Guatemala Real Estate in Lake Atitlan

Atitlan Rental Thanks Giving Renters Testimony

2011-12-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

The Law on Holidays

2011-11-29T08:50:00.001-08:00

If you have people working for you in Guatemala because you own a house, business or a farm you need to take in consideration the law past the 15 of november 2010 decreet 42-2010 and called the Law to promote internal tourism. The law has been made with the idea that when people have a legal holiday if it falls not on monday or friday it should be moved in order to give the employees the opportunity to benefit of extended week ends, a commune practice in the developed countries.
So any foreigner owning real estate in Guatemala and most probably in Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlan or Rio Dulce as to understand the law to apply properly with his staff. The interesting aspect of this law is that it has only 3 articles. The First one indicates that the objectif of the law is to promote national tourism as a viable economic activity for the long term. The Second one indicates that to promote national tourism the holidays must be taken this following way: when the holiday is on a tuesday, the holiday will be taken on the monday before. If it falls on a wednesday or a thursday the holiday will be taken on the friday following. If the holiday is a saturday or a sunday there is no change. The holidays that won't change what ever days they are falling are the first of january, Easter thursday, Easter Friday and Easter Saturday, First of may, 20 th of october, 1st of november, 24 th of december mid day, 25 th of december, 31 st of january mid day and the day of the town.
The Third is about the urgency to vote this law. Always look for help if you are not sure about what to do. Don't hesitate to consult our page on this matter at www.atitlanpropertymanagement.com and our last properties for sale at www.realestateatitlan.com.

7 years of rain statistics in Lake Atitlan

2011-10-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

It is common to believe that the rainy season in Guatemala, the country of the eternal spring, is marked by heavy
rain like monsoon rain of Asia. Well it is not the case but mostly rain like tempered latitudes. Sunny the morning
then rains in the afternoon or/and night. Except when hurricanes strike we can get the monsoon feeling.
The rainy season last from may to november and normally we have an average of 57 inches during the 6 months.
It is very hard to obtain reliable statistics from the government because it lacks of a permanent reliable weather station in the lake area. To write this post I got statistics from one of the permanent american expat who has his weather station in Jaibalito, Santa Cruz La Laguna. They are a good picture of what's going on. It allows us to get a better idea of the weather pattern and how the hurricanes affect the overhall rainy seasons.
These observations are until october 12th and are since 2005.

Stan hurricane, in october 2005, brought a lot of damages in center america.
This year was in the average of the last 7 years with 57 inches of water over the year. Interesting to note the two peaks during the year in june and october. We can see that the 2005 rainy season was pretty dry until hurricane Stan hit the area.
Then in 2010 , hurricane Agatha. Earlier in the season has it happened in the end of may. The hurricane didn't drop has much water as hurricane Stan but it happened after a month of april already very humid. Now what the statistics show us is that 2010 was an exceptional rainy season almost 50% above the average of the last 7 years.
This significant increase in the average rain implied significant damages of the infrastructure in the entire country and locally a significant increase on the lake level as until these days we estimates the vertical gain around 4 meters and still rising.
These elements are important to take in consideration when you are building or buying in the area.
Check out building site and our real estate site for properties in Lake Atitlan area.

Interview with one of our client new land owner

2011-10-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

Adding to our serie of interviews about Lake Atitlan find the real experience of one of our client sharing his experience in order to help potential new comers to get a better idea on the local reality as it is not your usual destination for retirement.

If you have questions that you would like to see being addressed just put them in the comment section.or check our web site real estate atitlan.

How easy is to buy real estate or rent a house in Lake Atitlan Guateamala

2011-07-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

Renting or buying a house at Lake Atitlán in Guatemala is as easy as making one phone call to Atitlan Solutions. The owner and founder of the company, Armand Boissy, is wonderful and he can make all of the necessary arrangements for your trip to the lake. Armand speaks fluent English, French, and Spanish and will make you feel very comfortable during your stay.

