Where to Stay

There are plenty of accommodation options along the route, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. In Guadalajara, you can stay at the historic Hotel Morales or the trendy Casa Fayette.

In Sayulita, check out the colorful Casablanca Sayulita or the rustic-chic Hotelito Los Suenos. In Punta Mita, indulge in the lavish amenities of the Four Seasons Resort or the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort.

And in Puerto Vallarta, choose from the traditional Hotel Rosita or the contemporary Hotel Mousai.

Tips for the Road Trip

• Rent a car from a reputable company and make sure to have all the necessary documents and insurance coverage.
• Check the weather forecast before you go, as the region can be affected by tropical storms and hurricanes.
• Be prepared for toll roads, which are common along the route, and have cash or a credit card ready to pay.
• Plan your itinerary, but also allow for some flexibility to accommodate unexpected detours or changes.
• Pack sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable clothing and shoes for outdoor activities.
• Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with the locals and enhance your cultural experience.

Nestled among the lush mountains, Taxco is known as the country’s silver capital. With its winding cobblestone streets and white houses with red tile roofs, Taxco exudes the old-world charm of Mexico’s rich colonial heritage.

Rich in history and tradition, this picturesque city offers a fascinating combination of Spanish colonial architecture and indigenous influences, creating a unique atmosphere that captivates visitors from near and far.

Main attractions in Taxco:

• Santa Prisca Cathedral
• Charming Plazas and Alleyways
• Vibrant Markets

What to eat in Taxco?

Try the local specialty, pozole verde, a hearty hominy soup flavored with aromatic herbs and spices. For dessert, enjoy sweet treats like churros dusted with cinnamon sugar or creamy flan topped with caramel sauce.

How to get there?

From Mexico City, visitors can take a scenic drive along the Autopista del Sol. Additionally, buses depart regularly from Mexico City’s Southern Bus Terminal, offering a convenient and affordable form of transportation.

Located on the Pacific coast, Todos Santos beckons travelers with its bohemian charm and laid-back atmosphere. This eclectic town boasts a vibrant community of artists, surfers, and expats, creating a melting pot of cultures.

With its quaint picturesque streets lined with colorful adobe buildings, swaying palm trees, golden sands, and azure waters, Todos Santos exudes a relaxed vibe that invites visitors to unwind and explore at their own pace.

What to Eat in Todos Santos?

Savor the local specialties like fish tacos, ceviche, and seafood enchiladas, paired with refreshing margaritas or local craft beer. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample traditional Mexican desserts like churros or creamy flan.

How to get there?

From Cabo San Lucas, embark on a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Alternatively, shuttle services and buses are available from Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, providing convenient transportation options.

Puerto Escondido enchants visitors with its pristine beaches and laid-back ambiance. With its golden sands, turquoise crystal waters, and breathtaking sunsets, this coastal town offers travelers a paradise away from the crowds.

What to do in Puerto Escondido?

• Visit Mercado Benito Juárez
• Surf on Zicatela Beach
• Visit the bioluminescent Laguna de Manialtepec

What to Eat in Puerto Escondido?

Indulge in the rich flavors of Oaxacan cuisine with local delicacies like tlayudas, mole negro, and fresh seafood ceviche. Try a refreshing michelada or mezcal cocktail for an authentic taste of Mexico’s culinary heritage.

How to Get There?

From Oaxaca City, travelers can reach Puerto Escondido via a scenic drive along the coastal highway. Additionally, buses and shuttles depart regularly from Oaxaca City, providing convenient transportation options.

Sayulita embodies the essence of bohemian charm and luxury. This seaside village has transformed from a surf haven to a vibrant cultural hub for travelers seeking sun, surf, and a taste of Mexico’s bohemian spirit.

What to do in Sayulita?

• Relax in a hammock on Sayulita Beach
• Discover the bustling town plaza – the main square
• Get diving lessons at Sayulita Surf School

What to Eat in Sayulita?

Taste fresh seafood tacos and ceviche, grilled fish and shrimp. Wash it all down with a refreshing agua fresca or a tangy margarita. Don’t forget to indulge in Sayulita’s famous street food, from savory tamales to churros.

