Lake Chapala Ajijic Mexico Information

Transportation

The auto insurance you have in the US or Canada is not valid in Mexico. You can purchase short term Mexican insurance in the cities at the border or though your auto club.

Most Mexican cities and villages have narrow streets, often with cobblestone surfaces. Only a few streets in Chapala and Jocotepec are not cobblestone. With the exception of the highway, the streets at Lakeside are norrow. Driving in the villages is very different. Maneuvering larger vehicles is difficult when the streets are congested, especially during the peak of the touist season (October to April).

Cars can be rented at the Airport. At Lakeside there are limited choices. In Ajijic, a Hertz agency rents cars independently. Lakeside Car Rentals in Plaza Bugambilillias, S&S Auto, and Viajes Ajijic, a travel agency, also handles rentals.

Bus service in Mexico differs dramatically from countries north of the border. Buses fall into three categories. First class buses run between major cities and are truly excellent, modern and clean, offer meals on board and show movies. Executivo is the number 1 class, better than first class. Fares are arranged with travel agents or at the bus sations.

Segundos, (second class) serve every city and village in Mexico. The are older, make frequent stops and are generally crowded, though very economical. Smaller buses run within the local communities. Again, they are usually packed with local workers and students and the fare is only a few pesos between Lakeside villages. Taxi service is available throughout Lakeside and very economical.