The warm, sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean are the major attraction for many tourists visiting the State of Colima. There are 87 miles of coastline. The challenge is to experience as many beaches as possible during a seaside stay.

Manzanillo is the most famous city in the state. An international shipping center, it is Mexico’s busiest port. Although there is a commercial side to the port, Manzanillo is a preferred stop for cruise ships and has the atmosphere of a resort community. Picturesque structures are built on the hillside facing the ocean. Most are painted bright white with pops of color scattered throughout presenting a distinctive look.

There are many choice beaches in the region. One is sure to become your personal favorite. Manzanillo’s Playa de Oro is the area formed by two crescent-shaped bays. Numerous resorts and hotels are sprinkled along the shoreline offering elegant swimming pools and lush walks in a tropical setting. On the beaches, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are all popular activities.

Northwest of the city is the Bahia de Santiago, the first crescent. It is a newer, more upscale area. Playa la Audiencia is a small beach on the west side of the Santiago Peninsula.

Costal Colima Beach

The Santiago Peninsula is a land mass that juts into the ocean separating the two crescents. To the south, the Bahia de Manzanillo is the more established resort area nearer downtown. The new part of the city is built on a sandbar with the Pacific in front and the lagoon behind. A four-mile stretch of beach is located here. The names of the beaches change depending on where you enter.

Starting from the Santiago Peninsula, the small Playa del Tesoro is a cove at the Barcelo resort known for its natural beauty. Keep rounding the crescent and this beach segues into Playa Salagua. The central beach is Playa Azul with Playa las Brisas located closer to the lagoon entrance.

The marina is located on Bahia de Manzanillo. The self-proclaimed “Sailfish Capital of the World”, Manzanillo is well known to anyone interested in sport fishing. Since 1957, the city has hosted the International Sailfish Fishing Tournament in November.

For a change of pace, golf courses are close to the resorts as well as shopping and a myriad of restaurants with ocean views.

Traveling 22 miles southeast of Manzanillo is the city of Cuyutlan. There are extensive beaches covered with grey to black sand, evidence of the volcanic activity in the area. This beach is popular with surfers in search of the Green Wave.

A Manzanillo Resort Hotel

A side trip, well worth the time, involves a stop at the sea turtle sanctuary known as El Tortugaria. The facility is run by volunteers and operates with funds raised from private donations. For a small admission fee, tourists may see where sick or injured sea turtles are rehabilitated with the goal of returning them to the ocean. Poachers were depleting the sea turtle population by capturing adults that ventured on to local beaches. Eggs laid in the sand by females were also being removed by poachers. Now, volunteers remove the eggs and hatch them in the safety of the sanctuary. Visitors may participate in a group release of young turtles into the ocean, a memorable and rewarding experience.

The sanctuary offers 45 minute boat rides on a 31-mile lagoon known as the Palo Verde Estuary. Fares from the excursions help support the work of the sanctuary. Riders will see native vegetation, birds, iguanas and, occasionally, a crocodile. El Tortugaria has sections to care for iguanas and baby crocodiles, too. This is a great place for anyone interested in ecotourism and the environment.

Not to be missed is the small Salt Museum (Museo de la Sal). Sea water is contained in lagoons and the salt is harvested in a traditional way dating back hundreds of years. Information in the museum dates to pre-Hispanic times and shows how local residents have used this natural resource through the centuries. Salt may be purchased in neighboring shops.

Make a mental note of the trees you see. There are mangroves, coconut palms and citrus trees. Tecoman is an inland city that calls itself the “World’s Lime Capital”.

Seven miles south of Tecoman, on the coast, is Boca de Pascuales. This beach has prime waves for expert surfers and good observation points for spectators. This locale has a small town feel with long expanses of beach.

These are only some of the highlights of the multitude of sites within the State of Colima. Branch out beyond the main tourist attractions and meet the people. Find an activity which appeals to an interest or hobby of yours that will make this trip exceptional.