How to Get There?

Sayulita is just a short drive or bus ride from Puerto Vallarta. Adventure seekers can drive along the scenic coastal route, enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and lush tropical landscapes along the way.

Real de Catorce is a relic of Mexico’s mining past. This enigmatic ghost town, once a bustling silver-mining hub, now stands frozen in time, its cobblestone streets and abandoned buildings whispering tales of bygone eras.

Main attractions in Real de Catorce:

• Plaza Hidalgo, the town’s historic central square
• La Parroquia de Immaculada Concepcion
• Tunnel of Ogarrio and silver mines labyrinths

What to Eat in Real de Catorce?

Savor the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with hearty dishes like carne asada tacos, chile rellenos, and savory tamales, served with a side of homemade tortillas and fiery salsas. Wash it all down with a glass of pulque.

How to Get There?

From San Luis Potosi drive through the rugged landscapes of the Catorce Mountains.

Bernal welcomes travelers with its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage.

This picturesque town captivates with its meandering cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and historic 18th- and 19th-century buildings, set against the dramatic backdrop of one of the tallest monoliths in the world.

Main attractions:

• Hike to the Peña de Bernal summit for panoramic views
• Visit local craft shops and artisanal markets
• Visit the Museum of the Mask

What to Eat in San Sebastian Bernal?

Taste traditional dishes like enchiladas queretanas, gorditas de nata, and barbacoa, accompanied by a refreshing glass of local wine or pulque. For dessert, treat yourself to local handmade candies and sweets.

How to Get There?

• From Querétaro City, Bernal is just a short drive away.
• Visitors can also reach Bernal by bus or taxi from Querétaro.

Oaxaca City stands as a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and tradition. Surrounded by the mountain range, this colonial gem enchants visitors with its colorful streets, centuries-old architecture, and rich indigenous heritage.

From its bustling markets and lively plazas to its world-renowned cuisine, Oaxaca offers a blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the magic of Mexico’s cultural capital.

Main attractions:

• Explore Oaxaca’s UNESCO-listed historic center
• Marvel at the ornate facades of the Templo de Santo Domingo
• Visit Mercado Benito Juárez
• Visit the ancient Zapotec capital of Monte Albán, perched atop a hill

What to Eat in Oaxaca?

In Oaxaca, the flavors of indigenous ingredients and centuries-old recipes come together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Sample tlayudas, tamales, and mole negro with a refreshing mezcal or tejate.

For dessert, treat yourself to a sweet empanada or ice cream.

How to Get There?

From Mexico City, travelers can reach Oaxaca City by bus, car, or plane, and long-distance buses connecting the two cities. Alternatively, embark on a scenic road trip through the rugged landscapes of southern Mexico.

San Miguel de Allende is a town with timeless beauty and colonial charm. The town enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, and historic architecture, creating a picturesque backdrop for exploration and discovery.

From its courtyards and plazas to its world-class restaurants, San Miguel de Allende offers a captivating mix of old-world elegance and modern sophistication, inviting travelers to experience the magic of Mexico’s cultural capital.

Main Attractions:

• Marvel at the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
• Explore San Miguel’s UNESCO-listed historic center

What to Eat in San Miguel de Allende?

Indulge in the flavors of central Mexico with traditional dishes like enchiladas mineras, chiles en nogada, and pozole, served with a side of handmade tortillas and fiery salsas.

Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or mezcal for an authentic taste of San Miguel’s culinary heritage, and don’t forget to save room for dessert, whether it’s a decadent tres leches cake or a sweet concha from a local bakery.

How to Get There?

From Mexico City, travelers can reach San Miguel de Allende by bus, car, or shuttle.

Alternatively, adventurous souls can embark on a scenic road trip through the picturesque landscapes of central Mexico, enjoying breathtaking views of the countryside along the way.

Pátzcuaro enchants visitors with its colonial charm, indigenous heritage, and natural beauty.

This picturesque pueblo mágico (magic town) captivates travelers with its cobblestone streets, red-and-white adobe walls, and centuries-old traditions, creating a timeless haven where past and present converge.

