REAL ESTATE | LIVING | TRAVEL | RETIREMENT
ISSUE 3 VOL 2 MAY 2012 WWW.MEXI-GO.CA
THE CURSE OF THE GUACHIMONTONES NEW MATH: RETIRING IN MEXICO BAJA WINES: SANTO TOMAS IN GUADALUPE VALLEY GOLDCORP STRIKES IT RICH IN MEXICO
NOW DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOUR TIMES A YEAR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! WWW.MEXI-GO.CA
Mexi Go! www.mexi-go.ca
Editor-in-Chief
Madeline Milne
Editor
Moralea Milne
CREATIVE
Art Director
Madeline Milne
Brad Hopwood
MADELINE MILNE Editor-in-Chief, Art Director
MORALEA MILNE Editor
ROSSANA ASCENCIO Food Contributor
Contributors
Joel Hansen
Madeline Milne
Madeline’s expertise in
Moralea lives in Metchosin
Rossana has over ten years
real estate marketing and
BC where she is an elected
of experience promoting and
Lindy Liang
passion for life in Mexico is
councillor, respected volunteer
actively sharing the culinary
Linda Neil
the foundation that Mexi-Go!
for local environmental groups
traditions of Mexico. She has
Rosanna Ascencio
is built on. Living full time in
and frequent contributor to
owned an award-winning
Jim Donahoe
Mexico brings experience and
the local paper. When the rain
restaurant, delivers workshops,
real life skills to the creative
and wind get to be too much,
conferences, and cooking
John Glabb
process. When she’s not
Moralea heads to Mexico,
classes, is a regular guest on
exploring new parts of Mexico,
where she finds pleasure in
radio and TV shows, and she
Photography
Barb Nettleton
you can find Madeline under
the unique flora and fauna, the
continues to conquer palates
her palapa, poolside, with a
beaches and the highlands and
with her company, Encanto
Joel Hansen
good book and her posse of
in the warmth and comfort of
Culinary services. What she
Madeline Milne
chihuahuas. She divides her
the Mexican culture, food and
enjoys the most is sharing the
time between Vancouver, BC
people.
cultural and culinary wealth of
Distribution
her native country, Mexico.
and Mexico.
Maxwell Hansen-Milne
ADVERTISING AND SALES Garth Watson | Sales Director garth@mexi-go.ca Gabriel Jones | Riviera Nayarit gabriel@mexi-go.ca Greg Luff | Northern Mexico greg@mexi-go.ca
LINDY LIANG Contributor
JOHN GLABB Contributor
BARB NETTLETON Photographer
Lindy Laing is the owner of
John Glaab is Vice President
Retired from physiotherapy,
“Chacala Hostel and Surf Shop”.
of International Marketing at
Barb has been an active
After living around the world,
Mexico’s oldest title and escrow
volunteer over the years at
including Australia, California,
company, The Settlement
Harbourfront International
Europe and Canada, her
Company®. A founding member
Festival of Authors, PEN
“scouring” finally paid off when
of AMPI Los Cabos and Director
Canada, and Writers Trust, in
she found her “nirvana” in the
Emeritus of AMPI La Paz, he is a
her hometown of Toronto. She
beautiful, friendly laid back beach
Certified International Property
is married to Frank, has a horse
village called Chacala in the heart
Specialist and a huge supporter
named Flash (who for the last
of Nayarit. She spends the whole
of the AMPI efforts to educate
eleven years does very special
year there and especially loves the
and regulate the real estate
work teaching at-risk youth how
summers noted for the amazing
industry in Mexico.
to ride), two grown-up boys, a
sunsets and bathwater warm
dog and a cat. Barbara comes
ocean temperatures.
back to Mexico every year,
4 Mexi-Go! April 2012
camera in hand!
Sandra Reed | Yucatan & Riviera Maya sandra@mexi-go.ca Valeska Guerrero | Puerto Vallarta valeska@mexi-go.ca Joel Hansen | Business Development joel@mexi-go.ca MARKETING AND PR Veronica Rivas
veronica@mexi-go.ca
CONTACT US! info@mexi-go.ca www.facebook.com/mexi-goproperties www.twitter.com/mexigoproperty www.twitter.com/mexigomag www.mexi-go.ca Mexi-Go! is published by Mexi-Go Properties Inc. Copyright (2012)
Upcoming Events! Across Mexico there are exciting cultural, travel, food and investment events that are worth a visit. Here are some of our top picks!
WHALE SHARK FESTIVAL JUNE 21-24, 2012 Celebrating the beauty and culture of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and championing the need to preserve a fragile marine ecosystem, the fifth Annual Whale Shark Festival is a community extravaganza that showcases the achievements, the traditions and the environmental splendor of Isla Mujeres. A once in a lifetime experience to swim with the worlds largest fish. www.whalesharkfest.com
FIESTAS DE LA VENDIMIA AUGUST 2-19,2012 The 22nd Annual Wine festival takes place in Ensenada, Baja For nearly three weeks every August, wine aficionados will attend wine tastings, savor gourmet meals and attend workshops and concerts. The two century long wine tradition of the region is the focus of this event. The Guadalupe Valley is just one of seven valleys between Ensenada and Tecate that are dedicated to the cultivation of grapes. The valleys produce 90% of all Mexican wines. It’s a time for celebration and‌ wine tasting!
DISCOVER MEXICO Affordable Luxury Homes | Tropical Gardens Perfect Climate | Romantic Village Charm Come Join 10,000 Canadians Who Make Ajijic Their Home TRUDIE NELSON - YOUR CANADIAN REALTOR Trudieannenelson@yahoo.ca www.eagerrealty.com
MEXI-GO! TRAVEL & TRADE EXPO | SEPTEMBER 7-8, 2012 Co-produced with Mexico Tourism Board and ProMexico, this event will bring the best of Mexico to Canada in a twoday event at the Vancouver Convention Centre. A perfect opportunity to learn more about travel destinations, business opportunities, real estate, culture, food and music. More information and details at www.mexi-goexpo.ca
CERVANTINO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OCTOBER 3-21, 2012 Often claimed as the most important cultural event in Mexico, the Cervantino International Festival in Guanajuato features avant-garde artistic performances and exhibitions of fine, classic and modern art. Countries from around the world are represented, with over two thousand national and international artists. You will find classical music and electronic rhythms, along with folkloric and contemporary dance, as well as plays and multimedia shows. Cinema, visual arts, workshops and activities for the kids can also be enjoyed throughout the festival. www.guanajuato.travel/Cervantino
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REAL ESTATE
The Guachimontones More than just fun to say!
TRAVEL
Not known for its pyramids, Jalisco actually has an impressive number of archeological sites including the 3500 year old Guachimontones Pyramids.
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New Math: Retiring in Mexico Flip things around and you might find retirement in Mexico is more affordable than you thought.
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Driving in Mexico There are good roads and there are bad roads in Mexico either way they often have topes so watch out!
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LIVING
RETIREMENT
Baja Wines: Santo Tomas in Guadalupe Valley The oldest winery in Northern Baja offers excellent wines and charming B&B experience.
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Architect in Nature: Unique in Chacala Jose Enrique del Valle combines both jungle and sea in his Chacala hotel.
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Goldcorp Strikes it Rich in Mexico The largest mining company in Mexico is Canadian. Enough said.
