There’s more to Mexico than indulgent all-inclusive resorts and beaches. The country boasts incredible scenery, from natural hot springs to dramatic waterfalls and daunting mountains.
The best way to see the true beauty of this often misunderstood country is to drive through it.
These are the best road trips in Mexico:
1. Baja California Peninsula (Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas)
Stretching over 1,000 miles from Tijuana on the US-Mexico border to splashy Cabo San Lucas, driving the Baja California is a lesson in beautiful ocean views and vast deserts.
Along the drive, stop in Ensenada for fish tacos and local wine, go whale watching and climb salt dunes in Guerrero Negro, explore historical missions in Loreto, and hit the beach in La Paz.
2. Carretera Pacífico (Federal Highway 200)
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best road trips in the United States—and one of Mexico’s as well. Mexico’s Carretera Pacífico reaches from Tepic, Nayarit to Talismán, Chiapas, just north of the Mexico-Guatemala border. The highway section between Puerto Vallarta and Zihuatanej is ideal for those who don’t wish to drive the full length of the road.
Rent a vehicle ready for adventure. Along this road, you can go surfing in Sayulita, deep-sea fishing in Manzanillo, and birdwatching in San Blas. Embrace the beachy coast by discovering Playa Escondida’s hidden beach or relaxing on the shores of Troncones.
3. The Yucatán Peninsula (Cancún to Campeche)
After landing at the Cancún airport, skip the resort shuttle and rent a car. The Yucatán Peninsula is full of vibrant towns and Mayan ruins, making a road trip ideal for exploring the region.
Drive south from Cancún to Playa del Carmen then Tulum, staying for a couple days to relax in boho glam surroundings, before continuing into the jungle. Inland, cenotes are one of the most unique attractions in the region, like Cenote Suytun in Valladolid. Cenote Ik Kil can easily be visited after a morning at Chichen Itza. Continue on to Mérida, known for its colonial history and culture, to round out the drive.
4. Mexico City to Oaxaca
Mexico City and Oaxaca are two of the country’s trendiest destinations to visit at the moment and the scenic drive between them makes a strong case for visiting both.
Swing through Puebla’s colorful colonial architecture, see the world’s largest pyramid in Cholula, or explore a forest of cacti at the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. When you reach Oaxaca, indulge in mole and mezcal and explore the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán.
5. Copper Canyon (Chihuahua to Creel)
Copper Canyon is Mexico’s lush equivalent to the Southwest US’ Grand Canyon. The drive through it is an adventure through the mountains. Route your itinerary to include stops in Chihuahua for its history and Divisadero for incredible views. Creel and Batopilas are both small towns with big impact.
While along the canyon, take the famous El Chepe train ride around it, hike to Basaseachic Falls, and visit indigenous Tarahumara villages.
6. Puebla to Veracruz
Get culture, history, and coastal view in one drive by making your way from the colonial city of Puebla to the Gulf Coast city of Veracruz. You’ll stop at The Great Pyramid of Cholula, take in mountain views in Orizaba, and stroll flower gardens in Fortín de las Flores.
On the Puebla-Veracruz border is Pico de Orizaba (also known as Citlaltépetl) volcano, the highest volcano in North America. If you’re a seasoned mountaineer with some time, pack your gear and summit this beast.
7. Colonial Heartland (Mexico City to Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende)
Mexico’s beaches get the hype, but the country’s colonial architecture deserves just as much attention. This road trip showcases this history, driving past stunning stunning Baroque architecture, and thriving art scenes.
On your drive, hit Querétaro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a well-preserved pink aqueduct, and explore the art scene in San Miguel de Allende. In Guanajuato, visit the mummy museum and wander down colorful streets.
8. Ruta del Tequila (Guadalajara to Tequila)
Tequila is a real place, and the drive from Guadalajara to the energetic colonial town is an experience in and of itself. Visit the birthplace of the spirit by driving through agave fields and distilleries with Volcán de Tequila (Tequila Volcano) on the horizon.
El Arenal is the gateway to this region, known for its blue agave farms. In Amatitán nearby, Jose Cuervo has an expansive farm at Campos de Agave Jose Cuervo. When you reach Tequila, take a distillery tour at Fabrica La Rojeña, enjoy a margarita on the sidewalk, and stop to listen to mariachi.
9. San Cristóbal de las Casas to Palenque (Chiapas Jungle Route)
Chiapas’ natural beauty is often overlooked for more popular regions in Mexico, but not during this jungle drive. Start in the highland town of San Cristóbal, where you can visit indigenous communities.
In the jungle, swim in the pools of Agua Azul and take in the dramatic plunge of waterfall Misol-Ha before reaching the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque and making your way back.
10. Ruta Puuc (Mérida to Uxmal and the Puuc Hills)
This short road trip exploring the Puuc region makes for an ideal day trip for those that are new to driving in Mexico. Beginning in Mérida, the drive highlights ancient Mayan landmarks like Uxmal, one of the best-preserved Mayan cities that’s known for the Pyramid of the Magician.
You’ll also hit lesser-known ruins such as Kabah, Sayil, and Labná, which has intricate arches unlike those at many other Mayan attractions still standing.
11. Monterrey to Saltillo
Northern Mexico is a haven for climbing and hiking because of its towering mountains and desert landscapes. This drive hits many of them, using Monterrey as a starting point. You’ll end in Saltillo, a desert town with colonial architecture.
Between end points, adventure awaits. Hike at Chipinque Ecological Park where summits rise higher than the clouds, and feel the mist at Cascada Cola de Caballo (Horsetail Falls), just 50 miles south of Monterrey.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
