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Private Tour: Mezcala Island, Chapala and Ajijic from Guadalajara

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Guadalajara, Mexico
  • 8 to 10 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Enjoy a pleasant getaway from the city and head to the Lake Chapala region. You’ll travel from Guadalajara to the country’s largest freshwater lake. Travel by boat out to Mezcala Island to discover the local history before exploring the towns of Mezcala, Chapala and Ajijic. With a local guide, you’ll get an insight into the colonial architecture in the area and visit a cultural handicraft market. You’ll also be able try the local seafood with a delicious lunch overlooking the water.
  • Explore Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Chapala, by boat
  • Discover local towns Mezcala, Chapala and Ajijic with a guide
  • Try the delicious seafood specialities of the region
  • Visit a cultural handicraft market

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
    Purified water
  • Soda/Pop
    Soda or mineral water
  • Boat Ride on Lake Chapala
  • Historical tour of Mezcala Island
  • Knowledgeable Local Guide
  • Hotel Pickup and Dropoff
  • Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We pick you up at your accommodation (Hotel, Hostel, Airbnb). You need to notify your location at least 24 hours before.

Operating hours
.9:30 am

Itinerary

1

Lake Chapala

2 hours Admission Ticket Included

2

Mezcala Island

2 hours Admission Ticket Included

3

Antigua Estacion De Ferrocarril Chapala

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

4

Malecon de Chapala

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

5

Chapala Handicrafts Market

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

6

Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

7

Ajijic

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

8

Centro Cultural de Ajijic

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

9

Parroquia de San Andres Apostol

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

10

Malecon de Ajijic

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0
based on 25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Full day at Chapala, Mezcala, and Ajijic

David_D, Jan 2026
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!

Best tour guide ever

Timothy_B, Dec 2025
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.

A great experience!

Robert_S, Nov 2025
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.

Don’t miss Excursion

Carrie_V, Jun 2025
We really enjoyed this trip. Fernando was very knowledgeable and ensured we had the perfect trip based upon our interests.

Amazing experience!

Travis_M, May 2024
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...

Samuel_D, Feb 2024
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.

Experience and learn about real Mexican history

Michael_B, Jan 2024
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.

Exceptional private tour via boat and car to Mezcala Island, Chapala, and Ajijic

Veronica_L, Nov 2023
Going on a boat to Mezcala Island and learning about the history of the island was definitely a highlight in the trip. Lake Chapala’s beauty followed us as our very knowledgeable tour guide, David drove us to Chapala and Ajijic. We were able to explore, eat, and see areas based on our preference. Being that it was a private tour with pickup and drop off from our hotel was also exceptional. Highly recommend!

Magic, Metcala and more

JSpice_C, Nov 2022
We can't recommend this tour enough! We were able to visit all the sites with ample time to enjoy taking pictures, eat at great restaurants, enjoy the architecture and meet some of the sweetest and most knowledgeable locals ❤. The trip out to the island is one of the most impressive highlights but we were blessed while visiting Ajiji when by sheer luck a folkloric dance troupe was presenting. Although this is not part of the - it was just luck, we loved every minute of it. The guides were absolutely perfect and patient. Definitely one to do!

Awesome day! Awesome guide!

Joi_W, Mar 2022
We had an absolutely fantastic day!!!!!!!! David arrived to pick us up early, and it was like we all had met before. The drive to Mezcala was a wonderful one in which David shared knowledge of the country and the areas to which we traveled throughout the day. He answered every question we had. When we arrived at Mezcala Island we were given hats to wear because we had forgotten ours. As we visited each of the areas during the day, David provided many facts and was extremely patient as we explored each area. The entire day was wonderful, and David was awesome. This is definitely a trip that all should consider. It is worth it!!!!! Ask for David to be your guide. You will not be disappointed.
From
-10%

$163.04

per person
Was $181.16

-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 29 days in advance.

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