Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa Message Board - As long as I am passing out advice...

As long as I am passing out advice... (reply)

Fran — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 16:23:42 +0000

Just my experience. We made reservations at Casa Encantada last year. After several very pleasant email exchanges, I got a note from the owner asking me to cancel. It seems they host a tour group every year and last year, the tour organizer asked for additional rooms. The owner was very nice about it but I could see that she was in a spot.

We understand the logistics and practicalities of running a small, independent business. I was disappointed but we told the owner it was fine. We canceled. Graciously. We didn't especially want to be housed with a tour group anyway. And I wanted to be sure we would be welcome another time. I am a practical person as well as gracious. And, growing up in Minnesota, I was taught to be nice and helpful.

I looked around and booked a room at Mansion Iturbe. I think it is true that things happen for a reason. We loved Mansion Iturbe. The place is gorgeous. It's located right on the main square. From my point of view, the absolute best location. The staff could not have been nicer and the breakfast was amazing. We loved our stay there.

I know Casa Encantada is much favored. We visited while we were there (I wanted to see what we missed) but, really, check out Mansion Iturbe. I was so happy things worked out as they did. We are staying there again this year and I consider it a huge treat.. If anyone wants information, I am more than happy to be contacted.

As long as I am passing out advice... (reply)

PJH — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 23:00:42 +0000

Thanks Will great info

Patzcuaro (reply)

frostbite — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 19:56:44 +0000

I had a light jacket, but was barefoot in my flip-flops. Got some weird looks from locals sitting on the sidewalks selling stuff, wrapped in parkas.
We were there a couple of years ago at about the same time. For the same rate, our friends got a 2 room suite with TV, but only one blanket and they froze their California butts off. We had a single room without TV, but 5 blankets. Go figure.

Patzcuaro (reply)

Talley Ho — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 19:29:10 +0000

We were there for Dia de Los Muertos.

The last kilometer from the north toward town (not very close) to the RV park was grid lock-took an hour! We wanted to go into town to start seeing things, but the traffic outside the gate quit moving at all. We waited until the next morning about 9am, which is early for Patzcuaro, went to town, and loved it.

It's a great town and area, lots to see and do.

This time of year, it's COLD at night!

Patzcuaro (reply)

frostbite — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 19:17:16 +0000

We went to Patzcuaro last Monday. Unbeknownst to us, a Three Kings festival was in full swing. Streets and plazas were plugged with stalls selling all kinds of stuff and we shuffled our way through literally thousands of people to our hotel on Plaza Vasco de Quiroga (sp?). It was all pretty cool, with the exception of the godawful noise emanating from a stage a block away from the Posada de San Rafael. A pleasant, clean and comfortable place to stay for about US$40.00. They put us in rooms as far away from the racket as possible and we slept well. The trip was particularly enjoyable, as we brought Mexican friends from Anchorage with us, who had never been in that part of the country.

As long as I am passing out advice... (reply)

Hunter-MX — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 17:54:48 +0000

In Patz I would HIGHLY recommend Casa Encantada for a choice for lodging. Perfect location, perfect place. Also be sure to visit the local market just off the Plaza Chica in the morning for a feel of what life is really like there. A trip to the island is always awesome and a GUIDED tour around the lake visiting the artisans will leave you feeling fulfilled, though you wallet my be lighter in the end (some of the art is impossible to pass up)...

Just my thoughts.

Patzcuaro (reply)

Hunter-MX — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 17:24:05 +0000

There are half a dozen or more bus lines. When you are in the terminal in Uruapan just pick the one that leaves when you want. I know it sounds counter intuitive to the way North of the Border people think, but don't overthink it. There will be buses, they will not be full.

I usually buy my tickets to Uruapan or Morelia online a few days ahead only because I like to pick my seats out in advance. The AutoVias line, the two story buses, have an awesome view from the front rows on the upper deck. The lower deck is (for me) very confining. Parhikuni are single level buses.

I think the taxi was around 300 pesos or so. We probably negotiated a bit... You might even get a taxi when you arrive at Uruapan, negotiate a price for a trip to the National Park with them waiting for you, then taking you on to Patz. That way you will have your luggage in a safe spot. If I were going to try and set that up, I think it would be worth about 500 pesos or so, but I don't know for sure...

By the way, they have secure storage for your bags in Uruapan if you want to leave the terminal and come back.

Patzcuaro (reply)

PJH — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 16:27:57 +0000

What bus line ? Do you remember the taxi cost?
Thanks

Patzcuaro (reply)

Linda from Canada — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 14:27:15 +0000

I agree with other posters- the park in Uruapan is wonderful- so relaxing and refreshing- lots of waterfalls and forest.
The drive from here to Patzcuaro is also relaxing and in places, spectacular. The vistas of the lake are among my favourites in all of Mexico. The lake always looks so tranquil. And right now the hills are still green!

Patzcuaro (reply)

Hunter-MX — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 13:49:51 +0000

You probably won't find one if you are booking online, but if you are in the bus terminal in Uruapan just look at the schedules. Guarenteed there are several that go every hour. However, with that said, I have done the taxi a few times as well and find it more enjoyable.

Patzcuaro (reply)

KO — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 13:13:52 +0000

I couldn't find a bus to Patzcuaro from Urapan so we took a cab. Could I get more information on where to find the bus as we plan to go again in February.

Patzcuaro (reply)

LadyM in Zihua — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 03:48:16 +0000

If you have never been there. A must.

Patzcuaro (reply)

Talley Ho — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 03:15:49 +0000

He is SO right. If nothing else, set aside a little time for the National Park.

Patzcuaro (reply)

Hunter-MX — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 03:07:32 +0000

There is no bus from here to Patz directly. I prefer to go to Uruapan rather then Morelia and transfer. You might, depending on your time, consider spending a few hours in Uruapan and go see the National Park there. Get an early bus from Z. Arrive about 11 AM or so. Go the park. Catch an afternoon bus to Patz. They leave about every hour.

The first class buses by the way, are excellent. Comfortable. Internet, movies, bathrooms, snacks etc... Better then airlines these days.

Map (reply)

PJH — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:38:12 +0000

Thank you. Hunny Bunny is looking into this

Map (reply)

Talley Ho — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:31:32 +0000

The first class buses, and most of us, drive the toll road from here up the mountains to Patzcuaro. There is a turn off of the toll road to Uruapan. Then, the bus continues up the mountains to Patz. I think that any of the buses, will make a stop at Uruapan on the way.
Buy a ticket from here to Patzcuaro, and have a lovely time!
There is so much to see and do in and around Uruapan, and it's not nearly as cold this time of year as Patz, so consider that an option, too.

Patzcuaro

PJH — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:16:07 +0000

Which route is better Uruapan or Morelia by bus?