Santa Maria Del Tule is a fantastic spot for cycling enthusiasts looking to combine natural beauty with authentic local experiences. Its proximity to Oaxaca means you can escape the city’s hustle and pedal through picturesque countryside, lush gardens, and historic town centers.
Among the options we’ve seen, the From Oaxaca: MTB Guided Bike Tour, Tule Tree & Lake Half-Day stands out for its balance of relaxed riding and memorable sights like the famous Tule Tree and Santo Domingo Tomaltepec Lake.
For those seeking a more robust, technical challenge, the MTB Bike tour to the Monkey Tree + Bread Maker & Tule Tree offers a full-on XC experience with climbs, descents, and cultural stops. No matter your riding style or fitness level, Santa Maria Del Tule has a cycling adventure to match.
Quick Overview
This list includes two top-rated bike tours that highlight different aspects of the region: a scenic, half-day ride focusing on natural landmarks and local towns, and a more intense mountain biking experience that takes you into the Sierra Norte with visits to artisanal bakeries and ancient trees.
Both tours are designed to give you a taste of Oaxaca’s landscape and culture, with detailed itineraries and practical tips to help you choose.
1. From Oaxaca: MTB Guided Bike Tour, Tule Tree & Lake Half-Day
This guided mountain bike tour in Oaxaca offers a 5-hour ride covering about 32 km through the countryside. Starting from Valterra Excursiones, you’ll bike along scenic routes to Santo Domingo Tomaltepec Lake, where stunning water views and peaceful surroundings await.
The tour then continues to Santa Maria del Tule, famed for its enormous Tule Tree, which is over 2,000 years old and considered one of the world’s oldest living organisms.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its blend of natural beauty and cultural visits, including a walk through Santa Maria’s vibrant church and gardens. After exploring the Tule Tree, you’ll enjoy a local lunch at a market, giving you a taste of authentic Oaxacan cuisine.
The ride’s ease and scenic stops make it ideal for casual cyclists or families wanting a relaxed afternoon. Reviewers praise the tour’s friendly guides and the chance to see iconic sights without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want a well-rounded introduction to Oaxaca’s countryside, with manageable distances and plenty of memorable sights. Perfect for beginners or those with limited time.
2. MTB Bike tour to the Monkey Tree + Bread Maker & Tule Tree
This more intense mountain biking experience offers a 5-hour ride primarily aimed at intermediate riders who enjoy good climbs and fast descents. Starting at Bike Flow Oaxaca, the tour takes you on XCO trails that wind through the countryside toward Sierra Norte.
The highlight is reaching the “Monkey Tree,” a notable natural landmark, along with a visit to the ancient Tule Tree, renowned for its age and size.
A unique feature of this ride is visiting a local bakery, where you can learn how artisan bread is made and sample freshly baked goods. The itinerary also includes scenic viewpoints, wildlife sightings, and stops for photos and rest, making it both a physical challenge and a cultural experience.
The tour offers access to Sierra Norte’s natural rivers—especially refreshing during the rainy season—and a chance to explore small villages along the way.
Guests appreciate the well-organized logistics, detailed trail descriptions, and the opportunity to combine biking with local culinary delights. However, this tour is best suited for those with some biking experience and good fitness, given the climbs and technical terrain.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a mountain biking tour packed with cultural stops and natural wonders, providing a more challenging ride with a rich itinerary.
How to Choose the Best Bike Tour in Santa Maria Del Tule
When selecting between these two options, consider your fitness level, interest in cultural visits, and how much cycling experience you have. If you prefer a relaxed, scenic ride focusing on iconic landmarks like the Tule Tree and Santo Domingo Lake, the Half-Day MTB Guided Bike Tour is a great fit. It’s well-priced at $39 and offers a gentle introduction to the region’s landscape.
For those who enjoy mountain biking and want a deeper adventure, the Monkey Tree + Bread Maker tour provides more technical trails, cultural stops, and the chance to learn about local baking traditions. It commands a higher price ($87) but delivers a full-day, physically engaging experience.
Booking tips: Book early during peak seasons (October through April) to secure your spot. Check the weather—riding in the rainy season can be more challenging, but it also means river views and lush scenery.
Final Thoughts
Santa Maria Del Tule offers a surprisingly diverse range of biking adventures. For a relaxed introduction with iconic sights, the half-day ride hits the sweet spot. If you’re after a more vigorous, trail-packed experience with cultural stops, the Monkey Tree MTB tour is your pick.
Whether you’re a casual rider or an experienced mountain biker, these tours give you a genuine taste of Oaxaca’s landscapes and traditions. Remember to wear comfortable gear, bring water, and book early—these rides fill up quickly when the weather’s perfect. Enjoy the ride and the stories these landscapes will leave you with.