Colima Seaside Sunset

At the end of a full day, make time to reflect on your activities plus plan ahead. Sunsets over the Pacific Ocean are spectacular. Whether you choose to take a boat tour or relax on the beach, look to the horizon as the sun goes down. If you are lucky, you may see the Green Flash. This is an optical phenomenon visible for a second or two above the sun right after sunset. A green haze or rays can be seen briefly above the sun. Should you be among the fortunate few to witness the Green Flash, it will add a magical quality to your memories of Colima – a taste of paradise.

For additional beautiful pictures of Colima go to :

The State of Colima is the fourth smallest state in Mexico but has no lack of variety for sites to visit. Located in Central Mexico on the Pacific coast, the state has a small population with a high standard of living and low unemployment.

Colima Attractions

There are many inland attractions to lure tourists away from coastal resorts for at least one day. The area is considered safe. As an informed traveler, however, ask someone local for advice before you begin your adventure.

Founded in 1527, the capital city of Colima was the first Spanish city on the west coast. Travel 28 miles east from the coast to “The City of Palms”. It is cooler, less humid and is sprinkled with many parks and squares. Open air concerts are frequently held on Thursday evenings.

In central Colima there are three plazas. Plaza Principal is an inviting space near the 18^th Century Catedral Santa Iglesia (Cathedral of Saint Iglesia.) Decorative murals depicting key events in Mexican history are on the walls of the inner courtyard at the Palacio de Gobierno (Palace of the Governor.) Jardin Quintero and the Parque Nunez flower garden are a short stroll from hotels, restaurants and shops.

Museums and Culture of Colima

There are many museums and art galleries in town. A sampling includes Museo Universitario de Artes Populares (Museum of the University of Popular Art.)  Exhibits feature pre-Hispanic artifacts, masks, textiles and popular art. Museo de Historia de Colima (Museum of the History of Colima) is a smaller facility displaying similar cultural items. A permanent collection of fine art is housed at Pinacoteca Universidad. In addition, at the same site, three mansions connected by courtyards, house works by local artists.

The Cathedral in Comala, Colima – From IstockPhoto.com

Concerts, operas and plays are performed at Teatro Hidalgo (Theater Hidalgo.) Miguel Hidalgo, a revolutionary hero, donated the site to the city. The theater was built over a period of years from 1871-83.

If you have been charmed by the beauty of the area, make a stop a Parque Piedra Lisa (Lisa Stone Park or Smooth Stone Park.) It’s located one block south of Casa. This black volcanic rock is a natural formation projecting up from the ground. Sloped and resembling a sliding board, local lore says if a visitor slides down the rock, you will have a special relationship with Colima.

Known for burnished red pre-Hispanic earthenware, a fine display of ancient ceramic pottery is on view at a museum ½ mile northeast of the city center. Visit the Museo de las Culturas del Occidente (Museum of the Cultures of the West) and see pieces crafted hundreds of years ago by indigenous people. Human and animal figures are common. Look for the popular perros cebados, or round dogs. These stout little dogs with short legs and full bellies were kept by early residents of the area. Numerous examples of these ceramic dogs have been found in local ruins.

Colima Archeology

To truly get a feel for what makes Colima unique, consider a stop at El Chanal. In the Zona Arquelogica (Archeological area) to the north, the sites can be seen in about an hour. This is probably the biggest pre-Columbian site in Colima. Walk the plazas and view ball courts and altars constructed by ancient inhabitants.

La Campana (The Campaign) is an archeological pre-Columbian settlement located outside town. Modern construction in the 1990s revealed buildings, plazas and ceramic pieces dating back to 700-900 AD. You are free to roam the excavated area. Shaft tombs are nearby.

Towns near Colima

Depending on your interests, consider touring other towns. Situated six miles north of Colima is Comala. Named a Magic Town in 2002 by the Tourism Ministry, Comala is known as The White Village because of the white buildings with red tile roofs. Eat a meal at one of the restaurants situated under a colonnade around the square. Later, walk the plazas and enjoy the view of the volcanoes.

Suchitlan is six miles north of Comala. The region is known for coffee plantations and carved ritual masks. In the Zona Magica, a road outside town has an incline. For reasons that can’t be explained, water has been known to run uphill.

Laguna la Maria is a green lake located 14 miles north of Colima. It offers rowing on waterways surrounded by coffee groves. For an extended stay, there are lodging and dining establishments.

Volcanos of Colima

Volcano in Colima (From Istockphoto.com)

Two local volcanoes hold a commanding position in the landscape. Travel north for the best viewing and photos. Standing 12,989 feet, the Volcan de Fuego de Colima (Volcano of Fire of Colima) is the most active volcano in North America. Its last eruption was in June, 2005. The higher Volcan de Nevado (Volcano of Snow-capped Mountain) is the dormant twin. Measuring 14,600 feet, it gets its name from the snow covered cap. There are no tours, but Parque Nacional Volcan de Colima (Volcano National Park of Colima) is located five miles beyond Laguna la Maria (Lake Mary.) There is hiking on the foothills of the volcano.

Treat yourself and experience the sites of Colima beyond the ocean. Drink in the culture and history of this rich land and leave with memories that last a lifetime.  For additional beautiful pictures of Colima go to :

Murmurs of water drops falling down from ancient formations fill the air…

Your heart is beating fast. You are excited because you realized that you are visiting the most sacred place for the Maya: the underworld, or Xibalba.

You don’t need to be an explorer, a caver or a geologist to come here and be amazed by one of the most exciting places on Earth. Here, thousands of natural rock formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, will accompany you through your journey into the heart of Earth.

A group tour of Rio Secreto

The experience is just about to begin. Put on your helmet, your wetsuit and take a light. Get ready to flow like a river and be prepared for the beautiful secret that you are about to experience. This is Rio Secreto. 

“The greatest finds have not yet been discovered”

An iguana runs through the lush vegetation. Suddenly, it disappears into the darkness of a hole in the ground.

A peasant chases it. Carefully, he gets close to the cavity…

                                   He has no idea what is about to be revealed.

He discovers something far beyond his imagination: an underground river of extraordinary beauty. This exceptional finding took place just 6 years ago!

The Yucatan Peninsula, a geologic, natural and cultural hotspot

This amazing area of the world combines splendorous Maya ruins, a complex jungle, a coral reef and unique geological features.  Maya ruins tell us ancient stories through their stone voices. The jungle is still the home of the largest feline in the Americas and the third largest in the world: the sacred jaguar. This amazing feline with starry skin vanishes into the forest shadows. Under beautiful turquoise waters, the second largest barrier of coral reef booms with a diversity of life and colors. Underneath these amazing sights, the Yucatan Peninsula hides a secret: it is one of the greatest geological adventures in the world.

The Peninsula is a huge limestone plateau that witnessed the impact of a meteorite. According to most scholars, it was the cause of the dinosaurs’ massive extinction.

A father and his daughter enjoy Rio Secreto

Millions of years after that cataclysmic event, during the ice age, the crescent ice caps took billions of tons of water to build massive glaciers. This activity occurred over thousands of years, lowering sea levels around the globe. In the Yucatan Peninsula the level decreased more than 430 feet.

While this limestone, made of coral and many other animal skeletons, remained above the sea, the rain patiently dug caves. Some of these were home to the oldest American humans, camelids, bears and an assembly of strange creatures.

After thousands of years, Maya civilization flourished in the region. They believed caves were sacred places, housing many of their gods.  The Maya entered with torches and performed purification rituals and gave offerings, assuring that the world as they conceived it would continue to function.

With the Maya collapse the underground territory returned to silence and darkness… until now.

The voyage inside

The jungle is part of the secret river as its trees take precious water from it.  Inside, you will see roots hanging from the ceiling and reaching the vital liquid. Also, the secret river belongs to the jungle as the falling rain crosses the soil, washes the limestone, and gives life to marvelous structures resembling natural sculptures.

Your entry into this natural balance will be completely safe. Our staff from Rio Secreto will provide you with professional equipment, assuring full enjoyment of these marvelous wonders that nature has created. You will experience a friendly environment, provided with knowledge shared by our passionate guides.

If you love, if you smile, if you believe in change, you will feel the experience of total peacefulness mingled with the excitement of being under the skin of Earth.

