This is a lovely loop ride between three communities in the Pueblos Mancomunados, mostly on dirt roads but with some rough singletrack on steep hillsides in the forest mid-way between La Neveria & Latuvi. Most of the ride is at elevations between 9,000 and 9,500 ft (2745 – 2895 meters). The total distance is 19.6 miles (31.5 km). There is 3663 feet (1116.5 meters) of climbing along the way — but that includes a visit to the scenic overlook (“mirador”) above Benito Juarez (which is well worth the stop, by the way).
It took our group nearly six hours to complete the ride, but that was because we had some slow riders, stopped at the Mirador, and then had dinner in Benito Juarez. Experienced riders can probably knock out the loop in about half that time. Incidentally, we started and finished the loop in Latuvi because that put the biggest climb at the beginning of the ride. However, most people would likely prefer to begin at Benito Juarez, the town closest to Oaxaca city. We rode the loop clockwise, and think that is the best way; but it can also be done in the opposite direction.
Visitors to the Pueblos Mancomunados should be aware that the temperature in the high country is usually about 20 degrees Fahrenheit (6.6 degrees Celsius) cooler than in Oaxaca, and that morning fog and drizzle are commonplace, even in the dry season. For that reason, a light jacket and/or rain gear is recommended. Also, native guides are available to take visitors between villages on either hiking or biking trails, and may be hired for about 200 pesos for the day.
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