Yoga/Mountain Bike Retreat
Ride Highlights
- Accommodation at a private beach resort
- Sunrise and sunset yoga in a beautiful studio overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- Mountain biking on jungle trails in the mountains surrounding Puerto Vallarta
- Additional activities such as surfing, snorkeling and salsa lessons
- The beautiful colonial mountain town of San Sebastian Del Oeste
Feeling the winter blahs?
We've got just the ticket for a recharge - an adventure for mind, body and soul!
Thrilling mountain bike riding combines with invigorating and relaxing yoga on this fantastic retreat on a spectacular private beach on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
Each day includes riding in the Sierra Madre mountain range and 2 yoga sessions, along with time to relax and soak in the sun and surf on our private beach. We'll also head up into the mountains for two days in the historic town of San Sebastian Del Oeste. Your winter escape awaits!
There are 2 yoga sessions per day (sunrise and sunset), covering a variety of styles and appropriate to the time of day (e.g. invigorating session at sunrise, a more relaxing session at sunset) and day's activities. On this trip we'll ride singletrack trails along with some technical doubletrack, with short to medium climbs and an easy to moderate technical challenge component.
Safety in Mexico
Although the drug trade has led to instability and major violence along the U.S./Mexico border, violent or organized crime is not a concern in this part of Mexico: the problems are mainly restricted to the areas near the border. Punta Monterrey Resort and San Sebastian, where we spend most of the trip, are two of the most peaceful places anywhere in Mexico (or the world, for that matter).
We work with local guides who are keenly aware of any issues that might affect our groups' safety - rest assured that the safety of our clients is of paramount concern to us and we would never do anything that would compromise it.
Is This Ride For You?
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"Great location! Great food! Great hosts! The private family-owned resort, with access to beach and yoga studio is ideal and amazing. And Johanna - quite frankly, she rocks!"
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"Got back home on Monday after a great week in Mexico. Great rides, guides, food and accommodation. I highly recommend it!"
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"I love the food on this trip - traditional Mexican, fresh fruit and juices - mmm! Johanna was amazing: upbeat, professional, knowlegeable and positive. I loved her stories and zest for life and am hoping it's contagious"
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"the recent Mexico Bike & Yoga trip was incredible - Johanna rocks!"
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"Awesome hotel, food, everything. The guides were supportive and awesome, and the yoga was phenomenal and added a great deal to the trip"
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"The yoga has exceed my expectations - it's an amazing complement to a cycling trip and has a way of putting life into perspective"
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"Really loved the eco-hacienda in San Sebastian. Beautiful location and accommodations. Punta Monterrey was awesome too: wonderul location and staff. it was a very welcoming and hospitable atmosphere."
Day 1. Arrive Puerto Vallarta, transfer to Haramara Retreat.
We'll meet you at Puerto Vallarta airport and transfer you to your accommodation on a secluded and spectacular private beach 1 hour north of the city, at the spectacular Haramara Retreat. Tonight we'll have our first delicious dinner, get to know each other, and look forward to a fantastic week of yoga and mountain biking.
Day 2. Patzcuaro ride.
We'll start the day with a sunrise yoga session overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After a delicious and healthy breakfast, we'll put together our bikes and have our pre-trip safety meeting. Our first ride in the Patzcuaro area will take you along streams and ocean overlooking jungle roads with some steep hills, then drop into Sayulita and continuing our ride on more technical trails overlooking remote beaches. After lunch at Haramara, we'll have the rest of the afternoon off to relax at the resort's private beach, or take part in an optional surf lesson (not included in price).
After a sunset yoga session and dinner at Haramara, we'll get to know each other over salsa lessons in Sayulita!
Day 3. Las Lomas
We'll start our day off with another sunrise yoga session by the water. Then after breakfast we ride to San Pancho, a quaint seaside town just up the coast from Sayulita. After reaching San Pancho, we head onward to Las Lomas, a traditional Mexican village, where we'll have lunch and spend the afternoon volunteering with the local community to help develop their village. The van will take us back to Haramara for sunset yoga and dinner.
Day 4. San Pancho
Today we'll check out the San Pancho loop, a ride that takes us to the hills behind San Pancho, with beautiful views of the ocean. We'll stop for a drink in San Pancho before heading back to Haramara for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to relax on the beach, explore Sayulita, or even do some more surfing!
Day 5. Marietas Islands Excursion
Today we head out after breakfast for a quick drive to Punta de Mita, where panga fishing boats will be waiting to take us on a 3-hour ocean safari to Marietas Islands National Park and back. Starting with the ride there, we'll have a chance to observe Dolphins, Sea Turtles, Manta Rays and Grey Whales.
