Things to do in Chapala

Our most recommended things to do in Chapala

Guadalajara: Lake Chapala and Ajijic Day Trip with Boat Trip

Guadalajara: Lake Chapala and Ajijic Day Trip with Boat Trip

Escape the hustle and bustle of Guadalajara and spend a day in its surroundings on a day tour. Visit a tequila factory, explore Lake Chapala by boat, and visit the magical town of Ajijic. Meet your guide at the meeting point in Guadalajara and set off to the municipality of Chapala. Make a quick stop at Vicente Fernandez's ranch and the famous Vicente Fernández store "Los Tres Potrillos". Visit a tequila distillery known as Casa Calera and take a tour within it. Learn in detail how tequila is made in an artisanal way, and take several tastings of tequila and liquors of the house. Head to the Rivera de Chapala and arrive at the Municipality of San Juan Cosalá. Visit Mariscos Del Carnal, known as the best seafood restaurant in the area with super affordable prices (food at own expense). Enjoy a courtesy drink before embarking on a boat ride inside the largest lake in Mexico. Ride on the lake on a catamaran complete with music. Enjoy a complimentary drink as you take in the scenery. Move to the magic town of Ajijic. Take some time to stroll through the center of the town at your leisure. Admire its beautiful cobbled streets, its colorful houses, and its extensive boardwalk. Finally, arrive at the town of Chapala. Walk on its iconic boardwalk, and encounter its two piers. Try some delicious charales or a carafe of snow (own expense), both of which are typical of the region.

Chapala and Ajijic Tour from Guadalajara with 3 Potrillos

Chapala and Ajijic Tour from Guadalajara with 3 Potrillos

We leave Guadalajara in the morning to start this full-day tour. This tour offers drinks along the way for our clients. The first stop is at Rancho los 3 potrillos, owned by Vicente Fernandez. Here we can see the famous Guitar-shaped pool. Next we will enter the most famous and largest denim store in Mexico. We will make a stop at a tequila factory where we will have tastings of different types of Tequila, here we can take some photos at the spots. We continue with the tour to see the magical town of Ajijic, here we will have free time to explore its colorful streets and take photos of the famous letters. We will make a stop at a seafood restaurant where after eating for free they will offer us a boat ride along the river where we will sail and enjoy the beautiful view. Finally we arrive at Chapala, where the most important lake in Mexico is located. We will enjoy the sunset while walking along the boardwalk and pier. In Chapala we will find a wide variety of stalls where we can make last-minute purchases.

From Guadalajara: Enchanting Lake Chapala & Ajijic Day Trip

From Guadalajara: Enchanting Lake Chapala & Ajijic Day Trip

Embark on an enchanting Journey to Lake Chapala and the Ajijic expatriate community. Start your adventure with a comfortable ride from Guadalajara to Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. Upon arrival, you'll join your local expert on a scenic tour across the Chapala historic district next to the tranquil waters. Take in the stunning views of surrounding mountains and the picturesque village. The tour includes a knowledgeable guide who will share fascinating insights about the lake’s history, ecosystem, and cultural significance. Next, you'll head to the charming town of Ajijic, renowned for its vibrant arts scene and colonial architecture. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, where colorful murals and artisan shops create a lively atmosphere. Visit the central plaza, a perfect spot to relax and soak in the local ambiance. Don’t miss the iconic Ajijic church, with its beautiful façade and rich history. You'll have the opportunity to explore local galleries and boutiques showcasing works by talented local artists. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Mexican restaurant, where you can savor regional specialties made with fresh, local ingredients. Explore the charming town of Ajijic, renowned for its vibrant arts scene and colonial architecture, and engage with local artisans and community members for an authentic cultural experience. The tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Guadalajara, offering one last chance to capture the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Chapala. This unforgettable experience is designed to immerse you in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this unique region, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

From Guadalajara to Chapala Lake: Funny and cultural tour

From Guadalajara to Chapala Lake: Funny and cultural tour

1.- Vicente Fernandez Ranch: After picking you up at your hotel or Airbnb, we will visit the Vicente Fernandez ranch where you can take photos with his now famous wax sculpture, his tomb, see the ranch and the largest cowboy store in Mexico. 2.- Artisanal tequila: Prepare your throat to taste more than four different types of tequila in an artisanal distillery, learn the prayers of tequila. 3.- Arrival in Chapala: You will have free time to visit the Chapala boardwalk, the pier, the lighthouse and capture incredible photos of the beautiful town. 4.- Food: (Not included) We will visit a restaurant with live music in Ajijic where you can enjoy seafood or meat with an incredible view of Lake Chapala. 6.- Typical sweets: On the way back to Guadalajara we will make a brief stop to taste typical sweets from the region. 7.- Return to your hotel or Airbnb.

