Investment in travel is an investment in yourself.
~ Mathew Karsten
Jocotepec: A Traditional Village With A Bit Of Frosting on the Cake
The small towns that sit along the shore of Lake Chapala, in Jalisco, Mexico all have their own personalities. Jocotepec, located on the west end of the lake, is one of those and is a small traditional town of about 38,000 people that was once a small fishing village.
The central plaza is the social center for the community, as are plazas in cities, town and villages all throughout Mexico. Two lovely churches face the plaza. One of those is a 16th century chapel. Not too far away is the market with vendors in their stalls selling everything from baked goods, fruits and vegetables, fish and chicken to clothing and household items. What a charming town with friendly locals. There seems to be a strong artisan aspect to the city. Besides the nearby, Driscoll Berry Farms that grow stawberries, blueberries and raspberries, beautiful typical woven wool carpets are created here, as well as Mexican tiles and well crafted handmade furniture. As the frosting on the cake, the town has created a wonderful lakeside promenade and park, which is a bit of a walk from the main square, but well worth the exercise to visit. Lining the edge of Lake Chapala are walkways, sculptures and a pier to watch the sunset.
This is not your typical malecon. It spreads out from a cement walkway along the water to a good sized park with grassy areas and trees, a lovely place to spend the afternoon and wile away the hours. The birds of the lake, pelicans, herons and coots, among others, all hug the shore near the small wooden boats that are anchored nearby. Jocotepec is a gem of a traditional town on the west end of Lake Chapala. |
LocationThe Vagabond - a statue on the Jocotepec malecon park
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