Private Tour: Chapala, Ajijic, Tonalá & Vicente Fernández Ranch

Lake Chapala's boardwalk and the ranch of a Mexican music legend sit in the same afternoon.

This private tour covers four stops across Jalisco: the boardwalk of Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake; the ranch and grave of legendary singer Vicente Fernández; the artisan zone of Tonalá; and the Ajijic boardwalk with its galleries and local shops. A guide in English or Spanish leads the route in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water included. The itinerary spans three to eight hours depending on how long you spend at each stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Chapala, Tonalá, Ajijic, and Vicente Fernández ranch

• Walk along Lake Chapala boardwalk
• Visit Vicente Fernández ranch and grave
• Tour artisan zone in Tonalá center
• Tour Ajijic boardwalk and taste carafe snow

The Experience

The boardwalk at Lake Chapala is where the day starts—a peaceful stretch where you walk along the water and can eat at restaurants on the shore. From there, the tour moves to the ranch of Vicente Fernández, where you tour the grounds, see his grave, and can buy souvenirs tied to the legendary Mexican singer. The stops are connected by private transport, so the logistics of moving between them are handled.

Tonalá comes next, known for traditional handicrafts and local markets. You walk through the artisan zone in the center of town, where the work on display is made locally—textiles, ceramics, wood pieces—and the market reflects how the town actually trades. The final stop is the Ajijic boardwalk, where you can browse galleries and shops, and taste carafe snow, a local frozen dessert sold from street vendors. The whole route is built for families, couples, and small groups who want to see both natural and cultural landmarks without arranging their own transport or timing.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and fits small groups comfortably. Your guide speaks English or Spanish and travels with you throughout, so questions about what you are seeing get answered on the spot. Bottled water is provided. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller if needed.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• pickup and drop-off at your location.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tours y traslados arte y tequila Enano Charli

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a single day covering four separate towns—a lake, an artist village, craft markets, and a music legend's ranch—with a private vehicle and guide who pace the stops so you control how long you spend at each.

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Top questions

What is there to do at Lake Chapala on this tour?

Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake, has a boardwalk where you walk along the water and can eat at restaurants on the shore. It is a peaceful stop built into the itinerary so you have time to sit by the water before moving on to the next attraction.

Can I visit the Vicente Fernández ranch and see where he is buried?

Yes. The tour includes a visit to the ranch of Vicente Fernández, where you tour the grounds, see his grave, and have the chance to buy souvenirs related to the legendary Mexican singer and his impact on Mexican music and culture.

What kind of shopping is there in Tonalá?

Tonalá is a market town known for traditional handicrafts and local artisan work. The tour takes you through the artisan zone in the center, where you can browse textiles, ceramics, wood pieces, and other handmade goods made by local craftspeople.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and all areas and surfaces at the stops are accessible. The vehicle itself is also equipped for wheelchair access, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller if needed.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can choose the language that suits you when you book. The guide travels with you throughout the day and is there to answer questions about the sites you visit.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs between three and eight hours depending on how much time you spend at each stop. You set the pace at Lake Chapala, Tonalá, and Ajijic, so the total length is flexible within that range.