Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro: 5 Best Ways to Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

Most people would immediately think of renting a car or taking the bus, but there are actually several options available to you.

The best way for you will depend on your budget, how long you’d like to spend in Pátzcuaro, and what you’re planning to do while you’re there.

I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro simply and safely in five fantastic different ways.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

Why Should You Visit Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a large city of over five million people and is the capital of the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s the second-largest city in Mexico by metropolitan area, with lots of great attractions in and around its beautifully preserved historic city center.

Like all major Mexican cities, Guadalajara is home to a stunningly beautiful cathedral in its historic center, the Guadalajara Cathedral. The Guadalajara Cathedral was originally constructed during the 16th and early 17th centuries in the Spanish renaissance style. However, its two newer gothic towers that were built after the original structure was destroyed in an earthquake in the 19th century make it truly spectacular.

Nearby Tlaquepaque is a colorful Mexican “magic town” (pueblo mágico) where you can enjoy a more relaxed pace and explore some great local artisanal cafes, art studios, and street art. You can also walk down the Andador Turístico de Tlaquepaque (the “tourist walk”) and see the beautiful colorful umbrellas creating an artificial rainbow above you.

And if you’re an aficionado of tequila, you will be in heaven. The birthplace of tequila itself is just 40 miles away in the town of Tequila, where you can tour the famous Jose Cuervo Distillery and taste some of the freshest Tequila you’ll ever find.  You can also follow the tequila trail (la ruta de tequila) through over 150 registered distilleries that, together, make 100% of the tequila in the world today.

Before we jump into getting from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro, let’s look at why you should consider visiting Pátzcuaro in the first place.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

Why Should You Visit Pátzcuaro?

Pátzcuaro is a beautiful Mexican town filled with Spanish colonial architecture, history, archaeological sites, and unique islands in nearby Lake Pátzcuaro. While it’s most easily reached on a day trip from Morelia, but it’s close enough to Guadalajara that you can easily visit from there as well.

The town was founded around 1320. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, it was the center of the Purépecha Empire, also known as the Tarascan Empire. The Purépecha people were a distinct group from the Aztec civilisation. They were frequently at war with the Aztecs and stopped the Aztecs from expanding farther to the west.

Following the arrival of the Spanish, Pátzcuaro eventually became an important settlement and even competed to be the capital of Michoacán before ultimately losing to Morelia. Despite this, it has preserved much of its colonial charm and was named one of Michoacán’s pueblos mágicos in 2002.

Even though the town itself is quite small, there are plenty of things for you to see and do. The beautiful Plaza Grande is the center of the town and has a bronze statue of Don Vasco de Quiroga, the town’s bishop during the 16th century. The Templo del Sagrario (pictured above) was constructed over a period of 200 years and is beautiful both by night and day.

You can also you can walk along the cobblestoned streets to the House of the Eleven Courtyards (Casa de los Once Patios), an 18th century nunnery now used as a market where you can buy local arts and crafts.

Outside of the town, you can visit Lake Pátzcuaro, an immense volcanic lake right outside the town. You can also take a tour of some of the unique islands on the lake such as Janitizio, which is known for its 130 ft tall statue of José María Morelos, an important figure in Mexico’s war for independence.

So let’s look at how to get from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

1. Rental Car To Pátzcuaro

Renting a car to go from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro is a great option that offers you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

There’s nothing quite like the open road.

Fast Facts: Rental Car From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 4 to 5 gallons to get to Pátzcuaro.

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Guadalajara on the same day, then you’ll pay around US$20 per day plus gas. The price increases to about US$25 plus gas if you decided to spend the night in Pátzcuaro and drive it back the next day.

What Is The Best Route From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

The route from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro starts at the south of the city on highway 23, which becomes highway 90D just to the east of the city.

After around 10 miles, you’ll take highway 15D to the south-east and will follow that for nearly 150 miles until just outside a town called San Agustín del Maíz, where you’ll take highway 14D south-west.

