Nothing is more romantic than eating your dinner beside the largest fresh water lake in Mexico. If you are the kind of person who loves eating in peace and tranquillity then these lakeside restaurants are perfect for you. Moreover, these lakeside restaurants are the best in the region and the perfect place to eat your dinner.

Lakeside dining is not only for young couples but for tourists and retirees as well. Dining by Lake Chapala is one of the many things that you can do when you live near the lake. This is also one of the many attractions in Lake Chapala.

Stop wondering which restaurant to dine in Lake Chapala. Let this article take you on an imaginary tour and check out the different restaurants erected beside the grand Lake Chapala.

1. Armando’s Hideaway

This lakeside resto is best known for its Flambéed dishes, steak mostaza, fish almondine, and crepes suzette. Created by professional chefs these dishes are to die for, you should try it yourself. If you intend to drop by Armando’s Hideaway, you can locate this delish resto on the east side of Hotel Danza del Sol.  Armando’s is open from Mondays to Wednesdays from 1pm to 9pm.

1. Ajijic Tango

If you want to enjoy outdoor ambiance at its best then the Ajijic Tango is the best place to be. Famous for their Argentinean sausage, carpaccio, flap steak, and rack of lamb, Ajijic Tango also serves salads that are beyond comparison. Aside from a tasteful menu, this resto also has an excellent wine list to be proud of. Ajijic Tango is located at Morelos #5.

1. 60’s In Paradise

If you want to relive America during the 60’s then you will surely enjoy this place. The ambiance in 60’s In Paradise is purely 60’s. In this restaurant, you will find 60s inspired decorations. Along with the decorations this diner also serves humungous hamburgers, fries and milkshakes, very typical for a 60s diner. 60’s In Paradise is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays 11a.m to 4p.m.

1. La Bodega de Ajijic

La Bodega has a very charming interior that never fails to attract patrons. This resto is also the venue for live performances by local entertainers. Moreover, La Bodega serves a popular spicy dish known as the Diabla Felix, which is a shrimp dish laced with spices. This dish can be very spicy so make sure you have the Angelwings cake at hand in order to help you cool off. Aside from fiery dishes La Bodega also has a full bar and serves coffee drinks. This appealing diner is open from Tuesdays to Thursdays from 8a.m to 10:30p.m.

1. Super Burrito

For old school Mexican food, the Super Burrito is the place to go. Super Burrito is a Mexican resto that serves not only burritos but burgers and Mexican pizzas as well. Super Burrito offers free delivery and is located at Encarnación Rosas #76 on north side of carretera opposite Farmacia Guadalajara. This cafe is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 9pm.

There are still alot of restaurants lining the lakeside area. These restaurants offer a variety of dishes, services, and ambiance. Whatever your mood is, one restaurant will surely fit it.

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If you are one of those chosen few who wants to share their blessing with the rest then you have come to the right place. Retiring to Lake Chapala does not only involve sightseeing, shopping, and socializing but it can also involve volunteer work.

If you are the kind of person who is in search of something that will enable you to touch other’s lives then Lake Chapala may just have something for you. If are planning to retire soon but still desires to do some volunteer work then Lake Chapala has something perfect for you.

The Lake Chapala Foundation is the collective name for all the non-profit organizations and charities located in and around Lake Chapala.  The LCF unifies all these charities making it easier to distribute all the proceeds and donations equally among the member charities and non-profit organizations.

Retirees like you who find it fulfilling to help others may find volunteering for LCF a perfect way to share your blessings and show gratitude.

LCF have several charities under its roof. Here are some of the charities:

• Hope House
• Terranova School
• Niños Incapacitados
• Pasos Milagrosos
• Niños de Chapala & Ajijic
• Golden Strings
• Wilkes Education Center
• Lakeside School for the Deaf
• Cruz Roja/Red Cross
• Amigos del Misión San Pablo
• Rotary Club
• Casa de Ancianos
• Love in Action

These charities may have different names but they all have the same goal and that is to help others. These charities draw a different image of Lake Chapala and Ajijic making it more than a retirement community.

