The journey will take you through a diverse range of destinations, each with its unique attractions and experiences. Here’s a sample one-week itinerary to help you plan your road trip from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta.

Day 1: Guadalajara

Start your journey in Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s most vibrant cities. Take a stroll through the historic center to admire the colonial architecture and visit iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Guadalajara and the Teatro Degollado.

Don’t miss the chance to try some of the local delicacies and tequila.

Day 2: Tequila

On your second day, head to the town of Tequila, located about an hour’s drive from Guadalajara.

As the name suggests, this is where tequila is produced, and you can take a tour of one of the many distilleries to learn about the process and sample some of the different varieties.

Also, visit the National Tequila Museum to discover more about the history and culture of this beloved drink.

Day 3: Chapala

Next, make your way to the picturesque town of Chapala, located on the shores of Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico.Chapa

Take a boat tour to admire the scenic views and visit the Malecon, a promenade that stretches along the lakeshore and is dotted with shops, restaurants, and street performers.

You can also visit the Ajijic Cultural Center to learn about the local arts and crafts.

Day 4: Sayulita

On day four, drive to the charming beach town of Sayulita, known for its laid-back vibe and world-class surfing.

Spend the day on local beaches soaking up the sun on the golden sands, sampling fresh seafood at the beachside restaurants, and browsing the colorful boutiques and art galleries.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can sign up for a surf lesson or go on a jungle hike to explore the lush surroundings.

Day 5: San Francisco (San Pancho)

Continue your journey to San Francisco, also known as San Pancho, a quaint town located just a few kilometers from Sayulita.

This is a great place to relax and unwind, with a beautiful beach, cozy cafes, and a vibrant art scene. You can visit the Entreamigos Community Center to learn about the local initiatives supporting sustainable development and cultural preservation.

Day 6: Punta Mita

On your penultimate day, head to Punta Mita, a luxury resort area that boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

Spend the day lounging on the white sand beach, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and indulging in the SPA treatments and gourmet cuisine offered by the upscale hotels of Punta Mita.

You can also take a boat tour to explore the nearby Marietas Islands, home to a diverse array of marine life and stunning rock formations.

Day 7: Puerto Vallarta

Finally, arrive in Puerto Vallarta, a bustling resort city that combines modern amenities with rich history and culture.

Visit the Malecon, a lively boardwalk lined with sculptures, street performers, and restaurants, and explore the old town to see the beautiful architecture and colorful street art.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a symbol of the city’s strong Catholic heritage. You can also take a day trip to nearby attractions such as the Botanical Gardens, the El Eden Canopy Tour, or the hidden beaches of Yelapa.

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A road trip from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta is a fantastic way to discover the beauty and diversity of Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

From colonial cities to beach towns, from tequila distilleries to luxury resorts, from cultural landmarks to natural wonders, this route offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore!

• The point of departure: Mexico City
• The point of return: Guadalajara

You will visit cozy colonial towns with history and small magic towns and villages.
You also will visit a majestic Teotihuacan and the place of the famous tequila drink birth.

Attention!

This tour contains 4 long-distance bus travel:

• Mexico City – Queretaro (3:20/4:10 hours)
• Queretaro – Acambaro (2:40/3:00 hours)
• Acambaro – Queretaro (2:40/3:00 hours)
• Leon – Guadalajara (4:15/4:45 hours)

You also could rent a car, but the time on the road will be almost the same.

Have a nice trip!

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Crowned as the “ultimate road trip” by many a travel publication, thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty, Baja California is undoubtedly fast becoming a bucket list destination.

Miles of Hollywood-worthy desert scenes, Robinson Crusoe beaches, and a crazily biodiverse ocean are just some of the things drawing thousands of visitors here each year, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

From the north’s mountainous wine region to the white sand beaches of the south, here’s how to spend 3 awesome weeks exploring Baja California, indulging in delicious local cuisine, and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of its people.

With its rugged coastlines, awe-inspiring mountain vistas, and stunning coral reefs, Baja California is a nature lover’s paradise, offering endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and adventure.

Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, tranquil natural retreats, or fascinating cultural experiences, Baja California has something to offer everyone, making it the perfect destination for a truly unforgettable vacation.

Day 1-2: Explore up-and-coming Tijuana

Although it was once a travel afterthought, Tijuana is currently experiencing a highly impressive cultural revival. Craft breweries, hip coffee shops, and outdoor gastro markets are just some of the things drawing crowds over the border.

Spend a day here exploring the city’s bustling Mercado El Popo, checking out the street murals in Pasaje Rodríguez, sampling Mexico’s best craft beer and coffee on Avenida Revolucion, or trying the world’s first-ever Caesar Salad at Caesar’s Hotel & Restaurant.

If you fancy it, you can also have your picture taken with Tijuana’s hottest attraction: a zebra-painted donkey.

Day 2-4: Stop off in Ensenada for incredible wine and seafood

The small town of Ensenada may not be one of the prettiest of Baja California’s towns, but it has two big things going for it: excellent seafood and a tonne of wineries.

