¡El Tour
Budget Bicycle Tours in Mexico
www.BikeMexico.com
The Complete Archive · 2000–2020
Views of the Pacific 2005
Season 2005–2006 · all tours that season
This is a REGULAR difficulty tour that follows the Pacific coast down from Puerto Vallarta to Zihuatanejo. As we meander along the quiet roads of the rolling foot hills of the Sierra Madres, the ocean crashes onto beaches 200 metres below with a backdrop of dazzling mountains and forests.
| Dates: | Sat Nov 5, 2005 to Tues Nov 22, 2005 (2+ weeks - 12 cycling days) |
| Distances: | Average/day: 66km Maximum/day: 97km Total Approx: 786km Total climbing: 8000m |
| Route Type: | REGULARRegular DifficultyA good level of fitness is required. Distances average around 50 - 80 km per day (depending on hills), and are always less than 120 km. Roads range from flat to very hilly. We may climb up to 1500 metres on a hard day.WeatherThe Weather: Pacific CoastLate fall and winter along the Mexican Pacific sees little rain. It is generally hot and dry, often with a cooling breeze off the ocean. The rainy season ends around October so that during our tours the rivers are still flowing full.RoadThe Road: Pacific CoastThe road is generally in excellent condition. Some flat straight sections exist however it is mostly windey and hilly as the road negotiates its way through the foot hills and mountain sides. Traffic is generally light to non-existent, except of course close to larger towns and cities. The surface is generally wide and the drivers are courteous.LandThe Land: Pacific CoastMost of the Pacific coast is an abrupt meeting of the mountains and the huge expanse of a turbulent ocean. Beaches are many, surf is big, and the mountains looming. There are areas of dry shrub, while other areas are dense with tropical forests. |
| Highlights: | Challenging cycling, the intrigue of the Pacific Ocean, small towns, small beach resorts, quiet roads, beaches, surf, camping, mountains, colonial towns, spectacular views. |
The Route
Itinerary
Itineraries were always subject to minor changes.
WhenWhereDistanceHighlights
Day 0Meet in Puerto Vallarta-Beaches, Night Life, Live Shows, Market.
Day 1Puerto Vallarta to El Tuito45 kmInto the foothills. Spectacular Mountain Views, Waterfalls and Rivers.
Day 2El Tuito to Tomatlán64 kmFlat easy riding, frequent breaks to help get acclimatized.
Day 3Tomatlán to Punta Perula57 kmBeaches. Curvy, rolling, very quiet road. Seafood. Our favourite Pacific coast beach.
Day 4Punta Perula to Barra de Navidad82 kmBeautiful, Quiet, Hilly, Sinuous Roads. Small Beach Resort. Beaches, Night Life, Seafood. What a beach resort should be like.
Day 5Barra de Navidad-Beach time. Surfing, boogie boarding. Nightlife.
Day 6Barra de Navidad to Manzanillo62 kmAll the Comforts of Home, Big Resort Town and Bustling Port. Night Life, Beaches, Seafood.
Day 7Manzanillo to Tecoman62 kmScenic Inland Roads. Real Mexico. Good Food.
Day 8Tecoman to La Placita60 kmInto Michoacan and the start of the great views and more challenging cycling. Small-Town Real Mexico. Beach. zocalo (town square) to eat and socialize.")' class='mini'>
Day 9La Placita to Maruata50 kmMore beach. Very Quiet, Scenic, Hilly, Curvy Roads. Spectacular Views of the Ocean. Small Towns.
Day 10Maruata-Beautiful beaches, body surfing, fresh seafood
Day 11Maruata to Playa Rio Nexpa96 kmIncredibly Quiet Roads - Challenging Climbs, Rewarding Views of Ocean and Mountains. One of the most spectacular sections of Mexico. Small Towns. Surfer Beaches.
Day 12P. Rio Nexpa to Playa Azul62 kmSmall Beach Resort. Seafood, Beach. Semana Santa (holy week - the week leading up to Easter) and Christmas holidays. Enjoy the beach and the fresh seafood. You can also swim or bird-watch in the estuary at nearby6 Barra de Pichi.")' class='mini'>
Day 13Playa Azul to Petacalco43 kmState crossing, major dam, pebble beach.
Day 14Petacalco to Zihuatanejo96 kmSmall resort, beaches, night life, seafood.
Day 15Zihuatanejo-Enjoy Zihua for the day
Day 16Van or bus back to Pto. Vallarta-Daytime van or overnight bus back to Pto. Vallarta
Day 17Puerto Vallarta-Stay a bit longer or fly back home.
What it cost that season
| Guides' Fee | + Accommodations | + Food & Drink | + Misc. | = Approx. Total Land Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $550 | $130 | $170 | $120 | $970 |
All figures in US dollars, as published at the time. Riders paid their own accommodation, food and entrance fees on the road — the Guides' Fee was the only charge from ¡El Tour. Full history: price of Views of the Pacific through the years.
Photo Album
