Chapala This area along the shoreline of México's largest lake is where the many Mexican businessmen and upper class families have weekend and summer homes. The entire lakeside area has also become a haven for retirees from around the world. Foreigners, from all over the world, drawn here by the constantly pleasant climate and moderate cost of living have established retirement communities along the northern shore of the lake. The town of Chapala is a pleasant 45 minute drive from the center of Guadalajara and the change of pace is easily recognizable and readily felt. It is a different world, a small town atmosphere, which will instantly cast a spell on almost anyone who is willing to make the short trip. A few older hotels, along with more and more Bed and Breakfast inns are available to those who wish to spend the night or a few days. There are no big hotels or high rise office buildings to break the tranquil feeling that you may have just stepped back in time. Lake Chapala is a favorite weekend getaway for the people from Guadalajara. They come to Chapala to relax and dine in the many restaurants that specialize in fresh fish dishes and snacks. An array of locally produced sweets and deserts offer yet another excuse to spend an entire afternoon here. There are also many small shops and stands that specialize in hand made crafts, many of which are made locally. Lake Chapala is located thirty miles southeast of Guadalajara. Climate The single major attraction of the Lake Chapala area is undoubtedly its semitropical climate, rated among the finest in the world. The ameliorating effects of the lake, situated at an altitude of 1,525 meters (5,000 feet), help ensure that temperatures remain pleasantly warm all year 'round, with an annual average temperature of 19.9ºC (67.8ºF). This figure masks seasonal changes, ranging from average lows of 12ºC (53.6ºF) in December-January-February to average highs of 29ºC (84.2ºF) in May-June, immediately before the onset of the rainy season. Rainy Season
The rainy season, usually stretching from early June through late September, heralds slightly cooler daytime temperatures. Within days, the hillsides turn green with the new growth of luxuriant vegetation. Average annual rainfall (snow is virtually unknown at Lakeside) totals about 875 mm or 34.4 inches. Source: Tony Burton
www.chapalaguide.com
www.allaboutguadalajara.com This website provides Relocation-to-Mexico information, Real Estate listings in and around the Ajijic and
Lake Chapala areas of Mexico, tips for Canadian and American and other Expats retirees, as well as links to
Professionals that Lynda MacMahon works with and whose services she highly recommends. Lynda MacMahon
is a successful and award winning RealEstate Professional with a proven track record. You will also find
testimonials from her clients,articles on retiring in Mexico, maps of Mexico's Lake Chapala area, currency
converters and other information. Featured is an enjoyable video of the Ajijic area. | 
