Chapala

Although there are several theories as to the origin of the city’s name, the most likely is that it comes from Chapalac, the name of the last chief of the Nahuatl-speaking indigenous people of the region.

The residents of Chapala are known as “Chapalense”.

Chapala began as a pre-Hispanic settlement with its earliest roots traced back to the 12th century CE. At that time, a migration of Nahuatl-speaking tribes known as the Cocas arrived from the northwest and settled on the northern shore of the lake.

This early occupation was documented by Fray Antonio Tello, a Franciscan friar and chronicler.

Four centuries later, in 1524, the indigenous Cocas and Cazcanes came into contact with the Franciscan missionary Fray Juan de Padilla and the Spanish soldier Alonso de Ávalos. This meeting led to the recognition of the lordship of Chapalingo as part of the Spanish-controlled New World.

The evangelization efforts of Franciscan friars such as Fray Miguel de Bolonia, Fray Martín de Jesús (or de la Coruña), and Fray Juan de Amolón began in earnest. In 1531, they constructed the first convent, hospital, and churches using grass and adobe.

These early buildings were located in places like Axixic (modern-day Ajijic), where the chapel of Nuestra Señora del Rosario now stands, and in Tlayacapán (now San Antonio). In 1548, they completed the Convent of Chapalingo (Chapala).

Later, in the 18th century, following the secularization of religious buildings from the Franciscans by the Archdiocese of Guadalajara, the parishes of Chapala and Ajijic, as well as the chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, were constructed.

From the 16th to the 18th century, Chapala functioned as a minor encomienda under the Spanish Crown, primarily populated by indigenous people. European colonization did not gain strength in the area until the late 17th century.

During the War of Independence, José Encarnación Rosas, a native of Chapala, played a key role in the region.

On November 1, 1812, with a force of 200 men and support from José Santa Ana, Rosas confronted and defeated Spanish royalist commander José Antonio Serrato near La Barca, capturing 300 rifles in the process.

Rosas, operating from his pro-independence ranch, worked closely with Luis Macías—nicknamed “El Brigadier” by the indigenous people—alongside Marcos Castellanos, the parish priest of Ocotlán, and José Santa Ana, an indigenous fighter from Mezcala.

One of the most violent and heroic insurgent battles took place in Mezcala, where indigenous soldiers fought with remarkable bravery and devotion to the cause of liberation. Their contributions culminated in a significant victory, and on November 25, 1816, a formal capitulation was signed – marking the end of one of the most glorious chapters in the struggle for independence.

From 1825 to 1838, Chapala was part of the 3rd Canton of La Barca, and later became part of the 1st Canton of Guadalajara. On March 27, 1824, Chapala was granted the title of “town” in the fifth proposal of the Territorial Division of the State Plan.

Eventually, it was declared an official municipality by decree of the Jalisco State Congress on September 10, 1864.

Chapala’s evolution into a tourist destination began in 1885.

In the late 1940s, American playwright Tennessee Williams stayed in Chapala while writing The Poker Night, later renamed A Streetcar Named Desire. In his essay The Catastrophe of Success, he called Chapala a peaceful escape with solitude and great swimming.

During World War I, in 1915, Norwegian speculators had plans to transform Chapala into a luxury resort. Their vision included constructing a railway, two motor vessels to connect lakeside towns, a first-class hotel, and an automobile club with a casino.

They also proposed building an 8-kilometer-long dam to create dry land for luxury housing plots. However, the investors of the “Compañía di Fromento di Chapala” were left with nothing but photographs of trains and locomotives.

These events are detailed in Gullfeber by Kr.Fr.Brøgger, published in Oslo in 1932.

Since the 1960s, Chapala has attracted both Mexican and international tourists.

One of the cultural highlights of the region is mariachi music, which originated in the state of Jalisco. While Chapala has hosted many skilled mariachi bands, the most famous groups – such as Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán – are based in larger cities like Guadalajara or Mexico City.

Though the town of Cocula is considered the birthplace of mariachi, Guadalajara boasts the highest concentration of performers and is often seen as the symbol of Mexican identity abroad – complete with charros, tequila, sombreros, and of course, mariachi music. Each fall, Guadalajara hosts an international mariachi festival that features groups from around the world, including Europe and Asia.

Finally, on September 8, 1970, Chapala was elevated from a villa to the political category of a city by official decree.

European charm on the shores of Lake Chapala

By the late 19th century, Chapala began to transform from a quiet fishing village into a sought-after destination. Drawn by its scenic lake views and mild climate, wealthy visitors from abroad arrived and built elegant European-style summer estates.

Arrival of elegance: the first foreign estates

Between 1878 and 1920, these estates began appearing east and west of the Parish of San Francisco de Asís, contrasting with Chapala’s traditional look. These homes reflected affluence and foreign influence, reshaping the visual identity of the lakeside town.

Historic gems along the lake and beyond

Notable properties included the famous Arzapalo Hotel (now hidden beneath the Mirador of the Beer Garden Restaurant) and Casa Braniff, currently housing the Cazadores Restaurant. Architect Luis Barragán’s home also graced Madero Avenue.

Avenue of transformation: Madero’s hidden legacy

Madero Avenue hosted grand hotels like Hotel Palmera (today Hotel Nido) and Hotel Niza (now the municipal presidency). These properties became symbols of Chapala’s rise as a cultural and touristic hub in early 20th-century Jalisco.

Hidalgo Street: a walk through elegance

A stroll along Hidalgo Street reveals villas like Bell, Josefina, Niza, Tlalocán, Ferrara, San José, Adriana, and Montecarlo. These buildings still preserve the charm of an era when Chapala began attracting international travelers and investors.

Southward charm near Aquiles Serdán

At the end of Aquiles Serdán Street stand historic homes like Mi Pulman, Villa Aurora, and Villa Ave Maria. Near the lakefront, Casa Capetillo and Villa Paz reflect the early elite’s desire for peaceful retreats with lake views and a mild breeze.

Paseo Ramón Corona: Chapala’s lakefront jewel

Along Paseo Ramón Corona, visitors still find estates dating from the late 1800s. These lakefront properties offered unmatched views and became social centers for the new upper class, enjoying weekend escapes and warm-weather stays.

The railway revolution and Chapala’s rise

In the early 20th century, the construction of the Gonzales Gallo Railway Station changed everything. Connecting Chapala with Guadalajara and Mexico City, it slashed travel time and opened the town to a much wider circle of admirers.

A boost to tourism and accessibility

Before the train, travelers endured 12-hour journeys by mule or horse. Later, stagecoaches or “Wichita” buses reduced the trip to 5 hours. But the railway covered it in just 3 – making Chapala the perfect weekend getaway for Guadalajara’s elite.

The golden age of Chapala begins

The Gonzales Gallo Station didn’t just symbolize progress – it sparked Chapala’s Golden Age. Comfortable train rides and elegant villas made the lakeside town a glamorous escape, drawing in artists, intellectuals, and foreign investors alike.

Boat trips on the lake to the island of Mezcala and the island of Scorpions (“Isla de los Alacranes”).

Paseos a caballo por el municipio, teniendo como recorrido el Parque de la Cristiania, Acapulquito (Zona Restaurantera popular), el Faro, el Malecón, la Iglesia de San Francisco, etc.

Other places located less than 2 hours away are Sayula, a town famous for the elaboration of fine knives, and Ciudad Guzmán, famous for its nut candies and enchiladas that you will find in the portals, as well as the mountain destinations of Mazamitla or Tapalpa in wooded areas.