AboutDale Gress Expertise I am familiar with Puerto Vallarta-activities-art-locations of cyber cafes -churches- tile & glass factories. I have travelled by bus to Guadalara on several occassions and enjoy the market at Tonalah. I have also visited Lake Chapala (it snowed when I was there in Dec. 1997-left for the beach and the sun). This year I will travel to Morelia. I have also been to Puerto Escondido and Mexico City. I am familiar with purchasing property in the restricted zone and the use of bank trusts and Notarios. I love Mexico and it`s people. We recently sold our condo in Vallarta and we are in the process of purchasing one in Manzanillo, Colima. We have visited Mata Ortiz, Zacatecas, Guanajuato Morelia
Experience I have been to Puerto Vallarta over 20 times and recently purchased a condo near the port. In January 2000, I drove my 1984 Volkswagen Van from Yakima Wa. to PVR. I have been studying Spanish for 3 years and I am getting better all the time. We have sold the condo in Vallarta and are moving to Manzanillo, Colima.
Question Hi Mike:
You said it snowed on Lake Chapala? sure it doesn't happen often?
or else I will change my plans. I'm planning to "snowbird" there next winter, but I want a warm place, I know PV Vallarta too, the problem is, the real estate on the seaside is real expensive, on the other hand I've found beautiful vills around Lake Chapala to rent for less than 1000 $ a month (unthinkable on the Pacific or Caribbean coasts).
So what will decide my move is the general atmosphere, I'm looking for some place authentic but with a sufficient number of expats (I'm Canadian by the way) so as not to feel isolated (I speak basic Spanish). I'm a swimmer too, do you think it's possible to swim in the lake? probably not as nice as in the ocean.
I'm looking forward at reading your answer (I'm very curious of your response in fact!)
Sincerely
Lionel
Answer Lionel:
Lake Chapala-Ajicic can be cool in the winter as compared to the beach.
Lake Chapala is located at approx 5000' above sea level. There is a large Canadians and Americans who live there all year. Many more come for the winter. If you are going to rent try to find a place in Ajicic as you will be able to walk to restaurants, art galleries etc. If you have a vehicle, you can stay most anywhere. Local buses are running for another mode of transportation. If I was living year around in Mexico, I would find a place around Lake Chapala.
From Guadalajara the beach is a 4-5 hour bus ride. You could visit the beach for a few days now and then.
I would not swim in the Lake. The Lake has been quite polluted over the years. Much is being done to clean the Lake , but it will take more time to make it drinkable.
For the winter months, I prefer the beach.
For rental prices I prefer the Lake.
