5 Exciting Reasons to Visit the Ajijic Wednesday Market (Tianguis) in Mexico
The following is from our transcribed YouTube video. If you enjoyed this article, we invite you to watch the original video for a firsthand experience of the Ajijic Wednesday Market.
The Wednesday Market
Hello everyone and welcome back to the channel! Today, we’re headed to the tianguis, the local market here in Ajijic, which takes place every Wednesday. Let’s go!
The Ajijic Experience
I love Wednesdays! If you live in Ajijic, you know that Wednesday is the day of the Wednesday Market, also known as the tianguis in Ajijic, Mexico. We’re in the San Antonio area, walking through the back roads behind Walmart, through La Floresta, to the tianguis. Ajijic is a pueblo mágico that sits right on Lake Chapala, a popular expat community where English is widely spoken. Everyone is friendly, and if you haven’t seen it yet, check out the video where I did a run-through of Ajijic a few weeks ago.
As some of you may know, I travel throughout Mexico house and pet sitting. I also have a home base in the Ajijic area, which I enjoy so much. When I was new in Ajijic, many people recommended this market to me, so I had to visit it.
1. Convenience and Accessibility
The Wednesday Market, or tianguis, is located down Revolucion Boulevard, right next door to Scallion Restaurant in Ajijic. There’s a bus stop at this intersection, making it very convenient. Interestingly, the Ajijic market is known outside of Ajijic as well. I even met a lady in Lo de Marcos who shared her enthusiasm for this market.
2. A Variety of Vendors
The Ajijic Wednesday Market stands out due to its size. The streets are lined with vendors selling everything from avocados and mangoes to tamales, fruits, vegetables, unique Mexican crafts, oils, reflexology services, jewelry, t-shirts, clothing items, purses, and so much more. The market starts around 10 a.m. and runs until about 2 p.m. Sometimes, you’ll find vendors still there a little past two.
3. Community Feel
If you are a local and visit the market every Wednesday, it’s likely you’ll run into someone you know. Ajijic’s community is small enough that you get to know people, say hello, and chat when you see each other in town. This market is also a great place to practice your Spanish. Immersing yourself in the culture and engaging with the vendors not only helps you learn the language but also enriches your experience. For example, I bought a large wooden bowl and learned from the vendor that he makes them himself. This interaction made the purchase even more special.
4. Embracing Local Culture
In this video, I chose to keep the local music because I wanted you to experience it as if you were walking through the market yourself. If I could include the smells of Mexico—the aroma of the food—I would. It is just so fun to walk through this market every Wednesday.
I love visiting local markets in every city I travel to in Mexico. I’ve been to markets in Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, and of course, Ajijic. Every city tends to have a local market, or one nearby, and it’s one of the best ways to embrace local culture.
Catch the Video Here! See the Tour!
5. Seasonal Variations
The Ajijic market is outside, with vendors on both sides of the street. During peak tourist season, the market can be really busy, while in the off-season, there’s a lighter crowd. Walking down Revolucion Street and picking up the items you need is a joy. You can chat with locals, meet new people, and enjoy the warm weather Ajijic is known for:
Prices and Bargaining
Now, let’s chat about prices. I have seen great deals in this market and in local shops outside the market. Things are priced reasonably well. While some people say you don’t negotiate in the Ajijic market, I tend to negotiate on some things, depending on what I’m purchasing. For example, I recently negotiated the price of honey and a mango. Right next door to the market is another popular market in the area.
Other Markets
There are other markets to visit in the Ajijic/Lake Chapala area in addition to this Wednesday market. The Wednesday market may be the most popular in the area, however, there is also a Monday market located inside Sunrise Restaurant in San Antonio Tlayacapan and there is a Tuesday Market in West Ajijic. Another on Thursday in San Juan Cosala, and even more located in Chapala.
Are you thinking about coming to this local market? I invite you to do so if you haven’t been already. Enjoy the vendors, enjoy the food, and have a wonderful time. If you liked this video, please give us a like, drop a comment, say hello, let us know where you’re listening from, and subscribe for more. I love traveling throughout Mexico; it’s such a fantastic country. Enjoy the rest of this market, and I’ll see you in the next one.
Currency rates vary, and prices mentioned in this article are subject to change. Please check the latest prices on local websites or directly with vendors for the most accurate information.