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Tulum: Heaven on Earth Perfect beaches, quaint little town, ancient Maya ruins. Perfect place to relax, explore and enjoy Mexico.
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CONTACT US! Do you have comments? A story to share? Have you made the move to Mexico and want to let us know how great its been? Share your wisdom with us! By all means - send us an email - we’d love to hear from you! Magazine@Mexi-Go.ca facebook.com/MexiGoMagazine twitter.com/MexiGoMag
Hola! Can you believe it’s already June? Where did the spring go? Here in Mexico the weather is well on its way to scorching hot and for those of us on the coast the humidity feels like a thick blanket. My family has headed away from the beach to the highlands outside of Guadalajara to enjoy a cooler climate with practically no humidity. It’s much better for my hair! For those you beginning to plan your holidays for next winter there is so much going on in Mexico with the Mundo Maya celebrations, a year long celebration of the Mayan culture. The Yucatan and Riviera Maya areas will be very exciting this fall and winter! Did you know Cancun is the number one destination for Canadians coming to Mexico? We expect those crowd to be even higher this year as people come to see the amazing pyramids, cenotes and artifacts in the area. It is truly an amazing part of the world that has so much to offer everyone, from couples seeking some romance, to families and adventurers. This September we will be in Vancouver, BC hosting the Mexi-Go! Travel & Trade Expo during the MexicoFest events. If you are in the area on September 7th and 8th come by the Vancouver Convention Centre for a visit. In addition to great food and cultural events, we will have prizes, vacation deals, real estate seminars and much more. Visit www.mexigoexpo.com for more details. Subscriptions for the Mexi-Go! Magazine are now available for anyone with a Canadian address. A full year is just $19.95 plus shipping and taxes. Subscribe and pay online at www.mexi-go.ca. If the online magazine is the best option for you, be sure to sign up for our monthly version by registering at www.mexi-go.ca As always, we love to hear your thoughts, comments and story ideas. Please send us an email at magazine@mexi-go.ca and we’ll get back to you right away.
COMING SOON! This June we will relaunch our real estate listing and rentals site with information on travel, real estate and living in Mexico. Stay tuned!
Safe travels, Madeline editor@mexi-go.ca
www.mexi-go.ca
SUBSCRIBE TODAY Love the feel of paper in your hands? The ease of reading a magazine on your deck? Then subscribe to Mexi-Go! Magazine today and enjoy the real thing!
$19.95 / 4 issues www.mexi-go.ca
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Join us in Vancouver this fall for a 2 day expo that brings you information on Mexico for travel, for retirement and for investment. More information at: www.mexi-goexpo.com
The curse of Los Guachimontones Photos and article by Joel Hansen The Los Guachimontones (wha-tchi-mon-tones) and I have a bit of a checkered past. I have attempted to visit them on at least a half dozen other occasions before I finally found success. Sometimes while in Guadalajara for business I would simply run out of time to see them. Once I tried to see them only to have the transmission on my relatively new and reliable car breakdown. Then during Semana Santa, bound and determined, I left Puerto Vallarta with more then twelve hours to make the four-hour journey, only to arrive at the gates well past closing and no amount of pleading or offering of “donations� was going to get me past the gatekeepers. This is more a statement on the craziness of choosing to drive anywhere in Mexico during holy week then it is of the policies of the UNESCO heritage site, but none the less I felt like my attempts to visit Los Guachimontones were being thwarted by powers beyond my control.
The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt stretches from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean coast of southern Mexico. It is composed of more than 20 volcanoes, some of which are among Mexico’s highest peaks. These impressive formations would have undoubtedly have influenced the indigenous people in the region around Guachimontones.
Guachimontones, and they often come just to have a picnic among the ruins.
N
ot to be denied, rising early and rousing my ten-year-old son and amateur archaeologist, we headed north from Ajijic towards Guadalajara, then west to the lakefront town of Teuchitlán, which was in the midst of a fiesta judging by all the streamers and the carnival rides in the plaza. The Los Guachimontones sits about a kilometer outside of the town plaza. As we drove up to the parking lot we passed a tour bus struggling to make its way down the curving, narrow road. I was concerned about the site being overflowing with visitors but knew there was hope that we would finally see these 3500 year old pyramids. We found a few cars in the lot, and after purchasing a bottle of water for the twenty minute hike to the site, we started on our way. As we climbed up the paved path we met a couple from Guadalajara struggling to ride their bicycles while simultaneously trying to enjoy a can of Estrella and take a photo of themselves overlooking the panoramic view. My son offered to snap the picture for them and they were happy to tell us that this was their tenth visit to Los
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Leaving the happy couple we made our way to the first small pyramid which is unprepossessing and little more than a burial mound and I could see that Max was disappointed. However that quickly changed when we caught our first glimpse of the sixty-foot main pyramid and the rest of the “town”. Entering the site we came to the ball field that at one time was the largest in Mesoamerica at 110 meters in length. The game, similar to the Aztec game of Ullamaliztli, was played with a heavy round stone covered in natural rubber which players could hit with their hips. All the male skeletons found at the Teuchitlán site have broken hips. The game was played from sun up to sun down and often used as a way to settle political disputes. At the end of the day, the captain of the winning team would receive the great honor of losing his life as a sacrificial offering. Leaving the court with the thought that maybe second best was ok, we caught sight of the main pyramid. We walked in a clock-wise motion around the main pyramid and down the boulevards, until we had circled the entire site. I began to notice Max pushing and prodding on various rocks, so I asked what he was doing. “Looking for hidden passageways obviously” was his sarcastic answer, indicating that I was an idiot for not thinking of it first. The Los Guachimontones site was only really discovered by the archaeology community recently and the story of how Phil Weigand and his wife, art historian Celia García de Weigand made the ruins
of Guachimontones their life work is legendary. In 1963, Celia and Phil were on vacation in the Tequila Valley near the small town of Teuchitlán. During the trip, she discovered a number of large obsidian blades at the bottom of a natural swimming hole, (obsidian was highly valued in pre metal cultures for its ability to hold razor-sharp edges). The find intrigued Phil, then an archaeology field assistant in Zacatecas. Together the couple located a huge obsidian workshop, where millions of blades and sharp pieces of rock were piled up to three feet deep across two acres at the foot of the extinct Tequila volcano.
tradition was the cultural center of West Mexico, with unique, complex architecture and a trade network that stretched from Guatemala to Arizona. Max and I spent a number of hours exploring the ruins, and in that time we rarely spoke, only to answer his questions, “What God did they worship here?” “Mainly a god named Ehecatl” “Was there lots of bloody sacrifice like with the Aztecs?” “Not really, Ehecatl was a peaceful god, mostly they burned corn to him” I could tell that this answer didn’t satiate his video game induced ADD, so I told him about the Voladores and how each one of the round pyramids once had a pole in the center of it and the “birdmen” would tie themselves to these poles and fly around in honor of Ehecatl the god of wind. We had seen the birdmen of Veracruz ceremony before and the thought of a man flying around the top of the sixty-foot pyramid seemed to appease his need for action and the lack of sacrifices.
Archaeologists already knew of the region’s ancient shaft tombs. Dating to the first centuries A.D., these tombs had small burial chambers at the bottom of vertical cuts up to sixty feet deep. Many had already been plundered of their valuables, including nearly life-size seated figures, at the beginning of the twentieth century. Despite the sophistication of the tombs and figures, the area was still widely considered a cultural backwater compared to Mexico’s Central Valley and the Yucatán. In archaeological terms, the tombs existed in a vacuum. Virtually nothing was known about the people who made them.
