Expert: Ron - 11/22/2004

Question
Ron,

Thank you for the speedy reply (Speedy Gonzalez at work).  Yes, we intend to go to Chapala, which actually is our primary intent to check it out.

What temperature range should be expect for Guadalajara and Chapala for 22 Dec to 2 Jan?


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Followup To
Question -
Hello from Hawaii.  My wife & I are senior citizens and are planning to fly to Los Angeles on Dec 21st and make our way to Guadalajara, we will be flying back to Hawaii on 4 Jan from LAX.  

We are considering a first class bus ride from Tijuana to Guadalajara but are not too sure if such is wise.  I have heard pros and cons.  I have not found anything that looks like good airfares to Guadalajara from either LAX, San Diego, or Tijuana.  

What advice might you offer?
Answer -
Hola Jon,

You might be able to find a charter airfare to Puerto Vallarta from Los Angeles. Check out Alaskan Air. Then take a national bus to Guadalajara, about 5 1/2 hours.

The first class bus system in Mexico is fantastic. We have not taken the same trip from Tijuana,  but have taken first class buses to Mexico City and return, Tequila, and Puerto Vallarta. We prefer the ETN buses but there are several companies. The buses have washrooms, provide a light lunch, and movies. It's a long trip from Tijuana, but I would not hesitate to take it myself.

Are you travelling on to Chapala? If so best to take a taxi from Guadalajara to the Lakeside. The local bus terminal is located several miles from the national (Centro) terminal where you will arrive. Bargain for the taxi fare, we paid 400 pesos last May.

Good to have a little Spanish under your belt, or a phrase book.

Hope that helps, we live here and we love it!
  Ron

Answer
Hi again, you're lucky today is tianguis day and we finished early.

This is our winter period. Highs during the day are usually mid 70s BUT expect it to go down at night as low as 55 degrees F. You will need a sweater or windbreaker in the evening and early morning. Guadalajara occasionally has a dusting of snow at this time of year.

Ron