Baja Mountain Bike Tour - Winter 2023/2024

Overview:

  • Accommodations: Our stay at Villa Bugambilias is just a short walk away from the casual and vibrant atmosphere of downtown Todos Santos. Take in the views from Punta Lobos Beach, just 2 miles away. Blessed with the most favorable climate in Baja Sur, Todos Santos is a haven for artists, craftsmen, people seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a healthy lifestyle. (And there’s even an ice cream shop next door, for any ice cream emergencies.)

  • Airport: We fly in and out of Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), where we will pick you up on the first day of the trip. Check-in time at the villa is 4pm on the day your trip begins. Checkout time is 10am on the day your trip ends. This works well with most flights in and out of Los Cabos International.

  • Daily Activities: We’ll be primarily riding in the mountains outside the greater Todos Santos area, and we’ll also take a trip to La Ventana and other riding destinations on the east side of the Baja peninsula. The terrain is cross-country style and a blast on e-bikes! This is not a shuttle-based tour, however. If you’re getting tired or want to skip a day of riding, Todos Santos is full of non-riding options to enjoy!

Riding FAQs

What are the skill and fitness requirements?

Riders should be intermediate (or above) and have good basic fitness. Since we will largely be on e-bikes and have two trucks and guides, we can split into two groups on most days and offer a more advanced option, so everyone can find the right amount of challenge.

How hard is the riding?

This tour is intended for riders that are intermediate and above. The trails in the area are a fun mix of loose rock, sand, and faster-rolling hard pack.

In Todos Santos, we’ll ride meandering trails through giant cacti forests, sunset views of the ocean, and old roads rising above dramatic ocean cliffs. In La Ventana, trails feel like a roller coaster and end at hot springs on the beach. The terrain is generally not steep, but offers significant challenge for those wanting to ride it fast. In Rancho Cacachilas, we have a mix of flow, tech, and steeps, depending on the group’s interests.

Riders should be able to comfortably ride blue trails (such as Extraterrestrial at Tiger Mtn, if you live in the Seattle area). Please also feel free to contact us to determine if this is the right trip for you! Fluidride reserves the right to refund money after payment to those not ready for the riding. We have lots of great programs and private instruction in place to help you prepare as well, so be sure to ask about those!

The riding can feel harder if we get hotter days, but the e-bike will help keep you significantly more comfortable while climbing!

Are there days off of the bike?

While we don't have formal 'off days', riders are welcome to take one at any point. There is a lot to do in the area other than riding, including beach trips and yoga.

What is the best bike for me?

Most riders will be on e-bikes. We will be offering Giant Trance e-bikes (140mm of travel) which can be added on to your reservation ($499 for the week). If you are bringing a pedal bike, we recommend 120mm-150mm travel. There are lots of rocks in the area. Having a set of good tires on really improves the control you will have on rough ground, while reducing tire-related mechanicals. Contact bajatours@fluidride.com with any questions.

What if my bike requires maintenance?

We are so fortunate to have an awesome bike shop, Over the Edge, right in Todos Santos! Fluidride will cover any bike labor needed, including bike builds, bike packing, and maintenance. However, the rider is responsible for the costs of any parts required.

Where will I store my bike?

Bikes can be kept in your room. Keep in mind that Fluidride is not responsible for the safety of your bike, but we always do our best to set you up for success. We haven't had any stolen bikes, but checking to see that your bike is on your renters or homeowners insurance can be helpful.

What bike tools should I bring?

It’s not necessary to bring any bike tools, unless there’s something you’d like to personally have on-hand. We have tools, pumps, lube, and tubes on hand during the tour.

Non-Rider Experience

What if I want to bring a non-rider with me?

Totally fine! Non-riders can accompany a rider in their room at 35% off the rider's price. This includes:

  • Lodging

  • Airport transport

  • Predetermined group meals

  • Beach trips to remote locations

  • All of the non-riding activites that we offer to the group!

What non-bike activites are there nearby?

