Chapala Lake

How to get there

By bus or car from Guadalajara (about 55km/34mi).

The Laguna de Chapala, the largest expanse of inland water in Mexico, is situated some 55km/34mi south-east of Guadalajara. The greater part of the lake, 82km/51mi long and an average of 28km/17mi wide, lies in Jalisco State, only the south-eastern portion being in Michoacán. There are three islands, Chapala (Alacranes), Mezcala (Presidio) and Maltarana.

Scenery

With its pleasant climate and delightful setting in a circle of low, sparsely vegetated hills, the Laguna has attracted a great many American and Canadian expatriates, most of whom have taken up residence on the north-west shore. Although the water can occasionally become very polluted, making swimming impossible, a rich variety of watersports can usually be enjoyed. Carp (carpa), mojarra, catfish (bagre) and whitefish (pescado blanco) are among the edible fish found in the lake.