On our return to the car we reflected on the fact that we had the site almost exclusively to ourselves and that I had finally made it to Los Guachimontones without incident.... or so I thought. Returning to the town of Teuchitlán for a muchdeserved Tecate (and limonada for the boy) we watched the final of the Euro champions’ league in a packed cantina of mostly Chelsea fans. When it was discovered that I was cheering for Bayern Munich, the good natured teasing began....of course the curse wouldn’t have been complete without my team losing heartbreakingly in penalty shots and the entire bar exploding in celebration with many jubilant smirks directed towards me.
“We planned to spend a summer, or at most two,” Phil says of their initial project in the valley. That changed when they discovered remnants of large, round buildings scattered throughout the region. Nothing like them had ever been seen before in Mexico--or anywhere else. During their first field season in 1970, the Weigands examined aerial photos of the valley. “We found hundreds of buildings shaped like concentric circles, mostly around the volcano,” Phil says. “They were everywhere!” A 217-acre site above the town of Teuchitlán called Los Guachimontones was especially interesting. After struggling up the side of the volcano, Phil recalls, “We finally reached a circular compound whose beauty, symmetry, and monumentality far exceeded the expectations we had formed from the aerial photographs.” Huge circular structures covered with vegetation sat on a natural platform overlooking a wide, lush valley. Though local farmers knew the site, it was virtually unknown to the outside world, archaeologists included. The Weigands had discovered a new civilization, one to which they would devote the next thirty years of their lives.
Max looking for secret passageways. The main pyramid very dry and brown in the summer heat. A rendition of what archeologists think Los Guachimontones would have looked like. the lush farming puebla of Teuchitlan. Lakeshore in Teuchitlán
What they had found was a ceremonial center, the heart of what the Weigands named the Teuchitlán tradition. This complex society, responsible for the area’s shaft tombs, reached its peak between 200 B.C. and A.D. 350, when more than 50,000 people may have lived within fifteen miles of the Tequila volcano. At its height, the Teuchitlán
TRAVELLING TO LOS GUACHIMONTONES Going to Guachimontones, you can feel like you’re really discovering something, not just following a well-worn tourist route. By car, it is only 45 minutes west from Guadalajara. It is also easily accessible by bus although it will take twice as long, as the bus makes frequent stops.
Drive out of the city along Avenida Vallarta and take the Tepic-Guadalajara highway (Hwy 15). Take the left hand turn towards the town of Tala on Revolución (Hwy 4) and drive until you see signs for the Guachimontones. Turn right and drive to Teuchitlán. Los Guachimontones are above the town. There is decent signage and ever helpful residents to direct you if you get turned around. There are also tours from downtown Guadalajara that will handle all the driving, translating and more for about $40 usd per person. http://www.ambientetequilero. com/tequila_valley_tour.html
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Applying The New Math for Retirement in Mexico Full time living is good in La Paz, Baja Sur By Jim Donahoe
for $600,000. His annual property tax bill for that home was $6,500. The $500 per month saving works well for him in maintaining a comfortable retirement lifestyle. Maintenance is very affordable with the cost of labour being as low as $25 for a days work. Heat is another area where you can potentially save thousands of dollars each year depending on which frozen land you came from. Now compare other cost of living expenses. How about health care? Did you know that you can purchase an individual Mexican health insurance policy for less than $400 per year… not per month? The quality of health care in La Paz is very good. Recently, a friend who moved here and does not have insurance, got the flu and went to a local clinic. A visit with an English speaking doctor cost $40 pesos – a little over $3 US and prescriptions filled next door were $97 pesos - $8 US. How does this compare to a visit to your doctor back in the home? How about food – groceries and eating out? If you insist on brand names and top restaurants you will not experience a big savings. However, once you get to know La Paz you will find great local grocery stores and terrific, affordable restaurants. For example, I regularly enjoy two shrimp tacos and a drink at Pepe’s on Prieto. Total bill for two of us - $76 pesos ($6 US). As much as I disliked the New Math when going to school in the 60’s, I love the New Math as it applies to affordable cost of living in La Paz.
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s a matter of full disclosure Jim Donahoe is slightly biased when it comes to living in Mexico and La Paz in general. He has lived and worked in La Paz for the past three years and has no complaints. “Back in the day” there was a lot of talk about buying a second home at some great paradise location (like La Paz, Baja Sur) and splitting retirement between a ‘principal’ residence at ‘home’ and the second home. My, how the world has changed for so many baby boomers looking to retire to a comfortable lifestyle envisioned for so long. The economic abyss that has consumed such a large part of many folks’ nest eggs has forced us to re-evaluate our retirement plans. We have started to analyze the cost of maintaining the lifestyle we had planned. What will it cost for health care, food, transportation, entertainment, travel and such? We are also reviewing home ownership costs – maintenance, mortgage, insurance, utilities and property taxes? For many, after examining the numbers, buying a dream home in Mexico appeared as more of a mirage than clear vision. The numbers simply wouldn’t work. Enter the New Math for Retirement. For some, a revelation takes place after this financial “check up”.
Consider if Mexico was your primary residence? If your dream was to live in “paradise” for 3 or 4 months… why not make La Paz your primary residence? How much could your sell your current home for? What could you buy as a replacement in La Paz? Here, you can purchase a home or water view condos starting around $150,000. By selling back in Canada and buying in Mexico you are applying the New Math and your depleted nest egg will begin to grow again. Now, compare home ownership costs. Start with property taxes. A friend, who owns a half million-dollar-La Paz-home recently paid $325 for his 2012 property taxes. He sold his US home
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By the way, the rumors are true… summers get a little warm in La Paz. If you do need a break from the summer heat… take a “vacation”. Visit family and friends back in Canada or travel to some other exotic location… after all, you can afford it… simply by applying the New Math. Jim Donahoe has been a licensed real estate broker for thirty plus years, has consulted throughout Western Mexico for the last nine years and has been a full time Paceno for nearly three years.
