Driving the scenic Mil Cumbres Road in Mexico

Driving the scenic Mil Cumbres Road in Mexico

Mexico, north-america

Length

237 km

Elevation

980 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Carretera Mil Cumbres (One Thousand Hills Road) in Michoacán, Mexico! Officially known as Mexico 15 or Carretera Morelia-Toluca, this fully paved route stretches for 237 km (147 miles) from the vibrant city of Morelia to Toluca.

Get ready for a rollercoaster of endless twists and turns – seriously, if you're prone to motion sickness, maybe pack some ginger candies! The road climbs to a breathtaking 2,930m (9,612ft) near San José de la Cumbre before descending to 980m at Paso Ancho, offering a detour towards Tzitzio and the Tierra Caliente.

Picture this: you're hugging the edge of a canyon, winding between the towering mountains of Michoacán and the lower landscapes of Tierra Caliente. Keep your eyes peeled for sweeping views of the valleys below and, during the rainy season, stunning waterfalls cascading near the road. The scenery is truly unique – imagine driving through a pine forest with a desert valley unfolding beneath you, creating a tapestry of colors, especially magical during sunset.

Where is it?

Driving the scenic Mil Cumbres Road in Mexico is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 22.1663, -102.6696

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Road Details

Country
Mexico
Continent
north-america
Length
237 km
Max Elevation
980 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
22.1663, -102.6696

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