Introducing Chapala
Lago de Chapala, Mexico’s largest natural lake, lies 45km south of Guadalajara. Surrounded by mountains – some of which tumble dramatically to the shore, its beauty is deep and undeniable, but it’s not always healthy. Water levels fluctuate due to Guadalajara and Mexico City’s water needs and on-again, off-again drought. Commercial fertilizers washed into the lake have nourished water hyacinth, an invasive plant that clogs the lake’s surface, blocks sunlight from the depths – leaving the lake dead in some places. But beauty and an addictive climate (always warm during the day and pleasantly cool at night) balance Chapala’s eco-sins and continue to lure American and Canadian retirees to the area, which means soaring real estate prices, especially in nearby Ajijic.
Advertisement
The lake’s namesake, Chapala, became a well-known resort destination after president Porfirio Díaz vacationed here every year from 1904 to 1909. DH Lawrence wrote most of The Plumed Serpent at Zaragoza 307, now a beautiful villa. But today Chapala is just a simple working-class Mexican town that gets busy on weekends when Guadalajarans invade. Its best quality is its authenticity and if Ajijic rubs you wrong (you won’t be the first), you’ll be grateful for this happy, bustling slice of real Mexico.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: Adios to all that
by usafrance2008 24 April 2012
I, too, live in Guadalajara and, like WouterB and JRinPV, I tend to agree with everything they say about Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque and…
-
RE: Heads-Up in Guadalajara: U.S. Consulate Alert Regarding Narco Violence
by RichTX1 11 March 2012
My understanding is the wardens are volunteers, and especially in places like Guadalajara where there are a large community of U.S. retirees…
-
RE: 10 reasons why you should visit Mexico
by CascadeBob 06 March 2012
Actually, overall, I liked it. A break from pimping either Cancun all-inclusives, expat enclaves like Chapala or paranoia over narco-violen…
In our shop
Bags feeling light?
Coffee table looking bare?
Get your guidebooks, travel goods, even individual chapters, right here.
Hotels & Hostels in Chapala
-
Book now
Quinta Quetzalcóatl
Chapala -
Book now
Lake Chapala Inn
Chapala -
Book now
Rincón de los Sueños
Chapala
Advertisement
