Puerto Escondido Bike Rentals: Your Complete Cycling Guide
There’s something magical about rolling through Puerto Escondido with the ocean breeze in your face, passing fishermen hauling in their morning catch,
surfers heading to Zicatela, and vendors setting up their stalls along the boulevard. Exploring this Oaxacan coastal gem by bike is one of the most
authentic, freeing ways to experience it — and this guide covers everything you need to know before you hop on two wheels.
Why Explore Puerto Escondido by Bike?
Puerto Escondido isn’t a huge city — and that’s precisely what makes cycling here so rewarding. The main tourist zones are relatively compact,
the coastal road connecting Zicatela with La Punta is flat and scenic, and early mornings offer cool temperatures and light traffic that make riding
genuinely enjoyable. Beyond convenience, cycling lets you slow down, notice the details, and feel like a local rather than a tourist.
Whether you’re a casual rider looking to cruise between beaches or a more adventurous cyclist keen on exploring the inland roads toward Colotepec
or the lagoon areas around Manialtepec, Puerto Escondido has terrain for every comfort level.
Top Reasons Visitors Choose to Cycle Here
- Move freely between Zicatela, the Adoquín, Carrizalillo, and La Punta without depending on taxis or tuk-tuks
- Discover hidden spots — small taco stands, viewpoints, and quiet beaches — that you’d simply drive past otherwise
- Reduce your environmental footprint while exploring a biodiversity-rich coastal region
- Combine cycling with other activities like bird watching in the lagoon or a stop at the mangroves
- Great option for families with older kids looking for an active, affordable way to get around
Best Cycling Routes in Puerto Escondido
Not all routes are created equal. Below is a breakdown of the most popular cycling circuits, suited to different fitness levels and interests.
| Route | Distance (approx.) | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zicatela to La Punta | ~4 km | Easy | Ocean views, surf culture, restaurants, sunsets |
| Adoquín to Carrizalillo | ~3 km | Easy–Moderate (one steep hill) | Scenic overlook, snorkeling beach, local market |
| La Punta to Laguna de Manialtepec | ~18 km | Moderate | Lagoon, mangroves, bird watching, bioluminescence zone |
| Colotepec Loop (inland) | ~25 km | Challenging | Rural Oaxacan landscape, farmland, waterfalls nearby |
| Playa Bacocho Circuit | ~6 km | Easy | Cliffside road, sunset views, quiet beaches |
Pro tip: The Zicatela to La Punta stretch is best ridden early morning (before 9am) when traffic is light and the light is golden.
If you’re heading toward Manialtepec, consider pairing your ride with a kayaking tour in the mangroves — park your bike and get on the water.
Where to Rent a Bike in Puerto Escondido
Bike rental shops are scattered around the main tourist zones. You’ll find the highest concentration near Zicatela beach and along Avenida Pérez Gasga
(the Adoquín). Most shops offer city bikes, mountain bikes, and in some cases e-bikes for those who want a little extra help on the hills.
What to Look for When Renting
- Helmet inclusion: Always ask — some shops include it, others charge separately
- Lock and chain: Essential if you’re stopping along the way
- Tire condition: Check for wear before you ride, especially for longer routes
- Brake responsiveness: Test both front and rear brakes before leaving the shop
- Saddle height adjustment: A proper fit prevents fatigue on longer rides
- Insurance or damage policy: Understand what you’re responsible for before signing
Rentals are typically available by the hour, half day, or full day. For longer excursions toward the lagoon or inland Colotepec, a full-day rental
makes the most sense. Some accommodations in the La Punta and Zicatela areas also offer bikes directly to their guests — worth asking at check-in.
Cycling Safety in Puerto Escondido: What You Need to Know
Cycling here is generally safe and enjoyable, but a few practical precautions will make your experience much smoother.
Puerto Escondido’s roads are a mix of paved coastal streets, cobbled sections, and dirt paths — variety that rewards preparation.
