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.
