On July 30, 2003, VW built its last Beetle in Puebla, Mexico. This makes Mexico a great place to spot these iconic cars, roaming the roads. In January of 2026, I traveled for twenty days to Mexico City and the Yucatan Peninsula, where I became slighlty obsessed with documentiing all the beautiful bugs and vans that roll around in Mexico.

Sculpture at the Museo de Arte Modern, CDMX (Mexico City)

The numerous VWs are not limited to Beetles. This bus was found relaxing in the Roma neighborhood of Mexico City.

This bus probably owes part of its decomposition to its seaside Carribean home in Chetumal.

Climbing into the jungle foothills near the frontier with Guatemala, we find this beautiful green gem on the street in the center of Palenque.

Same car, viewed from a second floor cantina, where I went to escape the afternoon rain.

Still in Palenque, this ruby bug contrasts beautifully with the lush jungle surroundings.

Returning to sea level along the Gulf of Mexico, a bug as blue as the sea sits parked by the former city wall of San Francisco de Campeche.

How about a sleek two-tone paint job? 

One reason I think I spotted so many in Campeche is this roadside shop, where magic and hard work offers some “rode hard / put away (salty) wet” bugs a new life. The white one was freshly painted, but this darker bug has a bit of body work required before its time to apply paint.  

This guy might be in town on business, as it looks ready for any Mexican road, paved or not. 

And here’s a true beauty… 

 …inside and out…  

 …and as old as me!   

Another one customized to meet any challenge.  

And this one, masquerading as a goldfish!

Onwards to Merida, a low-key baby blue bug.

Here’s a sunny yellow bug crusing Calle 43.  

And this one, living out its retirement as a club’s mascot.

There were more, but I missed getting them recorded. It's great to see so many still on the road. Most all that passed me on the road had their emmissions under control, which is better than so many of the smaller two- and three-wheel vehicles I encountered. Also, as a one-time owner of a classic Mustang, it’s a credit to the design of the Beetle that so many still roam free. I began to ask myself when was the last time I saw a 60’s Mustang on the road. Prost, Beetle. May you roll on forever!