Top 5 Places to Go Biking in Jalisco

Cycling isn't just good for your health, a way to get around or a fun pastime; it's also a great way to protect the environment! Some of the many benefits of riding a bike include getting more oxygen to your brain, fighting stress, boosting your mood, sleeping better, and strengthening your back muscles, immune system, heart and joints. It also burns calories and, all in all, can help you live longer. That's why today we're sharing some of the best places to ride a bike in Jalisco, so you can get inspired and start rolling!

Sierra Lago in Mascota

Aerial view of Sierra Lago Resort & Spa

This beautiful forest resort lends bicycles free of charge to its guests so they can ride the loop around Laguna de Juanacatlán. Here you can exercise, have fun and take in the gorgeous scenery without worrying about traffic, potholes or the hustle of big-city bike lanes. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. there are plenty of bikes available, so you can enjoy the fresh air, the peace of nature and the magic of the stunning lake that gives this little corner of paradise, nestled in the mountains of the Sierra Madre, its unique character.

Estadio Akron in Guadalajara

One spot that quickly became a favorite with cyclists in Guadalajara is Estadio Akron, one of the newest stadiums in the country. For several years now, riders of all ages have used it to practice the sport. Local authorities opened it up for group rides, and the circuit was inaugurated in 2014, when the stadium was still called Omnilife. It covers the stadium and the Pan American Village, a 10-kilometer (6-mile) loop, with signage and security. Known as the Ruta Ciclista Boreal, it was originally designed for high-performance training, but today it's open to everyone, whatever their age or experience: kids, teens and adults, casual riders, amateurs and pros alike. The Ruta Ciclista Boreal can handle just over a thousand cyclists a day, with a well-kept surface and volunteers on hand to help riders. Another spot that cyclists in the Guadalajara metro area have long favored is the Bosque de la Primavera.

Nighttime Bike Ride in Puerto Vallarta

Every Wednesday starting at 9 p.m., a lively pack of cyclists sets off from Las Ballenas sculpture in Marina Vallarta and takes over the center lanes of Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue to ride all the way to Los Arcos on the Malecón (about 8 kilometers, or 5 miles) and back. Anyone who wants to join is welcome, and you'll see everyone from kids to seniors on all kinds of bikes. The group is escorted along the entire route by traffic police and Civil Protection to keep everyone safe.

There are several places to ride a bike in Puerto Vallarta. Many tour companies offer bike rentals and rides, either cross-country or along quiet rural roads. Plus, the Nuevo Nayarit area (in the neighboring state of Nayarit) has a three-kilometer bike path along Paseo de los Cocoteros, very close to the beach, which makes a refreshing ride a great way to get to know the area.

7 Villages Ride around Laguna de Sayula

Although it's only moderately technical, riding this whole circuit takes good fitness, mainly because of the distance (about 60 kilometers, or 37 miles), but you can do just part of it. The route passes through Amacueca, Cofradía, Atoyac, Cuyacapan, El Reparo and Usmajac before returning to Sayula. It takes close to six hours, including breaks to rest and rehydrate. The scenery is incredibly varied, from desert-like stretches to surprising waterfalls, not to mention the charm of the traditional villages along the way.

Guided Ride in Tapalpa

From 10 to 60 kilometers (6 to 37 miles), you choose how intense your ride through this Pueblo Mágico will be. It's a very popular tour, so booking ahead is a good idea. The price is 500 Mexican pesos per person and covers the guide and the equipment. There's no pressure, so you can enjoy it at your own pace. It's best to head out before 8 a.m. to beat the heat.

So there you have it: these are the best places to ride a bike in Jalisco. Which one will you try first?

Plan your getaway to Sierra Lago

If you love to ride, the loop around Laguna de Juanacatlán is waiting right next to our luxury cabins, deep in the Mascota forest. Beyond biking, discover other activities like hiking, horseback riding and fishing, and browse our packages and special offers to plan your stay.