[VanFam]

We're off to Guadalajara for a few days, seeking input from those who have made the trip.

Google maps provides three routes, North through Tepic, south to PV and then north at Ameca, third option is the same as the second, but south at Ameca. There is an older post about being able to turn east at Compostela instead of going all the way north to Topic, is that possible/recommended? Our priorities are in order of 1) road safety, 2) awesomeness of the trip and places to stop, 3) time, and 4) cost (highway tolls).

Speaking of places to stop along the way, recommendations?

For safety, we're traveling by day. Anything else we should know?

We're driving with a friend with family in Guadalajara who plans to show us around, but if there are any must-do recommendations, those would be most welcomed as well.

Gracias in advance...

[paulie90]

hi there
well my wife and I did a road trip from PV to Guadalajara at Christmas a year ago.
the difference was we did the trip by bus which was great and easy.
taking the express we were in Guada. in about 5 hours.take some food with you as it doesn't stop!
it was straight through with very fast stops. everything was GPS system so at all times it was on schedule.
once in Guada. we went by local bus to a beautiful hill top hotel El Tipatio (which is the local word for a person from Guadalajara) close by Tlacaxepache, a great arty area.
heading west after our visit we visited Tequila and Tepic.
then on to the coast where we found a villa near San Blas for a week
after which we took a local bus back to Sayulita.
fabulous!!

[Dynamic Duo]

You'll want to head north on 200 and turn right at the junction just before Compostela, the route is well marked with road signs. In short order you connect with the highway coming back out of Tepic. Going all the way to Tepic wouldn't add anything but would be out of your way and add a lot of time to the trip. Here's a link to a map, it's not a good highway map but it's a great visual demonstration of why it's so unnecessary to go all the way to Tepic just to turn and head south again. Nayarit map
The roads are good, the most tedious section is between Las Varas and Compostela. I'm not sure how well traveled you are in Mexico but I suggest that when given a choice between "Guadalajara libre" and "Guadalajara cuota" you choose the cuota route to travel the toll highways.
There's really not much to stop and see but you'll be traveling through some very pretty countryside and should arrive in Guadalajara in about 3.5 hours.

[camillenparadise]

Easy, easy trip on the cuota....and four hours is about what it takes me, with about 300p in tolls, well worth it considering you have "cuota insurance" above your regular insurance. This means the Green Angels will rescue you with a flat, running out of gas, whatever your emerge, and go on to Lago Chapala. A trip you want to begin with a full tank....
And a fabulous drive past volcanic fields. If you like you can detour at Tequila and drive up Volcan Tequila to see one of three volcano sites in the world which have cones rising out of a volcano crater, worthy of a view!
Pack a picnic, have a fabulous road trip, visit Tonala, and go on to Lago Chapala, it's wonderful...

[don Vivo Aqui]

Using the reply from Dynamic above I would suggest trying the free (libre) road from Chapalilla east instead of the toll (cuota) road. Continue on this route either just past Ahuacatlan then turn north to get the toll road near Jala, or, continue on the free road to Ixlan del Rio, then entering the toll road there. Do not go past Ixlan... it is too long and twisty taking a lot of time.
http://www.mapas-de-...co-map-c3.shtml


Then, another option from the toll road that is interesting is getting off at Magdelena for the free road again to Tequila. From Tequila take the toll road to Guadalajara. Anticipate the military checkpoint slowing traffic as you begin the trek toward central Guadalajara.
http://www.mapas-de-...co-map-b1.shtml


Both of the above routes are safe, well traveled and interesting. Look up some of the points along the route which are of note such as sugar cane, avocados, agave, furniture making, opals, and more. Compostela is also interesting and has a history. Plus saddle makers and a very old church.

Have fun.

[sayulita senora]

If you chose to stop for lunch, Magdalena has one of the best traditional Mexican restaurants in the area, Fonda Lupita. I think it has been in business for almost 70 yrs. There are three of them in Magdalena. As you get off the toll highway turn right and you will see it on the left. Best food ever! Then you can follow the "libre" road to Guadalajara through Tequila. It is a longer ride but very nice.

Although the toll roads are very safe, we never travel at night. It is an easy beautiful drive during the day.

[VanFam]

Thanks everyone, we had a lovely trip. For those who've done it, something akin to traveling Okanagan wine country in August, except the vineyards are agave fields, and the tequillerias all seem to be in Tequila.
And the roads are much faster and in better condition than most in Canada.

Paulie, I agree and we would normally have taken the bus, but we were staying outside of the city, and man is it ever huge. Glad we had the car to get around (a local to drive it for us : )

Dynamic Duo, tempting as it was the driver felt more comfortable with the toll roads, so that's what we went with. You're right -- they were great.

Camillenparadise, thanks for pointing out the volcanic fields -- my son is super into volcanoes, so we knew when to look for it and got some great photos.

DVA, thanks for recommending the stops. Tequila was fun, and now we have gifts to bring back that are actually Tequila from Tequila, lol. And we loved Compostela -- although I have to say that the police presence while we were there made for a weird vibe and made me realize that Sayulita is not as occupied by this presence as I had previously thought. Still, I'd plan to spend more time there another trip.

We'll definitely visit Guadalajara again. It was not what we were expecting -- so huge! And more like New York or Paris in parts than what we've experienced so far in Mexico. And gorgeous. We especially loved Tlacaxepache (thanks, Paulie).

And SayulitaSenora, we'll add a stop at Magdelena next time.

One thing I hadn't planned on -- Guadalajara was cold! Nice to be back in Sayulita today and feel the sun.

Thanks again, all.