Lake Chapala Ajijic Mexico Information

Lakeside Towns on the Lake Chapala Beaches

Here’s a wonderful site with good descriptions of all the little towns in the Lakeside area… and maps, too! Take a look at this sample, then visit their website (url at the bottom of this article):

Chapala is the largest and the first of the villages to have been placed on Spanish maps in the early 1500’s. Among the restaurants, bars and meeting places of Chapala is the largest American Legion Post outside of the United States, with its own clubhouse, restaurant and activities. Much of the Lake Chapala foreign population does their banking in Chapala and you will see them meeting for conversation with friends in one of the several coffee shops and sidewalk cafes. Near the pier and the former Braniff estate (famous airline family) is the Malecon, a Mexican version of the boardwalk, which is lined with vendors of souvenirs, food and more.

Just outside of Chapala are the communities of Las Brisas de Chapala, Chapala Haciendas and Vista del Lago that features a golf and country club.

AJIJIC:

The village of Ajijic is the center of most of the activities of the North American community. Once a sleepy fishing village on the north shore, it has since been discovered by the rest of the world. Writers such as D.H. Lawrence came and were inspired, as did many musicians, actors and dancers. Some of entertainment’s famous stars, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Charles Bronson once came here to escape the hectic pace north of the border. The Ajijic, Lake Chapala community is a haven for many artists who still find inspiration being surrounded by the natural beauty of Mexico.

The village church which is dedicated to San Andres (St. Andrew), the patron saint of Ajijic and the little chapel were built in the 1500’s and are located on the plaza square. The church was rebuilt in 1749 and is referred to locally as the ‘new church’. The traditional plaza square is the center of local fiestas and is always busy with families on Sunday evenings. The cobblestone streets date back to colonial times, and provide totally recyclable paving material today.

Wednesday is market day in Ajijic, and you can find the local Tiangus (street market) complete with everything you might need. In addition to the most beautiful display of fruits and vegetables, you’ll find flowers, clothes, pots and pans, jewelry, tools, pizza, hand carvings, paintings and just about anything you can imagine.

Near the center of the village is the Lake Chapala Society which features a huge tropical garden setting, located on the former estate of the famous writer, Neil James. The Lake Chapala Society is a non-profit organization chartered under Mexican Law as an Asociacion Civil. They currently have over 3,400 members from over 31 nations.

Throughout the village you will find many fine restaurants, hotels and B & B’s. Enjoy browsing the numerous designer boutiques, shops and art studios/galleries. Buses and taxis are available but are sometimes held up by the occasional burro carrying a load of goods for his owner. Enjoy the new refurbished lakefront walkways and parks on wonderful morning walks.

SAN ANTONIO:

Just south and west of Chula Vista is the village of San Antonio. This village has remained largely unchanged with the influx of North Americans. At first glance you may not realize there are North Americans in the village, but please. look again.

Behind the walls are lovely homes with modern appliances, beautiful gardens, and happy retirees. Here you truly learn not to judge any home by what you see from the curb.

Along the highway in San Antonio are several grocery stores, liquor store and meat market featuring US products. North Americans in their transition period, and after, will find these products satisfy their yearnings.

Nearby is the Lake Chapala Little Theater where English productions run through the winter months. Next to it you will find one of two bilingual schools in the area.

This is also the location of a new, very successful, 110 home development called “El Parque”.

To see more, visit website