MTB Bike tour to the Monkey Tree + Bread Maker & Tule tree

MTB Bike Tour to the Monkey Tree + Bread Maker & Tule Tree: A Full Review

Imagine pedaling through scenic countryside, feeling the wind and the dirt beneath your tires, with the promise of unique sights and delicious local flavors at every turn. This 5-hour MTB tour around Oaxaca offers just that. Starting from Bike Flow Oaxaca, you’ll explore some of the most captivating natural and cultural landmarks—the ancient Tule Tree, the Monkey Tree, and a charming local bakery—while riding excellent XC trails suited for intermediate riders.

What makes this ride special? First, we love how the tour combines physical activity with cultural insights—your guide, Leo, for example, is praised for sharing local stories and giving a true taste of life in the Sierra Norte. Second, the opportunity to taste freshly baked regional bread straight from the oven is a highlight many reviews mention as memorable and authentic.

A key consideration? The ride involves challenging climbs and descents, so it’s best suited for riders with some mountain biking experience. If you’re looking for a leisure pedal, this might push your limits a bit. This tour is perfect for adventure-loving, curious travelers who want to combine outdoor fun with cultural discovery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic XC Trails: Ride through stunning landscapes and countryside roads leading to iconic sights.
• Cultural Encounters: Visit the Tule Tree, one of the oldest and most impressive natural wonders.
• Authentic Food: Experience the craft of local bread-making and taste freshly baked regional bread.
• Balanced Difficulty: Suitable for intermediates comfortable with climbs and descents.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Authentic Experience: See and hear about local life, wildlife, and regional history from guides.

The Experience in Detail

This bike tour offers a rare chance to see Oaxaca beyond the city streets, heading into the lush Sierra Norte and its surrounding villages. Starting at Bike Flow Oaxaca, the meeting point is straightforward, with a friendly team ready to fit your bike and helmet. The tour lasts about 5 hours, making it a substantial half-day adventure that balances activity, scenery, and cultural stops.

Starting from Oaxaca City

Your adventure kicks off riding along a designated cyclist path that links Oaxaca to Santa María del Tule, a charming village famous for its massive, thousand-year-old Tule Tree. The initial section is relatively flat, making it an easy warm-up. After about 40 minutes, you’ll veer onto a single-track trail—a fun, technical ride through the countryside that sets the tone for the day.

Santa María del Tule and the Tule Tree

Once in Tule, the tour slows for a 30-minute stop. This is a highlight for many guests, as the Tule Tree is truly astonishing—its trunk measuring over 42 meters in circumference, and believed to be between 1,500 and 2,000 years old. You’ll learn about its history and significance, and get plenty of photo opportunities. One reviewer fondly recalls, “It was great to spend time in Tule and see one of the oldest trees in the world.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Traversing the Sierra Norte

From Tule, the ride continues into the Sierra Norte area, riding along mountain bike trails that once formed part of natural pathways connecting mountain villages. Expect a mix of descent, flat sections, and climbs—about 350 meters of positive elevation gain over 25 miles—that challenge your stamina but reward with incredible scenery. The trail offers fantastic views of Oaxaca’s Central Valleys, with some sections revealing lush rivers and the chance to spot wildlife like donkeys and birds.

The Monkey Tree and Natural Oasis

The journey culminates at the Monkey Tree, an intriguing natural monument and a perfect resting point. Here, you’ll take a 15-minute break, soaking in the peaceful sounds of birds and the sight of local animals and plants. The setting feels almost like an oasis, complete with river views during the rainy season—a spirited reminder of the Sierra Norte’s natural beauty.

Water Reservoir & Rest Stop

On the way back, you’ll stop at a small water reservoir, a serene spot surrounded by a tiny forest. This natural break allows time to snack and relax before the final descent. Many reviewers mention this oasis as one of their favorite parts, appreciating the tranquility amid such a lively ride.

Visiting the Artisanal Bread Maker

As you return toward Oaxaca, the tour includes a nostalgic visit to a local bakery, where you’ll see traditional bread-making methods—wood-fired ovens and all. The smell of freshly baked bread is almost intoxicating, and you get to eat it right from the oven, hot and fragrant. Reviewers consistently praise this stop as authentic and delicious, with one noting, “The bread was so fresh, it practically melted in my mouth.”

Return Journey and Final Remarks

The last leg takes you along a dedicated cyclist path back into the city. The smooth, mostly downhill terrain makes for a relaxed end to your day, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and a head full of memories.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour is designed for intermediate riders who are comfortable with climbs and descents. If you’re a casual rider or have mobility issues, this might be more challenging. The group size is limited to 10 people, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

What to bring? Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, a camera, and lightweight clothing are best. Since the tour takes place during the dry season, be prepared for sun exposure, especially during climbs. On the other hand, during the rainy season, the rivers swell, adding lushness to the scenery and possibly some mud to the trails—so waterproof gear might come in handy.

Age and fitness restrictions are in place—people under 4’9″, over 287 lbs, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues should consider other options.

Pricing and value? While the cost isn’t specified here, reviews suggest that the combination of scenic riding, cultural stops, and authentic food makes for a good-value experience. The inclusion of expert guides, small group size, and a mix of adventure and culture make it a worthwhile investment.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One traveler from the UK shared, “If you like biking, this is a must; Leo showed us the main highlights and gave us a local’s insight into life.” This highlights the value of knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with stories and context.

Another review from a traveler in Mexico mentioned, “Great bikes, good guide, and the time spent in Tule was fantastic.” These comments underscore the quality of equipment, the friendliness of guides, and the memorable nature of the Tule visit.

Many guests appreciate the local culinary experience, with the bread stop often described as a highlight—”deliciously fresh, baked in wood-fired ovens.” It’s a small but meaningful way to connect with local traditions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers with some mountain biking experience who want more than just a ride—they want cultural encounters, beautiful landscapes, and tasty regional food. It’s perfect for travelers craving a mix of physical activity and authentic local flavor, especially those interested in seeing one of the world’s oldest trees. If you enjoy small-group tours with personalized guides and are comfortable with some challenging terrain, this tour delivers on all counts.

However, if you have mobility issues, are pregnant, or prefer a more relaxed ride, you might find this tour a bit too demanding. The emphasis on technical trails and climbs makes it better suited for active, confident bikers.

The Sum Up

This MTB tour around Oaxaca offers a well-rounded experience blending natural beauty, cultural insight, and regional cuisine, making it more than just a bike ride. You’ll get to stand beneath the awe-inspiring Tule Tree, pedal through scenic trails, and enjoy authentic regional bread—all with friendly guides who share local stories that bring the place alive. It’s especially perfect for those who appreciate a bit of adventure paired with meaningful cultural moments.

While it demands some physical effort, the payoff is a day filled with memorable sights and genuine interactions. For active travelers looking to explore Oaxaca beyond the usual attractions, this tour is a smart choice—unique, authentic, and fun.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
It’s mainly designed for intermediate riders who are comfortable with climbs and descents. Beginners might find the terrain challenging.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including stops for sightseeing and breaks.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, a camera, and lightweight clothing. Waterproof gear could be useful in the rainy season.

Can children participate?
The tour is not recommended for children under 4’9″ or those who can’t ride a bike comfortably, as it involves some challenging trails.

Are meals included?
While no specific meal is included, the tour features a stop at a local bakery where you can taste freshly baked bread.

What is the group size?
Limited to 10 participants for a more personalized and engaging experience.

This MTB tour is a fantastic way to combine outdoor adventure with authentic cultural discovery in Oaxaca. It’s an experience for those who love cycling, nature, and local traditions—delivered with passion by guides who know the region inside out.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby