Private Tour: Mezcala Island, Chapala and Ajijic from Guadalajara
Description
Discover the magic of Mexico's largest lake on a private, personalized experience. Escape the city to explore the history, art, and nature of Lake Chapala's shores with an expert local guide. Highlights: ️ Mezcala Island: Take a boat trip (included) to this mystical island, an ancient indigenous ceremonial center and key stronghold in Mexico's War of Independence. Ajijic and Chapala: Stroll along the picturesque boardwalks and colorful streets of these Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns), famous for their colonial architecture and vibrant arts community. Lakeside Cuisine: Enjoy lunch overlooking the lake in the best culinary area (fresh seafood, micheladas, and signature cocktails). VIP Benefits: ✅ 100% Private Tour: No crowds, at your own pace. ✅ All-Inclusive: Private door-to-door transportation and boat tour. ✅ Culture and History: Professional guide with fascinating facts. An authentic immersion into the heritage of Jalisco!
Tour Options
Itinerary
You will tour and appreciate one day the 3 main magic towns on the shore of Chapala Lake (Mezcala, Chapala & Ajijic). Indigenous origin villages with lots of history, tradition, and gastronomy. It may take several hours depending on the wishes of the traveler
Enjoy a boat ride (included) to Mezcala Island in the company of a local expert where you will learn all about the ruins and vestiges of one of the most important military forts during the War of Independence. Formerly it was also a ceremonial center of the Coca indigenous community.
Visit the old Chapala Railway station that formerly communicated the region with the city of Mexico and Guadalajara around the 1920s. Today it is a museum dedicated to sharing the history of the region. *The museum is subject to the availability of local authorities*
Stroll and appreciate the beautiful Chapala boardwalk as well as its historic center.
Right next to the Chapala boardwalk you can find the handicraft market where you will find pre-Hispanic crafts, jewelry, souvenirs as well as drinks and snacks typical of the region.
Visit the parish of Chapala and appreciate its neocolonial architecture.
Stroll the historic center of Ajijic, a magical town on the shore of Lake Chapala.
In this cultural center of Ajijic you can appreciate murals related to the history of the region as well as art and photography exhibitions, folkloric ballet presentations and theater plays. *The place is subject to the availability of local authorities*
Visit the Ajijic parish and appreciate its neocolonial architecture.
Discover another of the magical towns in the Ribera de Chapala route. Appreciate its beautiful boardwalk and historic center. You will find also great coffee shops, regional crafts, and a craft beer brewery.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick you up at your accommodation (Hotel, Hostel, Airbnb). You need to notify your location at least 24 hours before.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(25)
I took this tour in Dec 2025. Fernando was the guide. It was an amazing experience with lots of information and plenty of things to do (busy day). We started with the boat ride to Mezcala Island, including a tour of the fortress. We then walked around the town of Mezcala, stopped at the local museum near Chapala, had lunch in Chapala and walked along the Chapala waterfront. We then went to the cathedral in Chapala before visiting Ajijic. There were lots of local hidden gems that Fernando pointed out. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. Carlos did a good job driving as well. Overall five stars and I highly recommend!
We had an incredible experience on our private tour. Fernando was an amazing tour guide—friendly, informative, outgoing, and attentive to every detail. He made the experience engaging and enjoyable from start to finish. Our driver, Juan was equally impressive: professional, friendly, and made us feel safe and comfortable the entire time. The service was outstanding overall, and we highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a personalized and high-quality experience.
Fernando was friendly and informed. He enthusiastically shared his knowledge about the peoples and history of the area. We had an interesting day and are grateful for the experience.
We really enjoyed this trip. Fernando was very knowledgeable and ensured we had the perfect trip based upon our interests.
We were picked up promptly from our hotel by Fernando and our driver Hector. Fernando was so knowledgeable about everything and very entertaining to listen to. We learned so much about the history of Mezcala Island through Fernando and our guide of the island. We toured Lake Chapala and Ajijic and learned about the murals and land marks there. Fernando answered all of our questions and was so personable! We were so thankful to more about the Mexican culture through his perspective. We highly recommend this tour!!
Very informative, personalized and attentive tour. We particularly liked Fernando's explanations of the many murals in the towns around the lake.
Fernando and pollo were great tour guides. Very informative, easy going, and a pleasure to spend the day with. Thank you!
Fernando is an amazing tour guide and gives you a day to remember! Highly recommend this tour for any travelers seeking a private, curated experience!
The town of Chapala and island of Mezcala were highlights of our trip to GDL. Lots of interesting history on the island and the town itself was very nice and worth a visit. Both guides involved were great.
This tour is so much better than just visiting the common tourist sites of Chapala and Ajijic as other tours do. Yes, you visit them also but best of all you get to visit Mascala Island by boat and learn about the fascinating history of the island and it's indigenous people. The guide on Mescala Island shared great knowledge and some extra things like trying fruits and demonstrated rock throwing. Along the way, Fernando from Jalisco tours was there to translate and also guide. Fernando is an excellent guide. He is knowledgeable himself, full of energy and always is considerate in offering to take photos and asks how you are. A lovely lunch was had a local family restaurant overlooking the lake and transport was safe and comfortable. If you want to learn about real Mexican history and culture which isn't mentioned elsewhere then you should definitely take this tour, you won't be disappointed as it's a great day out.