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Lake Chapala is the largest fresh water lake in Mexico. Around Lake Chapala are villages established in different eras. Some of the villages have been around for centuries while there are some that were just built recently. These villages may differ in age but there is no denying that these villages value tradition. Locals, tourists, and retirees alike honor this tradition.

Traditions do not only include festivities, but it also includes dishes. Each country has its own set of traditional dishes and the recipes for these dishes are handed down from one generation to another. However, you do not have to be a local to learn these dishes. Once you are settled in any of the villages in Lake Chapala you can now start to learn how to cook the traditional Mexican Dishes.

These dishes are delicious, but it is best that you get to know these dishes first before you attempt to make one. Knowing these dishes will help you gain a better understanding on food preparation and its significance.

Mexican dishes are numerous. However, you do not need to learn everything with one go. Before you set your sights on the more complicated ones, try knowing the staple dishes and ingredients first.

Mexico will never be the same without tortillas. Tortillas are the staple food of all Mexicans including those coming from Lake Chapala. Tortillas can be prepared in two different ways. One is using flour. Mexicans from the north usually use flour to make tortillas while Mexicans from the south use maize instead of flour to make tortillas. Tortillas can be served during a meal like typical bread or it can be used to make other Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and quesadillas.

Mexicans are also fond of beans. In fact, most Mexican dishes have beans as one of the main ingredients or beans as garnishing.

It is hard to imagine a Mexican food prepared in Lake Chapala without the chilles. Yes, when preparing a dish in Mexico, you must not forget the chille. Chilles can turn a simple dish into a fiery one. However, the flavour of the chille will depend on the kind of chille used. Personally I’m a sucker for Arbol Chilles.

If you decide to settle in one of the many lakeside villages then prepare yourself for salsa. Salsa is a mixture of several ingredients. It is typically made from tomatoes, onion, chille, and coriander. The salsa can be used as a dip or a relish during a meal. Salsa plays a huge role in each meal and meal will not be complete without a salsa on the side.

These ingredients make up the core of what you will get to taste once you settle in Lake Chapala. Preparing these dishes on your own may be a challenge. However, if you intend to taste any of these dishes, you can always visit any of the many Mexican lakeside restaurants located around Lake Chapala. These Mexican dishes are to die for and you should not let this chance pass you by.

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Lake Chapala or Lago de Chapala is the largest freshwater lake found in Mexico. The lake is located 45km Southeast of Guadalajara, Jalisco. Lake Chapala sits between Jalisco and Michoacan. This lake measures 80km. from east to west and 18km. from north to south. Lake Chapala is the widest lakes found in this area.

There are three rivers the feed Lake Chapala these rivers are Rio Lerma, Rio Zula, and Rio Duero. One river, Rio Santiago, drains the lake northwest to the Pacific Ocean. Unlike other lakes where you get to see nothing but water, in Lake Chapala you will find two islands right in the heart of the lake.

However, Lake Chapala is more than just a lake because Lake Chapala has now become the number retirement destination for retirees. These retirees spend the rest of their life enjoying the view of the lake in one of the many Lake Chapala communities.

If you are wondering about the communities around Lake Chapala, here are some well-known villages that you can find around the lake.

Chapala
This is the first and largest village in the Lake Chapala area. Being the oldest village Chapala is the first village to be placed on a Spanish map during the 1500’s. Business establishments like banks, coffee shops, and restaurants litter the streets of Chapala. Retirees, locals, and tourists flock these establishments to catch up with each other and talk leisurely or talk about business.

Chula Vista
This is a more modern village than Chapala. Chula Vista is a five-minute drive west of Chapala. About 260 homes line the mountainsides of this village. The breathtaking 180 degree view of the lake and the mountains attract more and more people especially those who are planning to retire. Chula Vista boasts of a country club, tennis courts, clubhouse, and a nine-hole mini golf course.

San Antonio
San Antonio is situated south and west of Chula Vista and is mainly inhabited my North Americans. The walls of this village keep the private homes away from prying eyes. These homes do not boast of traditional decorations. Instead, these homes boast of gardens, modern decorations and up to date appliances.  Like Chapala, San Antonio is also home to several grocery stores, liquor stores, and a meat market. All these establishments make living in San Antonio much more appealing.