USING NEW MATH IN LA PAZ, BAJA SUR For these listings and more in the Baja California Sur area visit: http://realestateforsaleinmexico.com/
CASA DEL CASTILLO | $120,000 True indoor/outdoor living near El Centro. 1,000+ SF 1 bdrm home, 1,200+ SF thatched roof covered area, garden with fruit trees and 900+ SF concrete floor RV/boat storage area. MLS: 12-747
CASA RAMIREZ IN EL CENTRO | $135,000 Walk to everything. 2 large bedrooms with 2 baths. Gated entry, well built just 6 years ago. 1,600 SF home. Enclosed back yard. Seller is motivated. Great value. MLS: 11-1551
CONDO LA CONCHA | $469,500 One of the only “on the beach” condos in La Paz. Large corner units with 2 bedroom/2.5 bath on the 4th story. 2 master bedrooms. Nearly 2,400 SF. Gated entry. Well maintained with happy owners. MLS: 12-664
CONDO GAYLORD | $219,000 Wonderful water view with a beach just 1+ blocks away. New hotel/restaurant coming next door. 2 bedroom/2 bath with Rresort like amenities. MLS 12-324
CASA GRANDE | $574,900 Casually elegant estate just 20 minutes to La Paz. 8,500 SF home. Includes all furnishings. Water view from 2nd story. Owners have invested over $1 million. Now reduced with optional owner financing. MLS: 11-882
CONDO COLINA DEL SOL | $299,950. Sweeping city and water views from this 2 bedroom/2.5 bath condo. Very well built. Only 15 units in complex. Pool, gym, BBQ area. MLS: 11-882
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Driving the Mexican Highways By Robert H. Page MD & Curtis P. Page MD Authors, Mexico: Health and Safety Travel Guide
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ny Canadian that has driven the roads of Mexico will tell you that the experience can be quite different than what they are accustom to back home. While the toll roads (“cuotas”) are generally very safe the “libre” or free roads are poorly maintained. Up until about ten years ago Mexico’s government-maintained freeways were in shambles. They privatized the system and now corporations own long-term leases on the country’s numerous toll roads. International engineers helped with the planning and construction. The result is an excellent and much safer roadway network but at a substantial cost. As an example, if you take the toll roads from Guadalajara to Mexico City (about a six to eight hour drive), it will cost you approximately 550 pesos ($50 US) each way. Thus, most of the toll roads are fairly uncluttered and easy to maneuver. In contrast, a neighboring two-lane “libre” or free highway typically contains much slower moving traffic. If you get behind a semi or an old, beaten up, 20 mph, gas-guzzler you may be in for a long night if oncoming traffic is heavy. We always recommend that you travel the “cuota” roads, though the “libre” roads are sometimes unavoidable and we suggest you exercise particular caution on the “libre” roads.
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Speed limits in Mexico are generally much lower than in the US and Canada, but rarely enforced. It is uncommon to see a patrol car on the highway, though in the tourist areas you will see your fair share of patrol cars.The military police are much more common, but mostly serve to inspect cars crossing state lines. Unwarranted speed bumps (topes) and potholes are often all that is needed to regulate speed. Slower traffic generally stays to the right in Mexico, and you will anger other drivers if you do not follow this rule. The left lanes are reserved for passing and the fastest driver in the vicinity. In general, drive at the speed limit and definitely try to drive in daylight. Streetlights are uncommon especially on the “libre” roads and there are enough cars with malfunctioning headlights that it can be downright dangerous. Mexican drivers appear to be greater risk takers than those in the US and Canada and they often follow their own set of rules; it often feels as through the traffic laws are suggestions more than actual law. Many drivers will commonly pass on the solid yellow line. Be extra careful on curvy or mountainous roads, slow moving drivers will often pass without a good view of oncoming traffic. Because of the rough roadway conditions, drivers tend to communicate with each other a bit more. It is more common for passing drivers to warn each other of upcoming danger by flashing their lights. If you are approaching a narrow bridge where only one car at a time can pass, it is customary for the driver that flashed his lights first to have the right of way. A blinking left turn signal on the vehicle in front of you could mean that it is clear ahead and safe to pass. This could also mean that the driver is about to take a left turn, so be careful. When forced to stop abruptly or notice danger ahead, most drivers turn on their hazards to warn cars tailing them.
If you do have mechanical problems and can find a good mechanic don’t always expect anyone to have the part you need. Make sure you take your car in for a good check-up before you head out and keep
a directory of car dealers on hand. Fortunately, the Green Angels or “Angeles Verdes” patrol the highways and offer assistance to stranded motorists. This fleet of trucks is driven by mostly bilingual mechanics. The Green Angels can be reached by dialing 01-555250-8221 anywhere in Mexico (hours of attention: 8am-8pm). If you don’t speak any Spanish, you can phone Infotur at 01-555250-0123 for assistance. They are available 24hrs and generally have English-speaking staff available. If you require the help of the Green Angels, be prepared to direct them to your approximate spot, i.e. 20 kilometers south of Puerto Vallarta on highway 200 on the way to Manzanillo. The Green Angels charge for parts, oil or gas but not service. You will be expected to pay in cash. For your safety, pack an extra fan belt, fuses and an auto first-aid kit. Also, bring a flexible funnel as some gas stations have nozzles too large to fit unleaded or desiel tanks. Be sure to map out your trip before you go and give someone back home your travel itinerary. The Mexican government has developed a website (capufe.gob.mx) dedicated to driving the Mexican toll roads that offers driving distances between cities and services rendered on those roads. There is the option to view the site in English, though not all of it has been translated. We also recommend you visit your local CAA store, where you will find information on Mexican automotive insurance as well as useful road maps. By being prepared you can relax and enjoy the diverse scenery that Mexico has to offer.
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DRIVING IN MEXICO
There are several other unforeseen dangers to first-time drivers of the Mexican highways. Roadside shoulders may have dangerous drop-offs, so use caution when pulling over. If you are planning a lengthy drive throughout Mexico, be prepared for tire damage, especially in Chiapas or Oaxaca. Potholes are numerous especially in rural areas and on the “libre” roads. Make sure you have a good spare and jack before you go anywhere. Also in rural farmland areas along the “libre” roads, animals occasionally stray onto the highway. It is not uncommon to run into a farmer or rancher herding his cattle or sheep across the highway. There are fewer markings or lights along Mexican highways, especially on the “libre” roads, so again, try to drive during daylight hours. Under rainy conditions travel with extra caution as there may be more oil and dust or sand on many stretches of highway. Along the “libre” roads at the entrance of most small towns there are unmarked “topes” or large speed bumps in the road to slow down traffic. Do not take topes lightly; you will damage your tires or your front end if you hit them too fast. Keep your speed down to a minimum when driving in these towns, as there are often people in the road.
Experience Mexico wines at their best in the Guadalupe Valley in Northern Baja. Very similar to the Okanagan Valley; wineries, B&B’s and local restaurants offer everything from rustic to luxury.
Baja wines suprise with longevity and quality
Santo Tomas in Guadalupe Valley
By Steve Dryden, www.bajafoodandwine.com
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enerally speaking, those two men are responsible for transforming the Mexican wine industry from growing substandard fruit to introducing and cultivating the classic French and Italian varietals. This period in Baja California wine culture history marked the beginning of the propagation of world-class fruit and established the culture of quality for future winemakers.Over the last one hundred years, Bodega Santo Tomas has evolved with facilities and vineyards in Valle de Santo Tomas and in downtown Ensenada. However, few wine lovers are aware that Santo Tomas now has a wine tasting room and winemaking facility in Guadalupe Valley. Several years ago the owners purchased an older, established winery and vineyards, slowly transforming the property into a dynamic tour destination. Pleasantly, they’ve done the same with the quality of their wine which has produced awardwinning wines. The current wine portfolio is vast and diverse with thirty-eight single varietal and blends of white and red wine grapes. My favorites are: Tempranillo, Barbera , and their Mision 1889 – blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera. They have
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Bodegas Santo Tomas is the oldest winery in Baja California. Established in 1888, it actually began in 1871 and was originally named Rancho de los Dolores. Don Francisco de Andonegui and Don Miquel Ormart purchased the winery in 1888 and moved the main operation facilities to Ensenada in 1929. One year later in 1930, the governor of Baja California, Abelardo Rodriguez bought the winery, planted 2000 hectares of grapes and hired Italian enologist, Esteban Ferro as a consultant and the rest is history.
some premium white wines as well: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. Their wine portfolio is diverse and well-balanced, so I suggest you explore their offereings and discover you own personal preferences. The Santo Tomas facility in Guadalupe Valley in located just west of Highway 3 near Km 95. As you enter the wine country from Ensenada and cross the first bridge, you’ll notice the entrance is on the left side of the highway, marked by a gate and two large, black flags. Renovations to the old winery include an educational center, scenic patio, guided tours, retail wine sales, olive oils and gifts. The facility is open every day from 10 am until 5 p.m. Winery manager, Ivan Cortez, has plans to host special mole parings with Santo Tomas wines, educational seminars, weddings and special events. Santo Tomas winery has dramatically improved the quality of their wines and has brought their new outlook to Guadalupe Valley. This coming fall season is the perfect time to visit the new facility. Contact: icortez@grupopando.com or (646) 151-9333.
