Ajijic con mi hija
- Aug 29, 2025
- 15 min read
I’ve always dreamed of taking a mother daughter trip with my daughter. Since the new thing for me is making my dreams come true, what better time than now to do it. I had asked my daughter if she wanted to go on an adventure and to my surprise she said yes. I then looked up a few places. I wanted to go to a pueblo magico since my trip to Mexico a young man told me all about them. A pueblo magico is a barrio or town that the Mexican government has given the status of “Magical Town”. These towns usually have special characteristics, as their beauty, natural marvels or historical relevance, cobblestone streets and so much more.
My daughter had no idea where we were headed or what made the town special. Once she agreed, we picked a time frame that worked and took care of the time-off requests from work. This trip felt different from the usual ones because I really wanted to relax, enjoy, and have fun with my daughter no rush, just pure quality time. I started looking up flights to various places in Mexico, trying to find the perfect destination. When I found flights to Guadalajara that were within my budget, I booked them without hesitation. Then, the real research began. I was looking for a place away from the hustle of big cities, no traffic jams, just peace and quiet. I wanted a place with a great view, a spa day, and somewhere walkable. Most importantly, I wanted to surprise her with something truly magical. Ajijic was everything I hoped for and more.
I’ve learned that I really enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations instead of the typical tourist spots. If this kind of travel resonates with you, keep reading and feel free to subscribe. I’ll keep sharing my adventures, and who knows, I might even start planning trips for others too! Stay tuned for what’s next!
Alright, back to our trip! I asked my daughter for a few preferences and then found the perfect spot for the two of us to stay. I also arranged for a tour guide to meet us at the airport bright and early to take us to Tlaquepaque. Honestly, we didn’t spend nearly enough time there, so it’s definitely on my list for next time. We stopped for lunch and were serenaded by an all women mariachi. It was absolutely breathtaking. I probably cried a little when no one was looking. After lunch we stopped at a few more spots. There’s just so much to see, and never enough time. After our walking tour of Tlaquepaque and a delicious lunch, we set off for Ajijic. Now, driving in Guadalajara is not for the faint of heart, and I chose not to drive this time. I decided to leave that to the expert. Our guide was amazing he pointed out taco and burrito spots, as well as Vicente Fernández’s ranch. The traffic leaving the city was heavy, but once we were out of town, the drive was not bad at all.
I was hoping to make it to Ajijic before sunset, but it didn’t work out. Instead, we got a mini tour of Lake Chapala and Ajijic, learning about the local restaurants, where expats tend to settle, and even a place called La Dildoría. My favorite part was learning about where Peque de los Pajaretes usually is. It felt like a little insider tip, especially because it was right by the end of the hill we were staying on.
When we arrived at our Airbnb, I asked the driver what time he'd be picking us up for the airport on Sunday. Texts through messenger were miscommunicated, he couldn’t take us. Well, shit. That was inconvenient, considering we were about an hour, maybe an hour and a half, away from the airport, and our flight was at "dark thirty" in the morning. I just laughed and said, “Great, we’ll figure it out thanks!” I’d figure it out, I always did.
Now, the walk up to the Airbnb was a bit of a workout up the steep stairs, but once we reached the top, it was totally worth it. The sky was a deep shade of dark blue, and the lake below was reflecting the moon, stars, and a few twinkling lights from the town. The sun had set, but the view was just as beautiful with the stars overhead and the faint sound of cumbias from the little pueblito. I could even smell the carne asada grilling at the neighbor’s house, if I hadn’t been so run down from the flight, I probably would’ve knocked on their door with quesadillas to make some new friends.
Thankfully, I had the fridge stocked up for us, so I made quesadillas for dinner while we made plans for a proper outing the next day. It’s not gourmet, but it worked. Plus, they were damn good! I had reached out to the Airbnb host a week before with a minimal grocery list of basic items so we could have chips and stuff to make salsa, tortillas, cheese, eggs and a few veggies.
