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tashby

Jul 5, 2008, 11:16 AM

Post #1 of 6 (2208 views)

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Ajijic to Morelia via the libre

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We'll be driving Ajijic to Morelia in the near future, and are thinking about taking the libre. Esperanza mentioned it's a stunningly beautiful drive (thanks!). We just got back from a trip to Tapalpa and the scenery is so fantastic now that the rains are well underway, it should be worth it. Is the route basically drive around the south side of the Lake, then Jiquilpan -> Zamora -> Zacapu -> Quiroga -> Morelia?

About how much time should we allow ourselves? (I drive fairly slowly). Is the drive easy and enjoyable? Any info on road conditions/things to be aware of? Also tips on things to see along the way would be much appreciated. (We'll have our lazy dog with us, so can't be too adventurous.)

Thanks.

esperanza

Jul 5, 2008, 11:27 AM

Post #2 of 6 (2201 views)

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Re: [tashby] Ajijic to Morelia via the libre

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Don't go around the south side of the lake. That route takes a VERY long time.

You want to take the Chapala/Guadalajara highway to the La Barca exit, about 15 minutes north of Ajijic/Chapala. Follow that road to Ocotlán, where you will continue driving forward around the south side of town. The road will take you through the town of Jamay. Just continue on that road; it will take you to La Barca, the first town in Michoacán. Continue on the same road as you go through several more towns, strung out like beads along the libre. You'll pass through Ixtlán de los Hervores, famous for its geyser. Keep your eye on the right-hand side of the road and you'll see the plume of water. It's enormous.

Pretty soon you'll come to Zamora. The libre takes you around the town and onward, bypassing el Lago de Camécuaro, Tangancícuaro, and Chilchota. At Chilchota the libre takes you between Los Once Pueblos; you'll see the many blue and white signs telling you which town you're entering (and wishing you a good trip as you leave).

You'll pass through a few more small town. Pretty soon you'll see the north side of el Lago de Pátzcuaro. Just stay on the libre and you'll come to Quiroga. From Quiroga, follow the signs to Morelia.

Simple and beautiful. Enjoy.

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tashby

Jul 5, 2008, 1:25 PM

Post #3 of 6 (2185 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Ajijic to Morelia via the libre

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Thank you once again, Esperanza. I think I was drifting toward the southern route for a couple of reasons. We had driven to Mazamitla a couple weeks ago, and the drive to Tuxcueca, where you turn to head up to Mazamitla from the southern shore, didn't take long at all. Plus, if I'm being honest, I was hoping to skip the stretch between the Chapala highway and Ocotlan, since that slice is the opposite of pleasant. At least it was when we drove it the opposite direction in the afternoon a while back. Still, if that's the route that makes the most sense, we'll give it a go.

Thanks also for the info on what to look out for along the way.

hopakca

Jul 10, 2008, 5:40 AM

Post #4 of 6 (2122 views)

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Re: [tashby] Ajijic to Morelia via the libre

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I've heard about Tapalpa but couldn't find it on the map when we were there in March. What is the town near or better yet what is the best driving route? Can't help with your question. But I can recommend Talpa (the best we could do for a town with a some what similar name) on the back road from LC to PV.Spectacular!!!
Hopakca

bournemouth

Jul 10, 2008, 6:28 AM

Post #5 of 6 (2116 views)

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Re: [hopakco] Ajijic to Morelia via the libre

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Tapalpa is reached from either the cuota or the free road to Colima and Manzanillo.

tashby

Jul 31, 2008, 9:24 AM

Post #6 of 6 (2058 views)

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Re: [tashby] Ajijic to Morelia via the libre

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Well, the relentless rains last month prevented us from driving this route then but....

Last weekend we at least go to see part of it. Drove from Morelia to Lago Camécuaro (just east of Zamora). The drive was absolutely beautiful, and the road is in fine shape. Highly recommended.