Ruta de los Conventos del Popocatépetl
Photo: MaríaJoséFelgueresPlanells, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
La Ruta de los Conventos del Popocatépetl is a challenging cycling tour mainly within the Mexican state of Morelos. Much of the route lies between 5250-6550 ft, which makes for an ideal cycling climate at this latitude. It could be covered in one super epic day, but sleep wouldn’t be an option and you wouldn’t remember much beyond the shape of your handlebars. If you’re really doing this, it’s better to allow at least a week. Take the time to linger over evocative ruins, devour tasty meals, and soak in the culture and surroundings of this special place.
UnderstandWhile Spanish conquistadors were the first Europeans to arrive in Mexico, the clergy was never far behind. The Franciscans came first in 1524, followed by Dominicans in 1526 and Augustans in 1533.
PrepareBYOB. While you could try your luck renting a bicycle on arrival, the nature of this route demands something special.
Get inEntering the country via Benito Juárez International Airport will be quite common for many. This airport is massive. For those considering day 0 (see below), unpack and assemble your machine and start pedaling.
Cycle(Ride time: 5½ hours, Distance: 60 mi, climbing: 3280 ft, max grades: +8%, -11.7%)
Stay safe
Go nextYou’ll either pass directly through or get pretty dang close to all of the cities listed below. If you're blessed with the gift of time, consider extending your stay at any of these locations.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Ruta de los Conventos del Popocatépetl" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: MaríaJoséFelgueresPlanells, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons