Bikepacking Routes

The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán biosphere reserve is located in southeastern Mexico, set within the arid climes of the Sierra Madre del Sur. Being split between two states - Puebla and Oaxaca - we've put together two distinct loops accessed from each capital, showcasing both the rich biodiversity in the area and its cultural identity. Given the fluctuations in altitude, the South Loop is especially varied, sharing much of the desert flora that can be seen in the North Loop - including the reserve's ionic columnar cacti - as well as lofty oak forests and low-lying river valleys, where guacamayas verdes soar through the sky at sunrise and sunset.

Mexico is blessed with an abundance of dirt roads and Oaxaca is a wonderful place to enjoy them. From rural terracerías to forested two-track, from to tlayuda pit stops to mushroom foraging, the San José del Pacífico Grand Dirt Tour has a little of everything this remarkable state has to offer. And, because it begins and ends in Oaxaca de Juaréz, the state's capital and a beautiful mountain city that's a destination in its own right, we've included a number of dirt road day rides into the surrounding valleys too, as well as additional bikepacking options to extend your trip to the region.