Lake Chapala Ajijic Mexico Information

Things to See at Lake Chapala

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. Read more