Best Driving Roads in Mexico
There’s something so deeply sensual about being on the road in Mexico. Whether it’s the stunning pueblo mágicos (or magic towns) with their cobblestone alleys, beaches with jewel-toned waters, incredible Mayan ruins, lush tropical jungles boasting fascinating flora and fauna (not to mention surreal phenomena like bioluminescent plankton!), sleepy towns with pastel-colored houses, exquisitely spiced food under sprawling trees on the roadside, or thriving culinary scene, there’s something for everyone in Mexico.
Don’t know where to start? Well, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover what awaits you on these 5 best driving roads in Mexico:
Coastal Highway 15
Coastal Highway 15 is one of Mexico’s most epic roads. From Nogales, Sonora, near the US-Mexico border, you travel over 1460 miles down to Mexico City. Begin your adventure in Nogales by perusing the rich arts scene, from handcrafted leather goods to native handicrafts. Nogales is also a haven for authentic Mexican cuisine, with dishes like carne machaca burritos, tamales, and menudos being particularly popular. As you reach Hermosillo, take a short diversion to see Kino Bay, an ideal place to enjoy water sports such as scuba diving.
While traveling through Mexico along Highway 15, Guadalajara, known as the "Pearl of the West," is a must-visit. As one of the major cultural hubs of the country, rural traditions are alive and well in Guadalajara. As you continue your journey south, you'll see the landscapes changing into cactus-covered mountains and valleys, rich farms, and tropical coastal plains and forests. Many people prefer to end their trip in Puerto Vallarta, which boasts enchanting blue seas and endless coastal views. If you’re a surfer, this route is perfect for you!
Yucatan Peninsula Loop
From ancient Mayan cities and magical cenotes to colorful villages and mouthwatering food, the Yucatan peninsula is simply bursting with culture, adventure, and excitement! Starting and ending in Cancun, this loop takes in the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico, such as Chichen Itza, while also sprinkling in a few lesser-known gems like Bacalar. The 560-mile journey includes stops at major tourist attractions like Mérida, Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Uxmal, and Tulum, as well as some gems for those willing to venture off the beaten track, like Akumal.
One of the country's Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns), Valladolid has the charm of a peaceful little village, and the city's central square is surrounded by a cluster of brightly colored houses. The ancient Mayan city of Uxmal should not be missed if you’d like to see some of Mexico's most important historical and cultural sites. If you’re time for a little detour, visit the little village of Akumal. You can carry your own snorkeling gear to this location and swim with turtles straight off the beach! Once you've formed a strong bond with your turtle companions, proceed to Tulum, a popular beach resort on the Riviera Maya. End your trip relaxing by the blue sea and eating delicious tacos from street food vendors!
Chiapas Loop
A road journey through Chiapas, Mexico is the greatest way to take in all it has to offer. The entire state of Mexico still has a rustic, almost intrepid, vibe to it. If you want to take dips in a crystal-clear cenote, marvel at the Mayan temples lost to the jungle, and gain a deep appreciation for the indigenous people who have preserved this area’s natural beauty for centuries, this is the road trip for you. Start in San Cristobal de las Casas, a magnificent mountain town. From here, you can hike along the beautiful trails of the Cascadas El Chiflón Ecoturistico, which features many tiers of cascading waterfalls, or camp in the Chucumaltik Cenote and enjoy the sunrise from the comfort of your own tent. Sneak in an early morning swim if you can.
Take in the breathtaking Las Nubes waterfall, then drive to Frontera Corozal on the Guatemalan border and wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys chirping in the wild. Stop by the Bonampak Archaeological Site to see incredible ruins, before making a pit break at the stunning Misol-ha and Agua Azules waterfalls. And that’s just scraping the surface of all that Chiapas has to offer. Expect to cover a distance of 432 kilometers (268 miles) on this looping trip.
Route 1 (through Baja California)
Traveling down Mexico's famed Route 1 through the Baja California region is one of the greatest road trips you’ll possibly ever take. You have plenty to look forward to over 1000 miles of shoreline. It's likely that your Baja California road trip will begin in Tijuana. Start your trip by taking a swim or eating fish tacos to your heart's delight just 10 minutes from the U.S.-Mexico border. Ensenada is an excellent choice as the second stop on your Baja California road trip because the surrounding Valle de Guadalupe offers vineyards that can rival those in Napa Valley for a fraction of the price.
Guerrero Negro is a must-visit if you’re going during peak whale-watching season (December to April), but not worth a stop at other times of the year. Mulegé has canyons, beaches, kayaks, and palm-fringed shorelines if you have the time. The next stop is Loreto, which was founded by missionaries in the 1600s and has a strong feeling of history. On your way to Loretto, you'll see the ocean that lured you to this part of Mexico in the first place. Spend some time on the malecón. Los Cabos is the perfect place to end your journey because it is home to some of the world's most luxury hotels and resorts, as well as world-class spas, award-winning restaurants, and world-class golf courses.
Oaxaca’s Wild West
Oaxaca has more than 3,000 miles of coastline, abundant with pueblo mágicos (or magic towns), laid-back coastal communities, world-class kitesurfing spots, and lush nature reserves. As the sun sets and the lagoons shine, Oaxaca's Pacific coast is best explored by car. Your journey will almost certainly begin at Puerto Escondido, famous for its world-class dining establishments and beautiful hotels. Just 14 kilometers away from Puerto Escondido is Laguna Manialtepec, a tropical nature reserve that boasts a variety of aviary species during the day and spectacular bioluminescent algae at night. For the best experience, go on a boat ride on a moonless night. Head west from Laguna Manialtepec to reach Lagunas de Chacahua, a national park with an isolated beach village accessible only by boat from El Zapotalito. The beaches here are large and often deserted, and the lodgings are rustic, which is perfect if you’re looking to get away from it all.
At Mazunte, you’ll find spiritual, yoga retreat lovers flock to this little beachside pueblo mágico. One of the most popular places for LGBTQ+ visitors right now is Zipolite, which is home to Mexico's only official nude beach. The next town over, Puerto Ángel is a well-preserved example of an Oaxacan fishing community that exudes a sense of antiquity. Because of its international airport, Huatulco is an excellent starting or ending point for a coastal road trip in Mexico. It's possible to spend all day relaxing on a beach at the resort, but Huatulco's nature reserve provides a wealth of neighboring activities.