Chapala is a city in the central Mexican state of Jalisco, located on the northern shore of Lago de Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake. It is 45km south-south-east of Guadalajara, on Mexico's Highway 44. Since the 1960s, Chapala has been frequented by both Mexican and international tourists.

Tourist Offices
There is a tourist information centre on the first floor at Madero, 407.

Around and closeby
Chapala, along with its namesake lake, is well established as a weekend getaway destination for inhabitants of the city of Guadalajara. Most of the area's expatriate population (originating primarily from the United States and Canada) reside, not in the city proper, but in and around Ajijic, a village of approximately 5,000 inhabitants located 8km west of Chapala. Many of these residents, a large proportion of whom are retired, spend only the winter in the Chapala area, returning north for the warmer months.

Sightseeing
Among the area's cultural attractions is mariachi music, for which the state of Jalisco is particularly known. Parque La Cristiania is a relaxing place to hang out. It has a huge swimming pool, a playground, picnic areas and tennis courts.

Getting there
There are buses arriving here from Guadalajara, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta and Ajijic.