Cycling in The Sierra Madre Mountains | Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

The Sierra Madre Occidental is a major mountain range system of the North American Cordillera, that runs northwest-southeast through northwestern and western Mexico, and along the Gulf of California. The Sierra Madre is part of the American Cordillera, a chain of mountain ranges (cordillera) that consists of an almost continuous sequence of mountain ranges that form the western 'sounds' of North America, Central America, South America, and West Antarctica.

Puerto Vallarta is just below this magnificent mountain range which means some amazing cycling to be had! The Sierra Madre Mountains offer some wold class cycling and climbing. Here are some of our favorite rides in the Sierra Madres;

BOCA TO COLUMPIO OR TUITO

One of our favorite cycling tours ever! We drive from Bucerias to the beautiful bay of Boca de Tomatlan. From there we make our way from the jungle to a pine forest before starting a beautiful short descent to El Tuito. For those new to climbing, we have the option of going to the town of Columpio which is a total climbing distance of 18 Km.

Departs: 6:15 AM | Available any day On Demand
Includes: Transportation to and from Boca, support vehicle*, guide, bike, snacks, lunch, and drinks
Duration: 6 to 7 hours (2.5 - 3 hours riding)
Distance / Elevation: 36-56 km and 1000-1200 meters
Degree of Difficulty: Challenging

*Minimum 4 riders for support vehicle inclusion

LAS PALMAS TO LA ESTANCIA

This is a ride into the high mountains. We drive from Bucerias to the town of Las Palmas where we begin this majestic climb into the heartland of Jalisco. The nature of the Sierra is an up-and-down profile that accumulates extra elevation and makes it a lot more challenging on the way back. We will finish with beers in Las Palmas and lunch in Bucerias.

Departs: 6:15 am | Available any day On Demand
Includes: Transportation, guide, support vehicle*, bike, snacks, lunch, and drinks
Duration: 6 hours (3 hours riding)
Distance / Elevation: 60 km and 1200 meters
Degree of Difficulty: Challenging

*Minimum 4 riders for support vehicle inclusion

LAS PALMAS TO LA VIRGEN

This is a ride into the high mountains. We drive from Bucerias to the town of Las Palmas where we begin this majestic climb into the heartland of Jalisco. The nature of the Sierra is an up and down profile that accumulates extra elevation and makes it a lot more challenging on the way back. The final ascent of La Virgen is relentless and an all-category climb.

Departs: 6:15 am | Available any day On Demand
Includes: Transportation, guide, support vehicle*, bike, snacks, lunch, and drinks
Duration: 7+ hours (4+ hours riding)
Distance / Elevation: 81 km and 2050 meters
Degree of Difficulty: Very Challenging

*Minimum four riders for support vehicle inclusion

CONQUERING THE SIERRA MADRE 4 CLIMBS

This is a world-class EPIC ride that will take you over 4 categorized climbs including up and over La Virgen and back up. If that was not enough, you will be tested with the final ascent to the majestic colonial town of San Sebastian where its double-digit grades and 3km of cobble will test every bit of your strength. We end in San Sebastian with a hearty mountain lunch.

Departs: 6:15 am and available upon special request
Includes: Transportation, guide, support vehicle*, bike, snacks, lunch, and drinks
Duration: 8+ hours (5+ hours riding)
Distance / Elevation: 75 km and 2730 meters
Degree of Difficulty: Extremely Challenging

LA BUFA STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN - BEYOND EPIC

Get ready to make a tick off the old bucket list. This is a BEYOND EPIC ride that has you riding through dirt, pavement, cobble, and one of the meanest and toughest climbs in the entire country. We start the ride around 60 minutes north of Bucerias. From there, we ride short and steep sections of cobble and dirt before reaching the town of Las Palmas. From Las Palmas, we ride up to La Estancia and San Sebastián del Oeste which is located at the foot of La Bufa,  a 9.8 km climb of cobble and dirt with an average grade of 11%.

Departs: 6:15 am and available upon special request
Includes: Transportation, guide, support vehicle, bike, snacks, lunch, and drinks
Duration: 10+ hours (7+ hours riding)
Distance / Elevation: 92 km and 3329 meters
Degree of Difficulty: EPIC, BEYOND EXTREME