Ajijic Fun with Margaret

Vacations should be fun, effortless and entertaining, right?  We think so too... and Ajijic is the perfect backdrop for the getaway we have planned for you. 

DAY ONE/SATURDAY

Welcome to Mexico! Once you arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional de Guadalajara and clear Customs, our staff will be waiting with a welcome sign to transport you and your luggage on the short drive to Ajijic. After settling into your guest suites, join us for a lively and informative Welcome Reception, followed by dinner at the extremely popular Tango restaurant located in the heart of Ajijic’s arts district.




2PM Arrival to Guadalajara and air-conditioned transport to Ajijic
3PM Check-in
4PM Welcome Reception with live music, Vampiro cocktails, guest orientation with Ajijic expert, Ricardo Navarrete, book spa treatments at Monte Coxala Ecological Spa or in-room massage therapy with in-house massage therapist.
7PM Dinner at Tango Restaurant in Ajijic
                                                                               
                                               

DAY TWO/SUNDAY

For your first full day in Mexico we explore the sights and sounds of Tlaquepaque, a world famous shopping district located in the heart of Guadalajara. Its historic plaza is filled with beautiful churches, elegant shops, galleries, cafes and El Jardin Hidalgo, Mexico’s largest botanical gardens. After a busy day of shopping and sightseeing, we return to Ajijic for a poolside siesta and dinner on your own at one of many local restaurants we will be happy to recommend.

8-9:30 Breakfast buffet in the hacienda palapa or courtyard      

10AM Depart for shopping trip to Tlaquepaque                          

1PM Lunch with group

3PM More shopping or return to Ajijic for poolside siesta

7PM Dining on your own (transportation into town provided)

DAY THREE/MONDAY

It’s spa day in Ajijic! Rid yourself of any jet lag or unwanted stress with a visit to the relaxing waters of the Monte Coxala Ecological Spa and Thermal Hot Springs. Located atop a mountain with a panoramic view of Lake Chapala, the spa was founded 20 years ago by a local doctor. Monte Coxala Spa offers several different kinds of massages, spa treatments such as facials, body exfoliations, hydrotherapy, and thermal baths from natural underground springs in a lush, semitropical setting. Be sure to bring your swimsuit,

camera and a good book! We return to the hacienda for evening cocktails, a cooking class with Chef Esperanza and dinner.

8-9:30 Breakfast buffet in hacienda palapa or courtyard

10AM Spa Day at Monte Coxala Ecological Spa and Thermal Hot Springs
6PM Cooking class with Chef Esperanza and dinner at Hacienda de los Santos

DAY FOUR/TUESDAY
Explore the lakeside towns of Ajijic and Chapala today. We begin with a visit to Ajijic’s Arts District for browsing and shopping, lunch on the Plaza, and then a short drive to neighboring Chapala for shopping and sightseeing. As you walk the lakefront boardwalk, look for these places of note: the town’s church, San Francisco, immortalized by D.H. Lawrence in the novel “The Plumed Serpent”, and a European-style mansion turned restaurant that was the former home of Mexico’s first aviator, Alberto Braniff.

8-9:30 Breakfast buffet in hacienda palapa or courtyard

10AM Explore Ajijic Arts District

1PM Lunch on the Plaza

3PM Explore Chapala

7PM Dining on your own (transportation into town provided)

DAY FIVE/WEDNESDAY
The village of Ajijic comes alive every Wednesday with the “tianguis” or open air market. Stalls overflow with fresh produce and extremely affordable Mexican handicrafts, clothing, jewelry and gifts. Most only accept pesos, which are readily available in nearby ATM machines. Don’t worry if you find a treasure too big to fit in your suitcase. DHL, UPS, and FedEx have pick up and delivery service along the lakes north shore communities. After lunch, we’ll tour a collection of beautiful homes and gardens tucked away behind towering rock walls and dense flowering vines.

8-9:30 Breakfast buffet in Hacienda palapa

10AM Market Day in Ajijic and lunch in the village

3PM Private Home Tour with Ricardo Navarrete

7PM Dining on your own (transportation into town provided)

DAY SIX/THURSDAY

Hard to believe it’s already time to go home. Spend the morning packing, taking some last few scenic photos, or getting a pre-flight massage in your guest suite by our in-house massage therapist. We say adios to Ajijic at midday laden with your treasures, memories and hopefully, plans to return again!

8-9:30 Breakfast buffet in the Hacienda palapa

8-11AM In-house massages (must be scheduled 24 hours in advance)

NOON Depart for Aeropuerto Internacional de Guadalajara

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INSIDER TIPS

Essential clothing:                                                                         

• Swimsuit and cover-up

• Hat

• Beach sandals or slides

• House slippers (never go barefoot anywhere)

• Comfortable walking shoes (leave the heels home!)

• Warm sweater or jacket for chilly evenings

Other Essentials:

• Passport and a copy of it

• Resealable plastic bags (small, medium and large for food or liquid items)

• Flat duffel for purchases you need to take home with you!

• Plain watch and minimal jewelry (leave the fancy items at home)

• Handbags with zippers (discourages pickpockets)

• Sunscreen, ibuprofen, and any necessary prescriptions (Ajijic has excellent local health and dental clinics should an emergency arise)

International telephone service is available but expensive. Hacienda de los Santos does have has Internet access, Vonage phone service, a copier and a fax machine for emergency use.

There's Always Something To Do in Ajijic...

Few places in the world can boast near perfect weather, breathtaking natural beauty and a lively arts and culture scene. Ajijic has it all and so much more. Nestled one mile high in the Sierra Madre Mountains on Lake Chapala's expansive northern shore, Ajijic has been named one of the best climates in the world by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.

Since the 1940's, the beauty of Ajijic has attracted naturalists, well-heeled travelers, world-class painters, sculptors and artisans of pottery, blown glass, leather and silver. This magical mix of talents and interests gives Ajijic a universal appeal to all those who walk its sun-drenched, cobblestoned streets.

More than 20,000 expat Americans and Canadians have settled here and created a lush and luxurious haven that rivals any top vacation destination around the world. Ajijic is conveniently located just 30 minutes away from picturesque Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city. Daily flights in and out of Aeropuerto de Guadalajara provide easy access to Ajijic and its many treasures.

Nature lovers can explore the miles of mountainous hiking trails or seek out the richly diverse bird colonies along the Lake Chapala Riviera. Fans of the arts will find a wealth of beauty among the dozens of Ajijic artist studios as well as in the nearby artist colonies of Tonala and world famous Tlaquepaque. For tequila fans, Jose Cuervo Distillery in the town of Tequila offers daily guided tours and samplings of the Mexican spirit. 

If spa therapy is your passion, enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic soak in one of the area's many natural thermal hot springs known as "balnearios."  There is also plenty of retail therapy at the Ajijic weekly market or in the quaint neighboring town of Chapala.  With so many activities to choose from, Ajijic makes the perfect group vacation destination for a girlfriend's getaway, a couples retreat or a family holiday.  Theme concepts are welcome--organize your own group and join us!