Just a two-hour drive from Tijuana, you’ll not only be in the home of both the world-famous La Guerrerense and the bustling Mercado Negro fish market, but you’ll also be just a stone’s throw away from Baja’s stunning wine region.

Spend 48 hours here sampling fresh yellowfin ceviche at any of the fish market restaurants, strolling the charming Malecon, and taking a half-day wine-tasting tour into the nearby Valle de Guadalupe.

Day 4-6: Play with grey whales in Guerrero Negro

From December to early April, Guerrero Negro’s Laguna Ojo de Liebre sees something truly incredible happened: nearly all of the Earth’s grey whale population migrates to its shallow waters to socialize, mate and give birth.

The whales here are highly social, and this is one of the only places on Earth where you can give the mothers and their calves a belly rub as they play with the boats! If you’re exploring Baja out of whale season, there really isn’t much else to see in this town.

However, you may be forced to lay your head here for the night as, from Ensenada, it’s a 10-hour journey through nothing but desert, and from Guerrero Negro, it’s another 2 hours to the next town with tourist accommodation.

Day 6-9: Explore Mulegé’s desert oasis

Still a relatively undiscovered gem, Mulegé is a small oasis town located at the mouth of beautiful Río de Santa Rosalía and just a three-hour drive from Guerrero Negro.

The town itself, with its narrow alleyways filled with the odd craft shop, brightly colored Mexican taquerias, and crumbling colonial architecture, has a sleepy charm about it, but the main draw here is the stunning nature that surrounds it.

Just some of the must-dos include taking a guided hike into Cañon La Trinidad, visiting the stunning beaches nearby, and taking in the river views from the perfectly preserved 18th-century mission.

Day 9-12: Learn about Baja’s history in Loreto

While nature is the main draw for travelers here, Baja is full of history, too. In the 1600s many Jesuit and Dominican missionaries came to the peninsula to spread the Catholic faith to the native populations.

The very first settlement was in a small seaside village called Loreto. Abandoned by the missionaries in the late 1700s, today the beautiful stone-carved Misión Loreto houses a museum that tells the story of Baja California’s fascinating past.

Loreto has a square full of atmospheric al-fresco restaurants, a lovely Malecon, and, being the home to the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, is the perfect place to see dolphins, sea lions, manta rays, and the biggest mammal on our planet, the blue whale.

Day 12-15: Kayak around Isla Espiritu Santo Island

Next up is one of Baja California’s highlights: Isla Espiritu Santo. As it’s only about an hour’s boat ride from La Paz, there are plenty of day trips which normally include swimming with sea lions, snorkeling, and visiting one of the many beautiful beaches on the island.

However, if you’re up for a real adventure, we suggest taking 4 days out to do a multi-day kayaking trip. The trip will not only take you to the more remote and hidden parts of the island, but you’ll also get the real Espiritu Santo experience.

Visitors can paddle through emerald green waters, camping with unrestricted ocean views, morning shipwreck snorkeling, afternoon desert trail hikes, and fresh fish served up on the beach.

Day 15-17: Relax at a boutique hotel in arty Todos Santos

After all that island fun, it’s time for a little downtime.

Just an hour and a half south of La Paz sits one of Baja California’s most picturesque towns: Todos Santos – a highlight of any Baja South itinerary, with many cute coffee houses, artisan shops, independent galleries, and impressive boutique hotels.

Day 17-19: Surf some epic waves at Pescadero and Cerritos beach

Just a 20-minute drive from happening Todos Santos sits several miles of wild, untouched Pacific beach.

Although more and more holiday homes and hotels are popping up along here, it’s still relatively undiscovered – so chances are you’ll find a spot where you can get a wave to yourself.

If you’re just starting out, Cerritos, being an easy sandy beach break, is great for beginners and improvers. For the more experienced surfers, head straight to San Pedrito beach in Pescadero for an excellent and – if conditions are right – huge right reef break.

If you’re on a budget, camping is available on both these beaches.

Alternatively, treat yourself to the stunning Rancho Pescadero, only a 7-minute walk to San Pedrito and a 10-minute drive to Cerritos.

Day 19-21: Go wild in Cabo

For those looking for beautiful beaches, luxury beach resorts, and thumping nightlife, Cabo is your ticket.

The star of most Baja travel brochures, Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the whole peninsula – so expect tonnes of hotels, expertly pruned golf courses, and seafront clubs forming crazy conga lines.

While you’re here be sure to check out iconic El Arco, don your scuba diving gear in search of sea lions, humpback whales, and mobula rays, or, if you didn’t quite get enough in Pescadero, grab a surfboard and take on Cabo’s awesome breaks.

Where to stay?

There are plenty of accommodation options and vacation rentals in Baja California for every type of traveler.

Take a short walk around the center streets and look for hotels, hostels, or guesthouses. Consider also the online option, and book your accommodations in advance. If you travel in an RV, you can stay in camping and RV parks in the area.

This route includes the most popular Yucatan destinations in 3 Mexican states – Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche.

• The point of departure: Cancun
• The point of return: Cancun

You will visit cozy colonial towns, protected natural areas, and popular resorts, walk along ancient Mayan roads in a selva, and swim in blue lagoons and underground cenotes.

