Top 5 Unforgettable Road Trips in Mexico

Ready to explore the open roads of Mexico? Discover five thrilling drives that will ignite your sense of adventure.

Meandering through the country's most breathtaking landscapes, these iconic routes lead you to jungle-encased Maya ruins, stunning turquoise shores, and vibrant colonial towns, as well as hidden gems accessible only by car.

The distances listed are not straight lines between starting and ending points, as they include detours to let you experience more of each area. Here are Mexico's top road trip routes.

1. Journey Through Baja California

Ideal road trip for breathtaking coastlinesTijuana–Los Cabos; 1600km/1000 miles

With its incredible desert-to-sea vistas, surreal rock formations, and open highways, Baja is a road trip paradise. As you navigate the world's second-longest peninsula, the route weaves along the shores of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, revealing a timeless Mexico.

Kick off your multi-day adventure with wine tasting at the Valle de Guadalupe vineyards, then head south to the relaxed beach town and fish taco haven, Ensenada. Further down, discover the pristine islands of Loreto, home to some of the planet's most biologically diverse waters.

From here, the road takes you to the hidden gem of La Paz, branching off west to the surf paradise of Todos Santos and southeast to Cabo Pulmo, Baja's premier dive site. Conclude your journey by celebrating in the vibrant twin resorts of Los Cabos.

Travel tip: Consider embarking on your road trip in February or March for a chance to spot blue whales along the coast – the largest creatures on Earth.

2. Explore the Yucatán Peninsula by car

Ideal road trip for cenotes and Maya ruinsCancún–Puerto Morelos; 1100km/680 miles

This loop route highlights the Yucatán Peninsula's most captivating attractions, from jungle-set ruins and cenotes (limestone sinkholes) to charming colonial towns and pristine white-sand beaches along a shimmering aquamarine coastline. As you head west from Cancún, take a break in Valladolid for a refreshing swim in a cenote, believed by the Maya to be portals to the underworld.

Nearby, don’t miss the stunning Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá, but be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds. Culinary enthusiasts will find a paradise in Mérida, Yucatán's colonial capital, known for its incredible regional dishes and vibrant cultural offerings.

Next, venture southeast for a scenic drive through rolling hills adorned with lesser-known Maya ruins along the Ruta Puuc. On the eastern side of Maya territory, along the Caribbean coast, you’ll discover the breathtaking blue waters of Laguna Bacalar, the dramatic clifftop ruins of Tulum, and excellent diving spots in Cozumel and Puerto Morelos.

3. Journey to the Oaxaca Coast

Top route for culinary enthusiastsMexico City–Lagunas de Chacahua; 850km/530 miles

The drive to the Oaxaca coast delights the senses as you explore Mexico's premier foodie spots, gaze at mountaintop Zapotec ruins, and relax on beautiful beaches. After the hustle of Mexico City, head south and pause for lunch in Puebla, famous for its exquisite moles. About four hours later, you’ll arrive in the cultural gem of Oaxaca City, another foodie haven and a fantastic starting point to explore the ancient Monte Albán ruins.

Continuing south, enjoy a taste of mezcal in Miahuatlán, and consider a stop in San Jose del Pacífico, a misty mountain town famous for its magic mushrooms. Yes, those magic mushrooms. From there, the road winds down to a breathtaking coast where you can indulge in beach relaxation at San Agustinillo, ride the big waves in Puerto Escondido, and discover the untouched beauty of Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua.

4. Explore the Central Pacific Coast

Ideal road trip for seafood lovers and water sports enthusiastsMazatlán–Puerto Vallarta; 440km/275 miles

Begin your journey in classic norteño style in Mazatlán, where a vibrant cultural revival is taking place in the revitalized Old Mazatlán district. As you head south along the Central Pacific Coast, take a detour to the small island of Mexcaltitlán, a shrimping village thought to be the ancestral home of the Aztecs. Then, keep an eye out for the turnoff to Chacala, a charming palm-lined cove where thatched-roof eateries serve mouthwatering pescado zarandeado (grilled fish).

About an hour down the coast, you’ll arrive at the adjacent beach towns of San Francisco (commonly known as San Pancho) and Sayulita, both family-friendly spots offering outdoor activities like surfing, kayaking, and turtle releases. On your way to Puerto Vallarta, stop by the picturesque Punta de Mita peninsula and savor delicious seafood at the oceanside restaurant Tuna Blanca.

Travel tip: Once you reach Vallarta, be sure to explore the stretch of secluded beaches along the jungle-covered southern coastline.

5. Discover the Areas Surrounding Mexico City

Top road trip near the capitalMexico City–Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco; 300km/185 miles

This brief yet exhilarating tour offers a wealth of experiences as it meanders around the outskirts of Mexico City's southern border states. Begin your adventure with an awe-inspiring hike in Itza-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, home to two of Mexico's most stunning volcanoes: the active Popocatépetl and the dormant Iztaccíhuatl (affectionately known as El Popo and Izta).

Next, take the highway southwest for an overnight stop in Tepoztlán, a key Náhuatl center where you can ascend to a clifftop Aztec temple. Afterwards, visit Cuernavaca to explore the grand Palace of Cortés, once home to Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés.

Travel tip: Wrap up your journey at Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco, where you can climb Mexico City's highest peak (Pico del Águila) or simply unwind with a hot champurrado (a cozy corn-based drink) and fresh quesadillas at a roadside eatery nestled in the park's aromatic pine forest.

Driving tips for navigating Mexico

Whenever possible, choose the toll (cuota) highways. Avoid driving after dark to lessen the risk of accidents. If stopped by traffic police, stay calm and remain in your vehicle; you’ll often be let off with just a warning. Watch for unmarked speed bumps and prevalent potholes. For roadside assistance, call 078.