First, you’ll arrive at the airport in Guatemala city, where they speak both English and Spanish. The airport personnel are very friendly and helpful in all respects. After collecting your luggage you will be greeted by your driver who will be waiting outside the main doors with a sign that has your name printed on it. All of the drivers hired by Atitlan Solutions are punctual, polite, and very trustworthy. They will make you feel welcome and relaxed during your ride to the lake.

A few hours later, you will arrive in the main town of Panajachel, which is simply called “Pana” by the locals. If your hotel is in Pana, the driver will bring you directly there and help you get settled in. There are a number of nice hotels in Pana ranging from $25USD to $100USD per night. Armand can certainly recommend a great hotel at a reasonable and economical price.

If your hotel is located at one of the small villages around the lake, such as Santa Cruz La Laguna or San Marcos La Laguna, Armand will arrange for a private boat to transport you to your destination. There you can put your luggage in your room, rest for a bit, and then do some sight-seeing. The public boats around the lake are called “lanchas,” and they pick up passengers from Pana approximately every 15-20 minutes and go to each of the villages. No matter where you are staying at the lake you’ll have reliable transportation to and from your hotel.

While staying at the lake you will be able to meet with Armand at your convenience. Armand has a very large selection of houses to rent or for purchase, and he allows you to leisurely take your time viewing properties. It truly is a stress-free experience with Armand. He will show you around Panajachel, where most of the action is going on, and he has a private boat to easily get to any of the surrounding villages.

The quality of the homes offered by Atitlan Solutions are outstanding--you can specify whether you’d like something “rustic and private” or a house that is “very modern” with spectacular views of the lake. You’ll be surprised by how economical it is to rent or buy property at the lake.

As for your other needs while visiting or living at the lake, such as getting wireless internet or exchanging money, Armand can certainly guide you in the right direction.

Interview with a new Waterfront Owner

2011-07-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

As Lake Atitlan is not your usual destination we invite our clients to share their experience in order to help potential new comers to get a better idea on the local reality.
If you have questions that you would like to see being addressed just put them in the comment section.

Reviews of Atitlan Solutions Services.

2011-04-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

Investing in Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, either to protect your savings or to prepare your retirement is not
an easy step. Through this videos Atitlan Solutions offers you to share the experience of Mr Reed our customer.

Why are so many baby boomers retiring in Central America? / The Nica Times / Costa Rica Newspaper, The Tico Times

2011-02-28T09:58:00.000-08:00

Very interesting article about Central America being a destination for baby boomers wanted to retire.

Guatemala is not in the list of the destinations describes but sure worth to look at it.

Read about retiring in Guatemala

http://www.realestateatitlan.com/Retire-in-Guatemala

Why are so many baby boomers retiring in Central America? / The Nica Times / Costa Rica Newspaper, The Tico Times

Guatemala Top destination for 2011

2011-01-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

Guatemala is the new destination in Centre America. A great country, despite its internal problems where tourists always leave with wonderful memories. Come and check it out for your self. A natural country with natural people. Great landscaping, great living Mayan culture, great affordable life style... a must see..
And if you were thinking of a place to retire well couldn't be a better time and Lake Atitlan a better place. You can style find houses and land where you can have a great way of living sharing with local mayan people and enjoying great scenic views. Real Estate is very affordable and worth every penny. Guatemala is the new destination in Centre America. A great country, despite its internal problems where tourists always leave with wonderful memories. Come and check it out for your self. A natural country with natural people. Great landscaping, great living Mayan culture, great affordable life style... a must see..
And if you were thinking of a place to retire well couldn't be a better time and Lake Atitlan a better place. You can style find houses and land where you can have a great way of living sharing with local mayan people and enjoying great scenic views. Real Estate is very affordable and worth every penny. Atitlan Solutions will help you in relocating.

Atitlan Solutions will help you in relocating.

