Drives Baja California Sur, Mexico Central Baja: Guerrero Negro, Mulegé and Loreto
Mexico 1: San Ignacio to Santa Rosalía
MEX 1 · San Ignacio → Santa Rosalía
The drive
Mexico 1 runs east from San Ignacio, a town set in a grove of date palms with a spring-fed pond by its plaza, across volcanic country to the Gulf of California at Santa Rosalía. The drive is 71.8 km (45 mi) and takes about 1 hr 10 min, climbing about 3,000 feet to a high point near 1,700 feet before dropping to the coast.
Along the way the road passes Las Tres Vírgenes, a volcanic complex of three stratovolcanoes whose last documented eruption was in 1746. Near the end there are long grades and tighter descents toward the water.
Santa Rosalía was founded in 1884 by the French Compagnie du Boleo, which mined copper there until 1954. French influence shows in its architecture, and the Iglesia de Santa Bárbara is attributed to Gustave Eiffel. A ferry to Guaymas leaves from the port.
Along the way
- San Ignacio (Mexico 1)
- Santa Rosalía
Good to know
- Potholes are common between San Ignacio and Santa Rosalía.
- Livestock wander onto the road, and the highway has narrow, winding mountain stretches, so daytime driving is recommended.
- Fuel is sold in Santa Rosalía, where you can also catch the ferry to Guaymas.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check SICT (Mexico's federal roads agency).
Questions about this drive
How long does Mexico 1 from San Ignacio to Santa Rosalía take?
Mexico 1 from San Ignacio to Santa Rosalía is 71.8 km (45 mi) and takes about 1 hr 10 min without stops.
Is the road from San Ignacio to Santa Rosalía twisty?
Mostly gentle curves, with long grades and some tighter descents on the way down to the Gulf at Santa Rosalía.
What is Las Tres Vírgenes?
Las Tres Vírgenes is a volcanic complex of three stratovolcanoes in Baja California Sur, passed on Mexico 1 between San Ignacio and Santa Rosalía. Its last documented eruption was in 1746.
What is Santa Rosalía known for?
Santa Rosalía is a former French copper-mining town on the Gulf of California, with French-influenced architecture, a church attributed to Gustave Eiffel and a ferry to Guaymas.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.