Discover the charm and rich history of Mexico’s Colonial Interior, where remarkable cities, towns, and villages await. Known as the colonial heart of the country, this region offers a glimpse into traditional Mexico, full of culture, heritage, and timeless beauty. Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities or peaceful villages, the colonial interior will captivate your soul with its history and authentic Mexican spirit. Come and experience a journey through the heart of Mexico like no other.
North South
Highway 8
Highway 8 in Sonora, Mexico, connects the U.S. border at Lukeville, Arizona, to the coastal city of Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point). Known for its scenic desert landscapes, it is a popular route for tourists heading to the Gulf of California and is vital for cross-border travel between Arizona and Mexico. The highway is well-maintained and offers access to key tourist destinations in the region.
Non Coastal Highway 15 D
Highway 15D (Non-Coastal Route) is a major toll highway that connects several important inland cities in western and central Mexico. Starting in Tepic, Nayarit, the route passes through Ixtlán del Río, known for its archaeological significance, before reaching Tequila, Jalisco, famous for its iconic beverage. Continuing on, the highway runs through Guadalajara, Jalisco’s vibrant capital, and nearby Tonalá, known for its traditional crafts. Further east, it passes through Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, renowned for its colonial architecture, before reaching Atlacomulco in the State of Mexico, a key junction point for travel toward Mexico City.
Highway 45
Highway 45 is a crucial route that connects several significant cities across northern and central Mexico. Starting in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, at the U.S. border, the highway runs through the state capital, Chihuahua City. It continues south to Torreón, Coahuila, an important industrial hub, and then reaches Zacatecas, known for its rich mining history and colonial architecture. The highway passes through Aguascalientes, a major manufacturing and cultural center, before arriving in León, Guanajuato, famous for its leather goods. It also connects to the historic city of Guanajuato, known for its role in Mexico’s independence, and ends in Morelia, Michoacán, celebrated for its colonial beauty.
Highway 45 in Mexico is primarily a free road (libre), but there are sections along the route, particularly in its northern and central parts, that have parallel toll roads (cuota) offering faster and safer travel options. These toll roads are typically designated with a “D” after the highway number, such as Highway 45D. Drivers can choose between the free road (libre) or the toll road (cuota) depending on their preferences for speed, cost, and road conditions.
Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
Highway 57
Highway 57 is one of Mexico’s most important highways, connecting key cities from the U.S. border to the nation’s capital. Starting in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, near the border with Texas, it travels south through Monclova, an important industrial city, and Saltillo, the capital of Coahuila known for its strong manufacturing sector. The highway continues into Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, a major stop for travelers, and then reaches San Luis Potosí City, the state capital known for its colonial architecture and cultural heritage.
Further along, Highway 57 connects to Dolores Hidalgo, the cradle of Mexico’s independence movement, and then to San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its artistic community and colonial charm. The route continues through Querétaro, another colonial city with a rich historical legacy, before reaching its terminus in Mexico City, the country’s bustling capital and cultural hub. This major corridor is vital for both commercial and passenger traffic, offering a direct link between the northern border and central Mexico.
Highway 57 is primarily a free road (libre), but like many major routes in Mexico, it has parallel toll road sections (designated as Highway 57D). These toll roads offer faster, more direct travel and tend to be better maintained, with fewer stops and less congestion. Drivers along Highway 57 have the option to use the toll (cuota) roads for a smoother, faster journey or the free (libre) road, which may be slower and have more local traffic. The toll sections are particularly common in heavily trafficked areas and around major cities such as Querétaro and Mexico City.
San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Highway 85
Highway 85 is a major north-south route in northeastern Mexico, connecting key cities and serving as an important corridor for both commercial and passenger traffic. Beginning in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, at the U.S. border, it heads south to Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo León and a major industrial and economic hub in Mexico. From there, the highway continues to Ciudad Victoria, the capital of Tamaulipas, known for its agricultural production and scenic surroundings in the Sierra Madre Oriental. Highway 85 is an essential connection for those traveling between the U.S. border and central Mexico, with toll (cuota) and free (libre) road options available in some sections.
Highway 85 is primarily a free road (libre), but there are sections with parallel toll roads (cuota), especially in areas with high traffic or near major cities. Drivers can choose between the free sections, which may have more local traffic and slower speeds, or the toll roads (designated as Highway 85D), which offer faster, more direct routes with better road conditions. This combination provides flexibility for travelers depending on their preferences for cost and convenience.
Highway 14
Highway 85 is primarily a free road (libre), but there are sections with parallel toll roads (cuota), especially in areas with high traffic or near major cities. Drivers can choose between the free sections, which may have more local traffic and slower speeds, or the toll roads (designated as Highway 85D), which offer faster, more direct routes with better road conditions. This combination provides flexibility for travelers depending on their preferences for cost and convenience.
Highway 95
Highway 95 is a major route running from central Mexico to the Pacific coast, connecting several important cities along the way. Starting in Toluca, the capital of the State of Mexico, it travels south to Taxco, Guerrero, a beautiful colonial town famous for its silver craftsmanship. From there, the highway passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, known for its mild climate and historical significance. Continuing on, it reaches Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero, and finally ends in Acapulco, Guerrero, a renowned Pacific coastal city with a rich history as a tourist destination.