  • Relax by the pool under palm trees

  • Take a walk down to the beach and go whale-watching

  • Join the group for fishing or surfing

  • Unlimited (complimentary) yoga at Cuattro Vientos, right next door!

  • Enjoy fabulous local restuarants

  • Horseback riding

  • Art museums

  • Walk around town and enjoy the culture

  • Onsite massages are also available

  • Hiking on Sierra Madre, overlooking downtown and the ocean

Packing & Pre-Trip Prep

What should I bring?

  • Layered clothing for changing weather conditions. The cool season lasts for 3 months, from December to March, with an average daily high temperature of 81°F. Don't forget your swim attire to hang out by the swimming pool or jump into the ocean!

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

  • A helmet that fits well!

  • A phone with international capabilities. Having communication is helpful to you and to us. Consider a SIM card for international travel or add an international plan. We’ve had great luck with T-Mobile and they also offer no-contract travel phones just for the month.

  • Your preferred pedals: Either flats or clipless are great, however, if you bring clipless, we highly recommend recessed cleats. We often walk around while out on rides.

  • Note that we have tools onsite; no need to fly with your own unless you’d like to have your own multitool or other tools on you while riding. (Don’t pack in carry-in.)

How are allergies and food preferences handled?

We will send out a form prior to the trip to asses any allergies or food preferences you may have. We are located right next door to a fresh produce market, so getting delicious fruits and vegetables is a breeze. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. The food in this area is incredibly fresh and flavorful!

What are the additional costs?

  • Airfare (typically around $400 roundtrip)

  • E-Bike Add-On (typically $499 for the week), or bike transport if you are bringing your own pedal bike (typically around $30-$35 each way on Alaska). You may not fly with most e-bike batteries

  • Breakfast when eating out, most lunches (all but 2), and some dinners (all but 3)

  • Car Rental optional (if you want to be extra mobile, but this is not common or necessary)

  • Optional gratuities for guides and hosts

Travel FAQ

Accommodation

We have 6 room types available in our beautiful compound, nestled just outside of downtown Todos Santos. Please reach out to us at bajatours@fluidride.com so we can help you select the ideal room for you.

What if I want to extend my trip?

We recommend finding a hotel or AirBnb in Cabo or Todos Santos. Our complimentary transportation only runs between the airport (SJD) and our hotel in Todos Santos. We recommend Todos Santos Private Transportation if you have additional transport needs.

Never been to Mexico?

We’ll make it about as easy as possible! You will be taken care of from the moment you arrive, and Todos Santos is an incredibly friendly, warm, and welcoming town.

Do I need a rental car?

Most riders do not get a rental car, and it is definitely not necessary for an awesome trip! However, if you have non-riders that want to get out and explore more on their own, it can be handy. Parking is free in town.

Can I drink the water?

We do not recommend drinking the tap water, but we supply plenty of fresh drinking water in your rooms.

Is it easy to do laundry?

The hotel no longer offers onsite laundry, however it is easy to hand-wash riding gear. Clothing dries quickly here!

Language Tip:

Download Google Translate before your trip. It’s an amazing tool for communication, as well as for reading foreign languages. Simply point your phone at text in any language, and you will see it in English. (Amazing and a little eerie!) This can be especially helpful when reading a menu! It’s also a great tool for learning some Spanish.

Is there WiFi?

Yes, our hotel does have Starlink WiFi which works great for emails, messages, and general purposes such as Zoom or other video calls. For more intensive upload and download needs, we recommend going to Doce Cuartena cafe.

Electrical Adapters:

Mexico uses the same outlets as the US and Canada; you will not need adapters for your electronic devices.

Travel Insurance:

Trip protection is required to protect your investment. Insurance is inexpensive and covers you for more than just the purchase of your trip. If you’re looking for a carrier, we’ve had good experiences with World Nomads but you may use any company you prefer. We’ve had students use their insurance due to legitimate reasons for cancellation and were able to recover the cost of their trip. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and cannot make the trip, travel insurance may help recover some, if not all, of your costs. Fluidride will not issue refunds after the designated time period; please review our cancellation policy. Please help us by taking this step.