Lakeside Activities

Welcome to the shores of Lake Chapala, Mexico --  land of sunshine and mild temperatures -- commonly referred to as the "Land of Eternal Spring". Thousands of retirees from the United States, Canada and many other parts of the world live here either full- or part-time. Many from "north of the border" escape the winter doldrums OR the extreme southern heat at various times of the year.

Residents say that the influx has increased considerably over the past few years. The last time an official census was taken (2004) the number quoted was between 10,000-15,000 foreigners (full and part-time). With millions of baby-boomers approaching retirement, that trend is bound to continue.

More people are choosing to live here year round as they discover the summer months to be  even more delightful than the cooler, drier winter months.

Demographics have changed considerably over the past 10 years. There are more younger people moving into the area. Tired of the fast pace of life, people are opting out and moving to the tranquility of life in our small Mexican villages. Young families are moving into the community. Raising their children in a less complicated society. There are several excellent bi-lingual schools in the area: Kinder Bosco (primary school); Roosevelt (primary through secondary); Ignatius Loyola Institute (primary through secondary); Instituto Terranova (primary through secondary); Instituto Tecnologico Superior de Chapala (Technical College).

Although the official language is Spanish -- we are after all in Mexico! -- English is spoken by many locals in shops and restaurants throughout the area.

Grocery stores stock products that you may be familiar with 'back home'.  Why not try some of the Mexican-produced equivalents? You will find the prices more affordable and the quality is just as good. Or visit the local tianguis (farmer's market) which is held in various communities throughout the week: Monday- Chapala, Wednesday - Ajijic; Thursday - Jocotopec. You will be amazed at the quality of the fresh fruits and vegetables and prices are unbelievably affordable. $10 pesos (about $1USD) for 2 pounds (1 kilo) of tomatoes -- TOMATOES that taste like tomatoes at the height of the season up north!

Not only will you find a good selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, but also a variety of other merchandise -- clothing, jewelry, local crafts, watch batteries, small appliance repairs.

One of our reasons for being here are the people. The leisure time  affords us the chance to develop friendships. It seems that north of the border we are often caught on a treadmill where there is rarely enough time to nurture friendships, to form new bonds. Together, Lloyd and I have discovered the joys of relaxing and talking to people from so many parts of the world and walks of life. All with different stories and reasons for being here.

Things to Do

The large number of active charitable, civic and social groups makes it easy to meet people and become a part of Ajijic's community. You will find it extremely easy to make new  friends here in the Lakeside community.  As you stroll down the cobble-stoned streets, people wave and greet you. You may find yourself sitting in a restaurant when all of a sudden someone stops by your table to strike up a conversation, asking: "Where are you from? How long have you been here? What is your story?"

Active social groups in the area include Duplicate and Progressive Bridge clubs, The Humane Society, several garden clubs, Culinary Arts Society, The American Legion The Writers' Group, Needlepushers, Rotary Club, Chapala Country Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Genealogy Club, Computer Club, Chess Club, Lakeside Little Theatte, and two yacht clubs.

Classes in art, handicrafts, computers, and Spanish (more conversational and structured) are available. Golf, tennis, walking, jogging,  volleyball , softball,  horseback riding, Tai Chi, and various exercise groups are available for sports enthusiasts. Lake boat tours --  ride your Skidoos on the lake, fish. Visit the hot springs in San Juan Cosalá (20 minutes away by car). Enjoy Mariachi Festivals, Carnival, a variety of clubs for all kinds of enthusiasts such as Hamm Operator, Computer, book, gardening, gourmet cooking, art classes, keep fit at -----  ,  Spanish Classes, Bridge Club  all levels now located next to Mom's Deli,  Tobolandia -  AND LOTS MORE -

Keep fit at:

Lake Chapala Society

On top of the list of active organizations is the 3,000-plus member Lake Chapala Society (LCS) with its well-stocked library of English books, periodicals, and videos. The library has 20,000 volumes including reference books. There is a magazine collection and a reading room. Talking books are also available from the library in both fiction and nonfiction.

Services Offered by LCS

Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Staffed by volunteers. Phone: 376 766 1140.

Membership is on an annual basis and is open to all.

Open yourself up to your new community... embrace this wonderful, warm, inviting country and its endearing people. If you show a willingness to embrace the Mexican culture, attempt to speak Spanish (no matter how poorly) you will be greeted with large smiles, gentle voices politely telling you the correct way to say a word, a phrase, an expression. Done with kindness and sincerity in an attempt to make you feel welcomed and at ease.

Ajijic -- a shopper's paradise! As you walk down Avenida Colon  (which becomes Morelos), you will discover a variety of stores and boutiques selling everything from designer clothing to jewelry to traditional arts and crafts. 

The stores offer a selection of handicrafts, household items, fashions and gifts from all over Mexico.

A large part of Ajijic's economy is based on the tourism industry. As a result, there are many hotels and B&Bs to choose from to meet any budget. You will be amazed at the  wide variety  of  cuisines that is offered -- Italian, TexMex, Thai, Argentinean, Peruvian -- Mexican!

The grandeur of the lake and the mountains surrounding Ajijic are a source of joy and inspiration. There are several paths the follow the stations of the cross up to the little chapel that overlooks the village. As you climb higher you will encounter ancient burial grounds where religious ceremonies are held at various times throughout the year. During the rainy season there are a series of waterfalls that cascade down the mountainside, along the streets of Ajijic and flow into the lake.

There is a saying that "connection to nature is a spiritual blessing" and if you ask people why they choose to live here they will likely respond that is because of the people, the climate and our beautiful surroundings.

We are blessed to live in a very artistic community where art, music, dance and theatre are a part of our daily lives. There is something magical about the area that inspires our local artists to produce such a plethora of artistic works in a variety of different mediums. Many people find another side to themselves when they settle into this community. There is a common thread amongst many who choose to settle here - an adventurous spirit and a willingness to explore new horizons.

For more suggestions on how to fill your days, read the delightful article "What Do I Do All Day" by local writer, Blue.

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