Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

ecollard

Feb 25, 2009, 3:24 PM

Post #1 of 5 (5452 views)

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Driving from Chapala to Puerto Vallarta

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I'm interested in finding out how long the possible routes to Puerto Vallarta each take. From looking at a couple of maps, it seems I could drive via the autopista out of Guadalajara toward Tepic, or I could go via Manzanillo and then north, or I could go on the road toward Ameca, out of GDL.
Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated!
Eileen

tashby

Feb 26, 2009, 8:38 AM

Post #2 of 5 (5415 views)

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Re: [ecollard] Driving from Chapala to Puerto Vallarta

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I've driven all three. The quickest is going out toward Tepic, then taking the cutoff toward Compostela, which you bypass, then dropping down to Las Varas, at which point you head south on Mex 200 to Puerto Vallarta. Takes about 4 1/2 hours.

The route through Manzanillo and north on Hwy 200 takes about 7 hours or so, as does the one through Ameca and onto Mascota and dropping down past San Sebastian del Oeste, etc. That last route also involves a lot of spectacular mountain scenery, along with spectacular mountain driving.

sioux4noff

Feb 26, 2009, 4:22 PM

Post #3 of 5 (5393 views)

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Re: [ecollard] Driving from Chapala to Puerto Vallarta

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We live in Bucerias, just north of PV. When going to Guadalajara, we prefer the route through Ameca. It takes about the same length of time as the Compostela route, but less truck and bus traffic. Spectacular mountain views at times, and no tolls

tashby

Feb 26, 2009, 8:34 PM

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Re: [sioux4noff] Driving from Chapala to Puerto Vallarta

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Wow. I must really drive like an old lady. Last week I clocked it at a little over two hours just to get to Mascota from the turnoff north of the PV airport (by Home Depot). And then a whole lot more on through Mascota and beyond. A whole lot more.

But yes. Light traffic and no tolls.

You really find the times comparable?

sioux4noff

Feb 26, 2009, 9:38 PM

Post #5 of 5 (5367 views)

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Re: [tashby] Driving from Chapala to Puerto Vallarta

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My husband said the last trip we made, it took 4 1/2 hours from Bucerias to the military checkpoint at the north of Guadalajara by taking the non-toll route.
Since the road construction is much further along between Ameca and the autopista, he says he thinks the Mascota / Ameca route is faster than the Compostela route.