Discover Mexico with a road trip during your 2026 World Cup stay

The 2026 World Cup provides the perfect opportunity to explore Mexico beyond the stadiums. Traveling by road through tropical jungles, colonial towns, deserts, mountains, and endless coastlines is one of the best ways to experience the country.

More than just reaching your destination, here are a few road trip itineraries to explore Mexico. Stop by small towns, sample regional cuisine, and discover natural reserves, hidden beaches, and spectacular viewpoints.

Monterrey to Los Cabos (26 hours)

This journey of over 2,000 kilometers showcases the most scenic and wild side of the country. Expect immense deserts, endless highways, northern towns, pine-covered mountains, and finally, the spectacular contrast between the turquoise sea and the desert of Baja California Sur.

Day 1 – Monterrey to Saltillo
Take highway MEX 40D from Monterrey to Saltillo, a drive of about an hour and a half surrounded by semi-desert landscapes and the peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental.

Back upon arrival in Saltillo, spend the afternoon exploring the Historic Center and visiting the Desert Museum (Museo del Desierto). For lunch or dinner, try the traditional cabrito (roasted goat) or asado de puerco (pork stew), and complement your evening with a glass of sotol.

Day 2 – Saltillo to Torreón
Continue along highway MEX 40D toward Torreón. The drive takes between four and five hours, crossing vast arid plains, reddish mountains, and wide-open skies. Along the way, it is well worth stopping to breakfast on northern burritos or flour gorditas stuffed with shredded beef (carne deshebrada).

When you reach Torreón, visit the Cristo de las Noas monument for panoramic views of the Comarca Lagunera region. If time permits, you can also explore the Bilbao Dunes (Dunas de Bilbao), a spectacular desert landscape. Don’t miss out on trying northern discada, dried beef (carne seca), and the traditional asado lagunero.

Day 3 – Torreón to Durango
Take Highway MEX 40 toward Durango. As you advance, the scenery gradually shifts from desert plains to forested mountainous areas.

Durango possesses a unique cinematic atmosphere thanks to its colonial architecture and natural backdrops. Stay in the historic center to explore its plazas, streets, and old buildings on foot. In the afternoon, you can visit the Cathedral, the Paseo del Viejo Oeste (Wild West theme park), or, if you have more time, the Mexiquillo natural park. For dining, try the caldillo durangueño (beef stew), gorditas laguneras, and the region’s advisor-crafted artisanal mezcal.

Day 4 – Durango to Mazatlán
Depart early via the MEX 40D highway toward Mazatlán, which is one of Mexico’s most breathtaking engineering marvels. Over five to six hours, you will cross the Sierra Madre Occidental through tunnels, deep ravines, and gigantic bridges like the Baluarte Bridge (Puente Baluarte).

As you descend toward the Pacific, the climate transitions from fresh and mountainous to warm and tropical. Upon arriving in Mazatlán, stay in the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) if you are looking for beach activities and nightlife, or in the Historic Center if you prefer a quieter, cultural ambiance. End the day walking along the malecón at sunset and dining on Sinaloan aguachile, tacos gobernador, or smoked marlin.

Day 5 – Mazatlán to La Paz
Spend the morning enjoying Mazatlán before boarding the ferry to La Paz. You can enjoy breakfast by the sea with shrimp chilaquiles or a fresh ceviche. The ferry crossing between Mazatlán and La Paz takes between 12 and 16 hours, offering spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez.

Upon arriving in La Paz, the scenery shifts entirely to desert plains, giant cacti, and turquoise-water beaches surrounding the city. It is best to stay near the malecón for easy mobility to beaches and restaurants. Take the opportunity to visit Balandra Beach (Playa Balandra), Espíritu Santo Island, and stroll along the malecón at sunset. For dining, order fish tacos, chocolate clams (almejas chocolatas), and a drink made with damiana.

Day 6 – La Paz to Los Cabos

Take highway MEX 1 or MEX 19 toward Los Cabos, a drive of approximately two to three hours. The road cuts through desert landscapes filled with cacti and constant views of the Sea of Cortez. Before arriving, you can stop in Todos Santos, a small town famous for its galleries, surfing, and high-end boutique hotels.

Depending on the atmosphere you seek, you can stay in San José del Cabo for a quieter, artistic experience, or in Cabo San Lucas to enjoy nightlife and water activities. To close out the journey, nothing compares to watching the sunset at Land’s End (El Arco) in Los Cabos.

Calculate tolls and fuel

To estimate approximate costs for highway tolls, fuel, and travel times on Mexican highways, the Government of Mexico provides an official tool called “Rutas Punto a Punto” (Point-to-Point Routes) managed by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SCT).