Safety Checklist for Cyclists
- Always wear a helmet, even on short rides
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and stay close to the right side of the road
- Avoid riding after dark on unlit roads — the stretch toward Manialtepec has limited lighting
- Carry water (at least 1 liter for anything over 2 hours in the sun)
- Apply sunscreen before you leave — the Oaxacan coastal sun is intense year-round
- Watch for speed topes (speed bumps) which can appear suddenly and without markings
- Tuk-tuks and motos are common — give them space and anticipate quick stops
- Lock your bike whenever you leave it unattended, even briefly
Best Times to Ride
Early morning (6–9am) and late afternoon (4–6pm) offer the most comfortable temperatures and lowest traffic. Midday sun between November and April
is genuinely harsh — avoid long rides between 11am and 3pm if you can.
The rainy season (June–October) brings afternoon downpours, so morning rides are ideal during those months.
Cycling pairs beautifully with a stop at the lagoon — you might catch a bioluminescence tour in the evening after a full day on two wheels,
or combine your morning ride with a guided crocodile watching experience at the lagoon.
Combining Cycling with Puerto Escondido’s Best Tours
The beauty of cycling in Puerto Escondido is how naturally it connects you to the destination’s broader adventure offerings.
You can ride to the trailhead for a hot springs hike, cycle down to the marina before a dolphin watching boat tour,
or simply pedal to a local mezcal bar before joining a mezcal tour through the hills.
Cycling gives you total freedom of movement — and in a place as rich in experiences as Puerto Escondido, that freedom is priceless.
According to the Oaxaca state government’s tourism page, Puerto Escondido is recognized
as one of Mexico’s premier eco-tourism destinations, making sustainable travel choices like cycling especially fitting.
Visit México also highlights the region as an ideal destination for nature-based travel,
and SEMARNAT continues to support responsible tourism initiatives in protected coastal areas like those surrounding Puerto Escondido.
Real Traveler Experience
“I rented a bike on my second day in Puerto Escondido and honestly it changed everything. I rode from Zicatela to Carrizalillo in the morning,
had a swim, then continued along the cliffside road toward Bacocho at sunset. I covered more ground in one day than I had in the previous three
combined — and I saw things I never would have from a taxi window. Absolute highlight of the trip.”
— Marcus T., solo traveler from Germany
FAQ: Cycling in Puerto Escondido
Is cycling safe in Puerto Escondido?
Yes, cycling is generally safe, especially on the coastal routes between Zicatela and La Punta.
Use standard road safety practices, wear a helmet, ride during daylight hours, and avoid isolated inland routes at night.
Where can I rent a bike in Puerto Escondido?
Rental shops are concentrated around Zicatela beach and the Adoquín (Avenida Pérez Gasga). Many hostels and boutique hotels
in La Punta and Zicatela also offer bikes to guests.
Can I cycle from Puerto Escondido to Manialtepec Lagoon?
Yes — it’s approximately 18 km from La Punta and is a moderate-level ride along Highway 200.
The lagoon is beautiful and you can combine cycling with kayaking, bird watching, or a bioluminescence tour in the evening.
What type of bike is best for Puerto Escondido?
For coastal and town routes, a city bike or hybrid is perfectly suitable. For inland routes toward Colotepec or off-road paths,
a mountain bike is recommended. E-bikes are a great option if you want to tackle hills without exhausting yourself.
What’s the best time of year to cycle in Puerto Escondido?
The dry season from November to April offers the most comfortable conditions with lower humidity and less rain.
During the rainy season (June–October), morning rides before noon are ideal before afternoon showers arrive.
Do I need any experience to cycle in Puerto Escondido?
No special experience is needed for the main coastal routes — they’re flat and straightforward.
Longer or inland routes require basic fitness and some experience with road cycling in traffic.
Ready to Explore Puerto Escondido on Two Wheels?
Whether you pedal a short loop around Zicatela or tackle the full lagoon route, cycling in Puerto Escondido is one of those experiences
that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s the kind of freedom that lets you discover this place on your own terms —
and that’s what Puerto Escondido is all about.
While you’re here, don’t miss the incredible tours and guided experiences our team offers across the region.
From the ocean to the mountains, there’s always more to discover.
Information may change; please confirm schedules, regulations, and availability before booking.
For legal, environmental, or safety matters, consult local authorities or official sources.
For bookings and inquiries, visit our reservations page.
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