframe.

Value for Money

At $89.14 per person, the tour offers a full half-day of activity, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration. Given the professional guidance, small group size, and varied terrain, it represents a good value considering the personalized experience.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration and Timing

Starting at 8:00 am, the tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours, wrapping up around 1:00 pm. This leaves plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day exploring Oaxaca or relaxing.

Group Size and Safety

Limited to 10 participants, the small group size ensures personalized attention. Guides keep a close eye on pacing, making it suitable for those with moderate physical fitness. Riders should be comfortable on mixed terrain and able to handle some uphill climbs.

What to Bring

Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy shoes or cycling shoes, and bring sun protection and water. The tour includes bike rentals, but you might want to carry a small snack or energy bar for the ride.

Meeting Point and End Location

The tour begins and ends at Bike Flow Oaxaca on Mártires de Tacubaya, right in the heart of the city—easy to access and convenient for planning your day.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour for You?

This MTB ride is ideal for active travelers eager to combine outdoor adventure with cultural exploration. It’s best suited for those with moderate biking experience and good fitness who want to see Oaxaca’s natural beauty beyond the city limits. The mixture of trail, historical roads, and impressive landmarks like the Tule Tree ensures you’ll come away with memorable images and stories.

The guides’ attentiveness and the authentic routes contribute immensely to the overall experience, making it more than just a bike ride—it’s an immersion into Oaxaca’s landscape and history. While it’s not suited for absolute beginners or very young children, adventure seekers and nature lovers will find plenty to love here.

If you’re after a full-bodied outdoor activity with a healthy dose of culture, scenic beauty, and physical challenge, this tour offers solid value and unforgettable views.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
This tour is rated as intermediate, so it’s best suited for those with some biking experience and moderate fitness. Complete beginners might find some sections challenging.

How long is the total cycling distance?
You will cycle approximately 40 km during the tour, with a mixture of paved and mountain trails.

What is the elevation gain?
The total elevation gain is around +300 meters, mainly on mountain trails and uphill sections.

What do I need to bring?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, water, and perhaps a small snack. The tour provides bike rentals, but personal items should be stored safely.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Bike Flow Oaxaca in the city center and returns there at the end of the 5.5-hour experience.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

This bike tour offers a well-rounded mix of nature, history, and adventure for those eager to explore Oaxaca on two wheels. It’s a chance to see iconic sights like the Tule Tree, ride through historic routes, and soak in the Sierra Norte’s breathtaking landscape—all with a knowledgeable guide ensuring safety and insight along the way.