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TRANSPORTATION
"Transportation system around Lake Chapala is excellent."
The transportation system around Lake Chapala and Guadalajara is excellent. A modern four lane freeway (not a toll road) connects Lake Chapala to Guadalajara; a short fifty minute drive. Guadalajara, a city of 4.7 million, can take some getting used to for driving around and finding your way. People tend to move from lane to lane as they please and turning signals are more the exception than the rule. Plus signs can be nicely planted up high or perhaps behind a tree and one way streets are everywhere.
Driving in Lake Chapala is no problem at all, although in high season (our winter months), especially on weekends, the main carretera (highway) can be very busy.
The main highway in Lake Chapala connects all the villages that lie along the lakeshore from Chapala to Jocotepec. Chapala's main streets are wide and paved and although parking can be scarce, it is quite easy to get around. The interior streets are cobblestone.
Airlines
The airline transportation that operates in Mexico is very good. You will find Mexicana, Aero México, American, Delta, Continental and United. Flying from major cities in Canada or the U.S. to Guadalajara can cost around $800 US. It can be cheaper if you are flying to the coast in Mexico.
Taxis
Taxis are abundant and very affordable, in spite of the high cost of gas. However, on the lakeside, they don’t run late at night. Often people will go to a restaurant anticipating they can simply call a cab to get home.
Buses
Busing is the main means of transportation for the working class of Mexico. And you can go most anywhere in Mexico by bus. They are safe and reliable.
Bus service is composed of three categories in Mexico and differs dramatically from countries north of the border. First Class (Executive), Second Class and Third Class (Economy).
Renting Cars
Renting a car can be a bit expensive in Mexico, depending on the area and the time of year – law of supply and demand. $50 to $80 US dollars a day at the airport.
