Lake Chapala is the largest lake in Mexico. It is located approximately one hour drive from the City of Guadalajara. To the north of the lake is a mountain range called Sierra San Juan Cosala. Between the mountains and the lake is a residential area that includes Chapala, Antonio, Ajijic, San Juan Cosala, and Jocotepec. Ajijic is famous for a large expat community from the U.S. and Canada. Since Ajijic is getting more and more expensive, other towns are also getting attention from expats.
Several years ago, we stayed in Antonio for several days and explored the area. So, this time we decided to visit San Juan Cosala where thermal springs spas are famous.
We hired a tour guide and drove around the various communities of Guadalajara and asked him to drop us off in San Juan Cosala.
Before we unpacked ourselves at the lodging, we had dinner at a local restaurant called Viva Mexico. Apparently it is popular among the expats. All customers looked like the expats. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. The meals were delicious and the price tag was surprisingly very reasonable.
The vacation home we rented had a panoramic lake view. The sunset was breathtaking.
In the morning, the
sunrise was also beautiful and we felt so freed and relaxed by the view.
The vacation home was a studio unit, but it was built very functionally and we enjoyed our stay, although it was for only one night. I felt like returning to this place some other time. Having breakfast with the lake view was close to heavenly.
We went to Balneario (meaning Spa) Hotel which had a huge area of thermal springs and pools with equally impressive large picnic area. I could easily guess that the place will be packed with visitors over the weekend. Since we went there during the weekdays, it was less crowded and we thoroughly enjoyed the place. Sitting down in a hot springs jacuzzi was relaxing and swimming in a warm mineral water pool was pleasant.
We met a Cambodian American couple, Michael and Bo, from California. They live in Alameda where Joyce is living. It was fun to meet Asians in a place it is rare to see Asians. We agreed to meet up when we go to Northern California in February. We will see.
Our experience was so good that we made another trip to spend time there. The second time, the trip was relatively easier than the first time of return because the buses (Chapala Plus Premium) were more comfortable and the buses stopped right in front of the hotel. It was nice!
We agreed that this hot springs would be a bonus if we would stay in the Guadalajara area. - Jeffrey
