Lake Chapala is about 75 Kilometers (50 miles) long from east to west with a maximum north-south width of about 20 kilometers. It is the largest natural lake in Mexico and the third largest in Latin America, after Lake Titicaca in the Andes and Lake Nicaragua in Central America. Despite its size, Lake Chapala is quite shallow, with an average depth of only slightly over 4 meters (13 feet) and a maximum depth of less than 30 meters (97.5 feet). To your right and below are views of a most beautiful Lake Chapala.

The village of Ajijic (Ah-hee-heek) is famous for its international community of artists and writers. It is one of the many picturesque villages that overlooks Lake Chapala. Around 20,000 North Americans reside in the Lake Chapala area and every year the number steadily increases. October- April is considered "high season" for foreigners (a.k.a. Snowbirds) who migrate to this area. This area is a "gringo" retirement paradise and sports the one of largest group of American and Canadian retirements locations in Mexico. No doubt the weather, scenery, cost of living and mexican culture are what draws folks from all over the world to visit or retire in this land of paradise.

All These pictures, are copyright authorship by local photo website: Ajijic Online briefly depict the beauty of the Northshore. Below is a shot of the twin towered Cathedral in downtown Guadalajara.

Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico, is only a short 45 minute drive from the Lake Chapala/Ajijic area. It's airport, Miguel Hidalgo International, is located on the Chapala-Guadalajara highway and is a 25 minute drive from the Northshore area. The proximity of the airport to Chapala-Ajijic is one of the area's most important assets. Guadalajara is a beautiful and unique city filled with churches, monuments and other treasures that mark its Indian, Spanish, Mexican and French heritage. It has many places to stay, including 5-Star hotels, or something to fit anyone's budget. There are also restaurants that are "out of this world"! Come and Enjoy!

Lake Chapala, Ajijic, and Guadalajara...the information found here comes from "Mexico's Lake Chapala and Ajijic: The Insider's Guide to the Northshore for International Travelers" by Teresa A. Kendrick.