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 I wish to fly to Puerto Vallarta and take a bus to the Lake Chapala area and rent a place for a few months to see if it is a possible retirement option.Please forward information on how to catch a bus from the airport in P.V. and get to an area in Lake Chapala to rent a unit.Thank you...Ron
Answer Hola Ron, in PV go to the Central Bus Terminal and buy a ticket to Guadalajara. There are hourly departures to Guad and several national bus lines, we prefer ETN. They serve a snack, drink and play movies for the trip.
The trip, PV to Guad, takes about 5 1/2 hours. Plan to arrive in Guad before night fall. From the Centro bus terminal in Guadalajara, take a taxi to the Lakeside. Haggle for the fare, usually 300-400 pesos. 40 minute trip.
When are you coming to Lakeside? Rentals are getting scarce, there is tremendous growth in this area. There
are ads on the bulletin boards from $350 to $1,500/month. Check the boards at the Lake Chapala Society and outside El Toridos and Super Lake. There are also rental agencies, which of course charge a fee. Usually by January there is nothing available that you would want to rent. Chapala rentals are usually less expensive than Ajijic.
I suggest you rent for a couple on nights upon arrival at a B&B. I recommend
Villa Eucaliptos, Ajijic-email mrram@laguna.com.mx Wonderful rooms, garden and pool. Close to centre of village.
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 10 min walk to Ajijic)-email connie@laguna.com.mx
website www.elsueno.ca Finished suites, rv parking.
Quinta Quetzalcoatl (Inn of the Plumed Serpent), Chapala. No email. Phone 011-52-376-765-3653, probably need some Spanish to book. Incredible gardens, themed suites. D.H. Lawrence wrote here in the 1920s. Older but in great condition, small pool. We have friends that own one of the units.
Also Los Artistas, Ajijic owned by former Sec'y of Treasury for Alaska. email artistas@laguna.com.mx
There are many others too.
Upon arrival you will find an over abundance of real estate sales persons offering Home Tours. Many do it as a hobby, and there are only a few I would recommend or use myself. If you would like a referral, please ask at All Experts again.
