Tag Archive for: Ajijic Mexico

Cotacachi Ecuador vs Ajijic Mexico (Pros & Cons)

Are you considering a move to Mexico or Ecuador and wondering which expat destination to choose? Both countries have plenty of options, but two towns that stand out are Ajijic in Mexico and Cotacachi in Ecuador.

These two picturesque mountain towns have a lot in common, but also some unique features that may sway your decision. In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of living in each town.

Ajijic Mexico Pros & Cons

Ajijic is a picturesque mountain town on the shore of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest lake. The town is located about an hour south of Guadalajara and is close to major cities and airports.

The area is popular with expats because of its incredible views, walkability, variety of restaurants, and outdoor activities.

The town is home to a large number of foreign residents, which means there are many perks available to them, but also a few downsides caused by its extreme popularity.

Ajijic Mexico Pros

  • Beautiful, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Lakeside location
  • Comfortable year-round climate with lower elevation at 5,000 feet
  • 30-minute drive to the international airport in Guadalajara
  • Lots of expat amenities and English-speaking locals
  • Great for retirees
  • Plenty of shopping options, including Walmart and grocery stores
  • Nightlife options available

Ajijic Mexico Cons

  • Housing is expensive
  • Very populated and touristy
  • Can feel like “America-lite”

Cotacachi Ecuador Pros & Cons

Cotacachi is a picturesque mountain town located about 90 minutes north of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. It has a population of around 9,000 people, and a lot of them are expats. Cotacachi is also close to major cities and airports and has incredible views and a variety of outdoor activities.

Situated between two inactive volcanoes, the town is small, clean, and quiet, making it feel more authentic than Ajijic. The town is also close to world-famous shopping at the Otavalo market and has a supportive group of expats. However, it doesn’t have major medical facilities, and the full grocery store is 30 minutes away in Ibarra.

Cotacachi Ecuador Pros

  • Small, clean, and quiet
  • Located in a picturesque mountain setting with incredible views
  • Close to world-famous shopping at Otavalo market
  • Hiking and outdoor activities available
  • Supportive group of expats
  • One of the most affordable cities in Ecuador
  • Weekly organic market
  • Quito is 1.5 hours away

Cotacachi Ecuador Cons

  • High elevation can be a challenge for some
  • Cool temperatures and rainy climate
  • Major medical facilities are not available in town
  • Airport is 1.5 hours away
  • Longer, more expensive flights back to the US
  • Not many nightlife options available

Conclusion

When deciding between Ajijic and Cotacachi, it comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a small community with cooler temperatures, Cotacachi may be the right fit for you. The town is more affordable than Ajijic, and it feels very authentic. On the other hand, if you have a larger budget and want to be closer to the US with a warmer climate and plenty of expat amenities, Ajijic may be the perfect fit.

Watch Our Comparison Video About Cotacachi and Ajijic

 


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Amazing Rental Homes (Lake Chapala Mexico)

Lake Chapala Mexico is one of the most popular areas to live and retire for expats from the United States and Canada. And Ajijic Mexico is by far the most popular town for expats in the Lake Chapala area.

The weather is about as close to paradise as you can get, and there are lots of activities to keep you busy. It’s also about 30 minutes from the Guadalajara International Airport so you can easily fly back home or anywhere else in the world.

You’ll find a variety of rental homes to fit most budgets and requirements. In this video, Inesa from Chapala Realtors was kind enough to show us 2 rental properties in Ajijic Mexico and one rental condo in San Juan Cosalá Mexico, which is located about 15 minutes west of Ajijic.

Inesa is primarily a real estate agent so she specializes in home buying and selling, but she can help you find a rental, too!

Here’s a link to learn more about Insesa and to access her contact info…

Watch Our Video About Rentals in Ajijic Mexico

 


FREE Weekly Newsletter

5 Countries Report CoverSign-up for our FREE weekly newsletter and get immediate access to:

  • The 5 Countries Report (53-page analysis)
  • The Ecuador Cost of Moving & Living Calculator
  • Discount Codes for our eCourses
  • And Immediate Access to ALL Our Past Newsletters

This newsletter covers topics we don’t share ANYWHERE ELSE! You’ll get all sorts of timely information about living abroad and expat-relevant news that might affect your plans to travel or move abroad.

Shocking Homes For Sale on Lake Chapala Mexico

Lake Chapala and Ajijic Mexico is one of the most popular areas to live and retire for expats from the United States and Canada.

The weather is about as close to paradise as you can get, and there are lots of activities to keep you busy. It’s also about 30 minutes from the Guadalajara International Airport so you can easily fly back home or anywhere else in the world.

You’ll also find a variety of real estate to fit most budgets and requirements. In this video, Inesa from Chapala Realtors was kind enough to show us 5 properties in Ajijic and San Juan Cosalá, which is located about 15 minutes west of Ajijic.

Whether you want to buy a condo, a townhome or a single family detached home in the Lake Chapala Area, Inesa can help!

Here’s a link to learn more about Insesa and to access her contact info

Here are links to more info about the properties we toured:

ITZIA CONDO 101

ITZIA CONDO 203

ITZIA CONDO 401

Casa Colores

Casa Elegante

Watch Our Video About Homes For Sale on Lake Chapala

 


FREE Weekly Newsletter

5 Countries Report CoverSign-up for our FREE weekly newsletter and get immediate access to:

  • The 5 Countries Report (53-page analysis)
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  • Discount Codes for our eCourses
  • And Immediate Access to ALL Our Past Newsletters

This newsletter covers topics we don’t share ANYWHERE ELSE! You’ll get all sorts of timely information about living abroad and expat-relevant news that might affect your plans to travel or move abroad.

Ajijic Mexico was NOT what we Expected!

After a few days in what we think will be Mexico’s NEXT expat hotspot, we ventured out of the city to visit what may be Mexico’s most popular place for expats from the United States and Canada: Ajijic Mexico.

We were shocked by the number of expats in this area! While it was a beautiful place with lots of amenities that will appeal to retirees, it wasn’t at all what we expected.

Coolest Neighborhood in Mexico (and the WORLD)!

AirBnB in Ajijic

Watch Our Video About an Expat Hotspot in Mexico

 


FREE Weekly Newsletter

5 Countries Report CoverSign-up for our FREE weekly newsletter and get immediate access to:

  • The 5 Countries Report (53-page analysis)
  • The Ecuador Cost of Moving & Living Calculator
  • Discount Codes for our eCourses
  • And Immediate Access to ALL Our Past Newsletters

This newsletter covers topics we don’t share ANYWHERE ELSE! You’ll get all sorts of timely information about living abroad and expat-relevant news that might affect your plans to travel or move abroad.