Lake Chapala Ajijic Mexico Information

Information on the Ajijic Mexico Area

Thinking about Mexico, consider Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest lake, 30 minutes from Guadalajara. With a community of more than 8,000 seasonal and full time foreign residents who call “Lakeside” home, Ajijic (Ah-hee-heek) has one of the world’s best climates. This pre-colonial village on the sunny northern shore of Lake Chapala in Western Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains makes for an unparalleled experience of life in a quaint Mexican village with all the services and amenities of a nearby metropolitan city, lovely Guadalajara.

The Lake Chapala area of Mexico has one of the finest climates in the world. People from many countries have retired to enjoy the warm days and cool nights along the shores of this 55-mile-long body of water.

After the dry month of May, the rainy season is welcomed. It lasts from mid-June to mid-October and brings rains most evenings. During this season, the weather is warm, yet it is much less humid than Mexican coastal destinations. Because the lake is a mile above sea level, you may need a sweater in the cooler evenings. For many visitors and residents, this is the preferred time of year. Their enjoyment is heightened by the crimson sunrises and golden sunsets that start and finish each majestic day.

According to historians, the first American came to the area in 1885, but it wasn’t until 1955 that the larger influx of foreigners began. Now it is estimated that more than 8,000 foreigners, mostly Americans and Canadians, live on the north shore. The area is now one of the most popular retirement colonies in North America.

A multi-lane highway connects Lakeside’s north shore to Guadalajara, less than 40 minutes away. The airport is located midway, about 25 minutes from lakeside. Read more