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Nashville, United States
Your starting point — fuel up and hit Broadway for one last honky-tonk night before the big drive south. Stock up on supplies and get the Mustang checked before the long haul. Head south on I-65 toward Birmingham.
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Birmingham, United States
A solid first overnight stop on the drive south. Grab some legendary BBQ at Saw's Soul Kitchen before resting up. Continue south toward New Orleans the next morning.
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New Orleans, United States
Cruise into the French Quarter and park the Mustang while you soak up jazz, beignets at Café Du Monde, and Creole cuisine. A perfect cultural pitstop before crossing into Texas. Don't miss a drive down Magazine Street.
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Houston, United States
Overnight stop before the long Texas run to the border. Grab Tex-Mex in the Heights neighborhood and rest up. The drive through south Texas toward Laredo is long and flat — start early.
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Laredo, United States
Your US-Mexico border crossing point via the International Bridge into Nuevo Laredo. Prepare your vehicle import permit (TIP) and Mexican auto insurance before crossing — these are required to drive in Mexico. Stock up on USD and get Mexican pesos here.
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Monterrey, Mexico
Mexico's industrial powerhouse is surprisingly vibrant — explore the Macroplaza and the Barrio Antiguo for food and nightlife. Try cabrito (roasted goat), the regional specialty. A good base to plan your route south through Mexico.
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Mexico City, Mexico
An unmissable stop — explore Teotihuacán pyramids, the historic Zócalo, and eat your way through the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. Driving in the city is challenging; consider parking the Mustang and using the metro for sightseeing. Stock up on fuel and snacks before heading south.
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Oaxaca, Mexico
One of Mexico's most colorful and culturally rich cities — don't skip the mole negro, tlayudas, and mezcal tasting. The road south from Mexico City is scenic through the Sierra Madre. Visit Monte Albán ruins just outside the city.
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San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico
A charming highland colonial city near the Guatemalan border — cobblestone streets, indigenous markets, and great coffee. The drive through Chiapas is stunning but mountainous, so take it slow with the Mustang. A great final Mexican stop before crossing into Guatemala.
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Guatemala City, Guatemala
Cross the border at Ciudad Hidalgo/Tecún Umán and drive to Guatemala City. Handle vehicle paperwork at the border — temporary import permits are required. Use Guatemala City mainly as an overnight logistics stop before heading to Antigua.
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Antigua, Guatemala
One of the most beautiful colonial cities in Central America, set against dramatic volcanoes. Stroll the cobblestone streets, visit the ruined Cathedral, and try pepián stew. A must-stop gem before pushing south through El Salvador and Honduras.
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San Salvador, El Salvador
A manageable overnight stop crossing through El Salvador — the country is small and driveable in a day. Try pupusas, El Salvador's iconic stuffed corn tortillas, at any roadside comedor. The Pan-American Highway runs straight through toward Honduras.
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Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Honduras's hilly capital is a transit stop on the drive south — plan your border crossings into and out of Honduras carefully. Grab baleadas (flour tortillas with beans and cream) for a local meal. Head south toward the Nicaraguan border at Las Manos.
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Managua, Nicaragua
Nicaragua's sprawling capital is your final major city before the coast. Cross the border at Las Manos and drive south on the Pan-American Highway. Managua is mainly a logistical stop — fuel up and prepare for the last leg to San Juan del Sur.
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San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
You made it! This laid-back Pacific surf town is the perfect reward after the epic drive. Park the Mustang and celebrate with fresh ceviche, cold Toña beers, and sunsets from the iconic Christ of the Mercy statue overlooking the bay. Explore nearby surf beaches like Playa Maderas and Playa Remanso.