I know I said the night view was stunning, but that sunrise. That had my heart. I was up first, I’m always the early riser. I was trying to record the view when these two noisy birds decided to make the balcony their personal stage, squawking up a storm just as I was filming. They woke up Renee with their lovely bird songs too. So, in the middle of my video, you can hear her say, “Fucking birds!” I didn’t even notice until later, but hey, I never claimed to be PG-13.
As for the rest of the day it was going to be all about the spa. I found this cute little spot where we could use a coupon because, hey, if I can save some monies, you know I will. You’d be surprised how I manage to afford these trips I cook at home, take public transportation, and make friends with everyone. It’s more about the experiences for me instead of the luxury hotels and fancy restaurants.
While getting ready I laughed at our morning rituals, she must be my daughter. I have special oils and sprays that I use and she did too. In our world there are certain people who are healers. Luckily there are many healers in this world, whether it be with words, actions, love, oils, herbs, massage, or food you bring magic into this world that is much needed. There are so many kinds of healers and some don’t even know they are healing others.. My daughter has another healer she uses, however the point of this was we both had bottles of love to help us get through the day. After we were ready we packed our bathing suits towels and an extra set of clothes.
Walking down that hill was an adventure in the day time. The cobble stone streets were fun to walk down, the houses that lined the roads were extraordinary. We joked about trying to make friends with the owners. Saying we could knock on the door and say, “Hi, I’m here for the party!’ Then the people would see we were cool and invite us in anyway. Hey a girl can dream, can’t she. So, we didn’t get invited to the big stuffy houses but what we did get was a hell of a lot better. We finally hit the end of the street. What happened next was the highlight of the whole trip.
We were nearing the end of the street and there was a gentleman peeing behind a bush. Problem was the bush did not completely cover him. Renee and I started looking on the side of the road, Mr. Urinator wasn’t on. After realizing we were walking right up to him he zipped it up rather quickly and walked away fast. We saw about 5 or 6 cows and a horse. Well, this is going to be fun. I come up and say, “hola como estan?” and they nod and say hi. I ask if we can have pajaretes and they say of course get a cup. Now if you don’t know what a pajarete is you’re in for a freaking treat. There is powdered choco milk, instant coffee, sugar and tequila on this dirty ass table with Styrofoam cups in bag next to it. I asked how to make it because we had never had one before. Before I said anything I let them size me up. They hadn’t seen many women like me before. Peque spoke up and told me the perfect mix, he helped me make it when he realized I was super excited to have one. If you think that’s a weird drink well here’s where the fun part comes in. You take your cup to the gentleman with the cows. He then proceeds to milk the cow in your cup. Yes, straight from the source. The warm milk mixes with all the other things and makes this delightful coffee type beverage that gets you through the day.
I explained to Peque, the taxi driver told me about the Pajarete and I told him I had come down there just to have one. His face lit up brighter than I thought it could. I told him where we were from and how we were on vacation. I told him we were taking a bus to a spa and back to town later. He told us where he is riding to take the cows to eat and that he will be around town and we need to find him to ask anyone, they will know where he is. I don’t know how we got so lucky to make friends with Peque de los Pajaretes but I did. His birthday is December 17th, and my goal is to go spend a birthday with him and my family. Blessing him with business and a friend to spend a birthday with I think would be appreciated. I’m glad he friended us because he also explained we had to flag down the bus…. after we were passed by the one we needed.
When we got San Juan Cosala, there were two spas. One was adults only and had multiple baths you could soak in. We liked no kids but we one of the baths were broken and I wasn’t sure about it. I’m glad we checked them both out before I probably would try the other one next time but the one, we went to was spectacular. Spa Termal Tlalocan located at the back of Hotel Balneario. The spa is adults only and has different packages and massages. We did the plus ticket that had the following therapies thalassotherapy, apple cider vinegar, hydrotherapy, flowers, mineral mud, oatmeal, inhalers, temazcal, ambient ozone, flexology stream and jet hydrotherapy. The daily hydrotherapy can include chocolate red wine, cucumber with rosemary or hibiscus. When I went the two additional was red wine and chocolate.
