Gravel Heroes
MEXICO MOTORCYCLE TOUR – SIERRA GORDA OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE | 19–26 MARCH 2027
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The booking fee is 25%.
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TOUR TYPE:
ROAD SURFACES:
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MOTORCYCLE:
Honda XR150: €4,690 per rider
The tour price includes the rental of a specially prepared Honda XR150 motorcycle and fuel for the scheduled riding programme. The motorcycles are street legal, covered by third-party liability insurance and prepared for off-road riding.
TOUR DESCRIPTION:
SIERRA GORDA — THE WILD HEART OF CENTRAL MEXICO
Cactus-covered valleys, forested mountain ridges and tracks disappearing into canyon country: the Sierra Gorda offers a very different Mexico from the one most visitors know. This eight-day supported motorcycle tour starts and finishes in Tequisquiapan, Querétaro. We ride into the mountains and use San Joaquín as our base for exploring the surrounding trails, rural communities and old mining country before returning through the Angostura Canyon area. The route takes us between approximately 600 and 2,800 metres above sea level. Within a single day, dry semi-desert can give way to pine forest, cooler mountain air and cloud-covered ridges. Five riding days form the core programme, with the option of riding on Day 5 or spending that day visiting waterfalls and archaeological sites off the motorcycles.
THE RIDING
Depending on weather, trail conditions and the group’s experience, up to approximately 75% of the route may be off-road. Paved connections follow winding mountain roads, keeping the journey varied from start to finish. Expect dirt roads, gravel, rocky tracks, forest trails and seasonal riverbeds. Some sections flow easily; others call for careful line choice, balance and confident control on loose or uneven ground. The programme is deliberately flexible. We adjust the route to the group and the conditions, drawing on the local team’s knowledge of the region. This is not hard enduro, but previous off-road experience is necessary.
WHO IS THIS TOUR FOR?
For riders who enjoy getting away from asphalt and want to explore mountain terrain on a manageable motorcycle. You should be comfortable riding standing up, negotiating gravel and dirt, and maintaining concentration over several riding days. You do not need competition experience, but you do need sound motorcycle control and the confidence to handle changing surfaces. The difficulty rating is 6/10. The lightweight motorcycles help, while the terrain still demands your attention.
SMALL BIKE. BIG ADVANTAGE.
We ride specially prepared Honda XR150s. On narrow mountain tracks, low weight and predictable handling count for a great deal. The XR150 lets you concentrate on your line, the surface and the next bend without managing the weight of a large adventure motorcycle. The bikes are prepared for this riding programme, with modifications such as wider foot pegs, handlebar risers and seat options where required. Motorcycle rental and fuel for the scheduled riding programme are included.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICAL SUPPORT
Our guide is an experienced international motorcycle racer, instructor and guide. He has lived and ridden in Mexico for more than two decades and has over 30 years of guiding experience. His knowledge of the Sierra Gorda shapes the riding: mountain loops, village roads and remote tracks chosen to suit the conditions and the group. A support vehicle carries the main luggage and travels with the local backup team. The team provides basic technical assistance, carries an emergency satellite communication device and has basic first-aid training. The package includes seven nights in shared rooms, breakfasts, lunches and dinners, non-alcoholic drinks, scheduled entrance fees and transfers between Querétaro International Airport and Tequisquiapan.
Small motorcycles, a group of no more than nine riders, and five days of mountain riding—with room for a sixth. A week built around discovering the Sierra Gorda from the saddle.
