Lake Chapala View

Over the past 2 weeks and for another week yet to come, I have been traveling around Mexico gathering information to share with our readers in the coming editions of Mexi-Go! Magazine. I’ve put on a brave face and I’ve slogged through some pretty amazing towns, hotels and beaches all to bring you the best of Mexico. No need to thank me.

Starting in Lake Chapala, where I enjoyed the best year-round weather* on Earth while taking in the Revolution celebrations and subsequent daily fiestas. Apparently whole bus loads of the more seasoned residents head straight out of town – straight to the beach -  in an effort to escape the noise but, as a first timer I found the endless fireworks, Banda music and parades beyond charming!

Beep Beep!

I checked out the 10th Annual Feria Maestros del Arte but I was late to the party and much of the art had been picked through. Not to say there wasn’t some spectacular art to see but luckily for my pocket book I was mostly priced out! With folk artists from around Mexico the

Feria is a non-profit event that supports the indigenous and folk art of Mexico. It’s a fantastic event and one you should add to your calendar.

HOT TIP: Show up early friday morning to find the best pieces.

In Chapala, I toured a beautifully restored 100 year old mansion located on the lake overlooking the Malecon.

Villa San Francisco in Chapala - The Hollywood Musicals room

Villa San Francisco only opened 4 months ago but already they are making an impression. I met one character from Texas who comes to stay nearly every other week! With a unique music theme, different in each room, the hotel has a casual but elegant feel and the proprietor Tony, originally from Toronto, is an amusing and interesting conversationalist. I recommend a coffee on the

veranda with Tony while enjoying the view to the lake.

BONUS: Villa San Fransisco is the newest member of the Mexico Boutique Hotels and you know they have good taste!

After a few short days I flew from Guadalajara to Merida on Interjet – great flight made better by the snow capped view of Popocatepetl from high above. Mexico astounds me nearly every day by how much beauty, culture and diversity it has. Something for everyone. Now go explore.

Snow in Mexico - Eeek!

*often ranked 1,2 or 3 in best climate in the world by various magazines including National Geographic and International Living

NEXT TIME: Merida Haciendas

Pyramids along the free road

Are you driving to Guadalajara?  Planning your trip?  I’ve done the drive 3 times in the past month and each time I fall more in love with the landscape. It is a spectacular array of nature from jungle to fertile valleys to desert highlands all set against the red cliffs of the Sierra Madres.

This past weekend I drove to Ajijic, Jalisco on the shores of Lake Chapala, taking Hwy 15 all the way. But there are two highway 15′s. The Cuota or toll-road (about $350 pesos to Guadalajara) with wide lanes, fresh asphalt and free emergency services but you drive it at 100km (or 140km if you’re like me)  and everything goes by in a flash. You miss the jungle and the  low valleys, you miss the wild flowers and pine trees, the cactus trees and all the little towns along the way. Or you can take the Libre road where you go a little slower behind the pick-ups with kids, chickens and the occasional donkey jammed in the back but you also pass through villages and working fields. Great photo ops around every corner. Assuming you packed a memory card for your camera…

Feeling adventurous and enjoying the drive I took the Libre and now think we should all take the free road. Despite being told that things are never free in life, this road choose to give me more than I paid for it that day. I drove through fields with sugar cane and corn 10 feet tall, through small towns selling their wares along the highway, with charm and authenticity you get a taste of every day life in rural Mexico.

After passing through another small town I came upon a sign for pyramids (YEAH PYRAMIDS!!) in 1km. So excited because I have been thwarted by many a pyramid sighting before. I was finally going to see my first ever pyramids. Pulling into a dusty, empty parking lot I was skeptical that there was much to see but following the path over the railway tracks leads you to a friendly senor who will charge you 37 pesos to tour the site. For $3 you get 90 structures, some of which stand 15-20 feet tall. You can climb up on them and survey the valley that the native people would have surveyed two thousand years earlier. It’s a lush green valley surrounded by little volcano peaks and the rugged red cliffs of the Sierra Madre Mountains. It’s estimated that the pyramids dates back to 100-300 AD and it’s not difficult to imagine the power that the fertility of the valley and the active volcano peaks would have had over these people. HERE IS MORE INFORMATION. I would share my photos with you but it was about right at this moment that realized I had removed the memory card from a previous road trip and hadn’t replaced it… oops.

So take it from me, the pyramids are a great place to stop, the sense of time and history here is so different from the resorts of Vallarta. Even the lava fields you pass through next are stark reminders of the natural environment and just how much more to Mexico there is than the glossy brochures tell you.  If you’re planning your trip and you have a couple extra hours in your day, take the free road it’s worth it.

~Madeline Milne
Editor, Mexi-Go! Magazine

Canadian couple Merelyn and Derek in Ajijic

When retiring to Mexico, many Canadians consider Ajijic and the Lake Chapala area. It offers many of the modern conveniences we find back in Canada but it retains its Mexican flavour.

Derek, a retired investment executive and his partner Merelyn, moved to Mexico from Toronto 5 years ago. They were looking for something that challenged them and added value  to their lives and they found that in Ajijic,  with its relaxed laid-back lifestyle, fantastic weather, affordable luxuries and a vibrant community. They  have adjusted to the slower pace of life and enjoy the village  lifestyle Ajijic and Lake Chapala offers. When asked why they decided to retire to Mexico, Merelyn says,

“when we retired we looked for a place in the sun and although we loved our life in Toronto, the winters had become a trial. We explored Florida and then were drawn to inland Mexico and its colonial towns such as San Miguel de Allende. However we founded our fantasy home in Ajijic (I had actually seen the house we bought here in Ajijic in Architectural Digest in Toronto) and realize quickly that there was a depth of community here that we could explore. That plus the proximity to the city of Guadalajara with all it’s cultural richness, it’s superior medical facilities and airport, barely 35 min drive from the front of our door was very persuasive.

One of a kind executive custom-built home above Ajiic in San Juan de las Colinas. Spectacular views of village, lake & mountains.

Excellent flow for entertainment. First floor has an open floor plan with a top of the line dream kitchen & walk-in pantry. Living room/dining room open onto an ample covered terrace with fully-equipped kitchen & infinity pool. Also on first floor is a guest bedroom with full bath, plus a powder room. Upstairs is the owners suite, which includes a large den/office with built-in cherry cabinets. Laundry room & large covered terrace with a wet bar. The views are unbelievable!

Covered parking at upper level for two cars plus extra parking. At street level you will find a charming casita with one bedroom, laundry closet, kitchen & bath.

This marvelous home & casita are fully furnished.