You’ll then follow highway 14D for the last 40 miles into Pátzcuaro.

What’s Great About Driving to Pátzcuaro?

There are some great advantages to renting a car and driving to Pátzcuaro.

1. Freedom

Of all of the options, driving literally and figuratively puts you in the driver’s seat.

You get to choose every aspect of your journey, from departure time to the speed you travel to how often and where you stop.

2. Privacy

One of the best things about driving is that you don’t have to share your journey unless you want to.

If you’re traveling as a family, driving also means that you can have your familial privacy whilst you travel.

3. Convenience

Driving is the ultimate convenience. All you’ll need to do is book the car and pick it up whenever you’re ready to go.

This is particularly helpful if you have a family and it might take a little longer than expected to get everyone ready.

FAQs: Rental Car From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro by rental car.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Guadalajara on the same day, then you’ll pay around US$20 per day plus gas. If you spend the night in Pátzcuaro, the price increases to about US$25 plus gas.

Most providers don’t charge you per mile travelled, but make sure you check before you sign on the dotted line.

What is the Route From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

The route from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro starts by taking highway 90D about 160 miles east until you reach the turn-off for highway 14D.

After you turn onto highway 14D, you’ll follow it for the last 40 miles into Pátzcuaro.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 4 hours, assuming you drive straight through without stopping.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

The total distance is approximately 204 miles (329 km) from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Guadalajara?

There are lots of places in Guadalajara where you can rent a car, including on Avenida Niños Héroes and other places downtown and at Guadalajara International Airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

The short answer is yes, you will be able to rent a comfortable modern vehicle in Guadalajara. However, the level of luxury that you enjoy depends very much on your budget.

The car rental providers in Guadalajara have a range of vehicles that you can choose from, ranging from compacts up to luxury limousines.

Is It Safe To Travel By Car?

Yes, it is safe to travel by car provided you take basis precautions such as wearing your seatbelts, traveling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

What do I need to rent a car?

You’ll need to be at least 21 years old and you’ll need to have held your driver’s licence for at least a year before you rent a car.

You’ll also need to bring a credit card in your own name and your passport.

Will I have Any Liability?

If you book through DiscoverCars, the deductible on the included insurance is usually zero for damages to bodywork from a collision.

However, sometimes not all parts of the car are covered, so check the terms of the policy before you book and consider upgrading the insurance package for greater peace of mind.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

2. Bus To Pátzcuaro

If you can’t or don’t want to fly and don’t want to drive yourself from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro, the bus is a great option for you.

Fast Facts: Bus From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

Where Can I Book A Bus From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

You won’t be able to get a direct bus from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro. Instead, you’ll need to take bus first to Morelia and then take a second bus the rest of the way to Pátzcuaro.

The two biggest providers of bus routes from Guadalajara to Morelia are Futura and Elite Select. The biggest provider of bus routes from Morelia to Pátzcuaro is Autovías.

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to find the best deal.

Tip: there’s no WiFi in the bus, so download anything you need at the hotel. You might also want to bring a neck pillow to help you sleep and Benadryl or Dramamine if you get carsick.

What’s Great About Taking The Bus?

Okay, so it’s not a private jet and never will be. Still, there are some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

Taking the bus will usually work out to be one of the cheapest options.

It’s definitely the best choice if you’re working with a tight budget.

2. quick Journey

In light of the short distance that you need to travel, the travel time won’t be much slower than if you took a rental car.

The rental car will be a little quicker, but the difference isn’t really all that great.

3. Local Experience

The bus is the most authentic Mexican method of travel, used by Mexicans all across the country.

If you’re looking to try to get the local experience, taking the bus is the way to do it.

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro by bus.

How Much Is The Bus From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

A round trip on the bus starts at around 750 Mexican pesos (US$45) per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

The two biggest providers of bus routes from Guadalajara to Morelia are Futura and Elite Select. The main provider from Morelia to Pátzcuaro is Autovías.

