A large reservoir known locally as Presa de Excame, about 5.5 km from the town of Tepechitlan in the far south of Zacatecas state, valued by local families for camping and sport fishing for bagre and largemouth bass rather than swimming.
Presa Miguel Aleman, known locally as Presa de Excame, lies about 5.5 km from the town of Tepechitlan in the far southern reaches of Zacatecas state. From Zacatecas city, reaching it means a genuinely long drive of about 184 km, roughly 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours, via Federal Highway 54 through Jerez and then secondary roads through Colotlan-area towns, Tlaltenango de Sanchez Roman, and Tepetongo before finally reaching Tepechitlan. This is by far the most remote entry on this list and is included primarily for travelers spending multiple days exploring the state's southern valleys rather than as a realistic single day trip from the capital.\n\nThe reservoir irrigates the valleys around Tepechitlan and is prized locally for sport fishing - bagre and largemouth bass are the main targets - and for informal family camping along its banks, especially during regional fishing tournaments. There are no developed swimming facilities, lifeguards, or concessions; visitors are essentially on their own for food, water, and equipment.\n\nGiven the near five-hour drive each way, an overnight in Tepechitlan or a nearby town is the only sensible way to visit without an exhausting same-day round trip. This entry is best read as documentation of just how far Zacatecas' landlocked geography can push a traveler chasing a waterside experience, rather than as a practical weekend outing from Zacatecas city.
| Distance | About 184 km south of Zacatecas city via Federal Highway 54 and connecting roads through Jerez, Tlaltenango, and Tepetongo, roughly 4h 45m-5 hours by car |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Car only; the route runs through Jerez, Colotlan-area roads, Tlaltenango de Sanchez Roman, and Tepetongo before reaching Tepechitlan |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | Year-round, busiest during local fishing tournaments and weekends |
| Address | Presa Miguel Aleman, Tepechitlan, Zac. |
Amenities
- Shoreline fishing spots
- Informal camping areas
- No developed swimming facilities
Good to know
- Best for
- Dedicated anglers and travelers exploring the far southern valleys of Zacatecas over multiple days
- Water
- Reservoir water used for irrigation and fishing, not intended for swimming
- Facilities
- Informal shoreline access and camping spots only; no lifeguards, changing rooms, or concessions
Location
Presa Miguel Aleman, Tepechitlan, Zac.
21.4700, -103.1600 View on map
Highlights
- Fish for bagre and largemouth bass on one of the far south's principal irrigation reservoirs
- Camp informally along the shoreline away from any commercial development
- Experience the remote agricultural valleys around Tepechitlan, rarely visited by outside travelers
- Understand this as the practical edge of what counts as a waterside day out in landlocked Zacatecas
Tips for visiting
- Plan for an overnight in or near Tepechitlan rather than attempting a same-day round trip from Zacatecas city.
- Bring all food, water, camping, and fishing gear; there are no services on-site.
- This is not a swimming destination; treat it strictly as a fishing and camping stop.
- Check the route through Jerez, Tlaltenango, and Tepetongo in advance, since it runs through several secondary roads.
When to visit
Year-round; local fishing tournaments and weekends bring the most activity to the shoreline.
Accessibility
The shoreline and access roads are unpaved and rural, with no facilities adapted for wheelchair users or travelers with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Presa Miguel Aleman from Zacatecas city?
About 184 km south, roughly 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours by car through Jerez, Tlaltenango de Sanchez Roman, and Tepetongo before reaching Tepechitlan.
Is this reservoir suitable for a day trip?
Not realistically. The near five-hour drive each way makes an overnight in or near Tepechitlan the more practical option.
What is the reservoir used for?
Primarily irrigation for the Tepechitlan valley, alongside sport fishing for bagre and largemouth bass and informal family camping along its banks.