Ajijic

Ajijic is on the lake Chapala in the state of Jalisco. Ajijic is a town of 11,400 people (2020) and is a popular tourist destination.

Understand
Ajijic is a place at risk of being taken over by expatriates like San Miguel de Allende, with prices of commodities and housing becoming exorbitant and a bit of an issue with gringo monoculture going on (e.g. not wanting to associate with locals, demanding things be like they are in the US, etc.) While it can feel a bit comforting to be around those of the same background, there are these detractors. Additionally, Lake Chapala suffers after-effects of longstanding industrial dumping which has resulted in elevated levels of pollution and mercury, although it seems to have abated somewhat in the late 2010s due to rising water levels. Even though the lake scenery is very beautiful, you can see evidence of eutrophication, lack of dissolved oxygen, with the abundance of water hyacinth on the lake surface, and swimming and eating fish from the lake may be worth reconsidering.

Get in
Closest airport is Guadalajara. Ajijic is a 30-minute drive south of the airport. If you speak only English, be sure to select a hotel where English is spoken!

Get around
There is bus service along the carraterra (main road that runs thru Ajijic). The cost is M$7 per person within Ajijic, M$9 if traveling to Chapala to the east or Jocotepec to the west. There were several covered bus stops, but most had no seating. When you want to get off, you simply push the red button & exit at the rear doors. Be prepared for heavy traffic on Route 23 because it is the only major thruway in Ajijic, and knobbly cobblestones on most of the side streets (bad for those in wheelchairs).

Within Ajijic, there are buses that run on the narrow cobblestone roads that cost only M$7 per person. You stand on the corner and when the bus comes your way, you hold up your arm to signal that you need to ride.

Eat
While the restaurants don't have expansive glamor, the food quality and service are exceptional most of the time; the prices are amazingly low. Some have specials (such as Brewhouse 1/2-price fish/chips on Tuesday eve; or live music at Domenech on Monday) that enhance the offerings. The proprietors are very friendly and will sit and visit with you.

Sleep
Most places do not have A/C. While the temps are mild, sometimes, the lack of airflow is stifling at night. And with windows and doors open, come the exterior noises of parties, dogs, and cats. In spite of this, nighttime is typically quiet. The occasional nighttime storm is good reason to close the doors and then; however, this will cause the room to get warm inside. Rooms do not have ceiling fans&mdash;only noisy floor-stand fans with short cords. Be prepared to get gouged price-wise somewhat due to where you are.