Chapala: Vicente Fdez., Mexicanicos, Ajijic y Tlaquepaque

Chapala: Vicente Fdez., Mexicanicos, Ajijic y Tlaquepaque

Get ready for an unforgettable experience on our private tour to Chapala! We will begin our adventure with a visit to the iconic Ranch of the late singer Vicente Fernández. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about his legacy as you explore his ranch facilities and visit his grave. Immerse yourself in rural Mexican life while discovering the multiple species of animals that call this place home. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Los Tres Potrillos charrería items store, where you can find a variety of authentic and unique products. After an exciting first stop, we will head to the charming town of Ajijic, known for its craft shops and art galleries. Be captivated by the beauty of its cobbled streets and picturesque squares as you explore its shops and admire local artwork. Don't forget to capture memorable moments on its beautiful boardwalk, where you can enjoy impressive views of Lake Chapala and its surroundings. Continuing our tour, we will head to the historic town of Chapala, where culture and history intertwine at every corner. Discover the different monuments that adorn this charming town and let yourself be carried away by the serenity of its boardwalk while you walk accompanied by a refreshing typical local drink. Immerse yourself in the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of Chapala while soaking up its rich cultural heritage. Finally, we will arrive at the center of the municipality of San Pedro Tlaquepaque, where a unique gastronomic and cultural experience awaits you. Make a stop at "El Parian", the largest cantina in the world, with its 19 restaurants that offer a delicious variety of typical dishes from the region. Enjoy live music at the central kiosk while you soak up the lively and festive atmosphere that characterizes this place. With every step, every view, and every experience, you will immerse yourself in the richness and diversity of Mexican culture on this unforgettable private tour to Chapala. Come join us on this exciting adventure full of discoveries and memorable moments!

From Guadalajara: Chapala Lake & Ajijic Tour

From Guadalajara: Chapala Lake & Ajijic Tour

Make the most of your day with this tour, visit Chapala Lake and Ajijic in a single day, and take advantage of this trip to try some of the typical food. Begin your tour to Chapala, where you will be able to visit the "Tienda Charra", as well as visit the restaurant "Piedra Barrenada", where you will be able to try its exquisite food. You will initiate a boardwalk around this awesome lake, which is one of the biggest ones in the Mexican territory, admire the views, and let yourself be delighted by the nature of the place. Also, you will be able to observe countless species of birds, as thanks to its pleasant climate Chapala Lake represents a perfect place for bird migration. Continue your visit through the Floresta, a place where foreigners go to retire, fleeing the extreme climates of their cities. Before having lunch, you will stop in Ajijic, where you will be able to enjoy some free time to explore the are on your own, and once you have fully visited the town, you will board the truck and be transferred to Piedra Barrenada, where you can get some food at your own expense. Conclude at the meeting point indicated by the guide and undertake your return.

From Guadalajara: Chapala - Ajijic Tour

From Guadalajara: Chapala - Ajijic Tour

Discover the picturesque towns of Chapala and Ajijic on the shores of Mexico's largest lake. Savor their rich food, atmosphere, and beautiful landscapes. Visit the old train station, now an art gallery and workshop, and taste the local cuisine and famous traditional sweets of the region. Start your journey in Chapala at the picturesque French-style train station, a true architectural treasure that transports you to an era of elegance and nostalgia. Visit the old train station, now an art gallery and workshop, and taste the local cuisine and famous traditional sweets of the region. Stroll through Ajijic, a lively little town adorned with colorful murals that decorate its cobblestone streets filled with shops and galleries. Then, visit the lakeside of Mexico's largest natural lake. Additionally, have the opportunity to explore an emblematic site and purchase a variety of traditional Mexican items and souvenirs at 'El Charro de Huentitán’ store.

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What people are saying about Chapala

Overall rating

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
4.3 out of 5 stars
(18 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

took this tour because i was too lazy to get to central vieja bus station and take the public bus to chapala and ajijic for a few dollars. this tour gave a quick look at both towns. enjoyed the ride, but wished there was more time at the actual towns. had to rush ajijic just to get back on the bus to go to a restaurant in the middle of nowhere. better if people got their own lunch in town. guide carmen was great. bus sat in front of a famous mariachi singer's ranch for 20 minutes. could not figure out the point of that. anyways, glad i did the trip , carmen, was great.

5 out of 5 stars

Our guide, Samuel, was an excellent host. He took us to the locations listed in the itinerary and also gave us historical information on a lot of sites. He made our activity really fun and informative. He was very professional and pleasant to talk to.

5 out of 5 stars

The trip was great to visit VFG ranch, taste tequila, and visit the towns on Lake Chapala. Javier was wonderful!

5 out of 5 stars

A great trip out of Guadalajara city with a friendly and helpful guide/driver. Thank you Norberto

5 out of 5 stars

Bad because I couldn't do it, the provider didn't pick me up and I couldn't do the activity