Getting to Ajijic
1. Fly into the Guadalajara International Airport.
Guadalajara Airport Indoor Map https://maps.app.goo.gl/ppyr34Bmzmg4jr9x8
2. Go from Arrivals to the other end of the airport until you see the kiosks for Taxi's. It is right by the exit-big double glass doors.
3. Go to one of the kiosks and pay for a voucher for a taxi to Ajijic. Just say Hola, Ajijic por favor. It's currently about 700 pesos. You will need pesos to pay. Please bring several thousand pesos with you and make sure you have smaller bills - 500's and some 50's and 100's. You will want to tip your driver about 10% of the cost of the trip.
4. Go outside and stand in the line up. They take people on a first come, first serve basis.
5. The attendants will help you put your luggage in the Taxi when it's your turn. Please tip them 10 - 20 pesos.
6. Have the address and a map printed out to give your driver. Not all Taxi Drivers in Guadalajara are familiar with all the small streets in Ajijic. Most have GPS to type in the address but best to have a map too.
7. Enjoy the ride from Guadalajara to the retreat centre. It's hustle and bustle out of Guadalajara but once out of the city, it's usually a smooth ride to Ajijic. It's about 45 minutes at most but it will depend when you arrive and traffic.
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Packing for Your Stay
Things to Bring
Layers- The mornings and evenings can be a little cool but usually it is sun/warmth in the late morning/afternoon (think 80 degrees F during the day). Check the temps here throughout the day the week before you come to confirm.
Need-a light sweater or jacket that you can wrap around your waist or put in your bag if it gets too hot.
A scarf that you can put in your bag
A pair of cosy thick socks for your Air BnB (or slippers/flip flops) and a thinner pair for your tennis shoes
A knapsack or purse that has room for a water bottle.
Summer clothing
Bathing suit for your hotel and/or the spa/Mel’s Social Club
Tennis shoes/sneakers with a good sole (good if you can wear them with a skirt or dress too).
Sandals with good support/a thick sole and no toes going over the front edge. (You want to protect your toes from the possible stubbing!) -flip flops are useless here! You can bring a sturdy pair for the spa and beach or to wear indoors).
Earplugs (necessary if there is a celebration in town although where you will be staying is usually quite quiet) and an eye mask if you are light sensitive at night.
Money (Dinero-Dee-nay-ro)
Pesos-
You will need these! Bring plenty and don’t put them all in one place. You can exchange Canadian and US $ here but you will pay more than your bank/currency exchange back home. You can NOT rely on debit or a credit card at a lot of places. You can use credit cards here and sometimes the bank machines but don't count on your cards working without a hassle. It could be fine or you could have some difficulty. How needs it?
Just bring as much as you think you will need. (500-1000/day at minimum. Some days will be more or less depending on what you do and buy. While at the retreat, you will only need money for dinner which should be under 500 pesos). The spa will cost you about $1000 pesos. The buses are only 12 pesos. A taxi ride in town about $100 pesos. Some change or small bills for tipping is a good idea. 10 % for a taxi is fine. 15 % for a dinner if the service and food is good is appreciated.
Ask for a combo of larger and smaller bills-often no one can change a $1000 pesos bill here unless you made a purchase over 500 (or they say they can’t because it will take all their change) -you will need 500 and below. Even the cabbies will not have change (the taxi kiosk will though so you can buy your ticket with 1000)….get as many small bills as you can.
Other Considerations
The workshop will be videotaped for your review. You may want to take notes.
