Lake Chapala, Freshwater lake in western Jalisco, Mexico

Lake Chapala covers about 1,100 square kilometers at 1,524 meters above sea level, making it Mexico's largest freshwater lake, shared between Jalisco and Michoacán. It is shallow, with a mean depth of 7 meters and a maximum of 10.5 meters, fed by the Lerma, Zula, Huaracha, and Duero rivers. The lake lies in a valley surrounded by volcanic cones and hills, with three small islands: Isla de los Alacranes, Isla Mezcala, and La Isla Menor.

In pre-Hispanic times, travellers from Aztlán settled the lake, which was called Chimaloacán, "place where the shield is used"; its Tecuexe inhabitants were subject to the señorío of Tonalán, and tradition credits a leader named Chapa with founding Chapala, then Chapatla or Chapatlán. In 1526 Alonso de Ávalos conquered the region, which depended on the viceroy and New Spain while linked to the kingdom of Nueva Galicia. Father Antonio Tello described the lake during Nuño de Guzmán's expedition, when it was called Mar Chapálico for its size.

The freshwater reservoir takes its name from a pre-Hispanic village along the shore and lies in a region known for its active arts community and international population. Visitors often notice the relaxed pace of life in the surrounding villages, where local markets display traditional crafts and residents spend afternoons strolling waterfront promenades.

The surrounding towns are accessible via regular bus connections from Guadalajara, and lodging options range from simple guesthouses to waterfront hotels. Many visitors rent bicycles or walk along the shoreline paths to explore the different villages and viewpoints.

The water body holds three small islands, including one with an old fort that later served as a prison and now sits abandoned. Fishermen still use traditional nets and small boats that glide across the shallow water at sunrise.