Highway 95 offers both free (libre) and toll (cuota) road options. The toll road, Highway 95D, is a faster and safer route, especially in the mountainous areas between Cuernavaca and Acapulco, while the free road may have more local traffic and slower speeds. Travelers can choose between the two depending on their preferences for cost, speed, and road conditions.
Highway 135
Highway 135 connects the cities of Tehuacán in Puebla and Oaxaca in the state of Oaxaca, offering travelers a scenic route through central Mexico. Starting in Tehuacán, known for its mineral springs and archaeological sites, the highway winds through mountainous terrain before reaching Oaxaca, a cultural and historical gem famous for its indigenous heritage, colonial architecture, and vibrant culinary scene.
Highway 135 is primarily a free road (libre), but there are sections with parallel toll roads (cuota), especially as you approach larger cities or more heavily trafficked areas. The toll road (135D) offers a faster and smoother alternative, while the free road provides a more leisurely drive, often passing through smaller towns and rural areas. Drivers can choose the route that best suits their travel needs.
Highway 2 (East-West Route)
Highway 2 runs along the northern border of Mexico, connecting several key cities in the state of Sonora. Starting in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, near the U.S. border, it travels eastward through Sonoyta, a common crossing point for travelers heading to Puerto Peñasco. The route continues to Santa Ana, an important junction for travelers heading south toward Hermosillo or further into the interior. It then reaches Agua Prieta, another border town known for its proximity to Douglas, Arizona, before ending in Ciudad Juárez, Sonora (not to be confused with the more famous Ciudad Juárez in Chihuahua).
This highway serves as a vital corridor for cross-border travel and commercial transportation. While much of Highway 2 is a free road (libre), there are toll sections (cuota) in certain stretches that offer faster and better-maintained alternatives for long-distance drivers. Travelers can choose between the toll road for a quicker, smoother drive or the free road, which may pass through smaller towns and local areas.
Highway 40
Highway 40 is a major toll road (cuota) that runs east-west across northern Mexico, connecting several key cities from the Pacific coast to the Gulf of Mexico. Starting in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, a bustling coastal city known for its beaches and seafood, the highway heads inland, passing through the scenic Sierra Madre mountains via the impressive Durango-Mazatlán highway, also known as the “Devil’s Backbone.” It reaches Durango, Durango, a historic city famous for its colonial architecture and film industry.
Continuing east, Highway 40 leads to Torreón, Coahuila, an important industrial and agricultural hub, and then moves on to Saltillo, the capital of Coahuila, known for its manufacturing and cultural history. The route then proceeds to Monterrey, Nuevo León, one of Mexico’s largest and most economically significant cities, renowned for its industry, education, and commerce.
Finally, Highway 40 reaches Reynosa, Tamaulipas, an important border city just across from McAllen, Texas, providing access to the U.S. The toll road offers a faster, more direct option for travelers and commercial vehicles, with well-maintained roads and modern infrastructure, making it a preferred route for long-distance travel across northern Mexico.
Highway 150 (Mexico City to Veracruz)
Highway 150 is a vital route connecting Mexico City to the Gulf of Mexico, passing through several key cities in central and eastern Mexico. Starting in the bustling capital of Mexico City, the highway heads southeast to Puebla, a city known for its colonial architecture, cuisine, and historical significance. From Puebla, the highway continues through Córdoba, Veracruz, a charming city nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains, known for its coffee production and scenic landscapes.
The route concludes in Veracruz, a major port city on the Gulf of Mexico with deep historical and cultural roots, making it an essential hub for trade and tourism. Highway 150 includes both free (libre) and toll (cuota) options, with the toll road (150D) offering a faster, more efficient travel experience through well-maintained highways, making it the preferred choice for many drivers and commercial traffic.
Highway 190 (Oaxaca to Comitán de Domínguez)
Highway 190 is a significant route traversing southern Mexico, connecting Oaxaca to the highlands of Chiapas. Starting in the historic city of Oaxaca, known for its rich indigenous culture, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene, the highway moves southeast towards Tehuantepec, an important town in Oaxaca’s Isthmus region. From there, it continues to Arriaga, Chiapas, a key point before entering the lush landscapes of the Chiapas highlands.
Next, Highway 190 reaches Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas, known for its modern amenities and proximity to natural wonders like Sumidero Canyon. It then climbs into the highlands to San Cristóbal de las Casas, a picturesque city renowned for its indigenous heritage, cobblestone streets, and cultural vibrancy. The route concludes in Comitán de Domínguez, a charming town in Chiapas close to the Guatemalan border, famous for its colonial architecture and nearby lakes and waterfalls.
Highway 190 offers both free (libre) and toll (cuota) sections, with toll roads providing a faster and more efficient travel option, especially in the mountainous regions of Chiapas. This route is essential for connecting travelers to some of Mexico’s most culturally and ecologically diverse regions.
A new 104km “superhighway” connecting Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido, the gateway to almost 600km of glorious coastline, finally opened in February 2024, 15 long years after its inception. It has radically reduced travel time to just 2.5 hours.
San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas
