Lake Chapala, about 25 miles south of Guadalajara, is the largest lake in Mexico and it really  is impressively sprawling. The lake is ringed by a number of towns including Ajijic, Chapala and Jocotepec. The Ajijic/Chapala area is home to one of the largest North American expat communities found anywhere in Mexico. Unlike other expat magnets in Mexico, like San Miguel de Allende, the Ajijic/Chapala area has also retained a booming Mexican population so the place doesn’t feel like “Canada South.”

Sunset on Lake Chapala from the Ajijic Malecon.

Sunset on Lake Chapala from the Ajijic Malecon.

Every year, thousands of American White Pelicans fly  south from central Canada to enjoy western Mexico’s warm winter. Much of the population annually winters on lake Chapala.

Flocks of American White Pelicans winter on Lake Chapala particularly around the village of Petatan.

The reason the pelicans congregate around Petatan is that the fish processing plant there throws away the fish guts every afternoon, creating a feast for the birds.

A quiet plaza makes the perfect siesta spot.

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Last updated by Karen Catchpole, CWO (Chief Writing Officer) on May 21, 2012.