Real Estate in the NAFTA Countries By John K. Glaab, CIPS
Each of the three NAFTA countries has a strong real estate association. This helps buyers and sellers be assured of solid, safe, legal transactions. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is the body governing the industry in Canada. It also owns the trade mark for MLS (Multiple Listing Service) in Canada. In November of 2011, CREA signed a letter of agreement with the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI). This agreement permits CREA members to send referral clients to AMPI members in Mexico under the conditions outlined in the Code of Ethics for each country.
AMPI is fifty-six years old. It has over sixty representative sections throughout the country. Some of the strongest and most active are in the tourist areas. Two examples are the sections in the Banderas Bay area and in Baja California Sur. These sections have access to a Flex Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This allows people from around the globe to find that special retirement or vacation home to buy in Mexico. The Flex MLS provides consumers with many listings from competeing brokerages and agents. It is very similar to the MLS system in Canada but is limited by the number of agencies participating in each region. Many Canadians and U.S. citizens have acquired and continue to purchase property in Mexico. They are encouraged to use the services of AMPI members. One reason is that as of this date, only a few Mexican states have licensing laws, but members of AMPI conform to a rigid Code of Ethics and have by laws governing the practice of real estate in the country, very similar to those of the US and Canada. If you are purchasing real estate in either the Baja California Sur area or in Puerto Vallarta - Bahia de Banderas it is advisable to work with an AMPI member to ensure you are receiveing the most professional and qualified service. There are AMPI members in most other areas of Mexico and you can access the AMPI membership from the national AMPI website at www.ampi.org The National Association of Realtors 速 (NAR) is the largest trade association in the U.S. It has formal agreements with both CREA and AMPI. In short, the real estate associations in the three NAFTA countries are aligned to promote solid industry standards and professionalism in the acquisition and sale of properties in all three countries.
T
he secret of Chacala is slowly seeping its way into the mainstream. Located midway up the gorgeous coastline of Riviera Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta, Chacala long been recognized as a safe cove with pristine beaches, gentle waves and excellent surf. With the recent addition of a paved road off the highway, the residents of Chacala are starting to see more changes in the growth of the town. Just a ten minute boat ride (panga), will take you to the great surf break named La Caleta (the cove), which attracts world class surfers. Diversity is certainly something to be found in this friendly and charming village, surrounded by vibrant green jungle and mango clad mountain ranges. With the new plaza and a handful of new hotels and B&B’s, Chacala is an authentic retreat, perfect for families, adventurers and those looking to escape it all. By far, one of the most unique hotels and gardens you will encounter in Chacala would be the design and construction of the “Majahua Hotel Selva” (Jungle Hotel), by Jose Enrique del Valle. The winding pathways full of lush vegetation enroute to the individual bungalows are magical and truly “eye candy”. The natural red clay, bamboo and flora come together in a visually arresting array of colours and textures. A short stroll through the jungle wrapped trails will find you
18 Mexi-Go! April 2012
at the restaurant which commands drop-dead views over the main beach, with its many palapa restaurants, and beyond to the blue Pacific. The creation of Majahua Hotel Selva was based on Jose Enrique’s desire to offer a place to commune with nature, where the hustle and bustle of day to day life falls away, instead offering the soothing sounds of the jungle and sea. A unique outdoor gallery of antique photos is displayed along the jungle path. Blown into near life-size they offer real life characters, poking their faces, and history, between the swaying palms. This has been appropriately named the “Jungle Gallery”, and represents the photography of Manuel Ramos, an early 1900’s press photographer.
Architect of Nature Architect Jose Enrique del Valle’s Majahua Hotel By Lindy Liang
The flair of Jose Enrique del Valle is a pleasure to experience. Many of his designs are scattered throughout Riviera Nayarit where he creates organic spaces between the jungle and the sea. His construction integrates the building to its surroundings, taking into account his strong ethics on protecting as many trees, rocks and levels of land as possible. Initially, Jose’s constructions on the Pacific Coast consisted of natural materials and ancient techniques, such as bajareque walls (branches and sand), wood beams and thatched roofs. However, as time progressed, he began integrating those processes with brick, concrete and steel. This was an important change, as the architect must bear in mind the needs of the owner, such as durability, strength and maintenance. The pleasure of living next to the sea requires some extra thought and it has certainly been well conceived at the Majahua Hotel Selva. Jose Enrique del Valle’s work is most often found in commercial ventures, such as B&B’s, restaurants, bars and hotels, many of which are located in Sayulita. Consider me biased but my vote for the best of his designs goes to the charming jungle hotel above the southern cove of Chacala. With Chacala moving into the spotlight, properties are being speculated much like a gold rush, so time will tell the extent of development the future holds for this lovely location. With architects like Jose we can rest assured that the relationship between land, sea, and development will be a symbiotic one. Visit www.majahua.com for more information on the resort and www.nayarit4fun.com for more information on the charming town of Chacala.
GOLDCORP STRIKES IT RICH IN MEXICO CANADIAN MINING GIANT, GOLDCORP HAS BEEN OPERATING IN MEXICO SINCE 2002. TODAY IT IS THE COUNTRY’S LEADING GOLD PRODUCER, WITH PLANS TO INVEST 71.5 MILLION USD INTO PROSPECTING PROJECTS IN 2012.
Fears of a widespread financial crisis in Europe have pushed up the price of precious metals and Mexico’s mining industry is reaping the benefits of this modern day “gold fever.” One of the leading companies operating in Mexico and, undoubtedly the one with the highest sustainable growth rates is Goldcorp Canada, which also has mining interests in the US, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Chile and Argentina. Goldcorp is the world’s second-largest gold producer in terms of market value and has had a surprisingly positive impact on Mexico’s mining industry.
The outlook for 2012 is promising. Over the coming months, Goldcorp plans to invest 71.5 million usd in prospecting projects, with twelve and four million usd allocated to Camino Rojo and Noche Buena, respectively. Another twenty million usd will be channeled into regional prospecting projects.
In 2002, following the acquisition of Luis mine (a mine that has been operating for over a century), Goldcorp became Mexico’s largest gold producer. In addition to gold, the company also produces substantial amounts of silver, lead and zinc at its three mines –El Sauzal (Chihuahua), Los Filos (Guerrero) and Peñasquito (Zacatecas)–, while the Camino Rojo and Noche Buena prospecting projects are satellites of Peñasquito. Goldcorp has 7,000 employees, 85% of whom are hired in the communities and states in which the company operates. The rest are experts brought in from other areas of the country.
“I can’t stress the importance of this, because it gives Goldcorp peace of mind. Mexico has very clear-cut, well-established tax regulations and the Ministry of Economy has been very supportive. Their Geological Services Division has up-to-date stats on the whole country and an ultra-modern data system, all of which has been very helpful when it comes to processing paperwork and obtaining information,” says García.
