Explore Oaxaca’s Valleys with a Full-Day Bike Tour for $136

This 10-hour tour in Oaxaca combines scenic bike riding, cultural visits, and natural marvels, all led by experienced guide Pedro Martinez, who boasts over 25 years of experience. Priced at $136 per person, the tour is suitable for a wide range of travelers, including families, seniors, and beginners, thanks to its flexible difficulty levels. With small group sizes and live guides in English and Spanish, the experience promises personalized attention and local insights. The tour includes transportation, a mountain bike, and a hearty traditional lunch, making it a great value for those wanting to see multiple highlights in one day.

From the moment of pickup in Oaxaca City, this tour offers a well-rounded journey through rural valleys, weaving together natural beauty, local crafts, and authentic cuisine. It balances gentle riding through farm fields with the challenge of a steep climb for more experienced cyclists, ensuring that everyone finds their comfort zone while enjoying some of Oaxaca’s most iconic sites.

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Key Points

Price of $136 includes transportation, bike rental, lunch, water, and fruits
Tour lasts 10 hours, starting from Oaxaca City
Suitable for all ages and skill levels, with options for beginners and advanced cyclists
Visits Santa María del Tule, famous for the world’s thickest tree, and Teotitlán del Valle, renowned for wool weaving and natural dyes
Includes a visit to Hierve el Agua, famous for its petrified waterfalls and natural pools
Optional advanced biking challenge involves a 6 km steep climb requiring good physical condition

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Starting Point and Transportation to Santa María del Tule

The tour begins with a 35-minute drive from Oaxaca City to Santa María del Tule, where the famous Tule tree awaits. This enormous and ancient tree, known as the thickest tree in the world, provides a fascinating first stop. While guides prepare the bikes, visitors have time to admire the tree’s impressive trunk and learn about its significance.

The transport service ensures a comfortable start, setting the tone for a day that smoothly transitions from urban to rural scenery. After this initial visit, the group moves on to explore the surrounding valleys and villages.

The Scenic Bike Route Through Oaxaca’s Valleys

Most of the bike route follows flat country roads passing through farmland and small Zapotec villages. The ride covers about 26 kilometers on an easy, mostly flat terrain, making it accessible for beginners and families. As you pedal through mountain-surrounded fields, you’ll get glimpses of daily rural life and traditional agriculture.

For those seeking more adventure, an advanced option extends the ride to 60 kilometers, including a steep 6 km climb with slopes up to 17%. This challenging ascent requires good physical condition and bike handling skills. The route continues through the town of Tlacolula de Matamoros before reaching the natural wonder of Hierve el Agua.

Visiting Teotitlán del Valle: Wool Weaving and Natural Dyes

One of the tour’s highlights is the stop in Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec town famous for wool weaving. Visitors get a demonstration at Josefina Méndez’s tapestry gallery, where artisans showcase traditional weaving techniques. The family explains how they dye wool using natural dyes derived from fruits, plants, flowers, and cochineal.

This stop offers a tangible look at local craftsmanship and a chance to learn about the cultural significance of these ancient arts. It’s a peaceful pause that deepens understanding of Oaxaca’s rich artisan history.

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The Route Through Farming Fields and Agave Plantations

After Teotitlán, the bike ride continues through scenic farming fields and agave plantations, with short climbs and descents that are fun to ride. The terrain remains mostly gentle, providing a pleasant cycling experience before the group reaches Tlacolula de Matamoros, the largest town in the valley.

Here, the guide racks the bikes, and the group prepares for the final leg of the journey. For those who choose the advanced option, the ride continues along dirt roads toward Mitla, where the hardest part — the 6 km ascent and descent — begins en route to Hierve el Agua.

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Climbing to Hierve el Agua’s Natural Wonders

The advanced bikers face a challenging climb with slopes of 17%, requiring good physical condition. The ascent lasts 6 kilometers, demanding both strength and mental focus. Once at the top, the reward is visiting Hierve el Agua, famous for its petrified waterfalls and natural mineral pools.

This site offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to swim in the natural pools. After enjoying the scenery and taking photos, visitors are treated to a traditional meal cooked on a clay comal, adding a genuine local flavor to the experience.

The Cultural and Culinary Highlights at Hierve el Agua

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the petrified waterfalls, where the tufa formations have created striking natural sculptures. Visitors have ample time to explore the area, take in the panoramic views, and swim in the pools if desired.

On the way back to Oaxaca, there’s an optional stop at a mezcal palenque, where visitors can observe traditional mezcal production and enjoy tastings of various mezcal presentations. This adds a flavorful end to a day rich in culture, nature, and local traditions.

Logistics, Guides, and Group Experience

The tour is led by Pedro Martinez, a guide with over 25 years of experience, who provides live commentary in both English and Spanish. The small group setting ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Participants need to provide bike size or height, and inform the guide of any food restrictions or medical needs in advance via WhatsApp or email. The tour includes all necessary equipment, a comprehensive lunch, water and fruits, and transportation throughout the day.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Options

While many tours include a visit to Hierve el Agua, this experience’s combination of cultural stops and scenic biking makes it stand out. The visit to Teotitlán del Valle for wool weaving and natural dye demonstrations is a highlight not always included elsewhere.

The option for an advanced challenge with a steep climb appeals to more experienced cyclists, making the tour flexible for different skill levels. The small group size fosters a more intimate experience, and the experienced guide ensures safety and rich storytelling.

Final Thoughts on the La Culebra – Hierve el Agua Tour

This full-day tour in Oaxaca offers a balanced mix of nature, culture, and adventure. The $136 price covers transportation, guides, bike rental, and a traditional lunch, providing good value for a full day’s exploration.

It’s especially suited for families, seniors, and beginners looking for an accessible yet engaging experience. The additional challenge for advanced cyclists adds an element of excitement for those seeking more physical exertion.

This tour delivers a genuine taste of Oaxaca’s rural life, natural beauty, and artisanal crafts, making it an excellent choice for travelers wanting an active, culturally rich day.

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Oaxaca: La Culebra – Hierve el Agua 1 Day Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, the tour is designed to be suitable for children, seniors, and beginners, with options for a gentle bike ride and plenty of stops.

What should I bring for this tour?
Participants should inform the guide of their bike size or height and any food restrictions or medical needs beforehand. It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and bring sun protection and a refillable water bottle.

Are there any physical challenges?
The easy route involves mostly flat terrain over 26 kilometers, suitable for most. The advanced option includes a 6 km steep climb, requiring good physical condition.

What is included in the tour price?
The $136 fee includes transportation, a mountain bike, water, fruits, lunch, and the services of the guide. Optional stops, like the mezcal tasting, are part of the itinerary.

How flexible is the booking?
Reservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.