Ajijic

Ajijic is a town about 3 miles from, and a part of, the municipality of Chapala, in the State of Jalisco, Mexico. Situated on the north shore of Lake Chapala, surrounded by mountains, Ajijic enjoys a moderate climate year round. The population is around 15,000. [ [http://www.chapala.com/chapala/villages_guad/ajijic_population.htm Chapala Tourist Site] ]

Geography

Ajijic is located (at 20°18"N, 103°15"W) 5046 feet above sea level in the vast central Mexican plateau that is home to the Sierra Madre mountain range.

The Chapala Lake basin has a year round average temperature of about 72 degrees. The temperature ranges from a low of about 50 degrees in the winter months, to a high of about 90 degrees in summer. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until October with an average rainfall of approximately 34 inches.

History

Up until the arrival of the Spanish, the region was occupied by nomadic Indian tribes, probably the Cocas tribe that settled the northern shore. There seem to be many explanations, and meanings, for the names Chapala and Ajijic, all of which are Indian place names, probably derived from Nahuatl, the native language of the area.

Population

The Chapala region, especially Ajijic, has become a destination for Americans and Canadians, either escaping the high cost of living north of the border, or freezing winters in Canada. These reasons, along with the agreeable climate, have increased the area's population and it appears this trend may continue, as the baby boomers reach retirement age.

References

External links

*http://www.chapalahomes.com/
*http://www.ajijic.com/