“The company’s success can be largely attributed to responsible, sustainable, growth, which has benefited all interested parties – partners, investors and local communities– and helped optimize the standards of Mexico’s mining industry,” states Goldcorp Mexico Vicepresident Salvador García, adding that the country also offers optimal conditions for doing business. “Mexico is very important to the global group. Goldcorp’s policy is to invest only in countries that are socially, economically and politically stable. Mexico has all these characteristics, so we have major expansion plans here,” explains García. “At Camino Rojo, 90 kilometers from Peñasquito, we are at the final prospecting phase. Results have been good and what follows is a feasibility study. The new mine has deposits of several metals, including substantial gold reserves, and will help improve Goldcorp’s positioning.”
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According to García, the business environment for the sector is favorable right now, but none of this would have been possible without the cooperation of all three levels of government.
RESPONSIBILITY ON ALL FRONTS Goldcorp takes its social and environmental commitments very seriously. New mines are often in remote parts of the country and can be difficult to reach, which is why the company has focused its energies on building infrastructure and creating jobs in these underdeveloped areas. “Aside from our employees, partners and investors, Goldcorp views the communities in the mine’s vicinity as a major interest group. We have to get along with them and respect their customs and traditions, yet we have a responsibility to improve their standard of living. We have done a lot in this respect and have focused on health, education and infrastructure to create better conditions for these communities,” continues García. In 2010, Goldcorp contributed 32.5 million usd to local government infrastructure, health and educational programs, and other productive projects in Mexico. Since 2007, the company has implemented over fifty productive initiatives, benefiting an estimated 1,000 people.
“MEXICO IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE GLOBAL GROUP. GOLDCORP’S POLICY IS TO INVEST ONLY IN COUNTRIES THAT ARE SOCIALLY, ECONOMICALLY AND POLITICALLY STABLE. MEXICO HAS ALL THESE CHARACTERISTICS, SO WE HAVE MAJOR EXPANSION PLANS HERE. - GOLDCORP MEXICO VICE-PRESIDENT SALVADOR GARCÍA
MIDAS FIGURES In 2010, combined gold production at Los Filos, Peñasquito and El Sauzal was approximately 626,400 ounces, rising to an estimated 680,000 ounces in 2011. Peñasquito in Zacatecas is currently the company’s largest and most productive mine in Mexico, turning out 250,000 ounces of gold in 2011. This open-pit mine also produces silver, lead and zinc and has an estimated lifespan of twenty-three years. Next in line is Los Filos in Guerrero, another gold-producing openpit operation whose output could potentially be boosted with
improvements in operating efficiency and whose proven reserves are increasing by the year. In 2010, Los Filos produced 306,100 ounces of gold, while estimates for 2011 are 335,000 ounces. Another valuable source of revenues is El Sauzal, an open-pit mine in the northern state of Chihuahua that produced 152,100 ounces of gold in 2010 and an estimated 95,000 ounces in 2011. Between 2006 and 2010, Goldcorp invested approximately 2.2 billion usd in its Mexican operations. Article reprinted with permission from Negocios ProMéxico, February 2012
DREAM DESTINATION
Tulum
Tulum has three distinctive zones that come together to create a harmonious travelling experience: the jagged coastline juxtaposed with lush rainforest, the energetic town filled with the sounds of haggling vendors, and the mystifying Mayan ruins propped against the sparkling Caribbean Sea. This once formidable Maya city is now the most popular Maya site on the Yucatan Peninsula. Inquisitive visitors of all ages come here for a glimpse of the El Castillo, The Temple of the Frescoes and The Temple of the Descending God. The site of the Tulum ruins boasts one of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. Feel free to jump in the water and if you can, swim north to Boca Paila where the views are just as stunning. After a cool dip in the sea, trek up to the large crafts market for a trinket or two, watch the Mayan Pole Flyers display their incredible skills, and grab a bite along the way.
Love the feel of paper in your hands? The ease of reading a magazine on your deck? Then subscribe to Mexi-Go! Magazine today and enjoy the real thing!
$19.95 / 4 issues www.mexi-go.ca
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RETIRE IN PARADISE! CLIMATE IS PERFECT | LOW COST OF LIVING GOLF 12 MONTHS OF THE YEAR JOIN THE OVER 10,000 CANADIANS ALREADY HERE!
SANDI ALLIN BRISCOE
1ST CHOICE HOMES LAKESIDE SALLIN@LAGUNA.COM.MX MAKE ME YOUR LAKE CHAPALA CONNECTION! WWW.AJIJICCHAPALA.COM.MX
24 Mexi-Go! April 2012
By Chef Rosanna Acencio
Tesmoles are a traditional dish from the Mazateca region, they can be made with chicken or beef, either stewed or salted & dried. Even though it is considered a simple, everyday dish, Tesmoles are prepared in association with spiritual events like baptisms or day of the dead ceremonies. INGREDIENTS Serves 8 16 Chicken thighs and legs, cooked in approx. 10 cups of water ater seasoned with salt and 1/3 of a medium onion + 2 garlic cloves (when chicken is cooked, remove onion + garlic and discard 20 Chiltepe chiles – substitute: combination of 12 guajilllos and 8 arbol chiles – stems removed 1⁄4 tsp Achiote paste 2 Tbsp Yerbasanta leaves roughly chopped – substitute with 1 Tbsp of fresh tarragon 1 cup Corn Masa (corn dough can be made with instant masa -“maseca” – and water) 4 cups Steamed zucchini batons and green beans Salt to taste METHOD Sandi Allin Briscoe 1. Soak the dry chiles in boiling water for 10 – 15 minutes until softened 2. Pour approximately 1 cup of the chicken broth in a blender jar, add the strained chiles – stems and seeds removed. Add the yerbasanta. Blend well, to a smooth consistency 3. Strain into the pot with the rest of the broth and the chicken pieces, stirring well. Simmer over medium heat for approximately 15 – 20 mins 4. Remove the chicken from the broth, reserve. Dissolve the masa with a cup of the broth and stir into the pot over low heat, making sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps from forming. This technique is comparable with using a roux to thicken a sauce 5. Simmer for an additional 10, until the sauce begins to thicken. Season with salt 6.Return the chicken to the pot and stir 7.Serve with steamed vegetables and warm corn tortillas on the side
MICHELADA The Michelada is like a Ceasar but made with beer. It’s the perfect afternoon snack on a hot day. I say snack because it’s like a meal in a glass. Depending on where you are in Mexico they can be called by many different names including Cielo Rojo, and Chelada. Often it doesn’t come with Clamato unless you ask. And sometimes it comes garnished with fruit, salad, tamarind straws, celery and spicy peppers We like ours limey and spicey but each to their own! 3 limes, squeezed and with the pulp scraped loose Coarse salt 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce 1 dash soy sauce 5 dashes Valentina’s sauce 1 pinch black pepper or steak seasoning 1 dash Maggi seasoning, 12 ounces beer, preferably something Mexican 4-6 ounces Clamato Juice Salt the rim of your glass Add plenty of ice Add all the spices and sauces Add the lime and the lime pulp Add the beer and clamato. Taste and continue doctoring until it’s perfect for you!