We were greeted with water or tea of your choice. Your girl had to have multiple of each. They had people refilling your glass at each pool. The pools were something I’ve never done or seen before. I have always heard of something like this, but this was my first experience. I was nervous thinking I’d mess something up and ridiculously excited and wanting to talk because I was so excited this was happening. I kept asking for pictures because I couldn’t believe I was living one of my dreams with one of my favorite people. After the baths we ended with mud which we slathered all over let dry then got into the final mud washing off pool of something I can’t remember sorry. Then the sweat lodges, holy hell that was so hot but crazy. I loved every second of this even when nature was eating the oatmeal face mask. Or when nature was in the reflexology pool. After our spa treatments we walked over to the family pool. There was a big waterslide and of course I had to have Renee take video of me going down. We changed in one of the many changing rooms and continued our adventures. This place was great I'd love to come with my whole family and watch my granddaughter slide down too. That little girl is a bit of a daredevil.
We were at the bus stop and there was a little boy selling bread. He was probably about 6 or 7. Of course, I bought some and left them on the bus as a present for the next bus goer. The little boy reminded me of my mom. When she remembered more of her past, she told me about her tia making so many tortillas and she would send my mom and the rest of the kids to sell them. My mom didn’t have the easiest life. I'm grateful for her trying to do the best she could with me. Not having loving parents your whole life and having to raise 7 children isn't easy.
My daughter and I decided to go to the city and shop or walk around the Malecon. I think Renee may have got all her Christmas shopping done in that one trip. We found lunch and guess what it was next to. The Dildoria was neighbors with this restaurant we had lunch at. It was a sign, until we noticed it was closed. We kept walking around town when Renee noticed a friend from the Pajaretes sitting at a liquor store. It was Peque’s nephew, and he waved us down to come hang out. Why wouldn’t we? Our big plans for the evening were to go back to our Airbnb. Luckily, all our purchases were small items, and we had a big bag.
After buying a few drinks from the liquor store we walked down the city to find Peque he was on his horse after dropping off the cows at a pasture. We finally get to the city center and there’s Peque and his horse. I said, “Of course you got here first you’re on a horse!” The men started laughing at me and we sat in the town square and had beers together under a tree while sitting next to his horse. I was sitting there with a huge grin. I couldn’t comprehend how this was my life. Before I could process all of this there was a procession passing for the virgin de Guadalupe. How could so much happen in one day. Suddenly, I noticed the time and tried to excuse myself from Peque and his nephew. Peque told his nephew he had to walk us all the way home. Poor nephew didn’t know what he was getting into. There was a brewery on the way to the Airbnb.
I wanted to thank him for walking with us, so I thought I’d buy him a beer. I may have put him over the edge as we didn’t see him the next day. I love me some beer and I enjoy tasting artisanal beers when I travel. I usually order the flights of beer that attract my attention. I let him taste some of the stronger beers and the reaction was priceless. Let’s just say he wasn’t a fan. I loved making new friends and showing my new friends’ weird shit that I thought was cool. He shared about his mom passing away and I let him know she was proud of him because she raised a great respectful young man. I felt so bad because he walked us all the way up the big hill. We hugged him goodbye and that was the last time I saw of him. He lived just probably shouldn’t have had beers with me after he’d most likely been drinking all day.
The next morning was Lake Chapala Day and our final day to run around. Starting the day off with homemade breakfast and a final pajarete was a must. Making our way down the hill was nothing to us now. We had done it multiple times. Once we pulled up to the dusty couch and makeshift table Peque says, “What did you do to my nephew?” I said, “Nothing at all I told him not to walk up the big hill, but he didn’t listen. It’s not my fault.” Peque stated laughing. We shared a final Pajarete and I’m sad I can’t start all my days with Peque and the pajarete crew. It was all locals, and they let me be a part of the group for just a bit.
Once we got our pajarete we walked across the street to where we needed to get the bus. There was a graveyard, and Renee made her way inside while waiting for the bus. The gravesites were raised and decorated by their loved ones. I remembered the conversation from the night before and I expected to find the nephew there. Losing his mom hit him hard and he said on one rough night while drinking a lot he ended up at the cemetery on her grave. I held his story in my heart because I remember feeling so much pain when my dad died but I couldn’t even get out of bed to drink my pain away. I’m glad he wasn’t there and most likely made it home to his bed.
