Cycling in Puerto Vallarta & Bucerías: Best Road & Gravel Routes
What Are the Roads Like for Cycling in Puerto Vallarta & Bucerías?
Planning to cycle in Puerto Vallarta or Bucerías? This local guide covers some of our favorite road and gravel routes, what the roads are like, climbing options, and what visiting cyclists should know before heading out.
While newcomers are generally apprehensive about the drivers in Mexico, in my experience cyclists are treated well and with a lot of respect.
Both Nayarit and Jalisco require motorists to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of lateral space when passing. In our experience, most drivers in the region are patient and respectful around cyclists, but riders should still stay alert and ride predictably, especially on narrower roads and through towns.
Generally speaking, the road surfaces are pretty good. Since many of the rides pass through small towns, you do need to be prepared for changes in surface conditions which include cobblestone roads, dirt, and topes (speed bumps).
Best Cycling Routes in Puerto Vallarta & Bucerías
Below I share one of my favorite Puerto Vallarta bike rides:
La Estancia and the Bakery Ride
A favourite among many local and visiting cyclists. This is an approachable yet challenging 30 km climb from Las Palmas to La Estancia.
Distance: 58 kilometres
Elevation gain: 1,250 metres
This bike ride starts in Las Palmas de Arriba (Las Palmas) (although you could of course make it a really long day and ride out and back up the valley from Bucerias to Las Palmas). From Las Palmas it’s a 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.
23 km into the climb you will arrive at a large bridge. You absolutely have to stop at the bakery here, either on the way up or the way back down, to sample the fresh mountain baked goods.
If you want extra kilometers, you could ride this from Bucerias/Puerto Vallarta as shown below:
Get support from VeloGuide hub Bici Bucerias here.
I live and am based from Bucerias, so you’ll see these rides are based from there. Bucerias is a 45 minute drive from Puerto Vallarta. Consider basing yourself in Bucerias and opting into a weekly package with Bici Bucerias that will include your airport transfers. If you're based in Puerto Vallarta, for a small extra charge, we offer bike delivery and customer pick up for specific tours.
Local Tips for Cycling in Puerto Vallarta & Bucerías
The best rides usually start early. Temperatures rise quickly, especially outside the winter months, so an early departure means cooler roads, lighter traffic and a more comfortable ride.
Bring plenty of water and carry more than you think you will need. Many of the best routes head into rural areas where stores and services can be limited.
Road conditions can change quickly. Expect a mix of smooth pavement, rough sections, cobblestones, topes and occasional gravel, even on routes that are mostly paved.
Ride predictably and stay alert through towns and busier sections. Drivers in the region are generally accustomed to cyclists, and both Nayarit and Jalisco require motorists to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space when passing.
If you are unfamiliar with the area, a local guide can make a big difference. The best routes are not always obvious on a map, and local knowledge helps with road conditions, traffic, climbs, food stops and choosing the right ride for your ability.
Retired Pro Cyclist Ian Boswell Training with Bici Bucerias and VeloGuide.
Puerto Vallarta Bike Rentals & Bici Bucerias Bike Tours
Check out our selection of SPECIALIZED bike rentals in Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, & Bucerias that all receive regular maintenance & care:
Retired Pro Ian Boswell takes on the hardest climb in the world right here in Puerto Vallarta Mexico : Epic Road Rides