Ajijic

Ajijic is a town about 3 miles from, and a part of, the municipality of Chapala, in the State of Jalisco, Mexico. Situated on the north shore of Lake Chapala, surrounded by mountains, Ajijic enjoys a moderate climate year round. The population is around 15,000.

Geography

Ajijic is located (at 20°18"N, 103°15"W) 5046 feet above sea level in the vast central Mexican plateau that is home to the Sierra Madre mountain range.

The Chapala Lake basin has a year round average temperature of about 72 degrees. Due to Ajijic's tropical latitude, the sun is warm year round; due to its relatively high elevation, it is seldom unpleasantly hot or humid. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until October with an average rainfall of approximately 34 inches. Even during the rainy season, precipitation generally occurs during the evening or at night.

December and January are the coolest months and May is the hottest, just before the onset of the rainy season. Overall, there is very little temperature variation year round: daytime highs in January are around 75 degrees; daytime highs in July are around 80 to 90 degrees.

History

Up until the arrival of the Spanish, the region was occupied by nomadic Indian tribes, probably the Cocas tribe that settled the northern shore. There seem to be many explanations, and meanings, for the names Chapala and Ajijic, all of which are Indian place names, probably derived from Nahuatl, the native language of the area.

Population

The Chapala region, especially Ajijic, has become a destination for Americans and Canadians, either escaping the high cost of living north of the border, or freezing winters in Canada. These reasons, along with the agreeable climate, have increased the area's population and it appears this trend may continue, as the baby boomers reach retirement age.

External links

• http://www.Ajijic.com/
• http://www.lakechapalajews.com/
• http://www.livinglakechapala.com/
• http://www.ajijic.ning.com/

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