The boat will go around the Islands, showing us the different rock formations and small coves, until coming to a stop on one of its secluded beaches, where we'll be able to swim, walk on the beach, explore caves and relax in the sun.
From there, we head over to our Snorkeling adventure. Once we get to the small secluded cove, we'll jump in the water and snorkel around the different areas of this cove, finally returning to Punta de Mita for lunch.
In the afternoon, we'll head out for a short ride in the Sayulita area to explore more of the spectacular coastline of Mexico!
Day 6. San Sebastian
After morning yoga and breakfast, we're off to the beautiful mountain town of San Sebastian. The drive to San Sebastian takes us up into the mountains, stopping at a local tequila museum for a quick browse. After checking into our hotels, we'll grab some lunch in the picturesque town square, then hop on our bikes for a thrilling ride in the mountains around San Sebastian. Tonight we dine in the main square and sample some of the local tequilas!
Day 7. San Sebastian
After morning yoga and breakfast, we'll hop on the bikes again for another spectacular ride in the mountains surrounding San Sebastian. We return to San Sebastian for lunch; after lunch at "La Lupita", a local and colourful family-owned restaurant, you have the option for more riding, or simply exploring this beautiful traditional Mexican town. There are always families and kids outside their houses willing to have a chat, show you around, or just get to know you.
Tonight we'll have our final - and always lively - celebration in the main square of San Sebastian!
Day 8. Return Home
After our final breakfast, the van will depart San Sebastian at 9 am, arriving at Puerto Vallarta airport at 11 am.
Arrival and Departure Airport
You should fly into and out of Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR). Please see the schedule page for the exact pickup and dropoff times for your particular trip. You can, if wanted or necessary, arrive earlier, and we will arrange a pickup for you.
Pickup & Drop-off Information
We offer a free airport pickup service from Puerto Vallarta airport to Haramara Retreat (about 1 hour), departing at 5pm on day 1 of the itinerary. A representative will be waiting outside of the arrivals area from 2 pm to 5 pm with a sign in his/her hand to show you to your shuttle (or to the bar/restaurant across the street if you’re early and want a margarita!)
n.b. airport pickup service on day 1 of the trip is included in the trip price. If you are arriving earlier, then the price for the shuttle is $100/shuttle. Please notify our office if you need to book a non-scheduled shuttle.
We offer free airport dropoff service to Puerto Vallarta airport on day 8 of the trip, at any time. Shuttles after day 8 cost $100/shuttle.
Extending your trip
Haramara Retreat is a beautiful secluded resort/retreat about 1 hour north of Puerto Vallarta. You can book extra nights there by sending them an email or calling them at +52 329.291.3558 or 888.494.3688.
If you want information on other places to visit and things to see in the Puerto Vallarta area, please visit the Puerto Vallarta Tourism website.
Flights
We do not book international flights for our clients. Please contact your local travel agent for information on booking flights for this trip.
Travelling with your bike
If you've never traveled with your bike, don't worry - it's much easier than you think! If you don't have a case for your bike, then you can pick up a cardboard travel box for your bike at your local store. Some stores will also pack your bike up for you for a fee.
Alternately, if you are planning on traveling with your bike more than just this one time, we sell travel bags for bikes, handmade by Pikapackworks. These travel bags are specially made for bikes and can often go on flights without having to pay the extra charges incurred by cardboard boxes or hard cases. The bags cost $395, including shipping withing North America. Click here for more information on our bags.
Bike Rentals
Local, decent quality hardtails are available for rental, and cost $200 for the week. These can be added when making your original booking, or if you've already made your booking, email us and we'll add it for you.
What type of bike should you bring?
We recommend you bring a solid cross-country or light all-mountain full-suspension bike with you on this trip, with at least 4-5" of travel, and no heavier than 28 pounds since there are several long climbs. A bike with at least 2 rings up front is mandatory, as is front suspension.
Spare Parts for your Bike
Although there are some parts available locally, we recommend you bring the following parts with you to Guatemala to avoid problems in case of breakdown or broken parts:
- rear derailleur hanger (at least 1, preferably 2)
- front and rear brake pads
- extra chain if your chain is more than 6 months old
- 4 tubes
- 4 extra spokes
- shock pump
Weather and Clothing
The weather on the Pacific Coast is quite warm, with highs between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius in the morning (when we'll be doing most of our riding). San Sebastian can get cool at night, so we recommend you bring long pants and a jacket for the evenings.
Although rain is rare in the winter months, it isn't unheard of, so we recommend you bring some sort of rain gear or shell.
