{"id":3331,"date":"2024-02-19T10:43:04","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T02:43:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.lat\/blog\/?p=3331"},"modified":"2024-04-30T11:47:16","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T03:47:16","slug":"the-top-8-best-road-trip-destinations-in-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.lat\/blog\/the-top-8-best-road-trip-destinations-in-mexico\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top 8 Best Road Trip Destinations in Mexico"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re an expat who\u2019s moved to Mexico and you\u2019re looking for the best road trip destinations here, you\u2019ve come to the right place! From beaches to waterfalls, a road trip in Mexico has something for both expats and locals.<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s blog post, we will be going over the top 8 best road trip routes in Mexico for expats, along with other information such as gas or car models and driving regulations.<\/p>\n

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\"General<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\n

The Top Road Trip Destinations for Expats<\/h2>\n

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Riviera Nayarit<\/h3>\n

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When visiting Mexico, tourists and expats frequently choose to stay in the 230-mile Riviera Nayarit, which is renowned for its stunning beaches. Those who surf, snorkel, or just hang out at the beach will be able to relax and enjoy the panoramic view.<\/p>\n

Among the beaches scattered throughout the Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta stands out as the most visited beach. This is because the Puerto Vallarta beach is a great place to relax for a day or two after grueling hours of driving.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, thanks to its great waves, Sayulita Beach is also perfect for surfers.<\/p>\n

Chiapas<\/h3>\n

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A unique road trip destination in Mexico, the state of Chiapas is one that expats will definitely adore. This is because Chiapas is home to waterfalls, lakes, caves, and mountains, as well as archaeological sites, food, and colonial cities.<\/p>\n

Chiapas is rich in both indigenous and Spanish influences, making it a diverse and vibrant state with a history dating back to the Mayan civilization.<\/p>\n

Thanks to its cultural influences and plenty of opportunities for nature exploration, Chiapas is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city in favor of true Mexican culture.<\/p>\n

Yucatan Peninsula<\/h3>\n

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And we see Mayan culture again on the Yucatan Peninsula, featuring various Mayan archaeological sites in the region. The most famous of which are Chichen Itza and Uxmal. In the present day, the Yucatan Peninsula is still home to native Mayans and Mayan descendants alike.<\/p>\n

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to multiple tropical rainforests and jungles, with the area between Guatemala, Mexico, and Belize being the largest tropical forest area in Central America. The Yucatan Peninsula is also known for its expensive resorts, guaranteed to attract expats.<\/p>\n

Jalisco<\/h3>\n

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With its diversity, amazing landscapes, and cultural traditions, a road trip to the state of Jalisco is one that expats will definitely remember. This state introduced the world to familiar Mexican trademarks such as mariachis, tequila, the Ballet Folklorico, the Mexican Hat Dance, charros, and sombreros.<\/p>\n

Jalisco is also home to the second largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara<\/a>, and one of the most beloved beaches, Puerto Vallarta.<\/p>\n

Oaxaca<\/h3>\n

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There is plenty to enjoy in the state of Oaxaca, such as exploring the exceptional coastline, experiencing the vast selection of cuisine choices, or touring some of Mexico\u2019s best mountain towns.<\/p>\n

Oaxaca also features vibrant textiles, crafted by skilled artisans using ancient techniques passed down through generations. Thanks to its vast selection of cuisine choices, Oaxaca\u2019s cuisine is considered to be one of the most diverse and delicious in Mexico.<\/p>\n

Tijuana<\/h3>\n

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A Mexican border city in Southern California, Tijuana\u2019s gastronomic, cultural, and artistic impact made it one of the best cities to visit for families, couples, or friends.<\/p>\n

For those looking to spice things up with the hustle and bustle of the city, Tijuana is for you. From the blend of Mexican and American influences like no other to the lively streets as well as the nightlife, Tijuana is one road trip destination you don\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n

San Crist\u00f3bal de las Casas<\/h3>\n

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A highland town in the state of Chiapas, San Crist\u00f3bal de las Casas is known for its excellently preserved colonial architecture. These include the centuries-old yellow San Crist\u00f3bal Cathedral on the Parque Central.<\/p>\n

San Crist\u00f3bal is also home to the biggest freshwater lake in the archipelago, the El Junco Lagoon.<\/p>\n

San Miguel de Allende<\/h3>\n

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A colonial-era city in the central highlands of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is known for its baroque Spanish architecture, thriving arts scene, and cultural festivals.<\/p>\n

We previously mentioned cuisine with Oaxaca, and San Miguel de Allende is once again known for its delicious cuisine.<\/p>\n

Its culinary selection puts heavy emphasis on traditional Mexican dishes and local ingredients. This city is also home to various bars, cafes, and restaurants serving drinks and cocktails.<\/p>\n

Buying Gas in Mexico<\/h2>\n

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Gas stations in Mexico feature \u201cfull service\u201d, which involves a gas station attendant leading you into the pumping bay and helping you fill up your vehicle. When filling up, make sure that the counter on the pump is set to zero before the attendant fuels up your vehicle.<\/p>\n

If needed, you also have the option of requesting additional services from the gas station attendant, such as cleaning your windshields, checking your tire pressure, or other minor work that won\u2019t take more than a few minutes at most.<\/p>\n

You can pay for gas using either cash or credit cards. However, it\u2019s a good idea to have some cash ready in case some gas stations don\u2019t accept cards or their card payment system falters.<\/p>\n

Finding Parking Spaces in Mexico<\/h2>\n

Valet parking is common in the city, as seen in various businesses, shops, and amenities (such as restaurants, for example) offering their own private parking spaces for customers.<\/p>\n

Plots of vacant land are also used to provide local parking, for which costs will vary depending on the location, how long the car will remain parked, and the availability of other local parking options.<\/p>\n

There are various areas with metered parking in Mexico CIty, such as Condesa and Polanco. Notable features include its precise marking with white lines in the road indicating where a car should park. Operating hours and restrictions may vary, but you will be able to see them on the meters and signs.<\/p>\n

Popular Vehicle Models in the Mexican Car Rental Market<\/h2>\n

Popular vehicle models may vary depending on your preferences and the size of your family. Below are some of the popular car models, by type, in Mexico:<\/p>\n