From Oaxaca: MTB Guided Bike Tour, Tule Tree & Lake Half-Day

Explore Oaxaca’s Countryside on a Guided MTB Tour for $39

This 5-hour guided mountain bike tour from Valterra Excursiones offers an affordable way to see some of Oaxaca’s most iconic sights. For just $39 per person, riders enjoy a 32 km cross-country ride through scenic villages, lush gardens, and mountain landscapes. This tour is perfect for anyone with basic cycling skills, as it features mostly flat terrain with some uphill sections near Santo Domingo Tomaltepec Lake. The group size is limited to 7 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides.

The tour departs from Valterra Excursiones in downtown Oaxaca, and includes all necessary equipment, a professional bilingual guide, and entry fees. It does not include food or drinks, but a delicious lunch at a local food market in Santa Maria is part of the itinerary. This tour balances physical activity with cultural highlights, making it a great choice for those wanting to combine outdoor adventure with local flavor.

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Key Points

• Price: $39 per person for a 5-hour tour
• Distance: 32 km cross-country ride with trails and paths
• Highlights: Santo Domingo Tomaltepec Lake, El Tule Tree, Santa Maria’s colorful church and gardens
• Includes: Bike, helmet, bilingual guide, entry fees, repair tools, first aid kit
• Not included: Food and drinks, so bring cash for lunch
• Physical level: Suitable for those in fair physical shape who can ride and shift gears confidently
• Group size: Limited to 7 participants for a more intimate experience
• Languages: Tours are conducted in English and Spanish

Starting Point at Valterra Excursiones in Oaxaca

The adventure begins at Valterra Excursiones in downtown Oaxaca, where participants gather to gear up with helmet and bike. The meeting location is convenient and central, making it easy to access from most accommodations in the city. The small group size ensures a friendly environment and personalized attention from the bilingual guide.

This tour is designed to be accessible for those who know how to ride a bike and can handle a 32 km ride, including some uphill sections near Santo Domingo Tomaltepec. Riders should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, water, cash for lunch, sportswear, and a daypack. The guide emphasizes safety, providing a fully guided informative experience with a repair toolkit and first aid kit on hand.

Scenic Ride to Santo Domingo Tomaltepec Lake

The tour starts with a 90-minute bike ride heading out of Oaxaca toward Santo Domingo Tomaltepec. The route follows a safe bike lane shaded by trees, offering a comfortable and scenic journey through the outskirts of the city, hills, and fields.

The landscape features a mix of natural beauty and rural life, with the ride mostly flat but with some gentle slopes. This section sets a relaxed tone, allowing riders to enjoy the fresh air and views before reaching the lake. The guides share insights about the region’s geography and local culture along the way.

Visiting Santo Domingo Tomaltepec and the Lake

After arriving at Santo Domingo Tomaltepec Lake, the group transitions to dirt roads and begins cycling uphill for the last 3 km. The terrain here includes some hills and slopes, testing riders’ endurance slightly, but the effort pays off when reaching the lake. The scenic beauty of the lake and its surroundings makes for excellent photo opportunities.

The guide encourages a relaxing pause to appreciate the tranquil waters and natural scenery. Participants have time to look around and take in the peaceful environment, making this a highlight of the ride. The visit to the lake combines outdoor activity with a chance to enjoy nature away from the city bustle.

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Exploring Santa Maria del Tule and the Famous Tule Tree

Descending from the lake, the tour heads to Santa Maria del Tule, famous for housing what is considered the widest tree in the world, the El Tule Tree. Visitors get to see this impressive monumental tree, which is a must-see attraction in the region.

The guided walk around Santa Maria includes visits to a colorful church and lush gardens, offering a glimpse into local village life. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving ample time to admire the scenery and learn about the area’s cultural significance. The El Tule Tree is a striking natural wonder and a favorite for its enormous trunk and age.

Lunch at the Local Food Market in Santa Maria

After sightseeing, the group enjoys a delicious lunch at a local food market in Santa Maria. The market features a variety of regional dishes and drinks, providing an authentic taste of Oaxaca’s cuisine. This is a great opportunity to sample local flavors and recharge after the ride.

