Itinerary

Mayan Adventures
The riders will spin out of Mexico City, cycling southeast across the plains towards the Great Pyramid of Cholula Tlachihualtepetl. From there they head south through the high Tehuacan Valley, home to over 200 species of cacti, many of them endangered. Throughout the ride, volcanoes line the horizon. Soon the cyclists approach Oaxaca, one of Mexico’s most fascinating cities – a vibrant mix of markets, artisans, cuisines and colonial architecture.

After a rest day touring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Monte Alban, sacred to the indigenous Zapotec peoples, the riders will pedal southeast down off the high plateau, enjoying a 20km downhill stretch just outside San Dionisio Ocotepec and eventually reaching sea level and the coast near the Laguna Superior, part of a system of lagoons running east towards the Guatemalan border.

From the small agricultural town of San Pedro Tapanatepec, the route turns away from the water and begins the steady climb up over the state border and into the green-clad hills of Chiapas. The riders will pedal through the rainforest and past the town of Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, famous for its Carnival based on pre-Hispanic local traditions. The final day of this stretch features a beautiful climb up onto the Central Highlands and into the captivating city of San Cristobal de las Casas.

After learning about the famous Zapatista uprising in 1994, the riders will head out towards Guatemala. Once across the border the route takes the cyclists through the Guatemalan highlands, past colourfully dressed locals and imposing volcanoes before dipping down to gorgeous, unforgettable Lake Atitlan and a the end of this beautiful section.

* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.

Lodging

North American Epic | section 9

17 Nights in hotels
14 riding day, 2 rest days
Note:
We advise booking at least 1 additional night at tour accommodation before the tour, to be able to attend rider briefing and have assistance from tour bike mechanic in setting up your bike.

Included:

• Accommodation the night before first cycling day and the night of last cycling day are included in entry fee.
• 17 nights hotels
• Most dinners, Most breakfasts, All roadside lunches.
• Experienced chef
• Vehicle to carry your bags
• Experienced tour leader
• Sweep rider
• GPS tracks & route notes
• Bike mechanic
• Medic
• Local support
• Pre-tour information bulletins

Not included:

• Flights and transfer to and from the tour
• Night after the tour
• Bicycle
• Visas and related costs (requirements vary by rider’s nationality) are not included.
• Gratuity guides

Pricing / Tour dates

Tour price 2025: $ 4650.- pp Single fee, double occupancy rooms on hotel nights, we pair each rider with others of same gender.
It is also possible to combine this section with adjacent sections
Tour date 2025:
12 Nov – 26 Nov, limited space available
Next North American Epic will not take place until 2028!

Conditions

Deposit $300.00
The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed.
The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour.
For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price

Information

Some long and tough days with shorter less challenging days mixed in. Environment (sometimes including wind and heat) and terrain (including some significant climbing) are more of a factor. Some unexpected challenges may creep in from time to time.

Gear / equipment:
Two duffel bags (max 110L each)
Basic spare bike parts
Tent and camp gear