Ajijic City Guide

Ajijic has Mexican staples like birria and pozole, plus lots of international food. Some places cater to vegetarians and vegans. Late-night food is scarce unless there's an event or you’re at a bar.

Nightlife is chill, usually centered on bars with live music, especially Fridays and Saturdays. No real club scene.

You’ll find several cafes with solid coffee. It’s common for people to linger and chat, especially in the mornings.

Tip 10-15% at restaurants for decent service. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips unless extra help is given. Baggers at grocery stores get a few pesos.

Get a SIM at official Telcel, AT&T, or Movistar shops. Telcel covers the area best. Bring your passport or ID for setup.

Town center and expat parts are tidy, but some local neighborhoods have more litter. Garbage pickup is regular.

A few OXXO stores are open late, but most food, pharmacies, and clinics do not run 24/7.

Supermarkets like SuperLake and Soriana stock local and foreign goods. Weekly markets and small shops are everywhere. Bargain at markets, not at big stores.

Cash is necessary for most small shops, markets, and taxis. Some larger restaurants and stores take cards, but many prefer cash.

ATMs are in town at main banks (BBVA, Citibanamex, HSBC). They charge fees, so it's smart to take out more each time.

There are bilingual and international schools, but spots fill up. Check options early if moving with kids.

There’s an active expat crowd and more people working remotely now. Meetups and language exchanges pop up. Coworking is limited, but cafes are welcoming.

The lakeside Malecon is the best green area. There are also a few parks inside Ajijic.

The Malecon is ideal for running. Roads outside the center are quieter and good for jogging.

There are a few gyms and studios, plus yoga and fitness classes.

Tennis courts are found at some clubs and hotels. Book in advance if you can.

Padel courts are not common, but some nearby towns may have them.

Several yoga studios offer classes in English. Wellness retreats pop up in town.

Some community centers may have Taekwondo or self-defense classes. Dedicated dojos are rare.

There are no ski resorts nearby.

Kayaks and paddleboards rent easily along the Malecon. Locals also fish and sail.

Surfing isn’t possible. The lake has no waves.

Lake Chapala isn't a dive spot. Visibility is poor.

For medical care, most expats use private clinics or hospitals, which often have English-speaking staff. Public options exist but vary in quality. Pharmacies are easy to find and can handle minor issues.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Always use bottled or filtered water.

Some playgrounds, parks, and kid-friendly cafes. Baby supplies are in supermarkets and pharmacies. The Malecon is a good place for families to stroll.

Ajijic is considered welcoming, especially among expats. Public attitudes are relaxed, but LGBTQ+ nightlife is limited.

Most cafes with outdoor seating welcome dogs. Vets and pet stores are around town. Some rental homes and hotels accept pets.