TOUR DETAILS
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Sierra Gorda by motorcycle
Explore the mountains of central Mexico through cactus-covered valleys, forested highlands and deep canyon landscapes. - Five riding days, with an optional sixth
Follow a programme built around the riding, with Day 5 offering a choice between another day on the motorcycles and sightseeing off the bikes, depending on the group. - Up to 75% off-road
Ride dirt roads, gravel, rocky tracks and mountain trails, linked by winding paved roads. - Specially prepared Honda XR150s
Enjoy the control and manoeuvrability of a lightweight motorcycle on narrow tracks and changing terrain. - The El Doctor loop
Explore pine forests, mountain settlements and historic mining country around San Joaquín. - Angostura Canyon and seasonal riverbeds
Ride through colourful rock formations and canyon terrain on the return towards Tequisquiapan. - Waterfalls and archaeological sites
Discover the region’s natural and historical attractions as part of the planned programme. - From 600 to 2,800 metres
Experience striking changes in landscape, vegetation and temperature as the route climbs from semi-desert into the mountains. - Local knowledge
Explore with an experienced racer, instructor and guide who has lived and ridden in Mexico for more than two decades. - A maximum of nine riders
Travel in a small group with luggage transport, local backup and routes adapted to the conditions and the group’s riding level.
WEATHER:
DRY SEASON, BIG ALTITUDE CHANGES
March is one of the best months for riding in the Sierra Gorda. It falls within the region’s dry season, with generally stable conditions and little rain. The route ranges from approximately 600 to 2,800 metres above sea level, so temperatures can change considerably during the day as we move between semi-desert valleys and higher forested mountains. Riders should be prepared for warm conditions at lower elevations, cooler mornings and evenings in the mountains, and occasional fog at altitude. The large differences in elevation also mean that weather and vegetation can change surprisingly quickly during a single riding day.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR:
ENDURO GEAR FOR CHANGING MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS
Well-fitting enduro or off-road adventure gear is the best choice for this tour. Choose equipment that provides ventilation, freedom of movement and protection on rocky tracks, loose surfaces and forest trails. Bring your own full-face or enduro helmet, goggles or suitable eye protection, protective motorcycle boots, gloves, knee protection and upper-body protection. Use equipment you already know is comfortable over several consecutive riding days. The route climbs from warm valleys to around 2,800 metres. Pack a lightweight windproof and waterproof outer layer, plus a warm layer for cooler mountain sections, early starts and evenings. Ventilated riding gear alone will not cover every condition. Heavy road-touring equipment can become tiring on the more active off-road sections. Prioritise protection, mobility and layers that you can adjust during the day.
LUGGAGE:
TRAVEL LIGHT. RIDE FREE.
The support vehicle carries your main luggage throughout the expedition. Please limit yourself to one soft, dustproof and waterproof travel bag weighing no more than 20 kg. Hard suitcases are not suitable for this tour.
On the motorcycle, carry only what you may need during the riding day: water, sun protection, goggles or a spare lens, documents and personal essentials. We recommend a small hydration backpack of no more than 16 litres, fitted with a water bladder of at least 2 litres.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION:
OFF-ROAD RIDING WITH BACKUP
This is a genuine off-road motorcycle tour through rural and mountainous areas of the Sierra Gorda. Depending on conditions, up to approximately 75% of the route may be off-road, and some sections can be remote. Mobile-phone coverage is available for roughly 90% of the route, but riders should not expect continuous reception at all times. The local team carries an emergency satellite communication device, travels with a support vehicle and has basic first-aid training. Medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for all participants. Full protective motorcycle gear is also required.
The itinerary may be adjusted according to the weather, trail conditions and the riding level of the group. Riders must therefore be comfortable with changing surfaces, loose terrain and consecutive days of off-road riding.
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE:
2 800 m
metres above sea levelDAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 | 19.03.2027 | ARRIVAL IN TEQUISQUIAPAN
Arrive at Querétaro International Airport for the group transfer to Tequisquiapan. Settle into the hotel and meet the team and your fellow riders. The evening briefing covers the riding programme, motorcycle setup, safety procedures and what to expect on the trails of the Sierra Gorda.
DAY 2 | 20.03.2027 | TEQUISQUIAPAN — SIERRA GORDA — SAN JOAQUÍN
We collect the Honda XR150s, complete the bike setup and head towards the mountains.
Cactus-covered semi-desert, small villages and increasingly remote roads and tracks mark our introduction to the Sierra Gorda. As we climb, the landscape and temperature change.
Our destination is San Joaquín, the mountain town that serves as our base for exploring the surrounding region.
