Mountain Biking in Puerto Vallarta

Mountain Biking

Although the tropical climate makes it hot for biking, the Puerto Vallarta area is lovely and has challenging and varied terrain. Based in Puerto Vallarta, the major biking operators lead rides up river valleys, to Yelapa, and from the old mining town of San Sebastian (reached via plane; included in price), high in the Sierra, back to Vallarta. It's about 45 kilometers of downhill.

In the rainy season, showers are mainly in the late afternoon and evening, so bike tours can take place year-round. In summer and fall rivers and waterfalls are voluptuous and breathtaking. A popular ending point for rides into the foothills, they offer a place to rest, rinse off, and have a snack or meal. During the dry season, it's cooler and less humid -- although still hot and humid. The very best months for biking are January through March: the weather is coolest and the vegetation, rivers, and waterfalls still reasonably lush after the end of the rainy season in October.

Logistics

Prices

Four- to five-hour rides average $45 to $70; Yelapa costs $115-$140. The ride down from San Sebastián, including one-way plane trip, goes for around $220. Rides of more than a half day include lunch, and all include helmet, gloves, and bikes.

Outfitters

Oscar del Díos of Bike Mex (Calle Guerrero 361, Centro. 322/223-1834 or 322/223-1680) can tailor rides to your level of fitness and ability. He has a technical, single-track ride for the very advanced, local rides for beginners to advanced, and an all-day downhill from San Sebastian. Take the plane one way and ride back for $220, or pay $68 for the round-trip "killer donkey" experience. Excursions include guide, gear (24-speed mountain bikes), and light breakfast and snacks. Multiday excursions can be arranged. A few streets behind Vallarta's cathedral, Eco Ride (Calle Miramar 382, Centro. 322/222-7912. www.ecoridemex.com) caters to intermediate and expert cyclists. Rides start at the shop and go up the Río Cuale, passing some hamlets along single tracks and dirt roads. A few rides include time at local swimming holes; the Yelapa ride ($130) -- with two 10-km (6-mi) uphills and a 20-km (12-mi) downhill -- returns by boat.

Family-operated Vallarta Bikes (Franisco Villa 1442, Col. Los Sauces. 322/293-1142. www.vallartabikes.com) has custom tours of up to 10 days. More common, however, are set itineraries for beginner to advanced cyclists. A three- to four-hour beginner's ride to La Pileta is popular, as the departure point is near the town center and the destination a year-round swimming hole. This easy downhill includes lunch, as do all Vallarta Bikes' tours. The six-hour, 35-km (22-mi) tour to Yelapa is more physical, but the reward is lunch overlooking Yelapa's beautiful beach and returning by water taxi. Owner-guide Alejandro González leads groups whenever possible. He will certainly push you, but don't expect him to hold your hand.