May long weekends 2026: 3 short road trips near your city

May Long Weekends 2026: 3 Short Road Trips Near Your City

May is one of the best months for a road trip in Mexico. The weather is usually pleasant, the landscapes are vibrant, and the 2026 May long weekends offer the perfect excuse for a quick getaway without having to take too many vacation days. Whether you live in the central, western, or northern part of the country, there are short routes that allow you to disconnect from the routine and rediscover the pleasure of driving.

If you’re thinking of taking advantage of the May 2026 long weekends, it’s a great idea to plan your escape in advance. Opting for a car rental with Hertz Mexico allows you to choose your schedule with more freedom, design your own route, and stop at viewpoints, small towns, or local restaurants that often go unnoticed when traveling by other means.

Here, we suggest three short driving routes near major Mexican cities, ideal for making the most of May’s long weekends. Pack your bags!

Route 1: From Mexico City to Tequisquiapan

One of the favorite getaways for those living in the capital is the route toward the Querétaro Bajío region. From Mexico City, the trip to Tequisquiapan takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it one of the best options for weekend trips from CDMX.

The journey begins on the Mexico-Querétaro highway (57D), one of the busiest and best-connected roads in the country. Along the way, the urban landscape gradually transforms into open fields and semi-desert zones.

Upon arriving in Tequisquiapan, the atmosphere changes completely. Its cobblestone streets, quiet squares, and colonial architecture invite you to explore the town at a leisurely pace. It is a perfect destination to walk through the historic center, browse artisanal shops, and discover local flavors.

Additionally, from Tequisquiapan, you can extend your trip to nearby spots like Peña de Bernal, one of the largest monoliths in the world. This combination of a short drive, open landscapes, and "Magic Towns" makes the region ideal if you are looking for short road trips in Mexico. If you don't have your own vehicle, don't worry: you can rent a car in CDMX and complete this route in total comfort.

Route 2: From Guadalajara to Mazamitla

In the western part of the country, an excellent option for the May 2026 long weekends is the route from Guadalajara to Mazamitla. This trip takes about 2.5 hours by car, making it a great journey to trade the city rhythm for natural landscapes.

The exit from Guadalajara follows the highway toward Chapala and subsequently toward the south of the state. The road crosses agricultural valleys, small towns, and forested areas that signal the arrival at the Sierra del Tigre.

Mazamitla is known as one of the most charming mountain destinations in Jalisco. Its cabins surrounded by forest, its main square, and its tranquility make it an excellent spot for a road trip during a long weekend.

During May, the weather is usually temperate, perfect for enjoying hikes, natural viewpoints, and nearby waterfalls. If you want to disconnect from the urban pace, this route is the perfect combination of nature, the open road, and relaxation. Organizing your trip with a car rental in Guadalajara allows you to stop at viewpoints and small roadside restaurants that are part of this region's charm.

Route 3: From Monterrey to Santiago

If you live in the north of the country, a getaway from Monterrey might be just enough for a change of scenery. Less than an hour from the city lies Santiago, one of the closest and most popular natural destinations for residents of Monterrey (regiomontanos).

The route follows the National Highway south, crossing the mountains of the Sierra Madre Oriental. The landscape begins to transform quickly, shifting from urban areas to imposing mountain formations.

Santiago stands out for its colonial architecture, its main plaza, and its proximity to some of the most impressive natural landscapes in Nuevo León. Nearby is "Cola de Caballo" (Horsetail Falls), a famous waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation.

The drive allows you to stop at natural viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the mountains, turning the journey itself into an essential part of the experience. For added convenience, you can opt for a car rental in Monterrey, an alternative that makes it easier to organize your itinerary at your own pace and make the most of the May 2026 long weekends exploring the region's landscapes.

Highways in Mexico: 2026 with Better Connectivity One factor boosting road tourism is the constant improvement of the country’s road infrastructure. Various projects led by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation aim to strengthen strategic highway corridors and improve travel safety.

These plans include modernizing highways, expanding sections, and maintaining key routes that connect cities and tourist destinations. The goal is to facilitate the transport of people and goods while also encouraging domestic tourism.

Infrastructure like the Bicentennial Viaduct (Viaducto Bicentenario) serves as an example of projects that have contributed to improving mobility in metropolitan areas, reducing travel times and facilitating exits to other routes across the country. Thanks to these improvements, it is increasingly simple to organize short road trips in Mexico, even with limited time available.

A Long Weekend, a Route, and a New Story

The May 2026 long weekends can become more than just a break on the calendar. With the right route, good company, and a desire to explore, even a short trip can turn into a memorable experience.

Mexico is full of destinations located just a few hours from major cities: Magic Towns, mountains, vineyards, beaches, and natural reserves. Sometimes all it takes is getting behind the wheel and letting the road set the pace of the trip.

Organizing a getaway ahead of time, choosing a route, and embracing the flexibility offered by the road can completely change the way you travel. Because, in the end, many of the best stories begin exactly like this: with a long weekend on the calendar and a road waiting to be discovered. Write your story with Hertz Mexico!