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About Las Fuentes. . .
The Las Fuentes community
Is located on the north west shore of Lake Chapala just east of Jocotepec. Situated on a mountainside overlooking the lake, it has spectacular views of both the Sierra Madre mountains of southwestern Mexico and Lake Chapala, the country's largest natural lake. It is located in a valley at an elevation of around 5,000 feet. The protective mountains and lake offer a natural ameliorating effect on the climate, which is rated one of the best in the world.
Lake Chapala's shores are dotted with charming and peaceful towns. Approximately 20,000 North Americans (some estimates go as high as 30,000) reside on the lake's north shore. Although the lake measures 55 by 15 miles wide, most expatriats live within 20 miles of one another in the Northshore towns of Chapala, Ajijic and Jocotepec (and numerous smaller towns in between). With its near-perfect climate, cobblestone streets, flowering trees, lush mountains, tranquil lifestyle and low cost-of-living, Lake Chapala has become a popular destination for foreign visitors and retirees.
Click for satelite photos to locate Los Fuentes
The north shore of Lake Chapala, sometimes called the Chapala Riviera, is situated about 45 minutes south of Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city, and about 35 minutes south of the Guadalajara international airport. Offering easy highway access to such popular destinations as Puerto Vallarta, the Costa Alegre (Manzanillo, Barra de Navidad, Melaque), Morelia, Zacatecas, Patzcuaro and San Miguel de Allende, Lake Chapala is indeed ideally located. Almost everything you could want can be found either at Lakeside or nearby Duadalajara.
MISCONCEPTIONS:
First-time visitors to Lake Chapala are frequently jolted by the number of misconceptions they brought with them. These include:
1) Modern conveniences don't exist. WRONG! Just about everything you've taken for granted in your native country is available here. High-speed Internet service, indoor plumbing (complete with water purification and pressure systems), Cable and satellite TV, computers, VCRs, DVDs and other high-tech gadgets, cappuccino and espresso, state-of-the-art medical facilities, known name-brand imported products, and even retail outlets such as Wal-mart, KFC and Office Depot (in nearby Guadalajara) are all available, if you are willing to pay for them.
2) Everyone speaks Spanish. WRONG! In addition to the thousands of English-speakers from all over the world that have retired or relocated to this area, a great many Mexican nationals take pride in knowing how to communicate in English. Although it is always best to learn at least basic Spanish to ease those instances when Spanish is needed, many expatriates never learn Spanish and get by just fine.
3) Everyone rides a burro. WRONG! Although you do see the occasional burro or horse being ridden alongside automobiles on side streets, most people get around by car or by using the excellent bus transit service here. Auto dealerships such as those found north of the border are also found here, along with knowledgeable mechanics and auto parts outlets.
4) Mexicans are lazy. WRONG! The native Mexicans value their leisure time, and that means a healthier, less stressful lifestyle. However, when it is time to work, Mexicans hustle and make up for time lost taking a siesta or enjoying their daily life.
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Even though many fears about Mexico are unfounded, there are some genuine pitfalls. These include:
1) Don't drink the water. Ground water in Mexico is usually not purified before being piped to homes. Water for consumption (drinking and cooking) can be readily purchased by the bottle, including large 5-gallon containers for home use. Ordinarily, the Mexicans themselves drink bottled water and restaurants serve purified water. Just don't drink from the tap. It is a habit that is actually very easy to overcome, and many homes in the Lake Chapala area are equipped with whole-house purification systems.
2) Choose your food carefully. The stories about tourists getting diarrhea are often true. Produce available in markets has not been pre-washed, so you will need to get into the habit of washing it thoroughly with purified water before eating. Anti-bacterial drops to add to the water are also available. A good rule of thumb is to avoid street food until your body has become acclimated to the food here.
3) Watch out for scorpions. It is not uncommon to come across a scorpion or other noxious insect. Many residents choose to spray their home regularly for pests such as these. It is a good rule of thumb to always check shoes before putting them on, and avoid going barefoot. The fear of scorpions seems to be greatly amplified in foreigners; the Mexicans tend to chuckle over what they consider an exaggerated fear. In truth, most scorpion stings hurt terribly for a few minutes (similar to a bee sting) and then disappear. However, the neuro-toxin from a scorpion sting can cause a bad reaction in a very small percentage of individuals, particularly the elderly and children under age three. Should you be stung and exhibit shortness of breath or other alarming symptoms, the local Red Cross has injections available to counter these symptoms. In many cases, people report that their symptoms have disappeared by the time they reach the Red Cross. Try not to be overly alarmed at the prospect. A great many people here have never been stung, even after decades in the area.
CLIMATE
Probably the principal attraction to Lake Chapala is its semitropical climate, rated among the best in the world. With an average temperature of 75° Fahrenheit, the sun shines almost every day. Even when the cooling rains come (June to September), it almost always rains during the late-night or pre-dawn hours, with the sunshine returning during the day, leaving the humidity just high enough to keep the brightly colored flowers blooming and turn the surrounding mountains a lush tropical green.
Almost every day in the Lake Chapala valley is mild. Many homes have garden terraces or patios as many people live outdoors much of the year. It would be difficult to find a more ideal climate anywhere in the world. In the winter months, temperatures dip low enough to appreciate a fireplace, though, generally, heating and air-conditioning are not needed.
