Ajijic (Ah-hee-heek) is a pre-colonial village on the sunny northern shore of Lake Chapala in Western Mexico's Sierra Madre Mountains. The name Ajijic has a delightful hiccuping sound and is distinguished by the fact that four of its six letters are dotted. Founded by the Nahuatl Indians in the early 1400's under their chief, Xitomatl, Ajijic was colonized in 1652 by Fray Martin de la Coruna of Spain. Its San Andres Church, as well as its little chapel, Virgen de Santiago, date to the 1500's. San Andres Church was rebuilt in 1749.

'The cobblestone streets of Ajijic were originally laid during the days of Spanish rule. Street names in Ajijic can be confusing since, It seems that with few exceptions, street names change every few blocks. Not even the invasion of the "gringos" has done much to alter the tempo of Ajijic. The Mexicans who live here have managed to maintain their old customs and ways.

Artists and writers from around the world "discovered" Ajijic, lured by the ideal climate, the unspoiled quaintness of the village, and the unique blending of European culture with that of the native villagers.

The main street of town, heading south from the highway toward the lake, is Calle Colon. This street passes by the historic main plaza. On the right hand side of the street, directly facing the plaza at Colon 33, is Ajijic Plaza Suites. Extensively remodeled and under new management since 1997, these accommodations are moderately priced. The location is prime. For reservations telephone: 52 (376) 6-03-83. Due to the popularity of the Ajijic Plaza Suites, advance booking is recommended.

One block past the post office Calle Colon changes to Calle Morelos, several blocks up from the lake. This is a wonderful shopping area to explore with good restaurants as well. Ajijic Real Estate is at Morelos 4, where bilingual broker Jaime Niembro heads a large staff of real estate professionals at the areas #1 real estate company. Visitors are always welcomed to drop by and ask for information or take a home tour. Just around the corner on 16 de Septiembre is a block or two of artists' studios and shops. This area is a must to visit for those interested in authentic arts and crafts.

Ajijic is the best place to stay while exploring the area. The village has several excellent bed-and-breakfasts offering very comfortable rooms. Ajijic B.&B., located at Calle Hidalgo 22, just one half block from the historic main 5quare, was named the be~t bed and breakfast in January 1999, in the Lakeside's "Best of the Best" awards. It is very popular in both price and location. Ajijic B.&B., in the heart of the village, offers modest rates for very generous quiet king-size bedded rooms in a beautiful garden setting. Breakfast in Restaurante La Fuente is included. Space availability and reservations telephone 52 (376) 6-03-83.

At the western edge of the village is the factory-showroom of the internationally recognized American designer Billy Moon. La Colecci6n Moon Is stocked with Items of interior home decorating Items which combine ceramics with iron, wood and hand-blown glass. Many of the items in the collection have a weathered or textured finish. Considering the fine workmanship, the prices are fairly reasonable. On the premises of La Colecci6n Moon is Restaurante de Bella Luna. Phone for hours and for reservations 6-20-00.

Las Salvias

Las Salvias is a prestigious area of beautiful homes, panoramic lake views and spectacular tropical growth on the upper side of Ajljic along the mountains. It has a solid reputation of quality and value, and Is generally a good choice for well-to-do foreigners looking for a home in Ajijic. There are traditionally few properties available here. A full array of services are found nearby, oriented to English-speaking foreign residents and tourists. The most modern of Ajijic's exclusive communities, prices begin at about $150,000 USD.

Villa Nova

Villa Nova currently offers an excellent opportunity to find value-priced properties while being close to all amenities. This is an excellent rental market area with good buys available including a few small lots. This is a well established area. Most homes here are under $175,000 USD.

Rancho del Oro

This is one of the favored areas of Ajijic, where convenience combines with exclusivity, and breathtaking views are enjoyed in privacy. This is the new area of recent growth west of Ajijic. There are homes available ranging from $150,000 USD.

La Canacinta

La Canacinta is a small neighborhood located toward the west of Ajijic before San Juan Cosa16 between the highway and the lake. There are approximately 60 houses and many lots underdevelopment at this time.

Most homes in this community are constructed in traditional Mexican style, both large and small. La Canacinta has a nursing home on lakefront property, several small shops; there are no schools. It has cobblestone streets.

Price range for larger homes start at about 150,000 USD.

San Juan Cosala

Ten minutes west of Ajijic is the village of San Juan Cosala and its spa, famous for its thermal baths and spouting geyser. The Balneario Motel is situated on the lakefront. The facility with its large public mineral swimming pools, steam cave and several restaurants are popular with locals and tourists alike. On the highway are the Villas Buenaventura. View homes in San Juan Cosala and in the Raquet Club area across the highway on the hill, generally range from approximately $175,000 USD and up.

Las Fuentes

Driving west five minutes from San Juan Cosa16, just before entering Jocotepec, brings you to the modern residential development of Las Fuentes. This area is designed for privacy and exclusive living with some of the best-built homes at lakeside, using top quality materials and accessories. Homes here are definitely USA style and range from $100,000 to 300,000 USD.

Jocotepec

Jocotepec is the village at the extreme western end of the lake. Its history traces back to 1361 when the Nahua Indians settled there. In 1520 a Spanish expedition led by a cousin of Hernan Cortes conquered the Indians, and in 1529 Jocotepec was founded, In years past, Jocotepec was a stopping place on the fifth day of the stagecoach journey from Mexico City to Guadalajara.

Jocotepec has rustic charm and is widely known for its beautifully woven sarapes, with their traditional flowered motifs as well as other local handicrafts.

Available are villas in the traditional Mexican style of patios, courtyards, swimming pools and large gardens in the $100,000 USD plus range. Village homes are generally well under $100,000 USD.

Roca Azul

Roca Azul is a small development located around the end of Lake Chapala near the town of Jocotepec. It is well known for the Roca Azul Country Club where many families gather during the week, especially on Sundays, Including locals from Guadalajara.

The Club has a large swimming pool and a kiddie splash pool, both with thermal water. It overlooks the lake with great views during the evening. Roca Azul Is especially known in the area for the restaurant "EL Faro," which has good food and a wonderful Sunday brunch. The neighborhood has homes in various prices and sizes, starting at about 80,000 USD. There are several lots available at reasonable prices.

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