Jocotepec, Jalisco

Jocotepec is a small town situated on the shores of Mexico's largest lake, Chapala. Much is said about the neighbouring towns of Ajijic and Chapala with its mix of small town Mexican traditions and retired American and Canadian inhabitants and their cafes, stores, restaurants and bars.

Jocotepec is the most traditional Mexican feeling town out of those I have visited around the lake and feels a world away from the new age styles of Ajijic. The town felt sleepy for some of our visit, the burning afternoon heat had forced many to retire to their houses and the square after the slightly bustlier introduction a few hours previous. The town is famous for its Birria (a dish from Jalisco which is like a stew traditionally made with goat meat - and is delicious) and a local company - apparently so popular they have taken over most of the restaurant spaces in the square supplied it for us.  

Parroquia Señor del Monte

There are two churches in the town. The largest Parroquia Señor del Monte has a pretty construction with many irregular shaped pieces.  Love the little square with the awesome tall palms around it here. There are some striking and beautiful murals outside the church at the back of the square and from here you get some nice views overlooking the other church and the town.

Awesome murals of the lake

There are some striking and beautiful murals outside the church at the back of the square (El señor guaje) and from here you get some nice views overlooking the other church and the town.

View from the doorway of El señor guaje over the main town square

Further out of town (around 20-30mins walk) along the malecon (lakeside walkways) and the lakeside there are some beautiful and tranquil gardens with some bizarre and awesome sculptures around.  The day we went was rather hot so was a good excuse to have a Michelada (sounds rank - beer, tomato juice, Worcesterhsire sauce, chilli and heaps of lime and salt) and little fried fish.  YUMZ!  There is a small line of shops all specializing in this stuff which is great.  

Sweaty Julian by Chapala Lake - the largest in Mexico! 

Along the walk down to the malecon we saw something fall from the sky.  It looked like a turtle and we thought "It really can't be a turtle".  But yes of course it was.  Poor thing had fallen off a balcony and on to the ground where it awoke unpurtrubed and continued walking around....hahaha.  

De la Antigua Central de autobuses de Guadalajara se puede tomar un camión a Jocotepec. El recorrido es de una hora y media y el costo del pasaje es 52 pesos.

Jocotepec es un pueblo pequeño junto a la laguna de Chapala. En lo que se conoce como Riviera de Chapala. El centro del pueblo esta renovado y tiene un kiosko rodeado de árboles y bancas para sentarse a disfrutar algo de comer de los puestos cercanos.

Juego mécanicos en el centro de Jocotepec.

Malecón de Jocotepec

El templo principal es amplio y tiene jardines con macetas en forma extrañas con árboles adentro. Enfrente hay una pequeña capilla con un cristo de 2 metros que se llama El Señor Del Guaje. (Guaje es el nombre del árbol con el que esta hecho el Cristo), justo a fuera se encuentran unos murales con ilustraciones de escenas de la conquista. 

En el Centro se puede pueden encontrar puestos de cacahuates, elotes, nieves de garrada, birria, juguetes, tacos, y más cosas para comer.

El restaurante de El Tartamudo es el más tradicional del lugar. sirviendo birria desde hace más de 50 años, ahí comimos birria muy buena. 

A 20 minutos caminando desde el centro del pueblo por la avenida principal se puede llegar al malecón. Es un buen lugar para caminar, descansar bajo un árbol o ver el lago y las aves que viven en el. A unos pasos hay una zona para sentarse y comer nieve, tomar micheladas o charales (pescaditos fritos)

Es un buen lugar para conocer y ver lo distinto que son los pueblos de la Riviera aún se encuentren a diez minutos de distancia uno de otros.