Top 25 Most Epic Sights on the Southern Half of the RideMex TransMexico Trail
RideMex isn't just an epic motorcycle adventure across Mexico—it's a journey through some of the country's most awe-inspiring and unforgettable natural and cultural wonders. Our southern route spans from the dramatic volcanoes of central Mexico to the steaming jungles and ancient ruins of Chiapas, down to the tropical coastlines of Oaxaca and back up through towering mountains, deep canyons, and timeless colonial cities. Here are the top 25 most epic sections along the southern half of the RideMex TransMexico Trail:
1. Nevado de Colima
Towering at over 14,000 feet, this majestic volcanic peak is often snow-capped and sits beside the still-active Volcán de Colima. The ride winds through pine forests and open alpine vistas.
2. Paricutín Volcano
The youngest volcano in the Western Hemisphere, Paricutín emerged from a cornfield in 1943. Riders can explore the lava-covered remains of the San Juan Parangaricutiro church.
3. Taxco de Guerrero
A stunning colonial silver town clinging to a mountainside. Its cobblestone streets and iconic Santa Prisca church make it one of Mexico's most picturesque destinations.
4. Grutas de Cacahuamilpa
One of the world’s largest cave systems, with enormous chambers and otherworldly formations deep underground.
5. Iztaccíhuatl & Popocatépetl Volcanoes
Known as the sleeping woman and the smoking mountain, these sister volcanoes dominate the landscape and offer surreal backdrops for high-altitude riding.
6. Estacahuite & Mazunte (Oaxaca Coast)
These hidden Pacific coves with turquoise water and rocky outcroppings provide a tropical break with epic sunsets.
7. Reserva de la Biosfera El Triunfo
A cloud forest sanctuary in Chiapas teeming with rare birds, orchids, and towering trees. Misty ridges and winding dirt roads make this a RideMex highlight.
8. Volcán Tacaná
On the border with Guatemala, Tacaná offers sweeping views of multiple volcanoes and dramatic slopes.
9. El Chiflón Waterfall
One of Mexico’s tallest waterfalls, crashing over white rock into deep turquoise pools.
10. Yaxchilán Ruins
Accessible only by boat through the Usumacinta River, these remote Maya ruins rise from the jungle, complete with towering temples and howler monkeys.
11. Sak'tz'i (Plan de Ayutla)
An active archaeological site with recently discovered ruins that rival better-known Maya cities but are still largely untouched by tourism.
12. Metzabok
This serene lagoon and Maya site features cliff-side murals and peaceful waters, part of the Lacandon Jungle.
13. Agua Azul
A series of brilliant blue waterfalls and stepped pools that are iconic to Chiapas.
14. San Cristóbal de Las Casas
A charming highland colonial city with cobbled streets, colorful markets, and a rich blend of Indigenous and Spanish cultures.
15. Sumidero Canyon
Sheer cliffs rise nearly 1,000 meters from the river below. The canyon can be appreciated from overlooks or a boat ride.
16. Sima de las Cotorras
A 140-meter-wide sinkhole with lush forest at the bottom and home to thousands of green parakeets.
17. Sierra Juárez (Oaxaca)
High mountain roads twist through remote Zapotec villages and pine forests, offering endless dirt routes and stunning views.
18. Sabino Canyon (Alas Verdes)
Inside the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, this wild canyon is home to flocks of military macaws and towering cacti.
19. Cascada Atlahuitzia
A breathtaking 100-meter waterfall tucked into a jungle canyon in Veracruz.
20. Pico de Orizaba
Mexico’s highest mountain at 5,636 meters. The views are epic and the surrounding terrain offers incredible riding.
21. Teotihuacán
One of the most iconic archaeological sites in the Americas. The Pyramids of the Sun and Moon are awe-inspiring to ride past and walk atop.
22. Tolantongo
Natural turquoise thermal pools built into a steep cliffside, surrounded by caves and waterfalls.
23. Cañon de las Angosturas
A narrow canyon with sheer rock faces and a shallow riverbed riders traverse in the water—a true ADV adventure.
24. Edward James Sculpture Gardens
Also called Las Pozas, this surreal jungle wonderland in Xilitla is filled with massive concrete sculptures.
25. Guanajuato
A UNESCO World Heritage city with underground tunnels, pastel buildings, and baroque architecture—a cultural feast.
From the alpine peaks of Colima to the steamy jungle temples of Chiapas, RideMex delivers unmatched adventure, exploration, and beauty. These 25 unforgettable segments are only part of what makes the TransMexico Trail a once-in-a-lifetime motorcycle journey.
Ready to ride? The adventure of a lifetime awaits.