Attention!

This tour contains 5 long-distance bus travel:

• Cancun – Valladolid (2:00/2:45 hours)
• Valladolid – Merida (2:15/3:20 hours)
• Merida – Campeche (2:25/4:00 hours)
• Campeche – Chetumal (6:45 hours)
• Chetumal – Playa del Carmen (4:15/4:45 hours)

You also could rent a car, but the time on the road will be the same. For more detailed information about each destination of this route, use tags at the end of this page.

Have a nice trip!

Download this itinerary in .pdf format
Please, consider a small donation if you find it useful.

This route includes the most popular mexican destinations in 7 mexican states – Mexico, Morelos, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco, Veracruz.

• The point of departure: Mexico City
• The point of return: Mexico City

You will visit cozy colonial towns, protected natural areas, and popular resorts will see ancient Mayan ruins lost in the selva.

Attention!

This tour cointains 7 long distance bus travel:

• Puebla – Oaxaca (-)
• Huatulco – Zaragoza (-)
• Zaragoza – Tixla Gutierrez (-)
• San Cristobal de las Casas – Villahermosa (-)
• Villahermosa – Veracruz (-)
• Veracruz – Xalapa (-)
• Xalapa – Mexico City (-)

You also could rent a car, but the time on the road will be the same.

Have a nice trip!

Download this itinerary in .pdf format
Please, consider a small donation if you find it useful.

This route includes the most popular Mexico Colonial & Yucatan peninsula destinations:

• The point of departure: Mexico City
• The point of return: Cancun

You will visit cozy colonial towns, protected natural areas, and popular resorts, walk along ancient Mayan roads in selva and swim in blue lagoons and underground cenotes.

Attention!

This tour cointains 16 long distance (more than 2:00 hours) bus travels:

• Mexico City – Tula de Allende
• Tula de Allende- San Miguel de Allende
• San Miguel de Allende – Guanajuato
• Guanajuato – Queretaro
• Queretaro – Acambaro
• Acambaro – Mexico City – Puebla
• Puebla – Oaxaca
• Oaxaca – Juchitan de Zaragoza
• Juchitan de Zaragoza – San Cristobal de las Casas
• San Cristobal de las Casas – Villahermosa
• Villahermosa – Palenque – Villahermosa
• Villahermosa – Campeche
• Campeche – Merida
• Merida – Valladolid
• Valladolid – Playa del Carmen
• Playa del Carmen – Sian Kaan – Playa del Carmen

You also could rent a car, but the time in the road will be the same.

For more detailed information about each destination of this route, use tags at the end of this page.

Have a nice trip!

Download this itinerary in .pdf format
Please, consider a small donation if you find it useful.

This route includes colonial Mexico, ancient Maya and Aztec ruins, modern cities, and small cozy towns.
You will visit protected natural areas and popular resorts, walk along ancient Mayan roads in jungle, and swim in blue lagoons.

• The point of departure: Mexico City
• The point of return: Cancun

Attention!

This tour contains 20 long-distance bus travel:

• Mexico City – Queretaro (3:20-6:00 hours)
• Queretaro – Guanajuato (2:10 hours)
• Leon – Guadalajara (4:15-4:50 hours)
• Guadalajara – Puerto Vallarta (5:30-10:20 hours)
• Puerto Vallarta – Guadalajara (5:50-10:20 hours)
• Guadalajara – Morelia (5:25-6:20 hours)
• Acambaro – Mexico City (3:30-5:05 hours)
• Mexico City – Xalapa (4:20 hours)
• Xalapa – Cordoba (3:00 hours)
• Cordoba – Veracruz (2:00 hours)
• Veracruz – Puebla (3:45 hours)
• Puebla – Oaxaca (3:35-5:00 hours)
• Oaxaca – Zaragoza (5:05 hours)
• Zaragoza – San Cristobal de las Casas (3:15 hours)
• San Cristobal de las Casas – Villahermosa (7:05 hours)
• Villahermosa – Ciudad del Carmen (3:20 hours)
• Ciudad del Carmen – Campeche (3:00 hours)
• Campeche – Merida (2:25-4:05 hours)
• Merida – Valladolid (2:15-3:05 hours)
• Valladolid – Playa del Carmen (2:40 hours)

You also could rent a car, but the time on the road will be the same.

Have a nice trip!

Download this itinerary in .pdf format
Please, consider a small donation if you find it useful.

Cenotes, lagoons, ancient archaeological sites, coral reefs, and dream beaches where you can enjoy local cuisine. We all know Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen, but the Mexican Caribbean hides more secrets.

Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Puerto Morelos, Cozumel, Maya Ka’an, Mahahual, Bacalar, and Chetumal share a unique natural, archaeological, gastronomic, and cultural heritage, as well as a great offer for relaxation and adventure.

What better way to explore this coastal paradise than on a scenic road trip where you can plan your route and itinerary? The suggested itinerary below includes car rental and accommodation at the main stops along the route.

Are you up for the experience? The various suggested excursions and visits are for guidance only, so if there is any detail you would prefer to change, Viajes El Corte Inglés can help you design a trip adapted to your tastes and needs.