CHAPALA PIER

Cross lakefront Paseo Corona, past the curio stands, to the municipal pier. In good times, the adjacent anchorage is free of lirio (water hyacinths). Otherwise, boaters must frequently chop a navigation path through the thick green vegetable carpet. From the pier, a number of excursions are possible, from a one-hour ride along the lakeshore to extended lake and island tours. These could include a two-hour visit to Isla de los Alacranes (Scorpion Island), with its regional-food restaurants and bird-watching; or to Mezcala (Isla Presidio), with its ruins and bird-watching, for four hours. Rental rates run about $15 hourly per boat while running, $10 hourly while waiting. For Mezcala Island, bring food and drinks; none may be available on the island, which is a national monument.