Find Vacation Rentals in Lake Chapala

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Chapala Information

Located in the Mexican state of Jalisco along the north shore of Lake Chapala, Chapala is a town in central Mexico that is now a popular vacation destination. Every year, Chapala is the site of one of the most exciting Carnival celebrations in Mexico, which is held on the weekend before Mardi Gras. In addition to a scenic pier, lakefront promenade, hotels and multiple restaurants, Chapala offers fun and relaxing activities for visitors to enjoy year round.

Engage in outdoor sports and activities at La Cristiana, Chapala’s municipal park which has six tennis courts, a large public swimming pool, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a playground for children. The Chapala Yacht Club is located just across the street from park to the east of the pier. Many people like to hang out at the lake, which is 48 miles long and 22 miles wide. There is a pier that visitors enjoy walking out on and sitting in the nearby garden area that has wrought iron benches to sit on, local vendors selling snacks, and festively colored fishing boats that are a mainstay here. There is also a skateboarding area where kids and teens can hang out and skate around. The sidewalks in town are beautiful, decorated with lush tropical plants and have various benches and lights lining them on either side for those who want to take a break from walking. The Beer Garden is a popular local spot that offers music and lakeside views and is a great place to catch the sunset. Chapala Plaza is the popular gathering spot in town, and often features live music, dancing and fresh food and bread that can be purchased from various vendors. If you happen to be visiting on September 16, you’ll be here in time to catch the Mexican Independence Day celebrations, which take place in the plaza. Be sure to check out Chapala Cathedral, a gorgeous stately building that is packed on Sundays, along with the old Nido Hotel, which is a popular landmark.

There are many great places in Mexico nearby that make for good day trips. The city of Guadalajara is 52 minutes north of Chapala and is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many historical and cultural landmarks including the Teatro Degollado. The coastal town of Manzanillo in the Mexican state of Colima is approximately four hours southwest of Chapala and is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing and dive sites. Puerto Vallarta is slightly further at five and a half hours north west, but it is also accessible by plane, which cuts the trip down to three hours. Puerto Vallarta is a resort town with an exciting nightlife, beachside restaurants and bars, and watersports.

The downtown section (Centro Chapala) is a great and convenient area for visitors who want to be within walking distance of just about all of the major attractions. Another great area to rent a home is Las Redes, which offers peace and quiet within close proximity to the Cultural Center and the neighborhood’s main avenue. Nuevo Chapala is a gated community located to the northwest and features modern homes along cobblestone streets, as well as a pool and clubhouse for all tenants. Vista del Lago is ten minutes east of town and is where the Chapala Country Club is located, which includes access to a nine-hole golf course that overlooks the lake surrounded by beautiful private homes.

The Chapala area is great for walking, which make it very convenient to get around. Rental cars are another options for getting around, and taxis are readily available throughout town. If you’re interested in biking, there is a bike path that runs all the way from Chapala to Jocotopec. There is also a system of local buses in the event that you get tired of walking. The buses run often, coming around every 15 minutes with stops throughout the towns. Bus fares in the Lake Chapala area typically cost around 12 pesos, and there are buses that go to Guadalajara, leaving from Chapala every few hours. There are also long distance buses that go to places like Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.