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to find the best deal.

Is There a direct Bus from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

No, there is no bus service that can take you the whole way from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro without a stop in between.

You’ll need to change in Morelia and take a second bus from there to Pátzcuaro.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time is around 5 hours, depending on the time of day you’re traveling.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

The bus route is approximately 204 miles (329 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Guadalajara, the pick-up point is Central de Autobuses de Guadalajara, just a few miles south-east of the historic center.

In Morelia, you’ll be dropped off at Terminal de Autobuses Morelia, just a few miles south-east of the historic center. You’ll need to take a second bus from there to Pátzcuaro.

In Pátzcuaro, the drop-off point is Pátzcuaro Erendira, just to the north of the historic center.

Are The Buses Comfortable?

The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the seats are comfortable semi-recliners.

There is no WiFi, though, so download everything you need before you leave the hotel.

Is It Safe To Travel By Bus?

You will be perfectly safe provided you take basic precautions.

Most importantly, keep your belongings with you at all times and keep your valuables out of sight.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

3. Carshare To Pátzcuaro

Another option you can use to get from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro is a carshare.

Car-sharing is very popular on the Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro route and it’s a great cheap way to travel while getting to know new people.

Fast Facts: Carshare From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

Where Can You Book A Carshare From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

The easiest way to find a reputable carshare service is on BlaBlaCar.

There are different options available and you can choose a ride with a verified driver with lots of positive reviews.

If you’re having trouble finding a direct carshare from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro, you can first take one to Morelia and then take another the rest of the way.

What’s Great About A Carshare?

Although you won’t be able to take full control like you could with a rental car, there are some benefits of using a carshare rather than driving yourself.

1. Cheap Way to Travel

Car-sharing is often much cheaper than any other option.

Similar to Uber, the car-sharing model is unregulated and costs are lower than the taxi as a result.

2. Easy to Organize

Arranging a car-share is very easy through online platforms like BlaBlaCar.

You’ll be able to see the pick-up and drop-off points at the time of booking and you’ll then pay when you’re picked up.

3. No Responsibility for the Vehicle

Similar to the other options where you’re being chauffeured, you won’t be responsible for what happens to the car while you’re on the road.

You’ll only be responsible for paying the agreed price and your liability ends there.

FAQs: Carshare From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro by carshare.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

A carshare starts at around 365 Mexican pesos (US$22) per trip for one person.

Most services cap the number of passengers, so make sure you check this before you book.

What is the Route From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

The route from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro using a carshare will follow the same route as you would take if you rented a car.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for at least 4 hours, depending on how often you stop. If you need to take two carshares, you’ll also need to factor in the layover time between rides.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

The total distance is approximately 204 miles (329 km).

Are The Carshare Cars Comfortable?

Drivers with good reviews will have comfortable vehicles. Contact the driver ahead of agreeing to a carshare ride to confirm.

Is It Safe To Travel By Carshare?

Yes, but you should be aware that some people may try to use the platforms to run scams.

You should be able to easily avoid this by choosing drivers who have verified profiles and lots of positive reviews.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

4. Travel To Pátzcuaro With A Tour

If you’re interested in visiting Pátzcuaro as part of a wider trip around western Mexico, you could book a tour rather than booking your own transport.

It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s a great way to outsource the trip-planning.

Fast Facts: Tour From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

Where Can I Book A Tour To Pátzcuaro?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at to book a tour.

I recommend checking out Viator, which has a 7-day tour of western Mexico that starts and ends in Mexico City and includes Guadalajara and Pátzcuaro, among other great destinations.

What’s Great About doing a Tour?

If you’re only planning on doing broader Mexican trip that includes Pátzcuaro, there are a few great reasons that you should consider doing a tour.

1. No Planning Required

I think the best thing about booking a tour is that you don’t need to worry about planning the trip, the transport and the destinations. All of that is done for you by the tour organizers.

