Bikepacking Latin America

The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán biosphere reserve is located in southeastern Mexico, set within the arid climes of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range. Given that this vast and little-travelled UNESCO heritage site is split between two states - Puebla and Oaxaca - we've put together two distinct loops that can be accessed from each capital, aiming to showcase both the rich biodiversity in the area and its cultural identity. The South Loop centres around the high elevation settlement of Santa María Ixcatlán in Oaxaca. At four days in length, it offers a satisfyingly broad overview of the area, or a week's varied riding in the reserve if coupled with the North Loop.

The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán biosphere reserve is located in southeastern Mexico, set within the arid climes of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range. Given that this vast and little-travelled UNESCO heritage site is split between two states - Puebla and Oaxaca - we've put together two distinct loops that can be accessed from each capital, aiming to showcase both the rich biodiversity in the area and its cultural identity. The northern loop centres around the small settlement of Zapotitlán, in Puebla. At 2-3 days in length, it's especially suited to those new to bikepacking, or anyone with an interest in the beguiling world of desert flora. If coupled with the more challenging southern loop, expect to enjoy a week's riding in the reserve.

By means of dirt roads, quiet pavement, and one brief but challenging hike-a-bike, the Trans-Mexico Sur completes the full 3,500 kilometer route by making its way from the arid Valles Centrales into the humid southeast of the country as it crosses mountains and jungle-covered lowlands and hill country toward the Guatemala border.

The Trans-Mexico bikepacking route is a 3,500-kilometer, dirt-focused tour designed to take in Mexico’s most culturally and geographically interesting regions from north to south. The Norte segment tackles a big swathe of Mexico’s mountain country, from the subtropical coast of Mazatlan to the arid altiplano and the forested Sierra Madre...