Ajijic, Mexico…over a long weekend, I aimed to capture the essence of this charming lake town, nestled on the north shore of Lake Chapala, just 30 minutes from Guadalajara Airport.

As soon as I landed in Guadalajara, I hopped into a cab for the 30-minute ride to Ajijic, which cost me around $25 (520 pesos). Once you exit the airport, you’ll find the taxi area where standard fares range from $25 to $35.

I stayed at Casa del Sol Inn, a beautiful boutique hotel right in the heart of Ajijic. This intimate, well-designed retreat offered a lovely pool, stunning views, and kind staff. It was the perfect spot for anyone seeking a quiet, hidden paradise. My room with a pool view was around $150 per night. The hotel provided a delightful breakfast and brunch on weekends, along with two complimentary margaritas or tequila—non-alcoholic versions are available too.

Ajijic is surrounded by mountains, creating phenomenal views with breathtaking hills and sunsets that paint the sky in stunning hues. For my first day, I decided to head straight to the pool for a relaxing start. If you’re planning a visit, check out my packing list that’ll help you prepare for your trip.

The town of Ajijic is small and easily walkable, with charming cobblestone streets. If you’re staying at Casa del Sol Inn, you’ll find that everything is within a five-minute walk. Comfortable flat shoes are a must for navigating the cobblestones.

I strolled down to the Malecón, the picturesque waterfront promenade along Lake Chapala, to catch the sunset. The scenic views of the lake and mountains were simply magical. After soaking in the sunset, I walked a few minutes to one of the town’s highly-rated restaurants, Ajijic Tango. They served the best steak I’ve had in years—tender, flavorful, and only $19 for the meal. For dessert, I indulged in a pastry with nuts and caramel that tasted even better as I trolled back to my hotel.

The next adventure on my list was a visit to Hotel Balneario in San Juan Cosala, home to the renowned Spa Tlalocan. From Ajijic, you can catch a 15-minute bus ride from the town’s main street for about 12 pesos. Be sure to catch the right bus and hang on tightly; the driver won’t wait for you to sit down!

I used GPS to make sure I got off at the correct stop, and asking locals for help along the way was a breeze—they’re incredibly kind and willing to assist. The path from the bus stop to the hotel reminded me of Ggaba beach in Uganda…chaotic and unusual at first, but promising upon arrival.

I visited on a weekend at noon, so there were understandably a lot of people. The hotel has a large array of pools and the entry fee of about 440 Mexican pesos gives you access to most of them. For a more exclusive experience, I opted for the Spa Tlalocan, which costs an additional 300 pesos. This spa features thermal waters rich in minerals from the surrounding volcanic mountains. The experience lasts about an hour and a half and includes hydrotherapy with thermal baths infused with apple cider vinegar, flowers, mineral mud, and oatmeal. My favorite was the wine bath—it felt like diving into a large wine barrel and was absolutely amazing. The spa also offers inhalation therapy and time in the sauna and steam bath.

Back in Ajijic, I spent some time exploring the plaza and wandering the streets, discovering the town’s art and culture. I came across the Day of the Dead Wall, a poignant tribute to Ajijic residents who have passed away.

Dinner that evening was at Mario’s Restaurant, located within the gorgeous Hotel Casa Yollotzin. Mario’s offers a delightful mix of European, American, and Mexican cuisines. The food was delicious, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I had a mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone lamb shank dish. After dinner, I took one final stroll around Ajijic, soaking up the town’s vibrant energy. It was a truly lovely experience.

Ajijic is a safe and welcoming place, but I recommend arriving and departing during daylight hours. My 7:00 AM flight meant leaving Ajijic at 4:00 AM, which was a bit tricky due to the lack of Uber or Lyft. The airport was bustling even at that hour, so be sure to arrive at least three hours early to navigate document checks and security lines especially of you’re checking a bag in. For an early morning departure, I paid $40 to $50 cab fare to ensure I caught my 7:00 AM flight.

This trip was a beautiful, rejuvenating weekend escape. Although I didn’t manage to do everything Ajijic has to offer, it gives me a reason to return…perhaps some horseback riding, or cheese tasting at the goat farm, the options are unlimited.