Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Beaches
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
Beaches
Gastronomy
Museums
Culture and Traditions
Destinations
Beaches
Adventure and Nature
Magical Towns
Information
MICE tourism
ART AT EVERY STEP
Beautiful Magical Town located on the shores of Lake Chapala.
The word Ajijic comes from the Nahuatl language, Axixic, which means "place where water springs forth." This beautiful cobblestone town with some colonial structures has become the destination of thousands of foreigners mainly for its climate and beautiful landscapes.
Its history dates back to pre-Hispanic times and it is a cultural icon of Mexican "charrería" and Golden Age cinema. Thanks to its beautiful colonial architecture, it is a popular destination for romantic tourism.
It is located on the shores of Lake Chapala, where a sense of harmony and relaxation permeates the air, just 40 minutes from the Guadalajara International Airport.
Enjoy its adobe houses with pitched tile roofs, country houses, and cobblestone streets. There are several shops selling typical crafts where you can buy beautiful souvenirs.
Between 1930 and 1940, Ajijic became one of the preferred places for painters, writers, and sculptors influenced by artists who drew inspiration from Chapala, such as Agustín Yáñez and David Alfaro Siqueiros, among others. All these intellectuals visited the picturesque town and gathered in an old tavern.
The artistic influence can still be felt, as Ajijic now has the highest number of galleries in Chapala, with a schedule of exhibitions and cultural events that covers every month of the year.
Ajijic has a cosmopolitan atmosphere where more than 18 different nationalities coexist, which is reflected in its diverse restaurants offering various cuisines, as well as its vibrant nightlife with fun bars and cantinas.
One of the most anticipated events is the balloon regatta, which has a tradition of over 50 years and takes place in September. People bring their balloons made of tissue paper.
It is located 55 km (an hour and a half) from Guadalajara.
Ajijic
What to See in Ajijic
Atractivos Turísticos de Ajijic
Murals and Sculptures
You can stroll through the town square and its streets filled with trees, offering colorful houses and artistic decorations.
As you walk along the main streets of the town, you will see a series of murals, sculptures, and nearly 20 galleries showcasing incredible works by local artists, earning it the nickname: "The Great Showcase of the Lakeshore."
There are murals adorning facades and walls painted by artists such as José Durán, Efrén González, López Vega, and Javier Zaragoza, to name a few. There are guided tours available that can take you to see these magnificent works while enjoying the magical atmosphere of Ajijic.
Templo de San Andrés Apóstol
This church took 269 years to be built and was completed in 1749. Its main celebration is on November 30th, the day of San Andrés Apóstol, which is celebrated with a festival where you can enjoy Mexican snacks, amusement rides, and fireworks.
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
The square is adorned with a beautiful fountain and surrounded by ancestral trees and buildings that were palaces of the local nobility, among which the Palace of Huitzimengari stands out. It belonged to Prince Antonio de "Huitzimngari," son of the last Purepecha ruler. Another beautiful square is Gertrudis Bocanegra, also known as Plaza Chica; in its northern part, the San Agustín temple is located, now a public library, and to the west, there is a market where crafts are sold.
Churches and Temples
Basilica of Our Lady of Health is the most important temple in Pátzcuaro. Other significant temples include the Hospitalito, one of the oldest temples in Pátzcuaro; the Temple and College of the Society of Jesus, a construction from the 16th century; the Chapel of Humilladero, with a polychrome monolithic quarry cross sculpted in 1553 at the request of Vasco de Quiroga; the El Sagrario Church and Santa María Hospital; the Ex Convent of San Agustín, built in 1576; the Ex Jesuit College Cultural Center, which still preserves decorative paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries; the Guadalupe Shrine, built in the early 19th century; and the Calvario, a chapel built in 1666.
Casa de los 11 Patios
Located in the former Convent of the Dominican Nuns of Santa Catarina, a building from 1742 where a wide variety of regional crafts are exhibited and sold.
Regional Museum of Popular Arts and Industries
One of the main attractions of Pátzcuaro, it is located in the College of San Nicolás Obispo, founded by Vasco de Quiroga in 1540. It has ten rooms that showcase the different regions of the state: Lacustrine, La Cañada, La Sierra, La Tierra Caliente, and the Bajío area.
This way, you can get to know the craftsmanship from all over the state, including textiles, various types of ceramics, beautiful copperwork, wax figures, lacquered works, and masks, to mention a few. Additionally, one of its rooms displays a pre-Hispanic pedestal dedicated to the god Curicaveri.
General Pier
This is where the boats depart for the different islands of Lake Pátzcuaro, including Janitzio.
What to Do in Ajijic
Select your Adventure in Guadalajara
UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES IN AJIJIC
Visit San Juan Cosalá
Explore the Chapala Lake
Explore Scorpion Island
Stroll along the pleasant boardwalk
The boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions, where you can take a walk while enjoying the beautiful scenery and savoring a delicious "Nieve de Garrafa" (handmade ice cream). Here, you can rent small boats or kayaks to take a ride on the lagoon and explore its mysterious islands.
Explore the cobblestone streets of Ajijic on horseback
Taking this ride will make you feel like you're stepping back in time and allows you to enjoy all the attractions of the place in a unique way.
Indulge in the Water Parks
There are several water parks in the surrounding area, some of which offer thermal waters and various recreational options.
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Puerto Vallarta
Tapalpa
Tequila
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