Bike Mex, Calle Guerrero 361 (tel. 322/223-1834 or 322/223-1680; www.bikemex.com), offers expert guided biking and hiking tours up the Río Cuale canyon and to outlying areas. The popular Río Cuale bike trip costs $42 for 4 hours and includes bike, helmet, gloves, insurance, water, lunch, and an English-speaking guide. Trips take off at 9am or 2pm, but starting times are flexible; make arrangements a day ahead.

Who says Yelapa is accessible only by boat? Well, most people, but I've traveled with Bike Mex on its all-day, advanced-level bike trip to this magical cove. Riders depart at 7:30am in a van, traveling to the starting point in the town of El Tuito. The 53km (33-mile) ride includes 30km (19 miles) of climbs to a peak elevation of 1,091m (3,600 ft.). The journey consists of switchbacks, fire roads, single tracks, awesome climbs, and steep downhills before ending up at a beachfront palapa restaurant in Yelapa. You have the option of staying the night in Yelapa or returning that afternoon by small boat. This tour costs $160, takes 4 to 6 hours, includes all bike gear, drinks, lunch, boat and land transportation, guide, and ample encouragement. Other bicycle trips, such as those along the beachfront of Punta Mita, are also available. Bike Mex also arranges guided hiking tours along the same routes; prices start at $30, depending on the route.