Location: Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Jalisco, Mexican Riviera, Mexico (Ajijic is approximately 25 miles SW of Guadalajara) View Map
Accommodations: Hacienda, 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths (Sleeps 4-6)
True Mexican Colonial design in a U-shape with courtyard and fountain. Boveda vaulted ceilings. Private gate. Huge areas for entertaining. Quiet cobblestone street. Cleaning service twice weekly.
1 mile from shops and entertainment. Thermal Hot Springs nearby. Excellent restaurants in a friendly community. Horseback riding, golf, tennis, shopping, dining, art galleries, Guadalajara, hiking and relaxation. A bird and botanical haven. Wonderful Wednesday open market. Picturesque views!
CHAPALA - A TOURIST CENTER
Besides the attractions of its climate, scenery and the ever-changing light on the lake, Chapala today has a wide range of tourist facilities including more sports facilities than any other lakeside town.
But you don't have to be an active or sports-minded person to enjoy Chapala. There are numerous restaurants, open-air cafes and ice-cream parlors in which to while away the siesta-time. A walk around the town should include the parish church, San Francisco, which while not particularly old, has a literary distinction, having been immortalized by D. H. Lawrence in the last pages of his novel, "The Plumed Serpent", written during Lawrence's brief stay in Chapala at number 307 on Zaragoza street. Across from the church, it is worth stepping inside the dining room of the Nido Hotel to look at a collection of old photographs of Chapala. These include some thought-provoking pictures of when the lake threatened to overwhelm the town, for several weeks people preferred canoes to bicycles!
The origins of tourism in Chapala go back to the mid nineteenth century when only a simple guest-house existed in the town. Later, Mexican national Railways began to offer daily trips by train to Ocotlan, with connecting lake steamer service to Chapala. In the early years of this century, President Porfirio Diaz stayed with friends in Chapala. With the presidential seal of approval, the popularity of Chapala grew. One very distinctive, European-style building became the home of Alberto Braniff, a member of the famous airline family. Today, his house is a restaurant, the Cazadores.
On the pier, boatmen, competing fiercely with each other, will try to convince you to visit Scorpion Island and its restaurants. A longer, but more interesting, boat trip is to Mezcala Island, and the remains of a fortress dating from Independence times. East of the pier, past the well-kept lakeshore gardens and a small children's park1 the Chapala Yacht club is an attractive building, often used for art exhibitions and cocktail parties.
A row of small fish restaurants is next to the Yacht club. At weekends, this area, like the lakefront Beergarden restaurant, near the pier, is a cacophony of mariachi sound. Just across from the Yacht Club is the Chapala handicrafts market, an excellent place to shop for inexpensive gifts - ranging from leather jackets, wooden furniture, and hand-embroidered dresses to decorated glassware, ceramics and trinkets.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Covered Parking
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Gas Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Private Hot Tub
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Lanai
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Computer
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseshoes
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$200/night .. $950/week .. $2900/month
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Luxury Lake Chapala Hacienda in Ajijic- Celebrate Mexico!
Year Purchased: 2006
Why the Owner Chose Ajijic
The Lakeside area has an ideal climate with only one not-so-wonderful month -- May (hot). The area is truly relaxing and scenically stunning. Many varieties of flowers grow here so there is always glorious plant color to enjoy. This area is also a natural bird sanctuary. The mile high lake and mountain location maintains a temperate climate which offers year-round comfort. Good restaurants (with live music and dancing) abound in the town of Ajijic, with every kind of cuisine available. The town has modern conveniences while maintaining quaint Mexican charm in the all-cobblestone town of Ajijic. The shopping opportunites -- local markets, Wed. morning "tianguis", Tlaquepaque in Guadalajara, bazaars, artisan craft fairs, nearby pueblos, shops in town, ad infinitum. Just about anything you need for your convenience is at your fingertips in this town. The October 2011 Pan-American Games will be held in October on Lake Chapala.
The Unique Benefits at this Hacienda
Rest your mind at this stunning, peaceful and serene hacienda. Get away from it all! The hacienda sits on the west side of the village where the nights are peaceful and you can enjoy the panorama of the night sky stars. Bring your books too and put your feet up. Unwind in the thermal hot spring baths just down the highway. Expert massage therapist manages the property. This is the place for romance!
Owner's Map of Ajijic
Margaret -- owner and interior designer of Hacienda de los Santos, speaks Spanish and loves cooking in the large kitchen and prep area. She's happy to organize retreats for women that combine cooking classes, shopping excursions, spa-going to the thermal hot springs and other fun activities. She loves to travel, and is willing and happy to consider a wide variety of exchange locales.
Property Photos
- Entry to Hacienda - Lake Chapala Mountain View Hacienda
- Courtyard with Fountain - Lake Chapala Mountain View Hacienda
- Beautifully Landscaped - Lake Chapala Mountain View Hacienda
- Colorful Family Room leading to Private Courtyard
- Stunning Colors and Artwork Throughout
- Formal Entry
- Courtyard Entry
- Open Walkway
- Full Courtyard View
- Palapa and Jacuzzi
- Palapa Bar
- Kitchen View
- Formal Living Room
- Formal Dining Room
- Second Bedroom Sleep Four
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #227441
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Date last modified - October 07, 2009
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