Packing List
• comfortable clothes for riding, such as biking jerseys and padded shorts. 2+ sets are ideal, 1 is a must.
• helmet
• bike gloves (2 sets is ideal)
• lightweight, weather-resistant outerwear for riding in inclement weather.
• longsleeve clothing for nighttime.
• swimwear
• sunglasses/eye protection for sunny and/or muddy days.
• hydration system that can carry at least 2 litres (bottles and/or Camelbak)
• toiletries i.e. toothbrush, shampoo, soap
• beach towel
• camera
• sunscreen and insect repellent
n.b. yoga mats will be provided
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage, is compulsory for all our tours. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance that includes cancellation protection so that you will be covered in the event that you are unable to attend our tour (due to injury, illness or other unforeseen circumstances) or in the unlikely event that our tour must be cancelled.
You can purchase discounted comprehensive insurance from our partners at bikeflights.com at our insurance page.
Passports & Visas
All travelers require a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity). Citizens of some countries World Travel Guide website.
Emergency Contacts
If you need to contact us in an emergency, you can reach us during office hours at the following numbers:
Dialing within North America: 1 (888) 423-7849
Dialing outside of North America: +1 (647) 999-7955
If you do not receive an immediate answer when calling the above numbers, please leave us a detailed message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Food
We take care to select restaurants that are well-regarded for their cleanliness, in order to avoid food-borne illness. We also supply you with bottled water for drinking for the duration of your trip. However, there is always some risk of contracting a food-borne illness when traveling in a developing country. We recommend you exercise caution when purchasing food, and avoid unwashed fruit and vegetables and improperly cooked meals.
Vaccination Requirements
Vaccinations are not required for the Puerto Vallarta area.
Fitness Requirements
You should have a moderately high level of fitness and be able to bike for up to four hours a day in order to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery and riding on this trip.
We recommend you train in advance of this trip, in order to get the most out of this trip. We have partnered with Fit for Trips to develop customized training programs for you in advance of your trip. We recommend beginning your training at least 2 months prior to your trip. For more information, please visit the Sacred Rides page at Fit for Trips.
Safety & Security
Mexico is a safe country, however certain precautions should be followed, as with all foreign travel. To maximize your safety during our tours you should exercise common sense and caution at all times. We recommend that you always stick to set travel arrangements, and avoid unknown areas. We also recommend that you wear minimal jewelry and that you keep valuable items safely stored. Always keep a copy of your passport, airline tickets, travelers checks and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals.
Meals
All meals are included on this trip.
Other expenses
Other expenses include souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and optional activities such as massage. The best way to pay for these services is to withdraw money from an ATM in Puerto Vallarta when you arrive, or use your credit card (you can use your card at Monterry Beach and at our hotel in San Sebastian) - you can withdraw local money from ATMs and will usually be charged the best rate by your bank at home. We recommend you bring some US dollars or traveler's cheques with you in case of emergency.
Local Money
The local currency is the Mexican Peso. Check here for current exchange rates.
Tipping
Gratuities of 5-15% are common in Mexico. We encourage you to tip your guides if you feel you have received excellent service and have had an enjoyable trip. A typical gratuity $20 - $100 per guide.
Our Guarantee
We're so sure you'll have an amazing time on this trip that we're offering a satisfaction guarantee. View more information about our guarantee.
Lead Guide and Lead Instructor.
Johanna is our lead guide and coach for B.C, Utah, Mexico and Patagonia. After learning to ride on the North Shore of Vancouver and in Whistler in early 2000, she has been coaching since 2003 after racing elite DH and XC and guiding since 2007. Living in Fernie for the last 5 years, she's blessed with amazing local trails as well as traveling and riding all over North America. Johanna is Certified by CMIC, Endless Biking, NCCP, Yoga Alliance, Sports Nutrition, Advanced Wilderness First Aid, she also teaches yoga and surfing in Mexico and Patagonia as well as Essential Yoga Studio in Fernie. |
Lead Guide.
I grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico's second biggest city. Started Mountain biking when I was 10 years old, when we had no suspension, 10 speed bikes and the most ineffective brakes you can imagine. Raced for 8 or 9 years and was part of the Mexican national team for 4, until I decided to going back to simply enjoying the ride and exploring other sports like surfing and climbing. I love riding and showing people around my country and our local trails! I love challenging XC riding and love road trips with friends. |
 Yoga/MTB Retreat, Mexico |
Airport
What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- all meals, including traditional, healthy meals at Haramara Retreat and in San Sebastian
- 2 daily yoga sessions (including yoga mats)
- all transportation including airport pickup and dropoff
- 2 guides
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