Everything You Need to Know About Mountain Biking in Sayulita, Mexico
Summary: This article will explore Sayulita’s best places to mountain bike, best times of year to mountain bike in Sayulita, seasonal trail conditions, safety concerns, unique opportunities for nature lovers, what to bring when biking in the jungle and how to make the most of your time in Sayulita if you would like to explore mountain biking as one of the top things to do on your trip.
If the jungle is calling you and you’d love to explore it on a mountain bike, Sayulita will not disappoint.
While most travelers come to Sayulita for surf & yoga, mountain biking is a fun way to visit the beautiful beaches and colorful streets. Sayulita’s lush jungle trails offer hidden viewpoints and unique experience for anyone who wants to adventure.
Whether you're a beginner or advanced cyclist here’s everything you need to know about mountain biking in Sayulita.
Why Sayulita Is a Mountain Biking Gem
While Sayulita is a “Magic Town” the true magic of Sayulita lies in visiting the jungle:
For biking, the terrain is playful rather than overly technical—more small hills than steep drops—making it perfect for mixed-experience groups or people wanting to try MTB during their trip.
With the nearby towns of San Pancho, Punta Mita, and Lo de Marcos, and even the nearby cities of Bucerias and Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a convenient hub for exploring the jungle on a bike for the day.
Sayulita Mountain Biking Terrain
Sayulita Town
Sayulita’s town is a mix of rocky cobble stone roads and dirt roads, making mountain bikes the perfect cycle for getting around. Notably, there is a lot of traffic — trucks, motorbikes, golf carts and four-wheelers to share the road with. It’s nice to get off of the main streets of town and explore the back neighborhoods where you will likely still encounter some chickens and stray dogs to dodge. The back roads of Sayulita will show you how locals live, more of the history of the town as a tiny fishing village, before it became a surf tourism hotspot.
Sayulita Jungle
Of course when you think about mountain biking in Sayulita, you are probably most interested in the jungle trails. There are plenty of dirt paths weaving through palm and higuera blanca “white fig” trees, which a lush canopy overhead offering shade. Most paths are clear, with minimal hazards being jungle roots, rocks and small coconuts called “cocoyuls.”
While the trails are generally quiet in terms of traffic, you still need to be mindful of tourists and hikers on foot. And of course, keep a solid eye out for wild animals, including large spider webs, tejons/cuatimundis, iguanas and snakes.
Other concerns: Many trails are old ranch roads. It can be difficult to ensure you are not trespassing on private property where guards are stationed to enforce and intimidate. With construction threatening much of the jungle, trail closures effect route changes frequently. We recommend taking even the most advanced mountain bikers take a guided MBT tour with our local experts to avoid conflicts.
Difficulty Levels of Sayulita MTB Trails
Most routes fall into the beginner to intermediate range, as Sayulita is in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains.
Experienced riders will still have plenty of fun by building longer loops and enjoying the unexpected viewpoints that surround the town of Sayulita.
When to Go Mountain Biking in Sayulita
Best Season: Sayulita Peak Season
November through May, the “dry” season is ideal—for moderate temperatures, sea breezes, and almost no likelihood of rains. As the terrain is dry, there is very little overgrowth on the trails.
Summer and Sayulita Rainy Season
You can avoid the crowds and higher prices by visiting Sayulita on the off-peak “rainy season,” June–October. Don’t be put off by the idea of “rainy season.” Rains usually fall at night and leave plenty of good weather during the day times for exploring the jungle. There’s also heavy humidity this time of year. While you should expect a few more challenging conditions, there are many beautiful and unique rewards to visiting Sayulita during rainy season.
Sayulita Rainy Season MTB Challenges
Rains can overflow rivers and create new brooks that make trails unpassable, and obviously rains can make the trails muddy and slippery. You will want to keep an open mind that anything is possible in the changing trail conditions day to day. Lush jungle vegetation overgrows very quickly and can make unmaintained trails difficult to explore. This is especially true after tropical storms that cause large branches and mud slides. Local MTB guides at EcoHike are accustomed to finding the safest trails during rainy season that help you to enjoy mountain biking all year long in Sayulita.
Sayulita Rainy Season Rewards
While most tourists come to Sayulita in peak-season, we locals actually prefer the low season. The rains quickly reshape the jungle each year creating a scenery of densely green rolling hills. While the days are much more hot and humid, the days are longer and it’s easy to enjoy a full morning or evening biking tour and still have a huge stretch of mid-day to enjoy shade, swimming and refreshing beach life. The dense humidity and clouds of rainy season bring with them unbeatable cotton candy sunrises and sunsets with hues of pink, purple and orange. But by far our favorite reason for enjoying low-season is there is much more wildlife and flora to enjoy. We see all kinds of animals coming out to enjoy the beauty of the jungle.
What to Bring on an MTB Tour
If you are choosing a tour with Ecohike, we will provide your bike, helmet and all of our guides carry first aid kits. But you will enjoy your mountain biking adventure much more if you pack accordingly:
Lightweight, breathable clothing, with a bathing suit to enjoy swimming
Comfortable sneakers
Plenty of water (more than you think!) - We recommend at least 1 Liter, though more can be purchased throughout the ride.
Sunscreen + bug spray
A small towel for sweat and another larger one if you plan to swim
Snacks or electrolytes for longer rides
Safety Tips for Mountain Biking in Sayulita
Riding in the jungle is incredible, but a few practical tips go a long way:
Start early or head out in late afternoon to beat the heat and sun rays.
Ride with a guide if you’re new to the area—trails are not clearly marked.
Be mindful and RESPECT the wildlife (remember you are in their home).
Check your brakes before starting any descent.
Guided Tours & Why You Should Choose EcoHike Sayulita
Guided MTB tours are the best way to experience Sayulita’s unmarked jungle trails without stress. EcoHike’s expert guides have been exploring these routes daily for more than five years and bring unmatched local knowledge, safety training, and professionalism—backed by thousands of five-star reviews. With us, you skip the guesswork, avoid getting lost, and simply enjoy the ride.
We’ll also make sure to stop you by our favorite hidden gems in Sayulita for snacks, overlooks and refreshments. We are happy to make your vacation memorable and unique.
How EcoHike Supports Riders
While we offer daily mixed group tours, EcoHike Sayulita also specializes in customizable mountain biking adventures that fit your pace, experience, and energy levels. Whether you want a mellow beginner loop, or a challenging ride, we’ll create the perfect experience with your preferences and abilities in mind.
Our bilingual guides are local, knowledgeable, and trained to keep you safe while showing you secret lookouts, hidden jungle paths, and the best flowy sections you’d never find on your own.
Combine Mountain Biking With Other Eco-Adventures in Sayulita
If you love the idea of exploring nature in Sayulita, mountain biking is just one of many ways to get off the beaten path with us. Visitors often pair MTB with:
Hiking to Hidden Beach or Monkey Mountain
Birdwatching in the Jungle
Nature therapy and yoga
Make sure to learn all about our unique tours as you plan your vacation.
Final Thoughts
We’d love to get you out in the jungle—our mission is to help travelers connect with and respect nature. We’d love to share with you Sayulita from a different perspective.
If you’re curious about customizable MTB experiences with EcoHike, explore our daily tours and reach out anytime so we can help you plan the perfect adventure.