Exploring Lake Chapala Mexico From Guadalajara
Lake Chapala, Mexico, is a peaceful and scenic getaway from the bustle of Guadalajara.
Filled with charming towns, lakeside views, and delicious local treats, it’s a great option for travelers of all ages.
I visited with my parents while working in Guadalajara, and we had a fantastic time.
Since I don’t enjoy driving in Latin America, I hired a driver/guide through the same company that provided my daily transportation to and from work.
This gave me peace of mind—I knew the driver, felt safe, and could relax during the day trip.
If, like me, you prefer not to drive, you have a few options.
You can arrange private transportation with a local company, or you can book one of the many organized tours.
Both of these methods can be booked by well-known platforms like Viator, TripAdvisor, or GetYourGuide.
Many of the organized tours take you to Ajijic and Lake Chapala.
But our driver suggested a slightly different route, starting in Jocotepec before heading to Chapala.
Jocotepec: A Small, Charming Lakeside Town
Town Center
From Guadalajara, we drove toward Lake Chapala but turned north to reach the town of Jocotepec.
Jocotepec is a traditional Mexican town with a large central plaza on the western shores of Lake Chapala in Mexico.
Upon arrival, our first stop was a beautiful 16th-century parish just off the plaza.
This church is known for a statue of Christ carved from guaje wood (river tamarind), called El Señor del Monte.
The statue is the focus of a local festival held in early January.
A second statue, El Señor del Guaje, also carved from the same tree, is honored with its own celebration later in the year.
Nearby, outside another parish, you’ll find striking murals painted by a local artist.
These colorful pieces highlight the area’s history and are a must-see if you enjoy Mexican mural art.
We found the plaza in Jocotepec to be quite large.
Like in many small towns, the plaza is the heart of local life, and it was very busy.
The area is filled with shops, traditional eateries, street vendors selling sweets, and of course, ice cream!
We grabbed some refreshing fruit-flavored cones and sat under the trees, people-watching and reminiscing.
The Promenade
After we visited the town center, we headed to the Jocotepec malecón.
This lovely lakeside promenade is worth a visit to enjoy the views of Lake Chapala in Mexico.
The promenade has wide paved walkways, shaded benches, and green areas perfect for playing or picnicking.
If you forget to bring your own food, there are plenty of food and souvenir stands.
In fact, one of my favorite local snacks from Guadalajara is palanquetas, a delicious peanut brittle made from caramelized sugar.
At one of the kiosks, we found homemade palanquetas and enjoyed them on a bench overlooking the lake—pure bliss.
Chapala: A Lively Lakeside Destination
After a relaxing time in Jocotepec, we continued on to Chapala, a larger lakeside town that’s used to welcoming visitors.
One of the town’s main attractions is the pier, where you can take a boat ride around the lake.
Lake Chapala is the largest lake in Mexico, and a boat ride is a fun way to enjoy its vast beauty.
As an alternative, you can visit Isla de los Alacranes (Scorpion Island), a small island in the center of the lake.
There isn’t much to do on the island, but there are several restaurants where you can have a meal while enjoying the view of the lake.
Before lunch, we stopped by the San Francisco stone church, a peaceful and picturesque spot in the town center.
By the time we left the church, we were ready for lunch.
There are many restaurants along the waterfront and in the nearby streets.
We chose to eat at La Palapa del Guayabo. The food was excellent, and the service was friendly, but it is touristy.
Most restaurants in the area specialize in seafood, but you’ll also find other options if seafood isn’t your thing.
After our delicious meal, we decided to walk it off along Chapala’s malecón.
This wide promenade runs alongside the lake and is a popular gathering spot for families, especially on weekends.
Kids fly kites, people stroll and relax, and kiosks line the path selling souvenirs like artwork, leather goods, ceramics, and beautifully embroidered clothing.
A fun thing to do along the promenade is to take photos at some photo points that the locals have prepared.
They make a great, inexpensive memory of your visit to Lake Chapala, Mexico.
Cultural Highlights in Chapala
Beyond the scenic boardwalk and boat rides, Chapala offers several cultural attractions:
Cycling Along the Lake: For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a well-maintained bike path stretching from Chapala to San Juan Cosalá. The route offers beautiful lake views and passes through a charming lakeside.
Centro Cultural González Gallo: Housed in a restored 1920s train station, this cultural center features art exhibitions, a museum, and a sculpture garden. It’s a great place to explore local history and art.
Feria Maestros del Arte: Held annually in November, this three-day fair showcases traditional Mexican handcrafts and folk art from artisans across the country. It’s an excellent opportunity to purchase unique crafts and learn about Mexico’s rich artistic traditions.
Visiting Lake Chapala, Mexico
Whether you’re looking to escape the city for a peaceful day by the water or dive into the charm of small-town Mexico, a visit to Lake Chapala, Mexico, is the perfect getaway.
From the vibrant murals and relaxed atmosphere of Jocotepec to the scenic lakeside strolls and cultural gems in Chapala, this day trip offers a little something for everyone.
You can find more information about visiting Lake Chapala, Mexico, at the Visit Mexico site.
Have you been to Lake Chapala or are you planning a visit soon?
We’d love to hear about your experience!
Feel free to leave a comment below and share your favorite spots, tips, or questions about exploring this beautiful lakeside region.
