San Luis Soyatlan is nestled under Mount Garcia, the highest mountain on Lake Chapala’s southern shore. Its name comes from two languages, Castilian; “San Luis” refers to the patron saint of the population; Saint Louis of Toulouse, and the other “Soyatlán” which is Nahuatl meaning “place of soyates” (a fiber used for Mexican mats and hats).
The Federal Highway # 15 crosses right through the middle of this bustling town, of many shops, restaurants, an inn and other amenities. The town is renowned for its skilled broom-makers, mats and hats. The town is popular with locals and Guadalajarans (about 45 minutes south of the city) with its Eden Ecological Park with docks, grills, playground walkways, streams and of course, lake views. Highway # 15 is also the route to the very popular alpine village of Mazamitla, with its welcome cool air during April & May and charming, rustic, Swiss-style cabins.
The town’s center features an adobe chapel begun in 1564 and completed in 1885, the main plaza also dates back to the 15th century and as in all Mexican town, the hub of all activity where under portals commerce and regional foods are offered.
Experience a Mexican lifestyle, learn the language and yet be less than an hour away from the 2nd largest city in Mexico!