As the secret river flows, you will enter into a personal voyage in crystal clear water. You will experience a life-changing adventure as you cross through decorated rooms where every detail is in harmony with its surroundings. You will discover not only the secret of the cave, you will also discover yourself. It’s up to you.

Moreover, Rio Secreto is a natural reserve, part of the Maya jungle. If your senses are wide open and perceptive, you will also enjoy the surrounding wild life, from the original Maya stingless bees, the “Meliponas”, to the striking blue Morpho butterfly. If you are curious enough, you will see the Mot mot or PájaroToh, a turquoise bird with a racket-like tail that inhabits the cenotes, or sink holes.

It doesn’t end here

Rio Secreto is a journey through your senses, including your taste. Traditional ancient Maya food made of corn, chaya, amaranto, xtabentún flower and the base of chocolate, cacao. These are some of the delightful flavors that you will enjoy at our Culinary Experience.

After your visit into another world, your mind will be busy with many thoughts, but your stomach will be complaining. It’ll be hungry, so you must not disappoint it.  You will find an open hut, waiting to tickle your taste buds and share a flavorful array of dishes made with love. And if you feel tired or want to reflect on your experience, just relax in one of the hammocks hanging just a few steps away.

For a better world…

The life changing experience of Rio Secreto is also a daily experience for the people working there. They share their passion for nature and conservancy to every visitor with a smile on their face: they know they are lucky to live and work in a place like Rio Secreto.

Those who enter the secret river will never be the same: they´ll be aware of the fragility, peace and amazing diversity of our world; our home. They will be conscious that the crystal clear water is our life. The water is ourselves and is the base of life, like the jungle outside the river. They will be aware that water and darkness are our origin.

"We love Rio Secreto."

We can find light in the underworld…and that light becomes real when we come to the surface again.  You will feel reborn, totally renewed and full with the energy to live and help build a better world than the one we find.

Come to Rio Secreto, a life changing experience!

Is Mexico Safe?

That is the question that the media teaches us to ask. But, the real questions are: “Can you afford to miss the beauty, culture and beaches of Mexico because of fear?” or “Will you be safe when you go to Mexico?” While the statistics about crime and security in Mexico are not consistent, there are general guide lines that one can use to predict and plan for safety on a specific trip. They are: purpose, behavior and location.

PURPOSE

Those who go to Mexico for a convention, for (legal) business purposes or for a vacation are unlikely to see the violent crime that we see on news reports. Most resorts, colonial cities, Eco-tours and guided adventures may be as safe as your own hometown.

So why do we see all of these reports? As a reporter, the first thing that I learned was to report the unusual. Everyday occurrences are not news and are, subsequently, not reported. (The common phrase is that if a dog bites a man it is not news, but, if a man bites a dog that is news.) We are seeing reports of crime because the activity is unusual.

Therefore, we read about crime for several reasons. Firstly, the numbers of victims are horrendous, because a specific drug cartel wipes out an entire contingent of a competing cartel at a specific time creating a significant violent crime. Secondly, because of the efforts of the Mexican Government under the specific efforts of President Felipe Calderon, the cartels are under siege by the government as well as the competing cartels. Subsequently, those who are in the cartels are attacking those who are dedicated to eliminating the cartels: law enforcement professionals.

President Calderon is not only fighting crime, he is willing to travel the country to show that it is safe.  Here he travels with Peter Greenberg:

We can expect that over time the Government will win this war, but the battles are dangerous for the police and the drug cartels. Those who choose to go to Mexico for some illegal activity (rather than those who go for legal business purposes or vacation) are much more likely to experience that violent crime.

BEHAVIOR

It is common sense to use some caution in any unfamiliar environment. Be aware of those who are nearby. Avoid dark alleys when alone at 1:00 AM. Don’t flash $100.00 bills (or $1000 pesos) for everyone to see.  It is easy to get smaller bills at the front desk of the your hotel.

