Expert: Ron - 4/20/2004

Question
My wife and I are coming to P.V. on May 2.  We would like to visit the Chapala area for a couple of days to see if it's a viable retirement choice.  What is the best way to travel from the coast to Chapala?  Plane? Bus? Rent a car? Are there good hotels or would a B&B be a better choice?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Dan

Answer
Hi Dan, first some advice, you are coming at the hottest, driest time of the year, up to 90F. Be sure to keep yourselves hydrated, lots of bottled water and GatorAde. You will find walking in the shade to be 20 degrees cooler than in the sun. Bring some sunscreen. Altitude is 5200 feet above sea level, and sometimes takes a few days of adjustment.

The best way to get here from PV, unless you want to rent a car (approx $50/day) is to take a bus, about $50.

My favourite busline is ETN but all the national bus companies run superior coaches, with snacks, movies, etc. You will be very impressed with them. Departures are every hour from the Centro de Autobus in PV to Guad, so I doubt you will have any problems booking when you arrive.

From PV you will travel about 5 1/2 hours to the Centro de Autobus terminal in Tonala, a suberb of Guadalajara. From there take a taxi (about 250 pesos) to Chapala or Ajijic.

If you drive, you must also go into Guadalajara, which can be a bit of a trial if you don't have enough Spanish to read the signs. I don't recommend it first time here.

Places to stay? The Real de Chapala Hotel is a superior hotel on the lakeshore but VERY Expensive. The Nuevo Posada is also a good hotel with a great restaurant.

B&Bs in Ajijic I recommend:

Villa Eucaliptos, Ajijic-email mrram@laguna.com.mx  Wonderful rooms, garden and pool. Close to centre of village. Mike and Ralph know everything about this area.

Swan Inn, Ajijic -email  swaninnajijic@hotmail.com
       -website  www.mexconnect.com/amex/swab
Wonderful rooms,quiet restful gardens,pool. Next door to Lake Chapala Society.Close to centre of Ajijic.

El Sueno Guest Suites, San Antonio Tlayacapan (short 20 min walk to Ajijic)-email connie@laguna.com.mx website www.elsueno.ca  Finished suites, rv parking.

Los Artistas, Ajijic owned by former Sec'y of Treasury for Alaska. email Kent at artistas@laguna.com.mx

If you book at a B&B, ask if they can pick you up in Tonala.

Be sure to check out the tianguis (markets), Ajijic on Wednesday, Chapala (our favourite) Monday mornings. Three great movie theatres in Plaza Bugamvilla. Hot Springs in San Juan Cosala.

To find out what is wrong with the area, go to the donut shop across from Lloyds in Ajijic. Every morning the same old gringos are there, complaining about everything under the sun, but I WON'T BE THERE!

We live here and we love it!

Ron

"Head for Mexico---The Renegade Guide" is now available at www.amazon.com
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