LAKES, ISLANDS, FORTRESSES & ARTISAN WORKSHOPS
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Gallery
- Similar Tours
What's included
- All-day transportation
- Boat Ride tickets to the Island
- Certified bilingual guide (SECTUR-licensed)
- Comfortable private vehicle with A/C
- Entraces to Artisian Workshops
- Entrance tickets to the Mezcala Island Archeological Site.
- Guided tours in all visited locations
- Pick-up and drop-off from your selected location
- Snacks: a variety of seasonal fruits
- Travel insurance during the tour
- Unlimited cold drinks l Bottled water and Soda
- Alcoholic drinks during meals
- Any expenses of a personal nature, such as shopping or souvenirs
- Lunch or food
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips to guide and driver
Visiting:
Artisan Workshops in Cajititlan Lagoon:
Begin your journey around Cajititlán Lagoon, where indigenous communities have preserved ancestral traditions through art and craft. In San Juan Evangelista, local artisans mold clay into expressive figures and sculptures that reflect the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Nearby, in San Lucas Evangelista, skilled craftsmen carve volcanic stone to create traditional molcajetes — the iconic grinding bowls that remain an essential element of Mexican cuisine. Witness their meticulous work as you interact with the artisans and gain insight into their time-honored skills.
Mezcala Island:
Embark on a scenic boat ride across the waters of Lake Chapala to reach Mezcala Island. The island has been visited for thousands of years — first by Indigenous communities who came to offer rituals and tributes to the spirits of the lake. Centuries later, it became a strategic stronghold during the Mexican War of Independence, where local defenders resisted Spanish forces with remarkable courage. After the war, the island was transformed into a maximum-security prison, whose remains can still be seen and felt today. Surrounded by the vast lake and distant mountains, Mezcala Island is a beautiful place of peace and reflection, offering stunning views and a timeless sense of connection between history and nature.
Chapala Town:
Continue to Chapala, a vibrant lakeside town known for its long waterfront promenade — the largest on Lake Chapala. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk lined with craft markets, cafés, and restaurants, where local life unfolds to the rhythm of live music and the gentle sound of waves. Observe fishermen tending their boats and the many birds that inhabit the lakeshore, from graceful herons to diving pelicans. At the main pier, witness the Voladores de Papantla performing their traditional aerial ritual — a breathtaking dance of courage and devotion carried out every day. Enjoy the gentle breeze, the views of distant mountains, and the relaxed pace that defines this community.
Ajijic Magic Town:
Conclude your journey in Ajijic, a charming Pueblo Mágico nestled between the mountains and the shores of Lake Chapala. Wander through its cobblestone streets adorned with vibrant murals, colorful façades, and blooming bougainvillea cascading from balconies. Discover local art galleries, cozy cafés, and small boutiques filled with handcrafted treasures that reflect the town’s creative spirit. Take time to enjoy the gentle rhythm of daily life, where every corner reveals a scene of color and community. Ajijic’s artistic energy and tranquil atmosphere offer the perfect ending to a day immersed in culture, nature, and lakeside beauty.
- TOUR PLAN
Duration: Full day (8–10 hours)
Departure: From Guadalajara or Lake Chapala Area (pick-up at your selected location)
Walking Level: Easy to Moderate — short walks in towns and along lakeside areas
Transportation: Comfortable private vehicle with A/C + Boat Ride
Important Notes:
Times and duration at each location can be adapted depending on travelers’ interests and rhythm.
For visitors with mobility challenges or special requirements, we can adjust walking distances and provide additional assistance upon request.
All visited sites are wheelchair accessible, except for certain areas of Mezcala Island, where the terrain is uneven.
- Departure from Guadalajara or Lake Chapala Area
Meet at your selected pick-up point in Guadalajara city or the Lake Chapala area, to begin your scenic drive south through the valleys and farmlands surrounding the region. Enjoy the transition from urban landscapes to open valleys, cultivated fields, and the first glimmers of water as you approach the Cajititlán region — about a 45-minute drive from Guadalajara. - Arrival at Cajititlán Lagoon
Begin your day exploring the artisan towns that surround the lagoon, where creativity and tradition have been preserved for generations. Meet local craftsmen who shape clay and carve volcanic stone into traditional molcajetes — timeless expressions of Mexican culture. - Boat Ride to Mezcala Island
Continue toward Lake Chapala and embark on a scenic 20-minute boat ride to reach Mezcala Island. Learn about its Indigenous origins and its crucial role during the Mexican War of Independence. Walk among the fortress and the remains of the former prison that can still be seen and felt today. - Lunch at a Lakeside Restaurant
Relax and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant overlooking Lake Chapala. Delight in regional dishes, fresh fish, and authentic Mexican flavors while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the lake and mountains. - Visit Chapala Town
Walk along Chapala’s lively waterfront promenade — the largest on Lake Chapala. Browse craft markets and observe fishermen and native birds along the shore as you take in the relaxed, colorful atmosphere of this lakeside town. - Ajijic Magic Town
Conclude your day in Ajijic, a charming Pueblo Mágico nestled between the mountains and the lake. Stroll through its cobblestone streets lined with vibrant murals and art galleries. Take some free time to explore or simply unwind in the main plaza, surrounded by color, creativity, and the town’s tranquil lakeside rhythm. - Return to Guadalajara or Lake Chapala Area
At the end of the day, relax on the drive back after a full journey of art, history, and natural beauty. The return from Ajijic to Guadalajara or the Lake Chapala area takes approximately one hour.