The guide typically recommends trying traditional snacks and beverages, enhancing the cultural experience. The lunch break lasts around 45 minutes, giving time to relax and soak in the lively market atmosphere.

Returning to Oaxaca with a Short Bike Tour

Following lunch, the tour continues with a short bike ride back toward Oaxaca, approximately 1 hour of cycling through different neighborhoods. The return route allows riders to see more local streets and environments, rounding out the day’s experience with a different perspective.

The entire journey concludes back at Valterra Excursiones, where participants can return their bikes and reflect on the day’s adventure. The tour is paced to ensure a comfortable experience, balancing scenic stops, cultural visits, and physical activity.

Practical Details and What’s Included

The tour includes well-maintained bikes from brands like Scott, Alubike, Cube, Cannondale, Trek, and others, with frame sizes from S to XL and wheel sizes of 26″, 27.5″, and 29″. Helmets, a professional bilingual guide, and an on-the-go repair toolkit ensure safety and preparedness. All entry fees at the stops are covered, so there are no extra costs for attractions.

Participants should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, water, cash, sportswear, and a daypack. It’s suitable for anyone 16 years and older with at least 5’1″ height and fair physical fitness. The ride involves some uphill sections, so a basic level of cycling experience is needed.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour appeals most to active travelers who enjoy outdoor cycling, scenic landscapes, and cultural sights. It’s ideal for those who want a balanced mix of adventure and culture without strenuous technical riding. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience, and the knowledgeable guides enhance the journey with local insights.

While suitable for most physically capable visitors, it’s not recommended for children under 16, pregnant women, or people with mobility or health issues. The tour operates in English and Spanish, making it accessible for international visitors.

Unique Features That Set This Tour Apart

What makes this tour special is the combination of mountain biking, cultural sights, and natural beauty in one package. The visit to the El Tule Tree is a standout highlight, along with the tranquil Santo Domingo Tomaltepec Lake. The inclusion of a local market lunch adds an authentic flavor that many other tours don’t offer.

The small group size and fully guided experience ensure a relaxed, informative day. Riders get to enjoy both scenic outdoor cycling and local village visits in a single morning or afternoon adventure. It’s a great way to see a different side of Oaxaca beyond the city streets.

The Sum Up: A Well-Balanced Day of Adventure and Culture

This guided MTB tour offers excellent value at $39, combining scenic cycling, cultural stops, and a local lunch in just five hours. The professional guides and well-maintained bikes make it a comfortable and enriching experience, especially for those who know how to ride a bike and are in decent physical shape.

The tour’s highlights—the Santo Domingo Tomaltepec Lake, El Tule Tree, and Santa Maria’s charming village atmosphere—offer memorable moments that complement the physical activity. The small group size ensures a personalized, friendly environment, making it ideal for travelers seeking an active outdoor day with cultural insights.

While not suitable for everyone—especially young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues—it remains a top choice for adventure lovers and those eager to explore Oaxaca’s countryside in a relaxed, guided way. This tour provides a meaningful taste of rural life, natural wonders, and local flavors, all within a manageable and enjoyable 5-hour framework.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is suitable for those who can ride a bike and shift gears confidently. It involves some uphill sections but is mostly flat with a manageable distance.

What should I bring?
Participants should carry sunglasses, sunscreen, water, cash for lunch, sportswear, and a daypack. The tour does not include food or drinks.

Are the bikes included in the price?
Yes, the tour provides well-maintained cross-country bikes from reputable brands, along with helmets and repair tools.

How physically demanding is the ride?
The ride covers 32 km, with some uphill parts near the lake, so being in fair physical shape is recommended. Riders should know how to ride and shift gears.

What are the main sights I will see?
Major highlights include Santo Domingo Tomaltepec Lake, the El Tule Tree—the widest tree in the world—and the colorful church and gardens of Santa Maria.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the tour price, but a local food market stop offers a chance to try regional dishes and drinks.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 7 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Can children join?
No, the minimum age is 16 years, and riders should be at least 5’1″ tall. It’s not suitable for children under 16 or those with mobility issues.

What languages are available for the tour?
Guides conduct the tour in English and Spanish.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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