Ajijic Information

Ajijic (Ah-hee-heek) has the normal services of the 21st century - water treatment plants, electricity, cellular phones, and the internet. But when you first arrive here what you see is the mystery and charm of a 16th century village. Restaurants buy mesquite firewood for their grills from a local farmer, who delivers it on his donkeys. Cows and horses graze along the lake. And maiz is grown everywhere, to be made into corn tortillas, a staple of the Mexican diet. The narrow cobblestone streets remind us of old Europe. Drive with your window rolled down, so you can hear the clip-clop of horses' hooves; just around the corner you may see a caballero riding to work on his horse, a common sight in the village. Family is the most important part of life in Mexico. Children play in the streets and the village square, but it is rare to see them fighting. Often you will see an older child holding a younger one's hand as they walk to school, or a father carrying his infant as the family takes a walk. Wandering along the village streets is the best way to see Ajijic. In the most unexpected places you'll find things to surprise and delight you. High walls in front of the homes are a constant reminder of the Spanish influence of centuries past. You will find that the houses are typical of old Mexico and there are simple little village homes with colorful walls fronting the cobblestone streets as well as magnificent colonial haciendas hidden behind high walls. The exteriors give few clues to what lies inside the doorways and gates. Ajijic still retains its charm as an artist's colony, and the narrow cobblestone streets house art galleries and studios for painters, photographers, sculptors, weavers, potters and talented craftsmen. The plaza (as the locals call their Town Square ) is the center of village life. There is always someone sitting on a park bench, enjoying the flowers, watching the passers-by, or just basking in the sunshine. At night and on weekends the plaza is alive with children playing, street vendors ...