Mayan Adventure

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. Then arrive at the gorgeous colonial town of Antigua and the end of this beautiful section of the North American Epic.

Highlights

• Mayan culture
• Oaxaca's cuisine
• Day of the Dead celebrations
• Lake Atitlan amidst the volcanoes