Effective as of Sunday, October 4, Comunidad Indigena de Axixic is now charging an entry fee for non-resident hikers and excursion groups setting out on the Tepalo mountain trail.

The income will be used to clean, maintain and guard pathways on land titled to the indigenous group.

Contrary to common misunderstandings, property spanning the mountain range is not public land, but held entirely in ownership by indigenous and ejido communal organizations or private parties.

Ajijic residents will be exempted from payment by signing up for free membership in the Club de Senderismo y Carreras de Montaña (hiking and mountain race club). To obtain a club ID card, those interested are required to present proof of residence and an official identification, sign a letter of responsibility and specify their blood type. Resident foreign citizens will be asked to show their immigration documents. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration is available Tuesday or Thursday, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Casa Comunal located at Galeana 289, the far north end of the street cattycorner to the Escuela Secundaria.

All other hikers and runners will be charged per visit on a sliding scale as follows: other local residents, 10 pesos; regional visitors, 15 pesos; other Jalisco visitors, 25 pesos; national and foreign visitors, 45 pesos.