The Lake
In the Nahuatl
native language, Ajijic, pronounced Ah-ee-heec
from the older spelling Axixique or Axixix)
means; “The Place Where the Water Springs
Forth”. It is located on the north shore of
Lake Chapala, the largest natural lake in Mexico
measuring approximately 75 kilometers (48 miles)
long from east to west with a maximum
north-south width of about 20 kilometers (12.5
miles) wide (Encyclopædia Britannica) at an
altitude of approximately 5000 ft. Lake Chapala
is quite shallow as it is a basin lake. It
measure about 4 meters at its shallowest and has
a maximum depth of less than 30 meters.
The Climate
The semi-tropical climate in Lake Chapala, Mexico is probably the first major attraction to the area.
Because
the lake sits
about 5,200 feet
(1,584.96
meters) above
sea level, we
get virtually no
humidity. The
triple mountain
range
surrounding the
lake protects
the area from
prevailing
northerly winds
creating this
excellent micro
climate we enjoy
so much. The
effects of the
lake and
mountains ensure
that
temperatures are
pleasantly warm
year ‘round,
averaging about
23.34° Celsius
(74°
Fahrenheit).
April and May are our hot and dry months with temperatures in the 30°'s Celsius (80 to 90° Fahrenheit) with nighttime lows around 60°. Fortunately it is the sun not the air that is hot. When you step into the shade you can feel at least a ten degree difference, so we are always comfortable, no matter the time of year.
Communities around Lake Chapala
Ajijic
Several small towns make up the area surrounding the Lake. Ajijic is the area's centerpiece. A description of Ajijic usually refers to the main village of Ajijic. 80% of the village is on the lake side of the Chapala-Ajijic highway. The central areas are what remains of the old village. You often have no idea of what lies behind the walls. To the West and East of the main village are areas with larger lots and some lovely walled estates. These areas are still between the highway and the lake. Most stores and restaurants are within walking distance.
Cobblestone streets and spectacular gardens hidden behind hand-carved wooden gates and colorful walls contribute to its charm. This is where most foreigners choose to live and although it is a laid-back place, there's nightlife, lots of restaurants and adequate shopping (for serious shopping, Guadalajara is a ride away). English is spoken, making adapting to this new home easier than in other parts of Mexico.
Chapala
Since
the 1960s,
Chapala has been
frequented by
both Mexican and
international
tourists. Among
the area's
cultural
attractions is
mariachi music,
for which the
state of Jalisco
is particularly
known. While
many fine
mariachi bands
have been based
in Chapala, the
most famous
groups are based
in larger cities
nearby. The most
famous mariachi
in Mexico is
Mariachi Vargas
de Tecalitlán,
founded in the
late 1800s in
the southern
Jalisco city of
Tecalitlán,
Jalisco, but now
based in Mexico
City. Although
mariachi music
is believed to
have originated
in the town of
Cocula, the
greatest
concentration of
mariachis can be
found in the
city of
Guadalajara,
located about 30
miles north of
Chapala; it is
considered the
city that most
epitomizes the
external concept
of Mexico
propagated by
the
international
mass media
(characterized
by
charros,
tequila,
sombreros, and
mariachis). A
worldwide
mariachi
festival is held
there each fall,
mariachis from
throughout the
world (including
Europe and Asia)
regularly
participate.The town of Chapala is the largest municipality in the area. It is the commercial center for the Lakeside community and has several banks and plenty of stores.
Chapala, along with its namesake lake, is well established as a weekend getaway destination primarily for inhabitants of the city of Guadalajara.
Chula Vista
Chula
Vista is a popular development
East of Ajijic on the way to
Chapala where you will find the
local nine hole golf course. The
development has two parts, lower
Chula Vista with lower prices
and older, smaller homes
generally, and upper Chula Vista
that can feature beautiful lake
views and more upscale prices.
The municipal water here is
potable. The golf course
fairways wind through much of
upper Chula Vista. It is only a
three minute drive to Ajijic and
a 5 minute
drive to Chapala.
Chula Vista Norte
This upscale development is only two minutes from Ajijic on the bypass from Guadalajara. It has a mixture of townhouses and upscale homes with nice views.
Ixtlahuacan
This Mexican town is located in the first town north of the Lake Chapala basin on the way to Guadalajara. It is about 7 minutes north of Chapala. Since you pass over the ridge of the mountains surrounding the lake to get to this village, there are no views of the lake, but a development of new homes (Villas de Ixtlahuacan) here does have nice views to the North, overlooking the village.
Jocotepec
This town is officially a little smaller than Chapala, but in reality it is probably bigger. It is located about 13 minutes West of Ajijic. It is populated mainly by Mexicans with a few foreigners. The town seems to always be busy and the shopping is good.
Most of the people who work in Ajijic live in Jocotepec. This town is not completely obsessed with cobblestone streets, so many of the streets are paved. It is a fun place to visit too, with many fiestas and other activities in the town plaza.
This is the western edge of Lake Chapala. From here the secondary highway takes you to the Colima-Guadalajara highway, or you can turn left and proceed around the lake to the South shore.
La Floresta
This
development is located on the
eastern edge of Ajijic, close to
all services. It is composed of
two distinct areas, Upper La
Floresta on the high side of the
Chapala-Ajijic highway with some
views, and Lower La Floresta,
located from the highway down to
the lake.
This is a nice non-gated development. Most homes have walls all around the property lines in the Spanish tradition. Homes on the lower side are generally on larger lots and more up-scale. The Real de Chapala Hotel is also located in this area. The streets are wide and built with cobblestones. The landscaping is generally mature and there are some beautiful trees often located in the center of the broad intersections. Septic tanks are used here, but the lots are big enough to handle them.
