Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico

Founded in 1531, its name comes from the Nahuatl Axixic which means “where the water spills” or “where the water flows”, it is one of the oldest villages in Mexico. Long before the Spanish conquest, a small Nahuatl community occupied this area, on the shores of Lake Chapala, and they named this place -according to their mythology- one of the four cardinal points, in reference to the climate and powerful energy of the region.

Characteristics

Ajijic is a small town located on the shore of Lake Chapala, an excellent place to enjoy a vacation in total relaxation and rest. For something almost 20,000 foreigners have made this town of Jalisco their favorite place to live or vacation, the phenomenon of migration in the Rivera de Chapala and mainly in the town of Ajijic, is curious and does not happen in another part of Mexico, since that thousands of foreigners from all over the world, but mainly from North America, arrive in Ajijic fleeing the extreme climates in the US and Canada, since the Rivera de Chapala has a wonderful climate.   

Ajijic is a place to rest and relax. The town itself is an attraction, most of its houses are made of adobe and tile, there are also many country houses. Its cobbled streets are full of trees, the main square is very colorful and it is a pleasant oasis of shade. It also has a beach on Lake Chapala and a pier where you can rent a boat and navigate the Lake, or simply take a walk on the boardwalk, sit on a bench and enjoy the beautiful scenery that this place gives us.

Ajijic has been in the Pueblos Mágicos program since 2020.

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Location

Currently, access from any point in the country is easy and fast by land or air, since Chapala and its lake are only 30 minutes from the International Airport and 45 minutes from the City of Guadalajara. Similarly, the Guadalajara-Chapala highway connects with the roads to Mexico City and the rest of the country, to the coast of Vallarta and the south of Jalisco, as well as Michoacán and the south of Mexico by the Pacific.

MEANING

“In pre-conquest times, Ajijic (Ah-ee-heec) was spelled Axixique or Axixic (pronounced “Ah-she-sheek.”) The final “c” was pronounced by Spanish rules, but whenever anyone pronounces it, people in these parts know he is a stranger. Ajijic means “The Place Where the Water Springs Forth” in Nahuatl.” (June Nay Summers, VILLAGES IN THE SUN, pag.37)

Ajijic Weather

A combination of tropical location, high altitude and a large body of water produce a climate in Ajijic that is second to none in the world.  Other prime retirement locations cannot come close to matching the climate in Ajijic.  High humidity, searing summer heat, hurricane and tornado threats and miserable winters are all foreign to Ajijic.  Temperatures are consistent year round.  The sun shines all day almost every day.  Consistently low humidity adds to the comfort level.  The wind is very gentle or non-existent.  Sunrises and sunsets vary only about an hour from winter to summer. 

Rainfall occurs primarily during the summer months – June through September – and mainly during the night.  An occasional cloudy day may produce a quick shower, but most of the precipitation occurs during the night, and will usually be a short downpour. Rainstorms are often accompanied by thunder and lightening and strong winds.  The average annual rainfall is 921 mm or 36 inches per year. 

The reasonable temperatures during the summer months are a result of the high altitude and the rainy season.  It is surprising how much the onset of the rains reduces the daytime temperatures.  The hottest part of the year is May, before the rains start, and the dry season has been in effect for 7 or 8 months.  The coolest part of the year is the period between mid-December and mid-January when the sun is at its lowest.  Some evenings during the Christmas season may call for a space heater or firepit, and the mornings may suggest a light jacket.

Activities to Enjoy in Ajijic

1- SHOPPING IN THE AJIJIC TIANGUIS

Wednesday mornings are the “tianguis” day in Ajijic, where the vibrant colors and the aromas can be perceived all around. There is a great variety of products, art, fruits and vegetables that are truly fresh, fish and seafood. As well as candies of all colors and flavors, a great variety of jewelry, shoes, clothes and crafts. A walk through the “tianguis” is a way to enjoy the culture, gastronomy, art and traditions of this beautiful town of Ajijic.

2. WALKS THROUGH THE AJIJIC “MALECON” (Pier)

Ajijic has a charming malecón. Families get together and just enjoy a nice day out, listening to musical groups, mariachis, and maybe a good singer with his guitar. The malecón is filled with color, natural beauty and a great variety of good things to eat. 

3. HORSEBACK RIDES

In Ajijic, in “La Floresta” community, by the main street, there is a special site to go horseback riding as well as a spot where you can rent horses and stroll through the town of Ajijic or along the lake’s shore. You can also get a guide who will take you to many different points of interest. Riding on the lakeside beach is very rewarding, you can actually concentrate in sightseeing and see among other things birds that you have not seen ever before.

4. TOUR THE ART GALLERIES AND COLORFUL MURALS

Ajijic is known for being an artistic town, and you can see this through the many murals that adorn the house walls, some government buildings, store facades and galleries, sometimes even also including the plant pots and light posts. This makes Ajijic very magical, colorful and unique! The ideal site for artists!

You can also take just about any kind of art classes in the many distinct galleries of this town.

5. GET TO KNOW “THE LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY”

This estate right in the center of town, was donated by Neill James, also known as the God-Mother of Ajijic. The LCS is a non-profit organization and is lakesides biggest with over 2,000 members. The LCS offers more than 40 services to its members, such as Spanish classes, movie nights, tours to go shopping in Guadalajara, some medical and immigration services, etc. It also has the biggest English library in all of México. Visit their page for more information: https://lakechapalasociety.com

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Ajijic’s Cost of Living

Other than excellent climate, the reason many North Americans have for moving to Mexico is the cost of living. Most prices are lower compared to those “back home”. It is hard to understand why so many people on small pensions or Social Security will struggle with miserable climates, high utility and medical bills, and other services, when they could live better in Mexico.

Cost of Living with driving and eating out/entertainment (2-3 times/week) about $25k/yr. Some live here OK on SS at $15k/year. Rentals for $350-1100/month, normal range is 500-800 that includes electric, water and trash. Personal services are 1/4th cost of in US (maid, car driver, personal care – $2-4/hour) Auto mechanic a 3 min walk at 1/3-1/4 the USA cost. Haircut – $3.50, Car wash – $2. Need no heat or AC, you can walk to most anything, a drive of more than 10 miles seems totally unnecessary.

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Why Ajijic, Mexico?

  • CLIMATE

A mile above sea level, with clean, clear air/breezes from all directions each day. Temperatures in the 70s every day of the year, low humidity. National Geographic rates this village as having the #2 best climate in the world. Rains only in summer and mostly only at night. Never worry about getting wet!

  • SERVICES

Cost of Living with driving and eating out/entertainment (2-3 times/week) about $25k/yr. Some live here OK on SS at $15k/year. Rentals for $350-1100/month, normal range is 500-800 that includes electric, water and trash. Personal services are 1/4th cost of in US (maid, car driver, personal care – $2-4/hour) Auto mechanic a 3 min walk at 1/3-1/4 the USA cost. Haircut – $3.50, Car wash – $2. Need no heat or AC, you can walk to most anything, a drive of more than 10 miles seems totally unnecessary.

  • VIEW

A 400-years old village with cobble stone streets, church bells ring every 15 minutes, mountains 1/4th mile to north, Mexico’s largest (50-mile-long) lake 1/3rd mile downhill to the south, 2nd floor, large windows on three sides that all look out on to colorful scenes with ever blooming flowers

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