Petatán is a small town on the shores of Lake Chapala in Michoacan, Mexico. It is known for a large annual migration of American white pelicans (pelican borregon in Spanish).
Understand
[edit]Pelicans
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As fall approaches each year, flocks of American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) take flight and migrate south to the warmer climates of Mexico where, for some reason, they all seem to know to gather in the lakeside town of Petatan where they will nest, feed, and stay until March, when they will return to their summer homes in Canada. The pelicans find plentiful fish in Lake Chapala, where they can also enjoy mariachi music and flavorful Mexican cuisine.
It is estimated that over 20,000 pelicans take up seasonal residence in Petatan, where they can be seen crowding the docks, perching on fishing boats and nesting in the marshes and rocks on the north side of town.
Get in
[edit]The nearest airport with commercial airlines service is Guadalajara International Airport. Then rent a car and drive to Petatán.
By car
[edit]The trip is about 150 km and will take just over 2 hours. From Guadalajara, drive southeast on Carratera Guadalajara - Morelia (use toll highway MEX-15D) for about 90 km. When you reach the exit for federal highway MEX-110, head south until you reach the town of Sahuayo where you will turn onto federal highway MEX-15 north (west if you're using a compass). This road will take you to Petatán.
Get around
[edit]
Petatán is a very small town on a small peninsula, the streets are organized with a loop going along the outer shoreline and cross streets north-south and east-west. It's hard to get lost in town, which is pedestrian friendly and bicycle friendly.
See
[edit]Do
[edit]- Birdwatching - is a favorite activity in the winter months. Bring a good pair of binoculars or an SLR camera with a telescopic lens. Pelicans float along the shores, crowd rocky areas next to the lake, and will gather readily if anyone throws them scraps of food.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 La Mojarra Blanca, Cto. Pelícanos Borregones, ☏ +52 381 596 0009. Daily 12:00 - 19:00. Casual, family-friendly restaurant serving typical Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on seafood (especially grilled mojarra). M$200.
- 2 El Pescador, Cto. Pelícanos Borregones. Casual traditional Mexican restaurant serving ceviche, shrimp, and mojarra filets. Unattractive setting but friendly people and good food. M$200.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]There are no hotels in Petatán, but several guest houses along the shores of Lake Chapala. The nearest town with lodging options is Sahuayo, about 25 km (30 minutes) east on federal highway MEX-15.