From its bustling markets and historic plazas to its tranquil lakeside promenades, Pátzcuaro offers a captivating glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural tapestry, inviting visitors to explore, discover, and connect with the soul of Michoacán.

Main Attractions:

• Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, the city’s central square
• Admire the colonial architecture
• Marvel at the majestic Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud
• Embark on a scenic boat ride to Isla Janitzio

What to Eat in Pátzcuaro?

Indulge in the flavors of Michoacán with traditional dishes like uchepos (corn tamales), corundas (triangular tamales), and pescado blanco (whitefish), served with a side of rice, beans, and spicy salsa.

Wash it all down with a glass of local charanda (sugar cane spirit) or atole (hot corn drink), and don’t forget to sample the region’s famous artisanal sweets, including candied fruits, tamarind candies, and sugar-coated peanuts.

How to Get There?

From Morelia, travelers can reach Pátzcuaro by bus, taxi, or rental car. Alternatively, adventurous souls can embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes of Michoacán, enjoying breathtaking views of the countryside along the way.

Colonial Zacatecas, Mexico’s second-highest city at 2469 meters above sea level, offers a chance to take a trek back through history with stunning architecture that includes many civil and religious buildings from the colonial area.

The Cathedral dominates the center of Zacatecas City and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Churrigueresque architecture in Mexico.

Best known as one of the clusters of old silver mining cities, Zacatecas has long been valued for its rich deposits of silver and other minerals. The city also hosts the famous Holy Week Cultural Festival which features more than 50 dancers and other performers.

This UNESCO-listed nature reserve is an outdoor lovers’ dream come true.

Located off the coast of Baja, California, it’s a must-see, with pristine turquoise bays, windswept sand dunes, fiery red cliffs, and rich marine life as part of one of the most unspoiled ecosystems in Baja.

In the surrounding waters, view gray whales, swim with manta rays and sea lions, and on land, you’ll find five species of mammals and reptiles that are unique to the island, including a ring-tailed cat and black jackrabbit.

Chiapas is unlike anything you probably envisioned Mexico to be.

Here you’ll find a land filled with lakes and waterfalls as well as magnificent ruins in the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, nestled within a rainforest along the northern border of the state.

The stunning structures here were built with remarkable artistry, while the onsite museum features stucco hieroglyphs, intricately carved panels and fantastical clay earns.

The incredible detail of the carvings and frescoes have revealed to archaeologists much of what they know about Mayan life today.

At nearby Agua Azul, you can take a dip in waters that appear so amazingly blue it’s hard to believe they’re real, but they’re actually the result of crystal clear water that runs over a smooth limestone riverbed, illuminated by the sun.

Puebla’s city center is also a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its magnificent monuments of Spanish colonial architecture and a colorful blend of cultures.

Stroll its central streets, passing buildings, facades, and gardens that reflect its history, and shop for intricately designed Talavera pottery. Nearby, you can view the world’s largest pyramid at Cholula, topped by a church.

After dark, head to the Plazuela de Los Sapos to enjoy the sounds of traditional mariachi.

This quiet fishing village hidden away on the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, though it still remains a favorite budget-friendly destination in Mexico.

It’s also under the radar, with the exception of those who come here to surf. A beach break known as the Mexican Pipeline, putting Mexican surfing on the map, brings surfers from across the globe.

From May to July, waves can reach 30 feet or higher. Even if you don’t surf, the experience here is all about the beach, though you’ll also find an authentic Mexican culture and a bustling outdoor food market.

Huatulco is in one of the most bio-diverse regions of the country along the Pacific Coast, about 70 miles east of Puerto Escondido, and also in Oaxaca State.

It boasts a Green Globe Certification for sustainable tourism and features an abundance of eco-attractions and wildlife, along with nine pristine bays and 36 picturesque beaches connected by rocky cliffs that lead to lush rainforest-covered mountains.

Visit coffee plantations and explore pre-Hispanic ruins or enjoy endless snorkeling and diving among brilliant reefs – you’ll be stunned at how crystal clear the waters in Huatulco are.

This seaside village 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Nayarit was a secluded surfing town and sleepy fishing village just a decade ago, but that’s changed in recent years, with travelers from across the globe discovering Sayulita’s charms.