You can think of part of the price of the tour as an exchange for saving all that time in planning.

2. Focus On Enjoying The Trip

If you go with a tour, you can let go of the wheel and just enjoy the trip.

That’s particularly helpful when you’re traveling with your family or with a group and you’d rather not be distracted.

3. Local Knowledge

Another benefit of having a tour take you to Pátzcuaro is that you’ll visit places that you might have missed if you’d planned your own trip.

That inside knowledge can be priceless if you end up having an amazing experience.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

FAQs: Tours to Pátzcuaro

If you still have questions about taking a tour from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Tour From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

Tours vary in price. The 7-day tour of western Mexico offered by Viator starts at US$1,300 per group of up to 5.

What is the Travel Time?

The tour offered by Viator is a 7-day tour that starts and ends in Mexico City and visits several different towns and cities along the way. You’ll spend a full day in Pátzcuaro as part of the tour.

Is It Safe To Book A Tour In Pátzcuaro?

Yes, platforms like Viator carefully check each of the guides advertising on their sites to ensure that they are appropriately licensed.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

5. Taxi To Pátzcuaro

Another option to mention is the good old taxi.

There are better options available, but if you’re in a hurry or you haven’t had time to plan, it’s not a bad way to travel.

Fast Facts: Taxi From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

Tip: Make sure that you agree the price with the driver before setting off so that there are no misunderstandings.

Where Can You Book A Taxi From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

If you want to book a taxi, you’d ideally try to find a reliable driver. The simplest way to do that is to get a recommendation from your hotel.

If you don’t get a recommendation, you can also hire a taxi from the street. In either case, make sure that you agree the fare before you set off.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

FAQs: Taxi From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro by taxi.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

You’ll need to negotiate your fare, and you should always do this upfront.

You can expect to pay around US$125 to US$150, depending on how much the driver wants the fare.

What is the Route From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

The route from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro should be the same as you would take if you rented a car or booked a carshare.

However, you should confirm the route with the driver before you set off.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 4 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro?

The total distance is approximately 204 miles (329 km).

Are The Taxis Comfortable?

Yes, you’ll be able to rent a comfortable taxi for the 4-hour journey to Pátzcuaro.

Is It Safe To Travel By Taxi?

In all likelihood, you will be safe enough traveling by taxi from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro. This is particularly the case if you are traveling in a group.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

What Are The Best Things To Do In Pátzcuaro?

Despite its relatively small size, there are plenty of things to do in Pátzcuaro.

You can start your explorations in the town’s central park, the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, often called simply the Plaza Grande. The park is named after the town’s bishop during the 16th century, and there is a bronze statue of him in the center of a lovely fountain in the park .

Somewhat unusually, the town’s main church, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud, is not opposite the central town square. Instead, it’s a short walk to the east. Constructed in the 16th century, it served as Michoacán’s cathedral until 1850, when that role was allocated to the Morelia Cathedral.

Another activity that should be on your list is a visit to the House of the Eleven Courtyards (Casa de los Once Patios). It was originally constructed in the 18th century as a nunnery for Dominican nuns, and it expanded over the years until it reached 11 courtyards, hence its name. In modern times, it has been converted into a market for local arts and crafts and it’s a great place for you to find a local souvenir.

Once you’ve wandered around the city’s beautifully cobblestoned streets, you can visit Lake Pátzcuaro, which is a huge volcanic lake right just to the north of the town. The lake is home to several populated islands, the most well-known of which is Janitizio. It’s known for its 130 ft tall statue of José María Morelos, an important figure in Mexico’s war for independence.

And while a visit to Pátzcuaro is great all year around, the town is known for really coming alive during the Day of the Dead festival from 31 October to 2 November. The entrance to the town’s churches are decorated with Mexican marigold arches and vigils are held in local cemeteries to honor dead relatives. Children also collect ears of corn that are then brought back to the town center to be cooked and offered to the community.

