Guadalajara: Tonalá, Chapala & Ajijic private tour

Summary

Day trip from Guadalajara with lakeside walks & local crafts

Walk Tonalá’s artisan markets, visit Vicente Fernández’s ranch with your guide, taste lakeside food in Chapala, and stroll Ajijic’s colorful boardwalks. With private transport and local stories along the way, you’ll catch moments of real Jalisco life you might remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

Hands sticky from melting carafe snow, I tried to keep up as our guide, Ana, waved us toward the Ajijic boardwalk. She’d just told us how the lake changes color when the clouds roll in — and right then, a breeze picked up off Lake Chapala, carrying that earthy smell you only get near water. We’d started the day in Tonalá’s artisan center, where I lost track of time watching an old man paint clay mugs. He smiled when I asked about his process (my Spanish is rough), and handed me one to feel — still warm from the kiln.

After that, we drove out to Vicente Fernández’s ranch. There was this quiet moment by his grave — not somber exactly, but respectful. A couple of locals were leaving flowers; Ana explained how much he meant to people here. The souvenir shop nearby had hats and CDs stacked everywhere (I almost bought a belt buckle but chickened out). The drive between stops was easy — air conditioning humming, bottled water in hand — and Ana kept pointing out little things: a mural here, a fruit stand there. It felt like she knew everyone.

Lunch was at a spot right on the shore of Lake Chapala. The fish tasted like it had come straight from the water that morning — maybe it had? I didn’t ask, just ate slowly while watching families stroll past with balloons and ice cream. Later in Ajijic, we wandered through narrow streets painted with wild colors, stopping for more nieve de garrafa (Ana insisted on lime this time). I still think about that view across the lake as the sun started sliding down behind the hills — not dramatic or anything, just quietly good.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lake Chapala and Surroundings

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

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Guadalajara day trip?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included in your booking.

Can I bring small children or infants on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is fully wheelchair accessible, including transportation and all sites.

What places do we visit on the Tonalá Chapala Ajijic tour?

You’ll visit Tonalá’s artisan center, Vicente Fernández’s ranch and grave, Lake Chapala boardwalk, and Ajijic village.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No set lunch is included but there are stops at lakeside restaurants where you can buy food.

How long does it take to reach Lake Chapala from Guadalajara?

The drive from Guadalajara to Lake Chapala usually takes about an hour each way.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with pickup in Guadalajara, bottled water throughout the journey, and guidance from a local expert who’ll help you explore artisan shops in Tonalá, Vicente Fernández’s ranch and grave site, plus walks along both Lake Chapala and Ajijic boardwalks before returning home.