Ajijic
Ajijic is a pre-colonial village on the sunny northern shore of Lake Chapala in Western Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains. The name Ajijic has a delightful hiccuping sound and is distinguished by the fact that four of its six letters are dotted. Founded by the Nahuatl Indians in the early 1400’s under their chief, Xitomatl, Ajijic was colonized in 1652 by Fray Martin de la Coruña of Spain. Its San Andrés Church, as well as its little chapel, Virgen de Santiago, date to the 1500’s. San Andrés Church was rebuilt in 1749.

La Floresta
La Floresta in English means, “Where the flowers are”. Indeed true to its translation, this village have trees and flowers growing on each side of the road. Trees meet in the middle to form a leafy canopy thus creating a very romantic ambiance. Along with trees, medium and large sized homes also stand on each side of the road. La Floresta has an auditorium with a 445 seating capacity, which is the usual venue for plays, dances, and other musical performances. This village is already 40 years old and is continuing to charm more people.

More villages are being developed around Lake Chapala. These new villages will soon become the home of new retirees who are planning to spend the rest of their life enjoying the tranquillity of the lake.

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When planning for a vacation, or exploring for your retirement one of your priorities is to book for an accommodation. There are different types of accommodation that you can book. You can book a motel, a hotel, an inn or a bed and breakfast. However, if you are going on a vacation during a peak season you might want to make the reservations months ahead and save yourself the headache of having nowhere to stay.

Jocotepec is one of the many vacation destinations in Mexico. It is a small town in the municipality of Jalisco. Since Jocotepec is a small town, expect many tourists and potential expats to come flocking during the peak season. Therefore, an early booking or reservation might be a good idea.

Jocotepec may be a small town but this town offers excellent accommodations. Moreover, these accommodations are very affordable that you do not need worry about going overboard with your budget.

Los Dos Bed and Breakfast – this bed and breakfast is located right in the middle of Jocotepec, owned by international artists this b and b is one of a kind, the kind that will blow your mind away. Los Dos has a well-kept garden and a terrace where you get to eat breakfast. The suites have three levels and are decorated with artworks handmade by the owners.

Casa Del Chante – this is probably the best hotel that you can find in Jocotepec that only has ten suites. Communication is not a problem because the owner of this hotel speaks fluent English along with some of the staff. An on-site restaurant is available where you get to eat all your meals. The food is good and the prices are excellent. In addition to that, free coffee is also served in the lobby. To keep you in touch with the outside world, there is free internet access. Other services like a spa, massage and laundry are available.

Quinta San Carlos – this hotel was once a luxury home, which was converted in a luxurious bed and breakfast. This b and b has 12 rooms and is surrounded by tropical gardens. Quinta San Carlos stands right beside Lake Chapala which is the largest lake in Mexico. The tropical gardens will lead you to a terrace where you get to see Lake Chapala in a different view. Quinta San Carlos is perfect for tourists who intend to experience a different form of relaxation.

Make sure you book ahead you don’t want a full hotel or bed and breakfast.

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Ajijic is a small town located in the Municipality of Chapala, in the State of Jalisco Mexico. The average population of Ajijic is around 15,000 therefore you do need to worry about crowded streets and traffic in this area.

If you are in love with nature then the town of Ajijic is the perfect vacation destination for you. Situated in the north shore of Lake Chapala, Ajijic is surrounded not only by a tranquil lake but with mountain ranges as well. Moreover, the tropical climate in Ajijic makes this town perfect for day-to-day activities. The sun is always up in this town, but since Ajijic is located high above the ground the air tends to be cooler and humidity is bearable.

The rainy season in Ajijic starts from June until October. However, the rainfall does not take place until nighttime. Therefore, you do not have to worry about getting wet under the rain when going around town.

Nevertheless, before you pack your bags and hop on a plain, here are some travel tips that might come in handy during your trip to Ajijic.