There are many great books on safety while traveling. I read one many years ago, just before my first trip to New York City. At the time NYC was having a significant problem with gang violence. I needed to travel there for a business project and I was insecure. The tips that I read in one of these books eased my concerns and made the trip more pleasant.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Do your research. Crime is different in the various regions (states) of Mexico. Know where you are going and the dangers of the area. In my research, Prominix

http://www.prominix.com/sblock/admin/images/Mexico%20Crime%20stats%202011.pdf

is about the best site for statistics on crime in Mexico. Remember, that the percentage of unreported crime in Mexico is about 40% higher than that of the US or Canada. Yet these statistics can give a good synopsis of the crime by state in Mexico.

Finally, a word of caution when using statistics; the state data is a good source of reference. Yet, various areas of each state have different crime experiences. While one location of a given state may encounter a high rate of a specific crime, the rest of the state may have very little experience with that same crime.

TESTIMONIAL

Chicago Journalists at a Jalisco Hacienda – 2011

At this point it should be obvious that this article is based on facts, but is, mostly, my personal opinion. However, even that opinion is based on experience. This past year I have visited Mexico three times. Those visits included three different states: Yucatan (see Cozumel, Chichen Itza,) Jalisco (see Lake Chapala Region, Guadalajara Sculptures) and Mexico City. At no time did I feel unsafe. While I seldom rely solely on feelings, I experienced no crime. Sure I saw what appeared to be some shady characters, but no more often than I see them in the Midwest of the United States.

Each person needs to understand his or her comfort level, and create travel plans on that self-knowledge. As for me, I look forward to my next trip to the beaches, culture architecture, and history of Mexico.

San Luis Potosí is the capital of and most populous city in the Mexican state of the same name. The city lies at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. It has an estimated population of over 700,000 inhabitants in the city proper, and a population of over 1 million in its metropolitan area. This makes the metropolitan area  the tenth largest in Mexico.

Buisness in San Luis Potosi

TI Automotive fuel tank systems are produced at the San Luis Potosi plant

The city is one of the main industrial centers in central Mexico, with a prolific manufacturing industry. The city is strategically located halfway between Mexico City and the United States border, as well as in the middle of the triangle formed by Mexico City and the other two largest cities in Mexico, Guadalajara and Monterrey. A number of foreign industries have chosen to invest in San Luis Potosí in the last decades thanks to its strategic location for trade.

San Luis Potosí’s economy owes much of its success to the state’s thriving manufacturing and agriculture industries. Also, some of the richest silver mines in Mexico are located in the northern part of the state. Gold, copper and zinc are also mined there.

Manufacturing accounts for about 26 percent of the economy. General service-based companies represent 18 percent, followed by trade activities at 17 percent, finance and insurance at 15 percent, agriculture and livestock at 9 percent, transportation and communications at 9 percent, construction at 5 percent and mining at 1 percent.

Most of the state’s industrial activities–food processing, automobile manufacturing, mining and textiles–take place in or around the capital city. Many large foreign companies have facilities there, including Bendix (auto parts), Sandoz (pharmaceuticals), Union Carbide (chemicals) and Bimbo (food products). Fruit crops such as oranges, mangoes, bananas and guavas are abundant in this region. Corn and beans are primary crops throughout the state, with goats, sheep and cattle being the chief livestock commodities.

San Luis Potosi Tourism

Besides its industry-based economy, recently the city has been promoted as a touristic destination in central Mexico. San Luis Potosí’s historic downtown displays a great mixture of different artistic styles in many buildings and it’s a major example of colonial architecture in Mexico.

A San Luis Potosi Plaza by Price Travel through Google Images

The 400-year-old capital city is famous for its jardines – beautifully planted plazas – and extraordinary number of baroque churches, surpassed only by those in Guadalajara and Mexico City. The Potosina Cathedral and the Palace of Government are in the city’s central square; the Plaza de Armas, which is also home to many other beautifully preserved and historically significant colonial buildings. The colonial center has since been closed off to traffic to help preserve its architectural treasures.

