Tapalpa, one of Mexico's 132 "magic towns," is located in the pine-covered mountains two hours southwest of Ajijic.
Tapalpa, like Ajijic, is a pueblo mágico located 7,000 feet in the mountain pine forests growing southwest of Lake Chapala. It’s a popular spot for weekend visitors from Guadalajara and is a good day trip from the lake.
The Pueblo Mágico Program was an initiative started in 2001 to attract visitors to certain towns due to their natural beauty, cultural significance, industry, historical importance, artistic value, and other qualities.
New towns were added every few years and those designated as pueblos mágicos received federal funding. The program was canceled in 2018 by President Obrador, then resuscitated soon after.
The town of Tequila is also a pueblo mágico, as well as Pátzcuaro in Michoacán. Both are trips you can take from Lake Chapala.
Tapalpa is a small but captivating town to take a stroll, visit the all-brick church on the plaza and a few shops, then have lunch before heading back to the lake. Or you can stay the night in one of the area’s many cabins called cabañas.
How to Get From Ajijic to Tapalpa
It takes about two hours to drive from Ajijic to Tapalpa. The quickest way is to take Highway 15 north once you get to Jocotepec and then take the 54D toll road. The most scenic route would be to take Highway 15 south once you arrive in Jocotepec and follow it along the south side of Lake Chapala until you connect with Highway 446.
Last updated: 2023-03-15
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