DAY 3 | 21.03.2027 | CANYONS, REMOTE TRACKS AND FRANCISCAN HERITAGE
A full riding day takes us into canyon country, combining dirt tracks with winding mountain roads. We pass through small rural communities and visit a historic Franciscan site before returning to San Joaquín. The local team chooses the day’s route according to trail conditions and the group’s riding level.
DAY 4 | 22.03.2027 | EL DOCTOR MOUNTAIN LOOP
The El Doctor loop leads through pine forests, mountain settlements and old mining country.
Narrow tracks and changing surfaces make this a day for choosing your line and enjoying the control of a lightweight motorcycle. Some sections require more concentration and careful bike handling, with the route adjusted where necessary to suit the group.
DAY 5 | 23.03.2027 | WATERFALLS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES — OPTIONAL RIDING DAY
Today’s programme explores the region’s waterfalls and archaeological sites.
Depending on how the group feels, we can make this a sixth riding day or spend it sightseeing off the motorcycles. The team coordinates the day’s arrangements with the group.
For anyone ready for a break after the first three riding days, it offers time to enjoy another side of the Sierra Gorda
DAY 6 | 24.03.2027 | RED EARTH AND MOUNTAIN TRAILS
Another full day on the motorcycles takes us through red-earth landscapes, remote tracks and winding paved roads. Stops in small communities bring us closer to everyday life in rural Mexico. As throughout the tour, the precise route depends on the weather, trail conditions and the group’s riding level.
DAY 7 | 25.03.2027 | ANGOSTURA CANYON — TEQUISQUIAPAN
Our final riding day leads through the Angostura Canyon area, with colourful rock formations, seasonal riverbeds and mountain terrain. We gradually leave the Sierra Gorda and return to Tequisquiapan, completing the journey where it began. The evening is ours to enjoy together after five scheduled riding days—or six if the group chose to ride on Day 5.
DAY 8 | 26.03.2027 | DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by the scheduled group transfer to Querétaro International Airport. The tour ends today. Please coordinate your flight arrangements with MotoBirds before purchasing tickets.
The itinerary is indicative. Routes and activities may change according to weather, trail access, local conditions and the group’s riding level.
WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5,based on 47 reviews
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
MOTORCYCLE
4X4 OPTION
GUIDE
SUPPORT VEHICLE
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TRANSFERS
PERMITS
ACTIVITIES
Entrance fees for the scheduled activities are included in the tour price, including national parks, archaeological sites, waterfalls, caves, swimming locations and cultural activities included in the programme.
INSURANCE
- Basic travel insurance.
- Tourist Guarantee Fund fee.
- Tourist Support Fund fee.
IMPORTANT: For an additional fee, there is an option to independently extend the insurance within the Signal Iduna Safe Travels and/or Global Rescue partner offer. The price of the tour includes basic travel insurance.
WELCOME PACK
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
To keep the tour price clear and transparent, the following services, deposits and personal expenses are paid separately:
- International flights to and from Mexico. Flights should not be purchased until MotoBirds has confirmed that the minimum group size has been reached.
- Passport, visa or entry-authorisation costs, if required for your nationality.
- Medical evacuation insurance – mandatory for all participants.
- Trip interruption insurance – recommended.
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses.
- Additional accommodation and transfers outside the official tour dates and scheduled group arrangements.
- Transfers from Mexico City or any airport other than Querétaro International Airport (QRO).
- Single-room supplement: €490 for the tour, subject to availability.
- Motorcycle security deposit: USD 200 per motorcycle, payable locally.
- Any services or activities not specifically listed as included.
MOTORCYCLE SECURITY DEPOSIT:
A refundable motorcycle security deposit is required and must be paid locally before the motorcycle is handed over.
Honda XR150 rider: USD 200 per motorcycle
The security deposit covers damage, loss or costs resulting from misuse of the motorcycle during the tour. The deposit is returned after the tour provided the motorcycle is returned without damage beyond normal wear and tear. Any repair costs or damage attributable to the rider may be deducted from the deposit.
