Lake Chapala & Ajijic
Mexico's largest lake and the country's highest concentration of expats
Overview
**Lake Chapala and Ajijic** present an interesting contrast for Guadalajara day-trippers. **Chapala town** offers a Mexican malecón (lakefront boardwalk) with boat tours, seafood restaurants, and weekend crowds from Guadalajara. **Ajijic** (ah-hee-HEEK), just 15 minutes west, hosts roughly **15,000-20,000 expats**—the highest concentration in Mexico—with English-speaking services, art galleries, excellent restaurants, and the **Lake Chapala Society** organizing activities for the large foreign community. The contrast is stark: Chapala feels authentically Mexican while Ajijic operates as an established expat enclave where locals often respond in English. Those wanting to preview retirement-community living, explore galleries, or soak in hot springs at nearby **San Juan Cosalá** should budget a full day. Round-trip bus from Guadalajara costs just **~$8 USD**. The lake itself—Mexico's largest natural freshwater lake at 1,100 km²—provides 60-65% of Guadalajara's water supply, though water levels fluctuate significantly by season.
Highlights
Practical Information
Full day
Year-round. Weekends are livelier in Chapala town. Weekdays offer quieter Ajijic exploration. Rainy season (June-October) can bring afternoon showers.
More Day Trips Nearby
Tequila
UNESCO agave landscape and legendary distilleries—birthplace of Mexico's iconic spirit
Tlaquepaque
Upscale artisan village with galleries and the world's largest cantina complex
Tonalá
Wholesale artisan market with Thursday and Sunday tianguis—40-60% below Tlaquepaque prices
Guachimontones
Mexico's only circular stepped pyramids—a hidden archaeological gem
Bosque de la Primavera
Guadalajara's 30,500-hectare forest escape with hot springs and 67+ hiking trails
San Juan Cosalá Hot Springs
Natural thermal pools with specialty spa treatments on Lake Chapala's shores—chocolate, mud, and herbal jacuzzis