Not everywhere in Mexico is made for road tripping, and you’ve probably read many warnings about driving around Mexico. I’m not here to tell you to ignore them, in fact, my recommendation for driving in Mexico is to listen to locals.

Ask around, talk to people, find out which areas aren’t ideal for driving right now and pay attention.

And yes, generally it’s a good idea to be off the road before dark, for a multitude of reasons that include topes, chickens on the road, and drunk people in country villages.

Mexico is magnificent, it’s magical and it’s my favourite place on earth. Here are a few of my tried and tested road trip itineraries to help you fall in love as I have.

Chiapas

Fly into Tuxtla Gutierréz, rent a car, and set off to explore what is, in my opinion, the most gorgeous state in Mexico. If you love nature, waterfalls and small towns, and history, Chiapas will blow your mind. Pay attention as you drive through Zapatista villages, visit Indigenous towns and fall deeply in love with this region.

🚘 MexicoCassie road trip itinerary for Chiapas

Southern Mexico (Tabasco, Chiapas & Campeche)

This road trip for me, began in Mérida but you could also begin in Campeche, rent a car and drive through Campeche, Tabasco and the south of Chiapas. On this trip you’ll meet river dolphins, visit tiny pueblos, swim in thermal waters, and explore massive Maya ruins. What an adventure!

🚘 MexicoCassie road trip itinerary for southern Mexico

Yucatán

Begin in Mérida or Valladolid, rent a car and set off to explore this most beautiful state on the Yucatecan Peninsula. For me, after six years living in Yucatán, there’s nothing I love more than a good Yucatecan road trip, taking in beautiful beaches, magnificent ruins, cenotes, small villages, jungle locations and more.

🚘 MexicoCassie two week road trip in Yucatán

🚘 MexicoCassie 10 road trip day off-the-beaten-path in Yucatán

🚘 MexicoCassie 10 day Yucatán road trip (yes it’s different)

Notes on driving in Mexico

Driving in Mexico can be fine, a lot of fun, and sometimes, sadly, stressful.

⚠️ Watch out for topes (speed bumps), and pot holes. Topes, in my opinion, are practically Mexico’s national emblem, so ubiquitous are they. Sometimes topes come with warnings, sometimes they don’t. Some are a sensible height and size, others are not. And pot holes too appear without warning sometimes. Always pay attention.

🚔 Yes, there are some regions where the police may stop you without real cause and demand a bribe. You don’t have to pay it. Don’t hand over your documents if you can help it, always tell the police officer you’ll go with them to a police station – if it’s not a genuine fine this should stop them in their tracks.

💚 The Green Angels are there to help anyone who has a breakdown (the car kind) on a federal road. If they pass, flag them down, if they’re not around you can call 078 to request assistance.

Read the full MexicoCassie guide to driving in Yucatán for more information on driving