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Municipality and town in Jalisco, Mexico
Photo: Carlos Rodolfo Ramos, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Malecon de los Pelicanos
Nicely designed lakeshore promenade with well maintained landscaping, playgrounds, food stalls, restaurants and markets stalls selling bits and bob. There are voladores who climb a tall pole and then spiral downwards to the steady beat of a native drum. Voladores are an indigenous practice often associated with the El Tajin archaeological site.
Parish of St. Francis of Assisi
Beautiful neoclassical style church of pink quarry stone with two bell towers flanking a long central nave. The interior features intricate tilework and an elaborate altar with multiple iconic statues of various saints.
Old Train Station
Historic train station re-purposed as a regional cultural arts center with a few historical artifacts and frequent shows or performances, such as mariachi groups or traditional dances.
Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes
Historic colonial era chapel at the top of a hill. Serene chapel for quiet reflection. Beautiful gardens and a small grotto with a statue of the Virgen.
Lakefront seafood restaurant with large upper level dining room with lake views. Food is traditional Mexican seafood (ceviche, shrimp, filetes) with some regional flares. Full bar serves a variety of large cocktails. Try the molcajete, a large volcanic stone bowl served sizzling hot and filled with a variety of seafood including octopus, shellfish, and shrimp, topped with avocado slices.
Small lakeside restaurant with a varied breakfast menu that includes Mexican favorites like chilaquiles as well as dishes more familiar to Americans, like hot cakes or eggs Benedict. Robust coffee and fresh squeezed natural orange juice.
Clean, bright sidewalk cafe serving fresh seafood dishes with tables outside on the Malecon.
Charming small restaurant with authentic Italian cuisine. Pastas are fresh and made in-house.
Relaxing contemporary international restaurant with light fare that features salads and soups (try the cucumber mint gazpacho. The restaurant has an indoor dining area but the most enjoyable areas are outdoors in the garden and around the pool. This location was a hotel where British author D.H. Lawrence lived while writing The Plumed Serpent.
Small seafood restaurant with hit-or-miss service and a funky rundown feel. Recommended dishes are the coco loco shrimp and the zarandeado.
Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta and a variety of soups and chicken entrees. Beautiful outdoor dining area with a playscape for kids.
Fun patio restaurant with outstanding seafood dishes (the Corvina Zarandeado is especially recommended) and huge drinks with a house special that gives you a double-size drink served in a clay pot (which you can take home as a souvenir). Excellent lake views.
Moderate hotel with spacious rooms. Beautiful ground on the shore of Lake Chapala include outdoor swimming pool and pickleball courts. On-site restaurant.
A very nice B and B right on the Malecon overlooking Lake Chapala. Wonderful breakfast and they even have a pool.
Beautifully maintained 19th century bed and breakfast hotel with upscale amenities and service. Ten clean, spacious rooms include TV, air conditioning, and balconies (some overlooking the Malecon). Outdoor swimming pool available. On-site restaurant and bar. Dog friendly.
Bright cheery traditional Mexican hotel with clean, spacious rooms decorated with Mexican artesanias, rustic furniture, plants, and artwork. Tranquil central courtyard. WiFi available. Off-street parking available.
By car
From Guadalajara, follow the signs to the Airport, then continue onward to "Chapala". It is about a 1-hour drive from Guadalajara to Chapala.
The town is small enough to walk or bicycle around though streets are narrow and paved with cobblestones. When you come out of the bus station, turn left and follow the main road to reach the lake and the main church.
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Guadalajara · International · GDL
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