The city of San Luis Potosí is home to several art and history museums, including the National Mask Museum  (Museo Nacional de La Máscara), which offers permanent and temporary mask exhibits. The Potosí Bullfighting Center Museum (Museo del Centro Taurino Potosino) offers an extensive collection of bullfighting memorabilia, including photographs, posters, clothing and equipment that once belonged to famous matadors. See the video on tourism in San Luis Potosi:

Outside the City

The resort town of Santa María del Río, which is known for its thermal baths and spas, also has an ancient stone aqueduct, El Arquillo that crosses the river and forms a beautiful waterfall.

EcoTourism in Huasteca Potosina by Petr Myska for VivaNatura Through Google Images

The region known as La Huasteca Potosina has some of the most important ecotourism sites in Mexico’s northern region and features attractions such as waterfalls, rapid rivers, caves and camping sites. City Valley (Ciudad Valles) is in the middle of La Huasteca Potosina.

The Basement of the swallows, (El Sótano de las Golondrinas) is a 1234-foot deep cave popular among spelunkers and rock climbers. Every morning thousands of swallows fly out in a synchronized spiral flight, and every afternoon they return.

The town of Xilitla features a surreal castle built in the middle of the jungle. Edward James, an Irish-American millionaire and owner of railroad businesses, built the castle in 1950 and lived with the local residents of the region, practicing alternative medicine for more than a decade.

The sculptures of Guadalajara are diverse and stunning. Although a single article cannot possible cover the vast array of the sculpture in this great city, we are able to show the contrast between the traditional and modern styles.

Traditional Sculpture

Bishop with Orphans – Taken By Scott Fleischmann

One of the most touching sculptures is at the Instituto Cultural Cabañas.  This complex was originally built to house the poor, and then orphans began arriving in 1810.  In the early 1980’s it was repaired and modified to be a cultural center.  The new institute has been honored by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.

The statue depicts Juan Cruz Ruiz, who was appointed Bishop of Guadalajara in 1795, with two orphans.  It shows his compassion for people who are less fortunate.  Also, Ruiz was the primary sponsor of the original building project.  He commissioned Manuel Tolsa a Spanish neo-classical architect to design the building in 1803.

In addition to this statue, the architecture, gardens and murals of the complex are outstanding.  The murals by José Clemente Orozco are world renowned.

Escudo on the Plaza Tapatia- Taken By Scott Fleischmann 5-20-2011

Another great traditional sculpture can be seen in the center of the shops that run along the PlazaTapatia.  Incidentally, while there are some typical shops on the plaza, there are also many unique boutiques that are worth a look.  The sculpture of escudo (coat of arms) of 16^th century Guadalajara is a pine tree (with leaves instead of needles) that is protected by two lions that appear to be climbing the tree.

Sculpture of General Manuel M. Dieguez – Taken by Scott Fleischmann

The Plaza de la Rotonda is just north of the Cathedral and is home to Rotunda of the Illustrious People of Jalisco.  The architect Vicente Mendiola built the monument in 1951 under the direction of the then current Governor, José Jesús González Gallo.  The seventeen columns support the upper stone ring with words that translate into “To Jalisco’s Distinguished Sons”.  There is but one woman, teacher and humanist Irene Obledo Garcia, it was added in 2000.

The center of this memorial tribute contains the urns holding the remains of those honored by the monument.  The statues of the 24 honorees surround the Plaza. 

Modern Sculpture

Inmolación de Quetzalcoatl – Taken by Scott Fleischmann

Inmolación de Quetzalcoatl was created by Victor Manuel Contreras in 1981.  The base of the fountain is a cross with a sculpture in the center  surrounded by four other sculptures at the furthest top, bottom and each of the arms of the cross.

The central sculpture is 82 feet high, making it one of the tallest in the world, while each of the other sculptures are almost 20 feet high. The five sculptures are each made from a bronze casting.   Every casting was then hand carved by Contreras.  This gargantuan sculpture sits in the Plaza Tapatia.

Bronze Sculptures by Colunga – Taken by Scott Fleischmann 05-20-11

Some of the bronze sculptures of Alejandro Colunga are near the opposite end of the Plaza Tapatia.  Each of these four sculptures depicts a magician in the process of transforming his body into a chair or a sofa.  Visitors cans sit on the magician / furniture.

