Puerto Vallarta to Mexico City

Puerto Vallarta > Gudalajara > Guanjuato > San Migel de Allende > CDMX

Mexico | Oct 2025

After some epic rides down Baja and on highways 40D and 23, I took a week to reset in Chacala, Lo De Marco, and Puerto Vallarta (PV). I had to decide my next route: the coastal path to Manzanillo and Acapulco, or the inland trek to Mexico City. After some thought, I chose the inland route. Here are the details on the roads I took and the fantastic places I stayed at along the way.

Duration & Distances

6 days / 4 stops / 21 hrs riding / 1035 km

Ride 1: Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara

You can take two routes: libre (free) or cuota (toll). I heard the libre road is a nice ride, so I went for it. I set Google Maps to avoid highways and tolls to get the libre road. This ride was a pleasant surprise through some historical scenes. Mascota, in particular, is a classic town and one of the best-preserved in Mexico. Not many tourists venture here, which makes it even more special.

The scenery was nice, but it didn't compare to the stunning roads around Durango. Guadalajara itself was a bit grungy but had its charm. I stayed at a decent local tourist hotel just a few blocks from the historic downtown. Two nights were enough to get a taste of the city, though I probably missed a lot.

Ride: 302 km / 8 hours

Stay: Hotel San Francisco Plaza / $45 /

Ride 2: Guadalajara to Guanajuato

This ride was a mix of toll and free roads across the dry, flat plateau of this area. Nothing overly special, but it got me to Guanajuato, which is a must-see. This historic city is bursting with culture and energy. I hit it lucky; a festival was happening during my stay, complete with amazing singing and dancing shows right in the town center.

Ride: 273 km / 4 hours

Stay: Hotel Dos Rios / $25 /

Ride 3: Guanajuato to San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel is just two hours from Guanajuato. Both cities are UNESCO heritage sites. I almost skipped San Miguel, thinking it might be too touristy, but I’m glad I stayed for one night. It’s another stunning traditional city that’s definitely worth a visit.

Ride: 78 km / 1.5 hours

Stay: Casa Arbol / $47 /

Ride 4: San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City

I was excited to see Mexico City, but I had low expectations. I thought it would be a sprawling, smog-filled, crime-ridden mess. Boy, was I wrong! This city is incredible—dynamic, filled with culture, and surprisingly safe.

I took my first cuota/toll road, and it was a smooth ride. The final stretch into the city was a breeze. I zipped down a highway until I hit the main boulevard downtown. After checking in, I caught a bus to the Anthropology Museum, which showcases Mexico's rich indigenous history. The downtown area was buzzing with people preparing for the upcoming Festival of the Dead. My hotel was in a trendy neighborhood packed with cool bars and restaurants.

The next day, I rode 90 minutes out of the city to Teotihuacan, home to the stunning Pyramid of the Sun.

Ride: 303 km / 5 hours

Stay: Hotel Panuco / $38 /

Route

Here's my route. Click on the little door at the top-left on the map for place names.