Today was tougher ride than average. No single factor, but distance (88km), climb (1068m), heat (~31C) and bumpy roads all contributed. Happy to get to Acatlan.

The road from Izucar de Matamoros started out flat with a wide shoulder. After 10km it climbed 200m up to a low summit which I reached at 15km.

It looks like the dry season as they were burning here as well as several places yesterday. Yesterday it was sometimes very close the road as I cycled through thick smoke.

At 15km, the road started a descent of almost 500m. The shoulder disappeared and occasionally the road became bumpy. Sign at right prohibits capturing or selling wild plants.

There was also road construction.

Fortunately, it all leveled off near 26km where I spied a small restaurant. Stopped and had a snack as well as chance to take a quick rest.

Along the route today were several different types of cactus, looking like crosses between bushes and trees.

Also rather long and tall cactus.

This one was overlooking a valley on another small climb.

More cacti.

At 46km I came to a village and stopped at restaurant for lunch. After this, it was also noticeably warmer. My speed slowed a bit further. It was a gradual climb that topped off near 72km and descent after that.

Many of the small villages here have well decorated churches.

I was happy to see the Acatlan welcome sign. A few more kilometers before I was in middle of the city.

I think I’ve transitioned to areas that corn tortillas are more common than flour.

Acatlan has a nice central plaza and square, with their church overlooking. Happy to get here after a longer day.