Great Side Trips

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Chapala 

Lake Chapala and the city of Chapala are famous in their own right.  This area along the shoreline of México's largest lake is where the many Mexican businessmen and upper class families have weekend and summer homes.  The lake itself has lost much of it's attractiveness, but the area itself remains attractive and still thrives.  The entire lakeside area has also become a haven for retirees from around the world.  Foreigners, from all over the world, drawn here by the constantly pleasant climate and moderate cost of living have established retirement communities along the northern shore of the lake.  

The town of Chapala is a pleasant 45 minute drive from the center of Guadalajara and the change of pace is easily recognizable and readily felt.  It is a different world, a small town atmosphere, which will instantly cast a spell on almost anyone who is willing to make the short trip.  A few older hotels, along with more and more Bed and Breakfast inns are available to those who wish to spend the night or a few days.  There are no big hotels or high rise office buildings to break the tranquil feeling that you may have just stepped back in time.

Lake Chapala is a favorite weekend getaway for the people from Guadalajara.  They come to Chapala to relax and dine in the many restaurants that specialize in fresh fish dishes and snacks.  An array of locally produced sweets and deserts offer yet another excuse to spend an entire afternoon here.  There are also many small shops and stands that specialize in hand made crafts, many of which are made locally.  Lake Chapala is located thirty miles southeast of Guadalajara.

Ajijic

Ajijic is fast becoming the favorite area in which to settle on Lake Chapala.  Just a few miles west of the town Chapala, Ajijic is a charming lakeside village that has retained all of the charms of Old México.  Ajijic is beginning to attract more visitors than all of its neighbors, yet Ajijic retains the timely quality of an early day stagecoach stop.  This is a great compliment to this charming little town.  Horses and donkeys are still used for daily transportation and the siesta hour is still a very important part of everyday life.  

The cobblestone streets and shady sidewalks are a haven for the children of the town who play soccer, hide n' seek, baseball or stickball on the streets as much as in the parks.  Shopping along the highway or on the quiet side streets is as much an adventure here as anywhere.  The local craftsmen and artists produce truly unique items, displayed either in small galleries or open air style, almost anywhere in the village.  Do a little searching, you may be surprised at what you will find.  

Recreation is also part of the attraction to Ajijic, boats are available for rent and horses can be rented in several locations near the lake.  A water park is located near the entrance to town and the Chula Vista Country club is a popular golf getaway and also offers tennis buffs a chance to play on their well kept clay courts.

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