Once we got to Lake Chapala, we took a picture at the Malecon in front of the letters. I think it’s a must when you travel. Although there have been many I’ve passed. Ok you must do it at least once, so you have a cool story. We walked all over Lake Chapala and were hungry. We could have gone to one of those overpriced restaurants and paid a ton. Instead, we found a market with so many people cooking outside. We went in because there were chairs, and it wasn’t as hot. We ordered from a small café and someone asked for money. I said I’d buy her tacos and something to drink for her and her child because I didn’t have cash. I bought our food, hers, and a milk shake for her, and I still spent less than the fancy restaurant. After lunch we went back to Ajijic to hit a cool coffee shop and stumbled upon a craft and art sale. It was magic!
We met some really fun people here. I also got my Christmas present early from Renee. There was a local sculptor who made these catrinas and they were beautiful. The woman makes these large customized catrinas for people who live there. Some with their animals and special features or glasses. I was amazed by her art. I quickly followed her on Instagram @shilascatrinas. I still must order my custom catrina with her motorcycle. I’m giving her a challenge, but I have to save up for that purchase. It will have to be well packaged and shipped too so it won’t be cheap. If you don’t know what a catrina is give her a follow. If you do and want to see her magic follow her!
We also met Craig and KJ creators of truly remarkable life on Instagram and youtube. I wish we would have found them online first but meeting them in person then watching their videos when I got home from my trip was a reminder I’d have to go back again. This couple has an inspirational story of packing up all they knew to live in paradise. Follow them for some great tips and laughs, they are fun. This was our last day of true exploration, so we had to leave on a great note.
The whole trip I had been looking for a gift for my best friend, she requested a Christmas ornament with Ajijic on it. Now I scoured all the gift shops we went to hoping to find the best one. Unfortunately, I found nothing good enough for her. On our walk about I recognized some familiar stores and looked at my daughter with a smile. I said, “Oh we have to go back to the Dildoria!” It was a half block over and I’m so glad we did. Not only did I find the elusive Christmas ornament, but the owner was so friendly. I found out he arranges a ton of tours for expats in the area. Robert told us about the trip he had just taken to a town where they specialized in making glass ornaments, hence the wonderful selection of Christmas ornaments amidst the edible underwear and dildos. I felt like this store was more of a community hub. People came to get information, plan trips, get some excitement for the night. It was a one-stop shop, and Robert ran it well.
On our walk back to our place we chose to take the scenic route and walk through the pueblito. When I found a tiny door with a sign that said cola de gallo. I stopped as we had been walking for a while, and I was thirsty. I looked at my daughter and said a place called chicken butt hell yes, we are going in. We met the owner, his partner and the bartender who made fire drinks. I probably would have stayed longer if I didn’t have to pack and be at the airport early as hell. We slipped out as quickly as we slipped in while the live band was setting up. It’s a great place, I highly recommend you stop.
We started our long walk back to our place when lo and behold who do we spot! It’s Peque on his horse. Now I didn’t tell you but the last pajarete, I forgot to pay for it. We left abruptly to get the bus. I told him how happy it made me to have made friends here and I couldn’t wait to bring my family to come visit with me next time. I handed him enough for 10 pajaretes and said I was paying for a few friends I’d bring later. His face lit up and said I always have a friend in Ajijic. Shortly after we get home Renee is showering and yells, “Cocktail!” I sit there confused for a second then say, “Oh my gosh it’s not chicken butt it’s cocktail!” As I laugh so hard I’m crying.
Spending time with my daughter and drinking with the locals made my trip. We could have done fancier things too but eating at a mercado fills my heart. Beers in the pueblo while the procession passes. I felt like I was part of the town. These experiences are mine and I can’t wait to make more. Who wants to go meet Peque with me for his birthday? December 17th travel plans anyone?
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