AboutRon Russell Expertise I lived full time in the Chapala-Ajijic area for 7 years, and now Manzanillo area 4 years. During that time I provided information (health care, working papers, immigration, driving, cost of living, insurance, culture, divorce in Mexico, trusts vs direct deed,etc) to help people make the decision about whether the area was right for them, either full or part-time.
Now living north of Manzanillo on the Pacific Coast. I live legally in Mexico.
Experience Founding partner of a facilitation company for people thinking about relocating to the Lake Chapala area of Mexico. I am no longer involved in this company's activities.
Have driven extensively in the area, to the coast (Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Colima),to Patzcuaro, etc. Bused to Mexico City, flew to Chiapas. Also driven in Honduras, from Ontario Canada through border crossings at Laredo and Reynosa Texas to Lakeside. Can provide instructions and border crossing info. Publications: DISCOVER MEXICO, HEAD FOR MEXICO-THE RENEGADE GUIDE BY DON ADAMS. Video and MM production specialist. I do NOT sell real estate!
Question Hello Russ - thanks for being here to answer our questions. My mate and I are leaving for a Puerto Vallarta vacation later this week and have been thinking we would like to take a side trip to the Lake Chapala area to look at property, check things out, etc. For several months, we have been researching the area and are thinking we would like to retire there in a few years. What would you suggest as the best/most economical mode of transportation? We've looked at flights and they average $300+ each. Is the bus a better alternative? Renting a car? Thanks for your help - Karen
Answer Hola Karen, finally was able to get into this site. The best way 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.
You are coming in the middle of the dry season, the hottest time of the year, temps Lakeside to 90 Degrees F. Be sure to keep yourselves hydrated with water and GatorAde. Altitude is 5200 feet above sea level, and sometimes takes a few days of adjustment. But keep in the shade and you will be fine.
Places to stay? 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
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.
Be careful of the 'free' tours offered by the realtors here. There are so many sharks, not that you won't be safe, but they are so pushy, many just sell real estate for a hobby and are snowbirds, so they really don't know the area too well. Be prepared to say NO loudly. There are some that I do trust, if you would like their names please ask again.
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 For more information visit www.headformexico.com for excerpts and reviews.
