San Blas Bypass to avoid Tepic
Went via this route to R de G with 24' TT a few days ago. The road from 15D down to the Santa Cruz turn-off is fine and on to Santa Cruz, but the section either side of Zacualpan is terrible shape. I...
Forum Discussion
Briansue, there are 3 possible routes to get you south of Tepic.
1. Hwy 200 from Tepic south. This is the main route used by most travelers.
2.The San Blas route to avoid going down the curvy hill from Tepic on Hwy 200.
3. The Chapalila route by going through Tepic and continuing down 15D till the turnoff to Chapalila and Compostela.
I have done them all, and would NOT recommend anything but the main Hwy 200 route, especially for a first-timer in the area. The Hwy 200 route is very twisty/windy for a good portion of the way between Xalisco and Compostela, but if you slow down and take it easy there should be no problems at all. From Compostela to Las Varas (which you would travel using either option #1 0r #3 above) is also very twisty/windy but has been much improved over the past few years. The pavement surface this year is in excellent condition and several of the very tight turns have been expanded.
There are a couple ways to get to San Blas and I no longer travel this route because of past difficulties of potholes, scratched rig from overhanging branches, rough pavement, numerous topes and once getting lost in Santiago Ixcuintla trying to get to Villa Hidalgo.
The Hwy 200 is simple and straightforward and should be the route for any 1st timer to the area. Once you are at Las Varas by any of the 3 options above, there is only one way to Lo de Marcos, and that is to continue down #200 through LaPenita and Guayabitos.
If you want to PM me with your email address I can send you a couple maps from S&T detailing these routes.
1. Hwy 200 from Tepic south. This is the main route used by most travelers.
2.The San Blas route to avoid going down the curvy hill from Tepic on Hwy 200.
3. The Chapalila route by going through Tepic and continuing down 15D till the turnoff to Chapalila and Compostela.
I have done them all, and would NOT recommend anything but the main Hwy 200 route, especially for a first-timer in the area. The Hwy 200 route is very twisty/windy for a good portion of the way between Xalisco and Compostela, but if you slow down and take it easy there should be no problems at all. From Compostela to Las Varas (which you would travel using either option #1 0r #3 above) is also very twisty/windy but has been much improved over the past few years. The pavement surface this year is in excellent condition and several of the very tight turns have been expanded.
There are a couple ways to get to San Blas and I no longer travel this route because of past difficulties of potholes, scratched rig from overhanging branches, rough pavement, numerous topes and once getting lost in Santiago Ixcuintla trying to get to Villa Hidalgo.
The Hwy 200 is simple and straightforward and should be the route for any 1st timer to the area. Once you are at Las Varas by any of the 3 options above, there is only one way to Lo de Marcos, and that is to continue down #200 through LaPenita and Guayabitos.
If you want to PM me with your email address I can send you a couple maps from S&T detailing these routes.
