Lake Chapala, Chapala, Ajijic, Mexico

Chapala is a bustling Mexican town located on the shores of Lake Chapal about an hour's drive from Guadalajara. They have a small sandy beach lined with hotels and the view of the lake and surrounding mountains is quite impressive. There are some expats living here but the vibe remains totally Mexican. On weeksends hoards of Mexican tourists from nearby Guadalajara fill the city.

Around Lake Chapala:    Ajijic    Guadalajara    Tlaquepaque

What to do

There is a park on the lakefront with a large public swimming pool. Perhaps due to the greenish color of the water, it is rarely used. If you like, you can rent a boat to go out to a small island in the lake where they have a restaurant. Other options would be to take a drive around the lake, or a take day trip up to the pristine mountain village of Mazamitla. There are thermal hot springs in San Juan Cosala with several pools and a steam bath in a natural cave.

Restaurants

On the main street you will find Leñas which specializes in molcajete - meaty dishes served in bowls made from lava. Right next door is a Mee-Mee Chinese Buffet which is a real bargain for 50 pesos. There are several more restaurants along the waterfront. The American Legion has a fish fry on Fridays but get there early (12 noon) because they often sell out. About a block from the American Legion is a restaurant in someone's home called California Kitchen which has all sorts of homemade gringo food like corned beef sandwiches and meatloaf.

Getting to Lake Chapala

You can fly into Guadalajara International Airport and take a taxi from there for about 300 pesos. If you are taking the bus, it is more problematic since all the long distance buses arrive at the new station (Central Nueva) while the buses to Chapala leave from the old station in the center of town. You can take a bus or taxi from one station to another. If money is no problem you can take a taxi from the main station (Central Nueva) directly to Chapala for about 350 pesos. By bus it is about an hour and a half, by taxi about 50 minutes.

Getting Around:

Buses run along the lakeside about every 20 mintues from the town of Chapala, past Ajijic, the hot springs and Jocotepic. The local buses cost 3 pesos and the larger faster buses are 7 pesos. There are also frequent buses to Guadalajara that you can catch at the bus staion in Chapala or the ticket office on the main road in Ajijic.

Pat Cordes

Ajijic Real Estate   ♦   Ajijic Rentals   ♦   Ajijic Hotels

Satellite Map of Lake Chapala

Lake Chapala Rental   Weekly Chapala Rental Great Rental In the Heart of Chapala Chapala, Jalisco US 805-689-9733 http://chapala.50webs.com/

Intercasa Financial   Mortgage loans for all Hidalgo #230, Chapala, Jalisco US 805-689-9733

Casa de las Flores   A beautiful upmarket gay owned Bed and Breakfast located right in the heart of Ajijic. 2 blocks from the plaza but yet retains an air of tranquility throughout the garden and pool area. 38 Pte Zaragoza, Ajijic, Mexico (376) 766 5493 http://www.casafloresajijic.com

Mee-Mee Restaurant   A great chinese buffet - all you can eat for 50 pesos - shrimp, ribs, chicken, egg rolls etc etc etc. Callejon Del Moro # 2, Col Centro, Chapala, Jalisco 3310-436241

Villa Eucaliptos   Come join your host Ralph Moniz in this wonderful private Mexican villa located in Ajijic, close to Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest lake. Ajijic, Jalisco 011 52 376 766 1400 http://villaeucaliptos.com/

Continental Realty   Rentals in Ajijic , Lake Chapala, Chula Vista. Most extensize online listings for the Lake Chapala / Ajijic area. Ajijic, Jalisco 1-877-613-5985 http://www.ajijicrentals.com

La Nueva Posada   Colonial Inn with all the old world charm. La Posada is romantic yet sophisticated, with personal attention from the Eager family. We have made a commitment to excellence since arriving in Mexico in 1975. Ajijic, Jalisco 52(376)766-1344 www.mexconnect.com

Hotel Ajijic   Elegant and Lovely Hotel in Central Ajijic.You'll find it all at The Plaza Suites, from the perfect walk everywhere location to the Gourmet Restaurant/Bar adjacent to the hotel. Your hosts Jeremy and Patricia fluent in Spanish and long time residents can help you with all your needs including privately arranged Tours to nearby sites and attractions. Ajijic, Jalisco 011-52-376- 76- 6038 http://www.ajijichotel.com/

Put your listing here

Chapala real estate, rentals, hotels, restaurants, weather, map, and travel guides.