Plan Your Next Vacation to Chapala
By: Cinthia Rangel-Godinez
Capala, Jalisco is a beautiful place to sit by the lake and enjoy a meal with friends. Chapala is close to Guadalajara and its international airport. Tourists come to vacation and enjoy some of the activities that Chapala has to offer. Some activities include discovering the architecture and culture or touring the lake and the islands that are around.
Chapala not only is enjoyed by tourist from different countries, but natives that live around Guadalajara, Ocotlan and other near cities. The people take their time to enjoy family and friends on the weekends. When entering Chapala, head over to the Malecon de Chapala. In the Malecon (boardwalk), people walk around and eat. Tourists also buy hats, purses, shoes or hand made crafts they can take home.
While in the Malecon, tourists are amazed by "Danza de Los Voladores," or mariachi bands play their instruments. La Danza de Los Voladorez are five men that climb a 30-meter pole and four men toss themselves tied with a rope and go around the 30-meter pole. The fifth guy is on top of the pole and is playing the flute and drum. This dance is part of the indigenous culture for the gods.
Before heading over to the Malecon to enjoy a walk near the shore or have a delicious meal, tourists pass by the historical church called "Parrioquia de San Juan Francisco de Asis, Chapala Jalisco." This church is part of the history of Chapala. The church is Roman Catholic and tourist could enter to pay their respects while admiring the architecture of the church. Mass starts from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sundays. The church was founded on Oct. 4, 1747. In tribute to San Francisco de Asis on Sept. 26th- Oct. 4th, the people celebrate for nine days to honor the saint. This celebration tourist find rides, games and stands that sell candy and other things.
Just above North of Chapala, there is a place tourists visit called Ajijic. Ajijic is also part of the city of Chapala. Ajijic is a beautiful town where there are different adventures and more architectural buildings to see.
Second, "El Tepalo," is the best place to go for a hike. Tepalo had nice waterfalls that I enjoyed with friends. Tourists also can take a hike in the morning or in the afternoon here. From a distance, I was able to hear the soothing fall of water. The crystal clear water falling from the top to the bottom river. The waterfall is surrounded by bright green plants.
After a hike, see more architecture and walk around the colorful place of Ajijic. Tourists can attend a church called "Parroquia" de San Andres Apostol." This beautiful church has a nice architectural style and is home to historical sculptures and a peaceful garden. Finally following all the architecture tourists can find a nice place to relax in the Kiosco de Ajijic.
Visiting Chapala, Jalisco and the small towns around, tourists can say they have visited a magical town. Seeing the vibrant colors from the towns and the food is an amazing adventure. It is a great opportunity to enjoy and learn from Chapala's culture.