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.
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.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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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.
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.
Related Attractions
Ajijic, Mexico
Ajijic (1500 m (4920 ft); population: 40,000), a fishing village/artist colony generally brimming with U.S. tourists. It has some widely reputed thermal baths and a small archaeological museum. Local craftwork includes handwoven fabrics and embroidery.
Chapala, Mexico
Chapala (Náhuatl: "lapping waves"; 1500 m (4920 ft); population: 60,000) and, adjoining it, Chula Vista (which have the largest expatriate population).
Jocotepec, Mexico
Jocotepec (1444 m (4740 ft); population: 65,000; fiesta: January 14th and 15th, Fiesta de los Dulces Nombres), another delightful fishing village also with a small artist colony. It was founded in 1528 and enjoys a reputation for its white sarapes (blankets).
