Chapala, Ajijic, San Antonio Tlayacapan, Jocotepec, San Juan Cosala, San Luis Soyatlán, Mezcala de la Asunción, Tizapan El Alto, La Palma, Michoacán and Ocotlán. According to Tony Burton in his book, "Lake Chapala through the ages: an anthology of traveller’s tales", westerners have been interested in Lake Chapala since Spanish Conquistadors first arrived uninvited in 1530. Lake Chapala tourism started in the 19th century and steadily pick up in the early 20th century. Beginning in the 1950s, because of the pleasant climate and attractive scenery, a substantial colony of retirees, including many from the United States and Canada, have been established along the lake's shore, particularly in the town of Ajijic, located just west of the city of Chapala but also in many other towns like San Nicolas De Ibarra, San Juan Tecomatlan and Tlachichilco Del Carmen. An estimated 30,000 foreign residents live along the shores of Lake Chapala. References External links Lake Chapala Lake Chapala Ramsar site map Ramsar Sites Information Service Chapala Landforms of Jalisco Landforms of Michoacán Ramsar sites in Mexico Important Bird Areas of Mexico