Explore the coastal oases and rugged mountains of Morocco on MTB
The guided 9-day Atlas Mountains to Atlantic Coast MTB Tour starts in Marrakech and then heads to the wonderful Atlantic Coast, stopping at the coastal cities of Essaouira. You'll ride through the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic coast taking in breathtaking scenery along the way.
Morocco’s Atlas Mountains are linked by a thrilling labyrinth of picturesque switchback roads which you’ll navigate with an expert guide. This is a perfect drop-bar cycling trip that winds its way from the bustle of Marrakech, through lush green valleys, over isolated high mountain passes and down long, flowing descents all the way to the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
Highlights of the Atlas Mountains to Atlantic Coast MTB Tour
Prices
- No Booking or Credit Card Fees
- Save Money
- Happiness Guaranteed
Atlas Mountains to Atlantic Coast MTB Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Marrakech
Arrive and meet your guide at the airport in Marrakech. Next, you’ll transfer to the hotel/Riad in the heart of the Medina. You can spend the afternoon visiting Marrakech and taking in its enchanting, smells, sights and sounds.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Marrakech
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Transfer to Imlil and Ride Through the Foothills of Mount Toubkal to Imi’oughelad
This morning you’ll transfer from Marrakech to Imlil Valley, found at the foothills of Mount Toubkal. Your first ride begins with a climb, not a tough one but good enough to put pressure on the pedals to make sure everything is working! At the top of the pass (2300m), stop for mint tea and biscuits before heading for the first real singletrack through the villages of Tacheddirt, Tamguist and Amssakrou. This is good, flowing off-road riding for a couple of hours which will lead you to a scenic riverbed where you can enjoy lunch. After a good, long lazy lunch you’re off again. A short climb that turns into a single-track descent is up next. At the end of this technical singletrack descent, you’ll end at Imi Oughlad where you’ll spend the night.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Imi'oughelad
Distance: 42km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Ride from Imi’oughelad to the Azzaden Valley
This morning from Imi Oughlad you’ll start with a tough climb to the head of the second pass of the week. The climb is optional, and uplift can be arranged for those not wanting to tackle it. Today’s singletrack is easier and faster than yesterdays. At the bottom of this singletrack, there is a shop where you can grab a drink and a cake before setting off again on the next climb.
At the top of this climb, you’ll drop into a short section of very technical singletrack riding. From here you’ll drop into the Gite where you’ll will be staying for the night. Enjoy lunch at the gite and explore the surrounding Azzaden Valley this evening.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Azzaden valley
Distance: 34km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Bike the Azzaden Valley to Amizmiz
This is a day of singletrack riding. The Guesthouse is at nearly 1800m in altitude and today is the day to ‘cash in’ on that altitude! This path links three or four villages as you traverse from one to the other. There are a couple of little climbs of 300-400m which catapult you into incredibly fast sections. Enjoy a stop for lunch in a secluded wooded part of the riverbed where mint tea awaits upon arrival. After lunch, you’re off again. A short warm-up of 1.5-2km will have you crossing a large dam to find the entrance to yet another incredible ribbon of singletrack to a spectacular gorge. This is truly breathtaking scenery to match some of the best singletracks in the world! From here you’ll wrap with a gentle ride to the gite for tonight, found 10km outside Amizmiz (1005m).
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Amizmiz
Distance: 68 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Challenging Ride to Imouzzar Ida Outanane
Today is another tough great singletrack day with some great climbing and challenges all morning! From the top of this challenge, you’ll traverse a singletrack descent back into a riverbed on the other side of the valley for another, very technical ascent.
From the top here there is a fantastic singletrack descent for your reward before continuing the ride until stopping for lunch. After lunch transfer to Imouzzar Ida Outanane where you’ll spend the night.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Imouzzar Ida Outanane
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Mountains and Sea on the Ride to Imessouane
This will likely be another favorite day of riding as you cycle a scenic quiet road from the mountains to the sea, making your way through remarkably contrasting landscapes. You’ll take in some cascading waterfalls and wind down the road along the superb Targant Valley. A first good climb will take you to some high plateaus where local Berbers graze peacefully alongside their goats and camels. As you ride west, the smell of the sea announces your imminent approach to the Atlantic Coast!