Colunga was born on December 11, 1948.  Although self-trained as a sculpture, he is considered one of the most important Mexican artists of the 20^th Century.  He admits to being attracted to Mexican folk art, but creates bronze sculpture in the Latin American Surrealistic and Fantasy style.  Much of his work exaggerates the human body.

Regardless or your sclpture preferences, Guadalajara is a haven of visual beauty.

Swimming and Boating on Lake Chapala - Taken by Scott Fleischmann

The Lake Chapala region of the state of Jalisco, Mexico is diverse – distinguished by the character of each community.  At 405 square miles of surface it is the largest natural lake in Mexico and the 3^rd largest in Latin America.  A relatively shallow lake, the maximum depth is about 35 feet.   (By comparison, the lowest part of Lake Superior is about 1,330 feet deep.)

The Lake Chapala region is composed of twelve communities, eight in the state of Jalisco and four in Michoacan.  Some of the best know, most visited areas include:

Chapala

The town of Chapala is about 30 miles Southeast of Guadalajara.  The population is about 45,000 people, many of them are from the United States or Canada.  In addition to the Lake, the artistic, cultural and architectural amenities abound.  The architecture of the area is mostly Colonial.  The churches are plentiful and beautiful, many with tall towers, extensive stained glass, elaborate statues and decorations.  Those visiting should not miss the murals and the incredible wood statue in the municipal building. 

The Plaza in Chapala on Sunday - By Scott Fleischmann

One of the highlights of Chapala is the Sunday celebration along the lakefront.  While the children swim in Lake Chapala, parents shop the numerous booths, enjoy the food (especially the ice cream) and listen to the music of local, very talented, musicians and vocalists. 

While the various booths include standard tourist souvenirs, many of the booths have unique artistry and relics.  

Artists are known to frequent Chapala.  In fact, Tennessee Williams, the American writer, spent some time in Chapala to take advantage of the delightful solitude to write the play “The Poker Night”.  It ultimately became known as “A Streetcar Named Desire”.

Ajijic

As one of the towns in the Chapala municipality, Ajijic is just three miles from the downtown Chapala.  High (over 5000 feet above sea level) in the Sierra Madre mountains, the temperatures are fairly consistent.  In the coldest month – January the daytime highs are normally about 75 degrees.  In July, the hottest month, temperatures rise to 80 to 90 degrees.

The Mariachi Band at Real de Chapala - Taken by Scott Fleischmann

While Tennessee Williams preferred Chapala, Dane Chandos another American writer, fancied Ajijic.  In fact, two of his books focus on his home in Ajijic.  The first, “Village in the Sun”, was motivated by the building process of the house on the edge of Lake Chapala.  The other, House in the Sun, concentrates on the utilizing the house as a small inn.

While the region is known for Mariachi, we found the most delightful Mariachi band at Real de Chapala in Ajijic.  Their Sunday buffet is extraordinary.

Mezcala

The Church in Mezcala - Taken by Scott Fleischmann

Mezcala is a sleepy little town on the shore of Lake Chapala, about 10 miles Northeast of Chapala.  On Sundays, the locals and tourists congregate in the center of town to attend church, for camaraderie, and to partake of the concessions.  Yet, the crowds are not overwhelming.  There is an easy-going ambiance.

The large church is a focal point for this town.  Their ministry to children is well attended.  The priest does presentations that they can understand, while the children sing songs and put on plays and pageants.

However, the highlight of this area is Isla Mezcala, one of the three Lake Chapala islands. Since pre-colonial times, Isla

The Armory in the Mezcala Fortress - Taken by Scott Fleischmann

Mezcala was the site of a fortress, a prison and a retraining center.  While it is now uninhabited, tours are conducted, when requested, by trained tour guides. The remains of many of the buildings remain standing and the two hour tour is filled with history and photo opportunities. 

It is said that there are more Canadian and US citizens living in Chapala than in any other municipality outside of Canada and the United States.  This is not surprising considering that the Lake Chapala region is beautiful and it is filled with culture, history and art.