1. Make sure to pack lots of casual clothing for your vacation in Ajijic. In Lake Chapala, the dress code goes by the name of casual clothing. There is no need to dress up formally unless the situation calls for it. However, if you intend to spend your vacation discovering the secrets of Ajijic you might want to pack shorts, casual pants, casual tops, and dresses. A hat and umbrella can also come in handy.
2. When visiting Ajijic do not rely heavily on your credit cards. Only a few establishments in Ajijic that accepts credit cards. Therefore, to avoid delays and problems when paying always bring a handful of cash with you. There is no need to pack a whole bag of cash though because Automated Teller Machines are widely available in Ajijic.
3. The best way to go around Ajijic and check out different tourist sites is by walking. Ajijic is a rather small town and the streets are narrow barely enough for a car to pass through. Therefore, before your trip make sure to pack a pair or two of walking shoes. If you find walking too strenuous, you can always hire a taxi to take you around Ajijic.
4. When making reservations for your accommodation in Ajijic do not forget to ask about potable drinking water. There some establishments in Ajijic that do not offer potable water and you may need to buy bottled water for drinking. If you do not want to experience this inconvenience then book a hotel or lodge that offers potable water.

Keep these tips in mind and enjoy your vacation in Ajijic.

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When you go on a vacation, you intend to enjoy it the best way you can. Vacation is your only escape from the hard reality of living in a modern world. Eight hours a day for seven days a week, you do nothing but work. You spend most of your adult life working. Eventually, you will need a break. Without breaks, stress will consume you and end up controlling your life. As much as possible you need to deal with stress occasionally in order to keep it in check.

A vacation is one of the best ways to take a break from work and deal with stress. If you are looking for a vacation destination then you might want to try checking out Ajijic. Ajijic is a small town near Lake Chapala. It may be a small town but Ajijic is full of surprises.

If you are wondering what you can do in Ajijic, here are some ideas:

If you want to go shopping for fresh vegetables and find great deals for clothing and jewellery then check out the Wednesday market in Ajijic. This open market is open every Wednesday to give you a different taste of Ajijic.

To ease your tense muscles and unwind you can take a 15-minute bus or taxi ride from Ajijic and immerse yourself in a secluded natural hot spring mineral bath. This is perfect especially if you are suffering from painful joints and strained muscles.

If you want to taste the best tequilas in town, you can always take a tequila tour around Ajijic. Ajijic is the home of several tequila distilleries; you can visit each distillery and taste their special tequila. When going on a tequila tour be careful not to get yourself drunk.

If you are an art fanatic, you can always visit the different art galleries located not only in Ajijic but in Guadalajara as well. Get inside these galleries and see for yourself the diversity of art.

Ajijic may be a small town but this tiny town will surely blow your mind away with all the activities that are in store for you. For a great vacation book a flight to Ajijic and enjoy nature at its best.

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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When you go to a certain place, you simply cannot expect everyone to agree with you. You may find the place beautiful and interesting, while others may find it dull and boring. You may find outdoor activities fun while others may find it strenuous and tiresome. However, there is no better way to discover a place than you go around either by foot or by car. You cannot expect to see the beauty of such secluded town by staying inside a building the whole time.

If you are thinking about retiring to some place where there are no buses and trains and no traffic to deal with, then try considering Lake Chapala. Lake Chapala is the largest lake in Mexico. The surrounding towns prove to be perfect retirement communities for individuals like you who are sick and tired of the city life.

Lake Chapala is an attractive and interesting place but the surprises do not end there because there are still neighboring areas around Lake Chapala that you can visit and discover.

Mazamitla is one of the many villages that bear the label of magical village or Pueblo Majico. This village is located high up in the mountains and surrounded by huge pine trees. A waterfall can also be found in this village. Village houses are usually white houses with tile roofs with wood framed windows. This village is a great example for a mountain village.

Tapalpa this is another Pueblo Majico or magical village. This magical village is a perfect destination for people that are interested in ecotourism. Like Mazamitla, Tapalpa also has a waterfall of its own. In fact, several waterfalls can be found in this village.

Guadalajara is the perfect place to go if you want to take a trip down memory lane. It is in Guadalajara where you can find historical buildings, museums, zoos, monuments, fountains, and other infrastructures that are reminiscent of the past that is long gone.

Other neighboring towns like the Tlaquepaque and Tonala also offer not only scenic views but arts and crafts as well.

If you intend to retire in Lake Chapala, you do not have to worry about keeping yourself busy because this retirement community is full of surprises. You will never regret retiring in Lake Chapala.

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