You’ll reach Imessouane where you’ll find your guesthouse for tonight.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Imessouane
Distance: 61km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Ride the Atlantic Coast to Essaouira
A superb morning ride along the Atlantic Coast awaits you before setting out on a thrilling section inland where you’ll bare witness to majestic mountains, valleys and villages. Terraced fields with almond trees in blossom flank the rail, as you ride to Sidi Kaouki. Enjoy a refreshing swim here and a top it off with a picnic lunch.
Next, you’ll drive to Essaouira. Essaouira is famous for its artisan shops, European feel, and several kilometres of sandy beaches. You’ll join a local historian explore the medina here in-depth, where the maze of tiny streets reveal spice markets, marquetry workshops, ancient hammams and more. You’ll stay at the nice Riad, located in the heart of the medina tonight.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Essaouira
Distance: 81km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Return to Marrakech
There may be an opportunity to explore the Medina & walk along the beach before departing to Marrakech this morning. Afterwards, you'll visit the city’s sites including El Bahia Palace. As dusk sets on the extraordinary Jemaa El Fnawe’ll, watch as snake charmers, acrobats and street performers of every kind imaginable fill the streets. You’ll stay at a wonderful Riad near the historical neighbourhood in the Medina for your final night. The distance between Essaouira and Marrakech is 170 km.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Marrakech
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Depart for Airport
According to your flight times, you will be transferred to the airport by your guide to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Atlas Mountains to Atlantic Coast MTB Tour Price and Dates
This guided mountain biking tour in Morocco is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the number of participants.
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided Groups of 2-3: $1,175 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 4-5: $975 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 6-7: $875 USD per person
- Guided groups of 7+: on request
Accommodation on Atlas Mountains to Atlantic Coast MTB Tour
This tour is based in the guesthouses and hotels. The hotels on this tour offer modern conveniences to make your stay comfortable. The guesthouses are rustic, but full of local character. The guesthouse rooms are either double occupancy or dormitory-style and offer shared facilities.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $250 USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Marrakech
Enjoy a night in Morocco's capital city and head out to explore its vibrant souqs, historic palaces, and impressive mosques.
Guesthouse in Imi Oughlad
Enjoy this rustic stay at a guesthouse in Imi Oughlad.
Guesthouse in Azzaden valley
Stay in a guesthouse surrounded by the mesmerizing scenery of the beautiful Azzaden Valley with its walnut groves, and endless streams.
Guesthouse in Amizmiz
Discover what it’s like to stay at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains at this rustic guesthouse in the small town of Amizmiz.
Guesthouse in Imouzzar Ida Outanane
Soak up local culture at this guesthouse stay in a rural, small town in the region of Souss-Massa.
Guesthouse in Imessouane
A coastal oasis awaits you in Imessouane where you’ll enjoy a stay at a local guesthouse.
Hotel in Essaouira
Enjoy the cool ocean breeze at this comfortable hotel in Essaouira, a vibrant port city and Atlantic coast resort town.
Hotel in Marrakech
Enjoy a night in Morocco's capital city and head out to explore its vibrant souqs, historic palaces, and impressive mosques.
What’s Included in the Atlas Mountains to Atlantic Coast MTB Tour?
Meals
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 8 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Marrakech are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is provided throughout the tour, including airport transfers in Marrakech. An assistance car will follow the group during the tour to transfer you, your luggage, and the bikes to the trailheads and the guesthouses each day.
