Zirahuén

Loops are always good and that makes up for the occasional dust-raising truck. This loop takes you through villages and past farms and forests. There also are some country homes built by wealthy Mexicans and a couple of resorts.

Every hike should have a destination so for this one we'll pick the humble church at Agua Verde. No one's sure of its name but it might be Las Aguas de Zirahuén. It's at least 70 years old and looks considerable older. Chances are the gate isn't locked so you'll be able to go in and look around. There's a small alcove devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Muy auténtico.

Probably the best place to park in Zirahuén is at the boat dock (muelle). There are some businesses there and your car is unlikely to be burglarized. On the street to the dock there also is Hotel/Restaurant Espejo del Lago; if the gate is open you can park there for 15 pesos.

There's an advantage in going counter-clockwise on this loop: you can catch a bus when you get to the paved road and not miss any great scenery. This bus runs between Santa Clara and Pátzcuaro. In Zirahuén it drops you off at the plaza.