Bike Ride Though Local Ancient Trails: Monte Alban & Atzompa

Exploring the ancient trails of Monte Alban and Atzompa by bike is an exhilarating way to take in Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage. This 5-hour tour promises a thrilling journey through the region’s breathtaking landscapes, where history and adventure collide. Participants will embark on a challenging ascent to the renowned Monte Alban archaeological site, followed by a guided exploration of the well-preserved ruins of Atzompa. With a scenic lunch and a thrilling descent through picturesque ecological trails, this tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Oaxaca’s outdoor adventure and archaeological wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a first-time explorer, this experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Bike Tours In Oaxaca De Juarez.

Key Points

• This 5-hour bike tour takes riders on a 30km journey through Oaxaca’s historic sites, including the ancient Zapotec citadel of Monte Alban and the ruins of Atzompa.
• The tour includes a 400m ascent to Monte Alban, a 30-minute photo stop and lunch, and a 20-minute guided tour of the Atzompa Archaeological Zone.
• The ride features a mix of 60% road and 40% dirt trails, requiring intermediate-advanced mountain biking skills and a moderate fitness level.
• All necessary equipment, including an MTB bike with 100mm suspension and a MIPS helmet, is provided, along with refreshments and entrance fees.
• Participants must adhere to safety guidelines and are recommended to bring essential items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and extra hydration.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This activity offers a thrilling bike ride through the ancient trails of Monte Alban and Atzompa, immersing participants in the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca.

Priced at €65.29 per person, the 5-hour tour accommodates a maximum of 6 riders and is available in English and Spanish.

Departing from Bike Flow Oaxaca, the journey takes cyclists on a 20-minute warm-up ride before ascending 400 meters to the Monte Alban archaeological site, where they’ll enjoy a photo stop, lunch, and free time.

The tour then visits the Atzompa ruins for a guided tour and an additional 30-minute bike ride, before descending ecological dirt trails and returning to the historic center of Oaxaca.

Itinerary

The itinerary begins with a 20-minute pedal from the departure point at Bike Flow Oaxaca to leave the city. Next, you will embark on a 40-minute ascent (400m elevation gain) on road/pavement to reach the Monte Albán Archaeological Site. After a 30-minute photo stop, lunch, and free time, the group will then visit the Atzompa Archaeological Zone for a 20-minute guided tour, followed by a 30-minute bike tour. The return journey involves a 40-minute descent on ecological dirt trails and a ride back through the historic center of Oaxaca.

Location	Duration
Monte Albán	30 minutes
Atzompa	50 minutes
Descent	40 minutes

Ride Details

According to the information provided, the bike ride traverses a trail composition of 60% road and 40% dirt.

The difficulty level is considered advanced, covering a distance of 30 km with a positive elevation of 600 m. This bike tour requires intermediate-advanced mountain biking experience, as riders will need to navigate both paved and dirt trails.

The ride includes an ascent to the Monte Albán archaeological site, as well as a visit and guided tour of the Atzompa archaeological zone.

Riders will also enjoy a descent on ecological dirt trails before returning to the historic center of Oaxaca.

Inclusions

The tour package includes an MTB bike with a 100mm suspension fork, a helmet with MIPS technology, and a professional MTB guide to provide mechanical assistance throughout the ride.

Riders will also receive bottled water and a protein bar snack. Entrance fees to the Monte Alban museum and Atzompa ruins are covered.

All fees and taxes are included in the price, so there are no hidden costs. With these inclusions, participants can focus on exploring the ancient trails and archaeological sites without worrying about additional expenses or equipment needs.

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Recommendations and Restrictions

Ten key recommendations and restrictions are outlined for this bike ride through ancient trails.

Participants should bring sunscreen, cash, sunglasses, sun protection clothing, and extra hydration.

Sandals, flip-flops, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.

The activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals unable to ride a bike, wheelchair users, those under 4’9" (150 cm), those with low fitness levels, or those over 95 years old.

Proper safety equipment, including a helmet with MIPS technology, is provided.

Guests should be prepared for the challenging terrain and intermediate-advanced mountain biking experience required.

Departure From Bike Flow Oaxaca

Participants depart from Bike Flow Oaxaca, a local cycling shop, to begin their bike ride through the ancient trails. The group embarks on a 20-minute pedal to leave the city behind and venture into the surrounding countryside. The ride starts with an easy warm-up, allowing the cyclists to adjust to their bikes and the terrain.

Time	Activity
0 min	Depart from Bike Flow Oaxaca
20 min	Pedal out of the city

This initial segment sets the stage for the more challenging climbs and descents that await the group as they explore the historic sites of Monte Albán and Atzompa.

Monte Alban Archaeological Site

Next, the group embarks on a 40-minute ascent to the iconic Monte Albán archaeological site, which sits atop a hilltop with a 400-meter elevation gain.

This pre-Columbian Zapotec citadel was once the capital of the Zapotec civilization and is renowned for its impressive architecture, including ornate temples, palaces, and plazas.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and learn about the rich history and culture of the Zapotec people.

After the ascent, the group enjoys a 30-minute photo stop, lunch, and free time to soak in the stunning views and enjoy the ancient surroundings.

Atzompa Archaeological Zone

After exploring the iconic Monte Albán, the group ventures onwards to the Atzompa Archaeological Zone.

A 20-minute visit and guided tour awaits, where they’ll uncover the fascinating history of this lesser-known site. The guide shares insights about the architectural features, including:

• The well-preserved pyramids and platforms that once served as a religious and administrative center.
• Intricate stone carvings and sculptures that offer a glimpse into the artistic achievements of the Zapotec civilization.
• The site’s strategic location, perched atop a hill, which provided a commanding view of the surrounding landscape.

Following the tour, the group embarks on a 30-minute bike ride through the Atzompa ruins, further seeing the ancient ambiance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Fit Do I Need to Be to Participate in This Activity?

Participants should have an intermediate to advanced mountain biking experience, as the activity involves a 600m positive elevation gain and a mix of road and dirt trails. A reasonable fitness level is required to complete the 30km ride.

What Safety Precautions Are in Place for the Bike Ride?

The activity includes several safety precautions. Riders wear helmets with MIPS technology, receive mechanical assistance, and are guided by a professional mountain biking guide. The trails are carefully selected to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle Instead of Renting One?

You can bring your own bicycle for the activity. However, the provided mountain bikes are equipped with necessary safety features like a 100mm suspension fork and MIPS technology helmets, which may not be available with your personal bike.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary for My Group?

The tour operator allows some customization of the itinerary for the group. However, they may need to adjust the price and availability based on the requested changes. It’s best to discuss any desired modifications with the tour operator directly.

What Happens if I Need to Make an Emergency Stop During the Ride?

If an emergency arises during the ride, the guide will lead the group to a safe location, provide first aid if needed, and contact emergency services if required. The safety of the participants is the top priority.

Recap

This exhilarating bike tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the ancient wonders of Monte Alban and Atzompa. Riders will embark on a challenging ascent, enjoy the captivating history of these pre-Columbian sites, and then experience a thrilling descent through scenic ecological trails, all while surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Oaxaca. It’s an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: