MTB Bike Tour: Monkey Tree + Tule Tree

Exploring Oaxaca on Two Wheels: A Look at the MTB Bike Tour to Tule and Santo Domingo

If you’re heading to Oaxaca City and looking for an active way to get outside the usual tourist spots, this MTB bike tour to Tule and Santo Domingo might catch your eye. It promises a mix of scenic mountain landscapes, cultural stops, and a good dose of physical activity—all in about five and a half hours. We’ve gathered the details to give you a clear picture of what to expect, who it’s perfect for, and whether it’s worth the investment.

What We Like About This Tour
First off, the combination of mountain biking and cultural exploration really stands out. You get to ride through diverse terrain—smooth paved sections and more challenging single tracks—while also stopping to see the world’s widest trunk at the Tule Tree, which is pretty spectacular. Plus, the guides seem to be well-trained and attentive, making the whole experience feel safe and personalized.

Another aspect that appeals is the stunning scenery. From the Sierra Norte backdrop to mountain views and a visit to the “La Mina” dam, the ride offers plenty of natural beauty that makes pedaling worthwhile. The fact that most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the safety they provide really gives peace of mind, especially if you’re not a seasoned mountain biker.

A possible drawback? The intermediate level means this isn’t suited for complete beginners or those with limited fitness. If you’re not comfortable on uneven terrain or don’t enjoy moderate physical activity, this might be a tough ask. Also, since it’s a half-day adventure, it’s not ideal if you prefer longer, immersive trips or have limited time.

This tour offers a solid blend of adventure, scenery, and cultural insight. It’s a good fit for active travelers who want to see a different side of Oaxaca, especially if you enjoy mountain biking and will be comfortable with some physical challenge.

Key Points

• Well-rated experience with a perfect 5.0/5 from six reviews, highlighting consistent quality.
• Ideal for moderate fitness levels; not recommended for very beginners or children under 1.50 meters tall.
• Exciting mix of terrain: 30% paved roads and 70% trail MTB paths over roughly 40 km.
• Includes cultural highlights like Tule’s famous tree and visits to local towns.
• The scenery is a highlight, with views of mountains, dams, and rural Oaxaca.
• Small group size (max 10 travelers) ensures a more personal experience.

The Route and What to Expect

Starting Out: City to Tule

The tour kicks off early at 8:00 am from Bike Flow Oaxaca, where your guides will equip and brief you. The first leg involves riding out of Oaxaca City along a cycle path that leads to the old road connecting the mountain towns with the city—a route that’s steeped in local history and still used by residents for transporting goods.

After about an hour, you’ll arrive at Santa Maria del Tule, home to the world-famous Tule Tree. This giant, ancient tree is a sight to behold—its trunk is the widest in the world. In reviews, visitors have raved about the guide making the visit informative and enjoyable, with one saying, “Humberto was a great guide, always attentive,” which is reassuring if you’re new to tours.

Mountain and Trail Riding

Following Tule, the journey continues to Santo Domingo Tomaltepec, a charming town where you’ll get a taste of local life. After exploring, the ride turns more adventurous, with the trail taking you into the Sierra Norte. This section, about 1.5 hours long, involves cycling along a mountain road surrounded by beautiful landscapes, with views of hills, forests, and distant peaks.

The trail here is primarily MTB single track, offering some technical riding that intermediate bikers will enjoy, but it’s not overly technical or dangerous. The scenery makes every pedal stroke worthwhile; you’ll feel immersed in the natural riches of Oaxaca, with one reviewer noting that “the backdrop of Sierra Norte was wonderful.”

The Return Journey: Dam and Relaxation

Reaching the entrance of the mountain range offers a perfect spot for a short break. Here, you’ll catch your breath at La Mina dam—one of Oaxaca’s most scenic spots—where many find it idyllic for relaxing, eating a snack, and taking photos. After the rest, the return route is either along a cycle path or a single track, bringing you back to the starting point around 1:00 pm.

The Overall Experience

What makes this tour memorable is not just the physical challenge but the opportunity to see local life, famous natural landmarks, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Guides like Humberto are consistently praised for their attentiveness and local insights, making the experience both safe and informative.

The Value for Your Money

At about $89.14 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option available in Oaxaca, but considering it covers roughly 40 km of varied terrain, offers cultural highlights, and includes a knowledgeable guide, the price feels reasonable. Plus, small group sizes of only 10 travelers mean you’re not just another face in a crowd.

Reviews highlight the value in the personal attention and safety provided, and many mention how this adventure adds a different dimension to their Oaxaca trip. If you’re into active travel and want to combine outdoor fun with cultural sights, this is a solid choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This MTB ride suits travelers with moderate physical fitness who enjoy outdoor activities and mountain scenery. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something more engaging than city sightseeing and don’t mind a bit of effort on uneven terrain. It’s also great for those interested in local culture, thanks to the stops in Santa Maria del Tule and Santo Domingo.

It’s worth noting that, due to the terrain and physical demands, it’s not suitable for very young children, beginners, or those with mobility issues. If you’re traveling with a group, keep in mind that the maximum group size is 10, which keeps the experience intimate and flexible.

Final Thoughts

This MTB tour provides a fantastic way to explore Oaxaca beyond its historic centers. With stunning landscapes, cultural stops, and a knowledgeable guide, it offers a well-rounded adventure that’s both active and enriching. The balance of mountain biking with stops at sites like the Tule Tree makes for an engaging, visually rewarding experience.

While it does require a fair level of fitness and comfort on trail riding, those who meet the criteria will find it rewarding. The tour’s small group size, safety measures, and the natural beauty along the way make it a strong choice for adventurous travelers.

In the end, whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or an active traveler eager to see a different side of Oaxaca, this experience delivers a good mix of challenge, scenery, and local flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, it’s recommended for those with a moderate fitness level and some experience with mountain biking, as the terrain includes 70% trail MTB paths.

How long is the total ride?
The total distance covered is approximately 40 km, with an elevation gain of about 300 meters, reaching up to 1,700 meters above sea level.

What kind of terrain will I ride on?
You’ll ride on a mix of paved roads, a basic to intermediate MTB single track, and mountain trails. The trails are suitable for intermediate bikers.

When does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 8:00 am and typically finishes around 1:00 pm at the starting point, with the route including cultural stops and scenic views.

Is transportation included?
The meeting point is at Bike Flow Oaxaca, and the tour returns to the same location. No additional transport is mentioned, so plan your arrival accordingly.

How many people participate in each tour?
The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
While not specified, it’s best to wear comfortable biking gear, bring water, sun protection, and perhaps a snack for the break at La Mina dam.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free if you do so at least 24 hours in advance.

Is there any age restriction?
Yes, it’s not suitable for persons under 1.50 meters tall, which generally means children are not encouraged on this ride.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Reviewers consistently mention guides like Humberto as attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, making the experience both safe and enjoyable.

If you’re craving a mix of physical activity, natural beauty, and cultural highlights in Oaxaca, this MTB tour is definitely worth considering. Just be sure you’re comfortable with the terrain and physical demands, and you’ll likely come away with some memorable stories and stunning photos.