Jocotepec, Lakeside town in Jalisco, Mexico
Jocotepec is a town on the western shore of Lake Chapala with cobbled streets and traditional Mexican houses set against mountain views. The center clusters around a main plaza with local markets and traditional restaurants, while the wider area extends from the waterfront to the surrounding hills.
The area was first settled in the early 1300s, generations before Spanish colonizers arrived in 1520 to take control of the region. This meeting of two cultures shaped how the town developed over the following centuries.
The town is home to traditional craftspeople who work with textiles and pottery in small studios around the central plaza. Visitors can watch artisans create handmade goods and purchase directly from their workshops, keeping these skills alive in daily practice.
The town is easy to reach by car or local buses from central Jalisco and offers accommodation and food options spread throughout. The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are easier and the marketplace comes alive.
Large-scale organic berry cultivation surrounds the area, with strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries grown for export to many countries. Visitors can see these managed fields from the lakeshore and gain a glimpse into a significant modern industry alongside traditional farming.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
