Nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains of
southwestern Mexico is Lake Chapala, the
country's largest natural lake. It is located in a valley at an elevation of around 5,000 feet. The protective mountains and lake offer a natural ameliorating effect on the climate, which is rated one of the best in the world by National Geographic.

Lake Chapala's shores are dotted with charming and peaceful towns. Approximately 20,000 North Americans (some estimates go as high as 30,000) reside on the lake's north shore. Although the lake measures 55 by 15 miles wide, most of the expatriates live within 20 miles of one another in the Northshore towns of Chapala, Ajijic and Jocotepec (and numerous smaller towns in between).

With its near-perfect climate, cobblestone streets, flowering trees, lush mountains, tranquil lifestyle and low cost-of-living, Lake Chapala has become a popular destination for foreign visitors and retirees.

The north shore of Lake Chapala, sometimes called the Chapala Riviera, is situated about 45 minutes south of Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city, and about 35 minutes south of the Guadalajara international airport. Offering easy highway access to such popular destinations as Puerto Vallarta, the Costa Alegre (Manzanillo, Barra de Navidad, Melaque), Morelia, Zacatecas, Patzcuaro and San Miguel de Allende, Lake Chapala is indeed ideally located. Almost everything you could want can be found either at Lakeside or nearby Guadalajara.

A wealth of information is available through the web sites of the local newspapers. The Ojo del Lago, the Reporter, and the Lake Chapala Review.

THINGS TO SEE

Balnearios (thermal springs) are one of the Lakeside's most relaxing and therapeutic natural attractions. Underground thermal springs are numerous, and can be found in remote mountain areas, and occasionally in private homes. The largest and best-known public balneario is in San Juan Cosala, between the towns of Ajijic and Jocotepec, which features natural thermal water in various swimming pools, three hotels, and a restaurant. For visitors who want something livelier, there is Tobolandia, a thermal water park in Ajijic offering water slides and other diversions.

There are also two golf courses in the Lake Chapala area, several health spas, tennis courts, video arcades, etc. Not to be missed are the many presentations by the Lakeside Little Theatre, the Circle Theater and other groups.

For exploration of other attractions, there are several tour guide businesses, which utilize vans or buses at reasonable prices. Popular destinations include historic Guadalajara, a tequila factory, Ballet Folklorico in the famous Teatro Degollado, and even "shop-till- you-drop" jaunts to the Tonala artisan's district, Walmart and Price Club.

From the Chapala 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 Scorpion Island (Isla Alacranes), with its regional food restaurants and bird watching; or four hours round_trip to Mezcala Island (Isla Presidio), a national monument with the remains of a fort around which the historical Battle of Mezcala took place.

A number of special events highlight life at Lake Chapala. Among them are: the annual Carnaval (Mardi Gras) held at Chapala's huge Cristiania Park; the annual Chili Cook-Off, a 3-day festival held each February to benefit a variety of local charities; the annual celebrations for the Mexican, American and Canadian Independence days held in the gardens of the Lake Chapala Society; and annual fiestas held in each town plaza in honor of the local patron saints.

For those wishing to shop, you will find blocks of stalls, street markets, galleries, and workshops in the area. Antiques, hand-carved wood furniture, tapestries, glassware, lamps, wrought-iron furniture, masks, pottery, jewelry, art and artesanias of all kinds are sold here. In fact, the Lake Chapala area is fast becoming the region's supplier of quality crafts.

An endless variety of gift and artesan’s shops carrying traditional Mexican goods, as well as retail outlets such as Walmart, Sam's, Home Depot, Price Club, Ace Hardware and Office Depot are also available in Guadalajara, about 45 minutes away.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

For those wanting to relax in air conditioned comfort and simply watch a movie, Ajijic offers Cinema Bugambilias, a triple cineplex. Special concerts are also frequently found at Ajijic’s auditorium, and other theatrical or comedic events are advertised regularly.

A host of fine dining options are available, many of them offering live entertainment nightly. Several offer dancing as well. Lakeside also offers food outlets such as Dominos Pizza and Golden Fried Chicken. An even greater selection of dining and entertainment is available in Guadalajara.

PLANNING YOUR STAY

Depending on the time you have available, there are a number of sights you won’t want to miss. Those of us at The Ajijic Guest House will be happy to help you plan your stay once we know your preferences and dates of arrival and departure.