Also Included
- English/French Speaking guide
- Cook services
- Assistance car
Not included
- Flights to and from Marrakech
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff
- Bike rental
Optional Extras
- Bike rental: $50 USD per day
- Extra nights in Marrakech or Essaouira
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlas Mountains to Atlantic Coast MTB Tour
Mountain Bike Morocco Company is based in the Atlas Mountains near Marrakech. This incredible adventure tour operator is founded and run by a passionate group of cyclists and avid mountaineers who have been hitting the trails of Morocco for over 30 years. Mountain Bike Morocco offers unique and high-quality mountain biking tours & road cycling holidays in Morocco, with the option to also tailor made itineraries with the guidance of their expert team.
While Mountain Bike Morocco is a small company, their passion and expertise are unmatched. Guests can reap the benefits of travelling with a team of people who absolutely love what they do and are eager to share the best adventures in Morocco with the world. Each and every guide knows the area they work in intimately and are also trained in both bike maintenance and first aid.
The tours offered by Mountain Bike Morocco are unparalleled, combining the very best trails with incredibly unique cultural experiences. Cyclists of all levels are welcome, from entry-level to the pros!
Amazing food and superb accommodations ensure guests stay energized and well rested on their trip and responsible tourism is also at the forefront of operations. Group sizes are small and led by only local staff and expert local guides who aim to protect the cultural integrity of the places they visit.
At the heart of Mountain Bike Morocco Company is the idea that cycling can and should be enjoyed by all! Young or old, rich or poor, everyone should reap the benefits of exploring Morocco in this unique way.
Experience:
Mountain Bike Morocco brings over 30 years of experience to their guests. Their passionate team is constantly evolving to develop new mountain bike tours and unique culture experiences.
Professional guides:
Mountain Bike Morocco guides are highly professional, humble and sociable. Their area of guiding expertise includes day tours, multi-day tours, bike rental, workshops, and even coaching. High quality service and integrity are at the forefront of all operations as well as an emphasis on responsible eco-tourism.
Tours :
Mountains Bike Morocco features tour packages that are suitable for all age groups. Guests can choose from a selection of existing guided road cycling our mountain bike tours and can also customize these to suit individual needs and requests. Competitive pricing and top-rated guides with a world of experience ensure each and every tour is of great value to guests.
Learn More
Is this tour for me?
Local Guide
Ask a Question
Related Tours
Q&A
Q: What is the best part of guiding tourists in Morocco?
A: I love showing guests the High Atlas Mountains as this area is remarkably beautiful and our guests are constantly left in absolute awe.
Q: What is your favourite trip to do and why?
A: My favourite trip to guide is the Mountain Bike Tour of the Atlas Mountains and Berber Villages. I love introducing guests to the unique local culture, traditions, lifestyle, and of course, the mouth-watering food!
Q: What are guests most surprised about in visiting your country?
A: I think guests are most often surprised by the diversity in our culture, the richness of our history and traditions. They always expect the food will be good, but I think their expectations are often far exceeded in this area!
Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should do?
A: I would recommend that guests choose to explore Morocco in a variety of ways to see the best our country has to offer. This can include travelling by bike, by camel or on foot. The activities guests can enjoy here are endless, from cultural sightseeing to incredible trekking, and evening surfing!
Q: What is one local dish or drink that tourists must try on a visit to your country and why?
A: I love our local food, well the first dish fritada with tortillas that is fried pork with potato patties then empanadas.
Q: What is one local dish or drink that tourists must try on a visit to your country and why?
A: Hands down, this is Tagine! Guests may have tried Tagine elsewhere around the world,
but one must try Tagine in its birthplace for the true experience! To top this off, a traditional Min Tea is the perfect follow-up.
Q: Where would you want to go on holiday?
A: My ideal holiday destination is the beach. I really like Essaouira and Agadir.
Q: What is the most challenging adventure you’ve ever done?
A: The most challenging adventure I’ve ever done is exploring might Mount Toubkal by bike.
Q: What do your guests say is best about the trips you lead?
A: Our guests often tell us that their experience was excellent and that the trip they’ve completed with us is one they’ll never forget.