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MEXICAN REAL ESTATE FOR CANADIAN BUYERS
CHIC GATED COMMUNITY
BRIGHT SPACIOUS “ NEW HOME”
CASA DIONNE
$299,000 USD
Los Sabinos, Ajijic
3 bed | 2 bath | 2234sf
VILLA EL TORO Ajijic, La Floresta
$525,000 3 bed | 3 bath | 4455sf
Lock and go! Knowing it will all be perfect upon your return. Modern open floor plan dramatic domed ceiling large living and dining area flow to covered terrace, perfect for entertaining. Kitchen with granite stainless appliances. Master with en-suite bath, private guest bedroom and separate study. Amazing club house facilities include huge pool & Jacuzzi. Stress free living.
Enter courtyard flow thru grand entry with domed ceiling flow out to huge covered terrace view to pool & garden fountains add to design look. All rooms flow off terrace glamorous master suite separate private from guest suites. Gourmet kitchen custom cabinets. All move in condition. 2 car garage
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com
AJIJIC VILLAGE ON LAKE CHAPALA www.ajijicvillagehomes.com
AFFORDABLE LUXURY HOMES
10,000 CANADIANS MAKE AJIJIC MEXICO THEIR HOME. You can too! TRUDIE NELSON - Your Canadian Realtor trudieannenelson@yahoo.ca www.eagerrealty.com
LUXURY NEW HOME
SPACIOUS VILLAGE HOME VILLA NIÑOS HEROES Ajijic
$189,000 2 bed | 2 bath | 1743sf
Perfect for year round living or snow birds. Enter off quiet street to large living room with fireplace & view thru to garden. High boveda ceilings and french doors. Sleep alcove/study for short term guests with private bath. Newly renovated kitchen. Bright master suite with large closet & new bath, all view to garden. Walled garden with view to mountains. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com
ROMANTIC VILLAGE HOME
VILLA MIRADOR
$750,000 USD
Ajijic, La Floresta
3 bed | 3.5 bath | 5682sf
$245,000
CASA MARILYNN Ajijic Village
2 bed | 2 bath | 2348sf
Luxury new home private and secure. Designed to embrace the moderate climate with outdoor living. Walled gardens with a pool, bbq and outdoor kitchen. Great floor plan with all rooms flowing out to huge covered terrace Guest floor with kitchen. Tropical landscaping is easy to maintain.
Enter through the beautiful garden with a cozy entertainment pavillion. Palladian french doors enter the living area with fireplace. Split level dining/ den area open to kitchenthat features hand painted Mexican tiles and a stunning view to the mountains. Master bedroom suite and the guest suite are seperate. Walkable to all amenities. Great location!
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com
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www.mexi-go.ca
VISTA DEL LAGO | LAKE CHAPALA PROPERTIES
EASY ACCESSIBILITY ON ONE LEVEL CASA LEACH
3 bed | 3 bath | 4,498 sf $395,000 USD
Built in 2007 for handicap accessibility on both levels and tastefully furnished this custom built home that has it all. Walled for privacy and security with parking for 3 cars and convenient elevator to the main floor. Large terrazza offers 180+ degree unobstructed view of both Scorpion and Mezcala Islands. Bonus! A one bedroom casita on the lower level with its own courtyard and lake view. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE VIDEO TOURS CLICK HERE: www.accesslakechapala.com/2011/11/09/casa-leach/
www.casasajijic.com
Ten minutes east of town, Vista del Lago is home to the Chapala Country Club with a challenging nine-hole golf course overlooking the lake. Beautiful private homes surround the course. Conveniently located with easy access to Chapala and all the amenities of a large Mexican town, this community is made up of mainly expat Americans and Canadians many of whom live year round in this paradise. With near perfect weather, excellent golf and stunning lake and mountain views Vista del Lago offers many types of homes and lots to fit any budget. As a long time resident of Vista del Lago and an avid golfer, John can help you with any of your Lake Chapala questions. Call or email him today! Check out www.casasajijic.com
JOHN CEARNAL Hernandez Realty Group Ajijic, Jalisco Mexico Toll Free: (817)350-4325 Local: (376) 763-5304 harlanwood@aol.com
UNDER $100K SINGLE LEVEL HOME WITH 2 CASITAS
READY TO RENOVATE INTO YOUR DREAM HOME
CASA POIRIER
ON THE 3RD HOLE
4 bed | 5 bath | 6,338 sf $399,000 USD
2 bed | 2 bath | 1,592 sf $99,000 USD
Located on the second fairway with spectacular views this renovated house includes 2 casitas set on a beautifully maintained property. Enjoy your large terrazzo that spans entire living room and master bedroom. Downstairs are 2 one bedroom casitas. Time for a round of golf? Your new homes includes a golf cart and golf course access!
A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN. Located on the 3rd green at Chapala Country Club. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath is its own little oasis. Living room has gas fireplace and covered patio covers full length of the house. House is being sold furnished and is move-in ready. Although this is an older and smaller property in Vista del Lago with a little TLC and a few upgrades it’s a great value.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE A VIDEO TOUR CLICK HERE: www.accesslakechapala.com/2011/11/09/casa-poirier/
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS CLICK HERE: http://chapalamls.com MLS ID No. RC1CJ521
SOLD UNDER $100K ALL THE AMENITIES FOR A FRACTION OF THE COST!
A LITTLE TLC AND THIS HOME IS A WINNER!
CASA MADILL
GREAT DEAL!
3 bed | 3.5 bath | 4,971 sf $299,900 USD
5000 sq. ft. home with panoramic views of Lake Chapala and the mountains from the vast covered terrace. This home offers generous living and entertaining areas with open concept living and dining room along with separate office/den. Lots of features in this home including: Walk-in closets, fireplace, salt water pool with swim-up bar, new windows and doors, 2 car garage and access to the second fairway. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS CLICK HERE: http://youtu.be/Psdwtxuv9lQ
1 bed | 1 bath | 1,377 sf $97,800USD
One Bedroom, one bath, partially furnished, near the entrance inside of Vista Del Lago. Wow! You even have your own swimming pool. Large covered patio with mountain views. Enjoy golf course living from under $100,000.00 USD. The house is currently rented. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS CLICK HERE: http://chapalamls.com MLS ID No. RC1CJ656
www.mexi-go.ca
Artfully uniting extraordinary homes with extraordinary lives
HACIENDA SANTA CRUZ TICUM
YUCATAN, MEXICO
This lovely fully-furnished hacienda from 1891, has been updated as a comfortable modern home. 4508sf w/4 bedrooms each with full bath, plus a guest half-bath. The Machine House and the Main House have large shady terraces with traditional arches and columns. The old hand dug well and several other wells on the property provide fresh clear water for the pool and gardens. With a total of over 13,5 acres (5,5 hectares) there is room to add guest rooms, stables, nature trails. The property is entirely fenced and ready to move. Price USD$ 680,000 US +52 (33) 3627-6437
CASA BLANCA
AJIJIC, LAKE CHAPALA
This property offers the perfect location just steps from the Malecon. With its commerical units of shops and art galleries, Hotel Casa Blanca presents an investment opportunity in the growing interest of the area.
CASA TUA
Contact: gdlinfo@sirguadalajara.com www.sirguadalajara.com
VILLAS DEL MAR
PALMILLA, LOS CABOS
Located in the prestigious private community of Villas del Mar, this beachfront home offers 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths on two levels with two garages (4 cars). Spacious terraces surround the beachside infinity pool and firepit. Includes membership to Club 96.