All in all, Pátzcuaro is loaded with great things to do and you can easily keep yourself entertained for a day or two.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Pátzcuaro?

If you decide that you want to spend more than one day in Pátzcuaro, the obvious question will be where do you stay?

The good news is that for a relatively small town, there are actually a lot of great options.

Within the historic center, Hotel Casa del Naranjo is a beautiful luxury option right opposite the Plaza Grande. It’s homely decorated in a traditional Mexican style with colorful patterned tiles, locally made textiles and even fireplaces in some of the rooms.

Another central option is Hotel Pueblo Mágico, which is beautifully designed in a leafy, wood theme and boasts a beautiful internal courtyard.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the Hotel Posada La Basilica is located right next to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud. Although it’s not quite as luxurious, it has lovely open terraces as well as leafy garden areas where you can relax in the sun.

And if you’re really looking to economize, OYO Posada De Los Angeles is great value. The rooms are spacious and clean and the hotel is located close to the center of town.

There are enough great options that you should certainly consider taking it a bit slower and staying the night, so that you don’t have to rush back to Guadalajara in the evening after a long day spent exploring.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

When is the Best Time to Visit Pátzcuaro?

If you live in northern latitudes, you’re probably used to four defined seasons.  However, the more equatorial parts of the world like Pátzcuaro don’t really follow this model. 

Instead, in Pátzcuaro, there are really only two distinctive seasons, which are a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season runs from November to the end of April with cooler days except for March and April, where the maximum temperature can reach 77°F (25°C). The rainy season runs from May through to October, which starts warm and cools off as the year progresses.

Pátzcuaro also has an altitude of 7,020 ft (2,140 m), which is higher than Denver, Colorado. Its climate is a subtropical highland climate, and because of the high altitude, its temperature can fluctuate daily by more than 25.2°F (14°C). You’ll get cold nights and warm days, with the extremes in the temperature depending on part of the season in which you’re visiting.

The dry season is the most popular time for tourists, although there are also some spikes at other times such as the end of October during the Day of the Dead festival. The greater demand during the tourist season means that prices of flights and hotels increase as well.

The rainy season typically has fewer tourists, meaning that prices are lower, so its definitely the time to travel if you’re on a budget. Most of the time, it only rains in the afternoons, so if you plan to explore in the mornings, you can still have a great trip during the rainy season. 

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

What Should I Pack To Go To Pátzcuaro?

Pátzcuaro is at a high altitude, which means that the temperature fluctuates quite a lot throughout the day.

In Pátzcuaro, people deal with this by dressing in layers and progressively stripping layers off as the temperature increases throughout the day. What you pack for both cities depends a little on when you’re expecting to visit.

During the cooler dry season months of November to March, temperatures are cool enough that you might want a warm jacket in the evenings. At its coolest in January, the temperature in Pátzcuaro will fall as low as 45°F (7.2°C) in the evenings and then get up to 67°F (20°C) during the day.

The wet season months are generally warmer. In April, which is the warmest month of the year, it gets up to 77°F (25°C) during the day and only falls to 52°F (11°C) in the evenings. You’ll still need warm clothes in the evening, but you can get away with warm jumpers rather than needing coats.

If you travel during the rainy season, you’ll want to bring a light, waterproof jacket or buy a fold-up umbrella when you arrive.  The run isn’t usually too extreme, but you should also have a few more changes of clothes in case you get caught in a downpour.

You’ll do a lot of walking in Pátzcuaro, so bring or buy a comfortable pair of walking shoes. A hat for protection against the sun is also a good idea if you’re visiting in the late part of the dry season or in the wet season. 

How to Get From Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for traveling from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro beyond just renting a car or taking the bus.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with those options, and frankly they’re probably your best bet most of the time. But I think it’s helpful to understand the other options so that you don’t miss out on a great experience you wish you’d had.

Your options to get from Guadalajara to Pátzcuaro are many, and all of them are great. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Pátzcuaro!