Epic Road Trips in Mexico
Itching to hit the open road in Mexico? Here are five epic drives to fuel your wanderlust.
Winding through the country’s most stunning regions, these classic itineraries lead you to jungle-set Maya ruins, dramatic turquoise coastlines, and culturally rich colonial cities, not to mention a slew of remote places best reached by car. The distances provided are not direct between the start and end points, but assume some diversion from the main route, allowing you to explore more of each region. Here are the best road trip routes in Mexico.
1. Drive Baja California
Best road trip for coastlines
Tijuana–Los Cabos; 1600km/1000 miles
Graced with astonishing desert-meets-sea landscapes and traffic-free highways, Baja is made for road-tripping. As you traverse the world’s second-longest peninsula, the road zigzags between the coasts of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, offering glimpses of a Mexico that time forgot.
Start the multi-day tour with some wine-tasting at the Valle de Guadalupe vineyards before venturing south to laid-back beach towns like Ensenada. Further south await the pristine islands of Loreto, known for their biologically diverse waters.
Continuing, the road leads to under-the-radar locations before it splits toward surf haven Todos Santos and southeast to Cabo Pulmo, Baja’s top dive site. Celebrate your long journey in the festive resorts of Los Cabos.
Planning tip: Consider a road trip in February or March when you can spot blue whales off the coast – the largest animal on the planet.
2. Cruise the Yucatán Peninsula
Best road trip for cenotes and Maya ruins
Cancún–Puerto Morelos; 1100km/680 miles
This loop route showcases fascinating sights on the Yucatán Peninsula, from jungle ruins and cenotes (limestone sinkholes) to colonial cities and white-sand beaches along an aquamarine coastline. As you roll west from Cancún, stop in Valladolid for a dip in an enticing cenote.
Nearby, visit the impressive Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá, but get there early to beat the crowds. Foodies will find themselves in paradise in Mérida, Yucatán’s colonial capital known for extraordinary regional cuisine and vibrant cultural scene.
Head southeast to cruise through rolling hills dotted with Maya ruins. The Caribbean coast reveals the impossibly blue waters of Laguna Bacalar and Tulum’s dramatically situated cliff-top ruins, perfect for diving enthusiasts.
3. Head for the Oaxaca Coast
Best route for foodies
Mexico City–Lagunas de Chacahua; 850km/530 miles
The road to the Oaxaca coast serves up a feast for the senses as you visit top foodie destinations, marvel at mountaintop Zapotec ruins, and linger on beautiful beaches. Starting in Mexico City, drive south while stopping for lunch in culinary capital Puebla, known for its exquisite moles. Continue to Oaxaca City, a great base for visiting ancient Monte Albán ruins.
As you drive further south, sample mezcal in Miahuatlán, then consider a stop in San Jose del Pacífico, a misty mountain town known for its magic mushrooms. The route snakes down to a stunning coast perfect for beach-bumming, big-wave surfing, and enjoying the charms of Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua.
4. Follow the Central Pacific Coast
Best road trip for seafood and water sports
Mazatlán–Puerto Vallarta; 440km/275 miles
Kick things off in Mazatlán, where a cultural renaissance is flourishing in its revamped Old Mazatlán quarter. As you move south along the Central Pacific Coast, detour to the tiny island of Mexcaltitlán, a shrimping village believed to be the ancestral homeland of the Aztecs. Look for the turnoff to Chacala, a charming cove with restaurants serving delightful pescado zarandeado.
About an hour down the coast, reach the family-friendly beach towns of San Francisco (San Pancho) and Sayulita, where outdoor activities abound, including surfing, kayaking, and turtle releases. Before arriving in Puerto Vallarta, enjoy seafood at oceanside establishments.
Planning tip: In Vallarta, don’t miss the stretch of secluded beaches lining the jungle-backed coastline.
5. Explore around Mexico City
Best road trip near the capital
Mexico City–Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco; 300km/185 miles
This short yet inspiring tour circles around the southern border states of Mexico City. Start with a rewarding hike in Its-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, home to the impressive Popocatépetl and dormant Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes.
Proceed southwest for an overnight stay in Tepoztlán, where you can climb to a clifftop Aztec temple. Next, swing by Cuernavaca to see Hernán Cortés’ old residence.
Planning tip: Conclude at Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco and hike to Pico del Águila or enjoy a refreshing champurrado and quesadillas at a roadside eatery within the fragrant pine forest.
Tips for Driving in Mexico
If possible, stick to toll highways (cuota) and avoid driving at night to reduce accident risks. If stopped by traffic police, remain calm and stay in your vehicle. Be cautious of unmarked speed bumps and potholes. For roadside emergencies, call 078.
