Comprehensive Ajijic Guide - Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico
Ajijic is located in the Mexican Highlands, about an hour south of Guadalajara, and so experiences some of the best, most comfortable weather on the panet,
with highs in the 70's and lows in the 50's. Lake Chapala also has the amenities that many retirees are looking for in a retirement community including a low cost of living, wide variety of dining experiences, entertainment and proximity to a major international airport.
Ajijic is a town that sits on the north shore of Mexico's largest freshwater lake, Lake Chapala. Ajijic is 5,000 feet above sea level and home to approximately 50,000 Americans and Canadians (a number that is growing quickly).
The area experiences a 4-month-long rainy season, where it will rain just about every day, but the value of these seasons is almost incalculable, as the rain comes in short bursts usually at night, and keeps the hills thick, green, and luscious, and the lake full and flowing. And, besides the rainy season, wet weather is extremely rare, with a yearly rainfall that is equivalent to that experienced by Dallas, Texas.
The culture of the area is also incredibly rich. You don’t have to be fluent in Spanish to get by, either. And, if you’re trying to learn Spanish, this is the perfect place to test and hone your skills. The local culture is designed to be immersive. There’s also a high population of American and Canadian retirees in the area, making it comfortable for anyone.
While there is no doubt that Ajijic offers a unique experience to its inhabitants, there are concrete reasons why so many people flock to this village every year.
1. The cost of living is cheap! While the cost of living is more expensive than other Mexican villages, it is still significantly less expensive than what you are used to in the United States or Canada. You can check out our in-depth article on the cost of living in Ajijic for more details.
2. The weather in Ajijic is like nothing you have experienced anywhere else on earth. National Geographic said that Ajijic offered the second-best climate on earth. We have not visited this place in Africa with the best weather, but it's hard to imagine a more fantastic climate year-round. You can visit our page on Weather in Ajijic for details.
3. The location is another reason some many North Americans end up