Embrace authentic Latin American experiences and unforgettable natural beauty on one of these epic Mexican road trips.
Mexico road trips: Our top five itineraries
With its varied landscapes, remote archaeological sites, and abundant natural beauty, Mexico is ideal to explore by car. Get behind the wheel and hit the road with these Skyscanner-recommended Mexico road trips.
1. Hit the Central-East loop
An off-the-beaten-path circular route for waterfall lovers – 667 miles
- Best time to go: November to March for flowing falls with sediment-free water.
Get behind the wheel in Puebla and head along an arrow’s path to Xico. Pull up a chair in a local restaurant on the town square to sample Mole Xiqueno. Tempting you to the outskirts are the thunderous falls of Texolo, echoing through a still-wooded gorge. Next, catch the northbound highway into the mountains to discover the indigenous traditions and open-air Cuetzalan Sunday market. Then, disappear into the ancient archaeological site of Yohualichan and take a dip the nearby waterfalls of Las Tres Caidas, Las Golondrinas, and Las Brisas.
Follow the winding road to the waterfall trails of Cascadas Tuliman Ecological Park and soak up the views from Zacatlan Lookout Canyon. Huasca de Ocampo’s Prismas Basalticas offers a new kind of spectacle with a narrow ravine and geometric basalt columns. Traverse the cacti and orchid-peppered Reserva de la Biosfera Barranca de Metztitlan for some downtime in the cliff-side thermals pools. Complete the loop with a stop-off at Chautla before returning to Puebla. Or if you’d like a few days in Parque Nacional Izataccihuatl, take a 79-mile detour to Paso Cortes.
2. Cruise coast-to-coast on the Baja California Peninsula
Perfect for off-shore adventures and gastronomic indulgence – 1,049 miles
- Best time to go: Late January to early April for the best chance of spotting grey whales in San Ignacio Lagoon.
Satisfy your hunger for authentic regional flavors on one of the best Mexico road trips in Baja California. Buckle up in Tijuana, but first grab some fish tacos in Taco Alley, a beloved local delicacy. Catch a first glimpse of the Pacific while rolling down the serpentine roads to El Rosario. Continue to Catavina Cave and give yourself an hour to find the curious carvings that whisper stories of indigenous life some 10,000 years ago. Beyond here, take a detour for an early boat tour in San Ignacio Lagoon, Mexico’s best grey whale-watching area.
Visit the copper town of Santa Rosalia, infused with French influences in its architecture and cuisine. Shortly after, enjoy the 50 miles of sandy shores that envelope Bahia Concepcion Bay. If you’re itching for an aquatic adventure, explore the biologically diverse waters surrounding Loreto. Wrap up your Baja Mexico road trip by relaxing in the peaceful town of La Paz. Finally, visit Todos Santos and Cabo San Lucas, where ancient mango and palm orchards meet incredible surfing waves at the peninsula’s tip.
3. Brave the devilish Durango to Mazatlan drive
This short and spicy route packs a punch – 158 miles (7 to 10 hours)
- Best time to go: May is the best month for clear skies while navigating mountain roads.
Before picking up your rental car in Durango, walk downtown to admire the baroque architecture from an 269-foot-high cable car. Set off and stick to 20mph as you join Highway 40D — don’t take Federal Highway 40 unless you want to encounter a lot of trucks. Cruise through the towering pines of El Tecuan Ecological Park, take a detour for a hike, or overnight stay in the mountains. Continue down the road for more untouched nature, but this time with a splash of adrenaline. In Parque la Piramide, you can rappel down tumbling falls and fly across a 2,300-foot-high zip line.
Of the 115 bridges on this route, the most impressive is about two-thirds of the way through. Wipe your sweaty palms and drive across one of the highest cable-stayed bridges in the world, Puente Baluarte, which has a sheer drop greater than the Empire State Building. Then it’s time to return to solid ground at the peaceful Pacific shores of Mazatlan. After some quad biking around Deer Island, grab a celebratory glass of Tejuino at a waterfront bar.
4. Take the Yucatan Peninsula triangular trail
This triangular Yucatan Peninsula route celebrates Mexico’s roots – 714 miles
- Best time to go: May or June for less crowds, great weather, and a higher chance of seeing whale sharks.
Spend a few days soaking up the energy of Cancun with some cocktails before starting your Mexico road trip. On the 180D highway, stretching west to Merida, pause at the midway points around Valladolid. Descend the depths of Cenote Suytun, followed by a tasty Yucatec Mayan stew in Valladolid’s central plaza. Continue to Merida and visit the Gran Museuo de Mundo May as an introduction for the next stop. Journey through ancient Mayan living on the Puuc Route, where you’ll find structures built between 800BC and 800AD.
Return toward the coast to Pueblos Magicos (“magic town”) Bacalar, which resides on the edge of the lagoon of seven colors. At the Sian Ka’an Visitor Center, take it slow along the bumpy coastal road. Stop to explore the tropical forests and mangroves of one of Mexico’s largest protected reserves. Drive north to the hidden shallows of Laguana Kaan Luum Lagoon for a dip. Afterward, stay in Tulum so you don’t miss the Grand Cenote, Cenote Cavaliera, and the Mayan Ruins. Pass through the mural-adorned 5th Avenue of Playa Del Carmen before crossing the water to Cozumel and Puerto Morelos. Complete this Mexico road trip trail in the Yucatan with a boat trip from Cancun to the uninhibited, palm tree paradise of Isla Contoy.
5. Navigate Oaxaca from city to sea
Take this route in Oaxaca for a balance of buzz and serenity – 401 miles
- Best time to go: September and October for less crowds and the most lush vegetation.
Start this Mexico road trip in Oaxaca to find creative art exhibitions and a bohemian bar scene. Beyond here, branches of traditional artisanship dominate the surrounding towns. San Bartolo Coyotepec is known for its Barro Negro (“black clay”) creations and Santo Tomas Jaliza is known for age-old weaving methods. In Santa Catarina Manas, you can sample perfected Mezcal recipes. Further east, mineral pools of lime, emerald, and teal will entice you for a dip in Hierve El Agua, which is also home to a petrified waterfall.
After a long stretch of driving, you’ll reach San Jose del Pacifico, where you can enjoy an ancient Mayan steam bath called a Temzcal. Drop down to sea level and stop at Santa Maria Huatulco before continuing to Puerto Escondido. The surrounding waters here are excellent for dolphin watching, and the waves often light up with bioluminescent plankton after dark. The final stop is Lagunas de Chacahuan National Park, where crocodiles and turtles thrive in its raw beauty.
Mexico road trip safety
Top tips for a breezy drive
- Plan gas station stops before you drive off so you don’t run out of fuel, especially from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido.
- Download a Mexico road trip map in advance, as phone service can be inconsistent. Or or you could even take a good old-fashioned road map with you.
- Avoid driving at night and stick to the toll highways to reduce the risk of an accident.
- Make a note of the emergency roadside service number 078.
- Allow extra time for while driving, as winding roads, potholes, and roadblocks could cause unexpected delays.
- If you’re stopped by the police, remain calm and inside of your vehicle. Often you can leave with a caution. If you’re asked to pay, politely insist on a ticket or to follow the officer to the police station to pay the fine.
- Rent a car from a reliable company. Skyscanner can help you compare deals from trusted car rental companies in Mexico.
Cultural fact file
The world’s first highway system was designed 1,500 years ago by the ancient Maya
Mexico is home to 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Of the 68 national languages in Mexico, 63 are indigenous