Don’t wait too long to visit, while you can still enjoy a low-key, bohemian vibe, unspoiled beaches, and rustic seafood eateries on the sand. If you’re new to surfing, this is also a good place to learn.

While the experience will find plenty of challenges, the bay has a nice break that’s ideal for beginners, and you’ll also find lessons as well as board rentals of all types available.

Just an hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is one of the most charming towns in Baja with its quirky mix of New Age spiritualists, surfers, artists, and fishermen.

It offers a world-class foodie scene too, though it’s managed to escape the rampant tourism of other towns in the region.

This unique, artsy desert oasis is tucked among ancient orchards of mango and palm while offering breathtaking views that overlook powdery white sands and the expanse of the dazzling Pacific.

Its rich history with centuries-old tradition and friendly hospitality combined with modern conveniences make it an ideal less-traveled destination.

Morelia is another one of Mexico’s most spectacular colonial cities, located in the state of Michoacan, home to the only indigenous people who were never conquered by the Aztecs.

The state capital of Morelia proudly displays its Indian roots among the majestic, pink quarry stone colonial buildings.

The cozy and picturesque town of Morelia It’s surrounded by villages devoted to the single crafts industry, including musical instruments, textiles, furniture, copper, and pottery.

Several of the most important monarch butterfly wintering sites on the planet are located in eastern Michoacan’s mountains.

The annual monarch migration is one of the greatest spectacles found in the nation when as many as 60 million to one billion of the orange-colored butterflies journey from eastern Canada to the forests of western central Mexico.

Cooper Canyon, located in the heart of the Tarahumara Mountains, is so enormous it could swallow the entire Grand Canyon.

Copper Canyon, formed by the confluence of six rivers, is lush and green with oak, fir, pine, and fig trees. Indigenous people have made the canyons their home for centuries, and living in this remote region, their way of life has largely been preserved.

You’ll need to venture deep into the canyon floor to meet the Tarahumara people. The best way to get there is via the Chihuahua al Pacifico Train which can be boarded at El Fuerte, a small colonial town on the El Fuerte River.

Ixtapan de la Sal is best known for its healing thermal springs. It’s a popular destination for Mexico City residents, located just a little over two hours southwest.

It’s also been an important source of salt since pre-Hispanic times, while its two rivers and the carbonated water of La Laguna Verde, a spring that erupts from the volcanic landscape, served as a public bath for indigenous people.

During the Aztec empire, it was said to be a sacred place for chiefs who took advantage of the warm waters for their healing and soothing properties.

The town is typical of others in Mexico, with high tile roofs and cobblestone streets framed in the traditional surroundings of 16th-century buildings.

This UNESCO World Heritage site and one of central Mexico’s most picturesque and best-preserved colonial towns manages to be cosmopolitan and quaint at the same time.

With narrow cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and idyllic weather, many feel it’s the prettiest town in the country.

Foreign retirees, artists, and writers, mainly from Canada and the U.S. are flocking here for its vibrant art scene featuring numerous studios and galleries with working artists and artisans along with a moderate cost of living.

There’s something interesting to be found around nearly every corner, with its parish church, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Jardin Park, and Mercado Ignacia Ramirez a few of the highlights.

The small state of Tlaxcala, located just two hours west of Mexico City offers something for almost everyone, including fascinating sites for history buffs and beautiful scenery for nature lovers.

At Cacaxtla, one of the most important ancient cities in central Mexico, perfectly preserved pre-Hispanic murals vividly depict battles and pyramids from the different stages of the Olmeca-Xicalanca culture.

Its compact capital is filled with colonial buildings painted in warm, colorful hues, all set in a verdant valley with soaring twin volcanoes as a backdrop.

It rivals the Yucatan for restored and ruined haciendas and is also home to over 1,000 archaeological sites. During the summer, visit the Firefly Sanctuary where you can witness countless fireflies lighting up the forest at night.

An ideal destination for wine enthusiasts, the oldest continuously operating winery in the Americas, Casa Madero, can be found in the town of Parras de la Fuente, located in Coahuila state in northern Baja California.

