by David Eidell (10/07)
The following information is unknown to even Mexicophiles:
A new coastal highway now stretches between the resort village of Playa Azul and the port city of Lazaro Cardenas. It is the form of a two-lane concrete highway some seventeen miles in length. The road crosses three small bridges and parallels the Pacific Ocean for most of the way.
The beaches here are mostly undeveloped but palapa restaurants are appearing in droves. To reconnoiter the various likely spots, I recommend pulling off onto a shoulder and walking down to the palapas to check out the suitability of bringing an RV down to the beach. The subject of night time security must be acknowledged.
The directions to access the new road from the Lazaro Cardenas end is a bit ambiguous so we'll try from the Playa Azul side.
The side street in Playa Azul that connects to the new road is also the street that houses Playa Azul's only RV park. That is coming in the town turn left at the second street beyond the gasolinera (Pemex). This street needs repairs so take it easy. Eventually you will go upon the concrete highway but keep your speed way down as there are four large speed bumps to negotiate. There is another large speed bump at the 10.0 mile marker, beware.
Continuing on to Lazaro Cardenas, the concrete highway ends at a T intersection. Turn left and follow the road alongside the chain link fence of a steel mill. There are railroad tracks to cross, and several nasty little speed bumps. Eventually you will end up at a T intersection. Whatever you do if you are in a large RV don't turn right. This leads to centro and horrendous traffic and clogged streets. When you turn left this route will intersect with coastal highway Mex 200 after 6 miles. At the "Y" bear right and you will be "southbound" on Mex 200. Ahead in three miles you will encounter "The Very First" traffic signal. Turn left at the left turn lane to enter the toll road for Zihuatanejo, Patzcuaro, and Morelia. If you turn right, three-quarters of a mile down on your left is a huge new Soriana store that has a giant parking lot that can handle the longest of RV plus toad combination. This is maybe one of the best lots in Mexico for RV's to negotiate. Reverse your route to gain access to Mex 200 or Mex 37-D the toll road east or southbound
Saludos!
David Eidell