Contact: lcinfo@sirmexico.com US+ 205-277-6454 +52 (624) 172-6555
CHAPALA, JALISCO
45 minutes from Guadalajara, Casa Tua offers peace and solitude with easy access to all major amenities including hospitals, shopping, international airport, theater, and more. An original Mexican style house, built entirely of adobe and wood, with high ceilings and large windows, the details and decor create a special atmosphere that invites you to spend unforgettable evenings by the fireplace.
EL ZALATE BEACHFRONT CONDOS
SAN JOSE DEL CABO
Several 2-3 bedroom units available, completely furnished with spectacular water views, and steps to the water. Beautifully landscaped. Low density complex, and many units have garages. Within walking distance to grocery stores and restaurants. Several golf courses are nearby and the Los Cabos International Airport is about 15 minutes. Prices start at $480,000 usd. Contact: lcinfo@sirmexico.com US+ 205-277-6454 +52 (624) 172-6555
Contact: gdlinfo@sirguadalajara.com www.sirguadalajara.com
sirmexico.c om
US$975,000
US$3,495,000
A spectacular country house on the shore of Lake Chapala, a large outdoor terrace and garden with stunning landscapes and beautiful sunsets.
Price $USD 650,000 US +52 (33) 3627-6437
PALMILLA, LOS CABOS
Contact: lcinfo@sirmexico.com US+ 205-277-6454 +52 (624) 172-6555
Contact: gdlinfo@sirguadalajara.com www.sirguadalajara.com
Charming home now adapted as a boutique hotel located in the heart of Ajijic. The fusion of Moroccan and Spanish style crafts a picturesque setting of shaded patios, balconies and terraces. 3,815 sf w/ 4 bedrooms and 4 suites. Each guest has access to spacious bathrooms, private terraces and all the services they require.
Price USD$ 550,000 US +52 (33) 3627-6437
ATLANTIS HOUSE
Unique 3 bed/3 bath ocean view Villa has been completely renovated to the highest standards. Lines are crisp & clean with splashes of baroque, modern, classical, Spanish colonial and Asian twists that work together as a symphony of design. Furnishings available. An absolute delight.
|
info@sirmexico.com
Each Offi c e i s I n d e p e n d e n t l y O w n e d a n d O p e r a t e d
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REENA EGGER Artfully uniting extraordinary homes 322.173.8712 (Mexico) (USA & Canada)lives with866.242.1709 extraordinary www.reenaegger.com www.ronmorgan.net
CASA TULA
PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO
BEST DEAL IN CONCHAS CHINAS AREA!
US $995,000
Casa Tula is a 3 bedroom 3.5 bath home, fully furnished, with fantastic ocean and mountain views, pool and 2-car garage. Construction - 7,104 sq. ft.; Land - 6,329 sq. ft. CONTACT: reena@ronmorgan.net US+ (866) 242.1709 +52 (322) 173.8712
HUANACAXTLE 302
LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE, NAYARIT
PLENTY OF SPACE INDOORS AND OUT!
US $389,000
This 2-bedroom/2-bath condo, fully furnished, has a large terrace with a covered roof, granite counters, marble floors throughout and many upgrades. Covered, deeded parking spot, separate storage room and all the amenities of the complex. Construction – 1,690 s. ft. Contact: reena@ronmorgan.net US+ (866) 242.1709 +52 (322) 173.8712
CASA LINDA
BUCERIAS, NAYARIT
RELAXED COUNTRY-STYLE LIVING!
US $349,000
Located a short distance inland from Bucerias, Casa Linda is close enough to offer easy access to all necessities but far enough away from the hustle and bustle to provide peace and quiet. With a comfortable one-level, two-bedroom, two-bath house on a large lot, there is plenty of room for expansion if desired. Beautiful landscaping abounds. Construction – 1195 sq. ft. Land – 53,825 sq. ft. CONTACT: reena@ronmorgan.net US+ (866) 242.1709 +52 (322) 173.8712
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CONDO MARISOL
LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE, NAYARIT
PRESTIGIOUS PUNTA ESMERALDA
US $499,000
Condo Marisol located in prestigious Punta Esmeralda is a furnished, 3-bedroom, plus studio/4-bath condo with a large covered outdoor terrace and private plunge pool; includes many upgrades. Complex has 8 common area pools, spa, gym, beach club, gated 24-hour security. Construction – 3,068 sq. ft. CONTACT: reena@ronmorgan.net US+ (866) 242.1709 +52 (322) 173.8712
VALLARTA GARDENS 37
LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE, NAYARIT
BEAUTIFUL BEACHFRONT COMMUNITY
US $349,000
This house is a 3-bedroom/3.5-bath in a secure, gated beach-front community; furnished, with marble floors and beautiful stone work throughout; multiple terraces, newly tiled rooftop terrace providing panoramic ocean views. 1-year maintenance paid by very motivated seller. Construction – 2,153 sq. ft.; Land -2,390 sq. ft. Contact: reena@ronmorgan.net US+ (866) 242.1709 +52 (322) 173.8712
CASA MARTIN
LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE, NAYARIT
EXCELLENT INVESTMENT PROPERTY!
US $375,000
Two units in one! Each side of this duplex is a roomy 2-bedroom/2.5-bath home. Living area with half bath on the first floor; second floor of each unit has two bedrooms with en-suite baths. Each has its own private garage and plunge pool. Great investment property. Construction – 2,432 sq. ft.; Land – 1,873 sq. ft. CONTACT: reena@ronmorgan.net US+ (866) 242.1709 +52 (322) 173.8712
R E E N A E G G E R | R E A L E S TAT E S P E C I A L I S T
| RON MORGAN PROPERTIES
CASA JACARANDA
SAYULITA
CASA SORPRESA
SAYULITA
2 Bedroom, 2 bath, oceanview, pool, internet
2 Bed, 3 bath, near beach, salt pool, internet, fountains, in town
RENT from $1,200 usd/wk
RENT from $1,000 usd/wk
Contact: rentals@avalosrealty.com
Contact: rentals@avalosrealty.com
52 (329) 291-3122, US(310) 341-3377
52 (329) 291-3122, US (310) 341-3377
CASA MARGARITAVILLE
SAYULITA
CASA ALAS
3 Bedroom, 3 bath, near beach, 2 shared pools, internet
2 Bedroom, 3 bath, ocean view, internet, close to town center
RENT from $1,500 usd/wk
RENT from $700 usd/wk
Contact: rentals@avalosrealty.com
Contact: rentals@avalosrealty.com
52 (329) 291-3122, US (310) 341-3377
52 (329) 291-3122, US (310) 341-3377
CASA JUANITA 1, 2, 3
SAYULITA
3 self-contained suites. Total 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3rd floor ocean view, w/private roof deck, pool with cascade, central location (Gringo Hill) RENT from $700 usd/week per suite ALSO FOR SALE $589,000usd entire casa or 2nd fl Condo $195,000usd Contact: rentals@avalosrealty.com 52 (329) 291-3122, US (310) 341-3377
30 Mexi-Go! April 2012
CASA VIDA
SAYULITA
SAYULITA
3 Bedroom, 3 bath, near beach, ocean view, pool, internet, north end RENT from $1,750 usd/wk Contact: rentals@avalosrealty.com 52 (329) 291-3122, US (310) 341-3377
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