Ruins of the old Spanish prison called El Presidio on Mezcala Island.
Mezcala and Mezcala Island: yesterday and today
Mezcala Island is near the town of Mezcala, on the northern shore of Lake Chapala, about an hour from Guadalajara, Mexico.
From 1812 to 1816, a small band of Mexican rebels on the island held off the Spanish army and navy against overwhelming odds. Tired of the humiliation, the Spanish finally negotiated a peaceful surrender with the insurgents. Later the island served as a Spanish prison for many years.
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An aerial view of Mezcala Island. |
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A launch taking tourists back from the island. |
Rumors have it that indigenous structures and hieroglyphics existed on the island before the fortifications were built, but no traces remain. Now the ruins are being catalogued and restored by the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History.
Tours of the island can begin from either the town of Mezcala and the town of Chapala. The tour of the island itself takes about an hour once the boat launch brings you to the island's shore. Be sure to wear good shoes for walking through the ruins and rubble.
On the way back from the island, you can enjoy the fresh breezes and feel the heat evaporate from your body.
The tour to Mezcala is at least five hours long.
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