It was actually this very winery that exported the grapes that started the wine industry in Napa Valley, back when the Golden State was still a province of Spanish Mexico.

Its wines are still found alongside the finest in the region and among the winners of international competitions.

While the main attraction here is the vineyards, you can also visit a sacred volcano and the charming chapel, El Santo Madero, which sits atop it, keeping watch over the town.

By visiting the “cave of the bats,” located in the Hotel Antigua Hacienda de Perote, just before the sun goes down, you can see and hear thousands of bats pouring out into the sky as they get ready for a night of hunting.

La Paz was once set to become the next Acapulco – Baja’s unassuming capital remained a laid-back city with just a few tourists joining vacationing Mexicans.

But that’s starting to change, much to the dismay of some, with resorts popping up just outside of town aimed at travelers looking for luxuries that can be found in places like Cancun and Cabo.

For now, the essential nature of the city hasn’t changed.

You can still enjoy a provincial Mexico town atmosphere along with picture-postcard beaches, lively squares, and city streets nestled between coconut palms, old laurel trees, and date palms along with the ultimate seafood smorgasbord.

The pre-Columbian indigenous inhabitants of the area were most likely small bands of the semi-nomadic Cuyuteco which came in contact with Spanish Conquistadores in 1524 for the first time when Fernando Cortes de Buenaventura discovered 100,000 indigenous population split into 40 tribal communities.

In 1530, Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán’s account of his battle with the Cuyutecos at Valle gave name to the Bay of Banderas, as the natives carried colorful banners.

Civic sites identified in the region include Ixtapa, Valle, and Ixtlan del Rio. These sites were most likely tributary outposts of the Aztatlan kingdom centered in northern present-day Nayarit.

Like most of the greater Banderas Bay area, the sheer remoteness and thick jungle prevented permanent European colonization until the late 19th century.

The area developed thanks to the collection of coconut for oil production and export. Coconut oil production was controlled by a sole company first owned by Don Marcial Nuño and later by the Camarena family, when the latter was expelled from the area, but a decrease in the international pricing brought the industry to a decline.

The ejido of Sayulita was not established until 1941 after the government expropriated the private Hacienda and returned the land to the people dividing it into five villages in 1936.

Known for its consistent rivermouth surf break, Sayulita was “discovered” by roving surfers in the late 1960s with the construction of Mexican Highway 200.

The area became famous with Hollywood celebrities when The Night of the Iguana, which was filmed in Puerto Vallarta, showed the beauty and seclusion of the area to Ava Gardner, Richard Burton and wife Elisabeth Taylor.

Today, Sayulita is a prosperous growing village of approximately 5,000 residents. Hailed as a popular hippie and off-the-beaten-path travel destination, Sayulita offers a variety of recreational activities such as horseback riding, hiking, jungle canopy tours, snorkeling, and fishing. Still a mecca for beginning surfers of all ages, Sayulita also attracts tourists to its numerous art galleries and casual and hipsters cafes and restaurants.

Sayulita is frequented by native Cora and Huichol peoples whose artwork and beadwork is inspired by their cosmology, which is in turn aided by use of peyote, the psychedelic cactus sacred to the tribe.

The town is a part of the newly designated “Riviera Nayarit”, the 160km coastal corridor from Litibú to San Blas. Its natural beauty and easy access to Puerto Vallarta have made Sayulita real estate some of the most sought after in all of Mexico.

Growing ecological awareness and stricter zoning enforcement have caused development to be regulated in order to help safeguard the environment and quality of life. Sayulita has a medical office with an English-speaking doctor and pharmacist, a number of internet cafes, and a wide variety of open-air eateries, some located right on the sand beach. In recent years, yoga has also become a fashionable magnet to the area and digital nomads are choosing the town as an affordable base thanks to the facilities, the easy access to an international airport in Puerto Vallarta and the many activities on offer.

Buses from Puerto Vallarta run every 15 min $2-$4 (1:15/1:30 hours).
Taxi from Puerto Vallarta $15-$19 (0:35 min).

Buses from Tepic via Mezcales $15-$33 (2:50/3:50 hours) run hourly.
Taxi from Tepic $40-$55 (1:55 hours).

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700