Guatemala 2011 destinations

Guatemala New Minimun Salary for 2011

2011-01-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

It has been official by now, President Colom of Guatemala, decreet a raise of the minimum salary applicable 1st of january 2011. In conformity with the Government Agreement number 388-2010 published in the Centre American Newspaper the 30th of December 2010.
The increase for the agricultural workers and non agricultural is of 7.70 Quetzales per day (something like 96 cents US $ per day). With this increment the monthly salary for both economics sectors will be 2,187.54 quetzales (US $ 273.10 at the current exchange rate) which include a bonification of 250 quetzales (US $ 31.21) each month. According President Colom, this increment will allow the workers of the private sectors to cover the inflation of 2010 and part of 2011. According National Institut of Statistics (INE) the inflation for 2010 was 5,25%. More on Labor in Guatemala.

Gated community projects at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

2010-11-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

Lake Atitlan, in the heart of the Guatemalan highlands is not famous for its gated communities.

Yacht Club Heli-pad in San Lucas Toliman

Still there are two projects that deserve a review for their characteristics, security of investment and potential growth of appreciation. If you are about to start investing in real estate in Guatemala, particularly in the Lake Atitlan region, these two gated-community projects are good for a successful start of an enjoyable experience as a first-time or, experienced realty investor in Guatemala. The two developing gated communities are located in different areas of the Lake, therefore offering different ways for enjoying Atitlan.

The first gated community is located in San Lucas Toliman, at the Yacht Club, the oldest and a very successful community development.

Despite the fact that only 3 houses of the development have waterfront, there is very good access to the lake, a marina to store your boat or wave runner, a pier to park and well kept beaches.

The Yacht club advantages are:

Interior San Lucas Yacht Club condo

Proximity to Guatemala City and Antigua through the Pacific Coastal highway.
Built on high ground, which protects your investment from future lake level rises.
Fully registered which is a premium in term of security of ownership
All fenced and 24 hour security for your peace of mind.
Great communal amenities, helipad, boat storage, boat ramp and beaches.
Despite the number of properties, it is a location that is occupied mainly in Guatemalan vacation time.

Take advantage of either buying a house or an empty lot to build your custom house.

The Second gated community is located on Mansion Road, past the village of Santa Catarina Palopó.

Much smaller in size, 8 units in total, but with more majestic view to the three volcanoes and the famous sunsets of Lake Atitlan, this complex of condos-villas holds one of the best real estate values in the area.

The project offers the following:

Located less than seven kilometers from Panajachel, where most of the restaurants, bars and discos of the Lake are located. The two villages are connected by a well maintained road.
Directly off Mansion Road, the area of most appreciation at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
Facing three volcanoes and the gorgeous sunset of the Lake.
Excellent amenities, full time guardian and gardener, all fenced, breathtaking natural surroundings.
Communal area with long lap pool, Jacuzzi and waterfall.
Fully registered, which is a premium in terms of security of ownership.
Low monthly payments and property taxes.
Villas that can be decorated to your taste, or by the project decorator.

One of the best values in terms of price, location, quality and privacy for a sound real estate investment at Lake Atitlan for a place to retire or to invest in a vacation rental.

Finding offers in a difficult real estate market

2010-10-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

View from Santa Cruz la Laguna

Not surprisingly, lately real estate prices are being negatively influenced by the combination of lower property cash flows – mostly because of less demand for residential space, increased availability and now we also calculate climate as a possible negative factor.

Signs of a Real Estate-climate change
After the global financial crises the commercial values of realty has dropped and in Guatemala, especially the Lake Atitlan region, the climate influenced residential property prices and sales in 2010. A combination of emotions and reality was the base for that.

Ways to Measure True Value
We always advice a trustable agent to estimate any property value and although a real estate offer can sound interesting at first, your investment could turn into a burden, something you can prevent by investing with an experienced agent.

Where are the Opportunities?
There are opportunities left in the lake Atitlan area for various investments in different segments of this local Guatemalan real estate market.
Offers for properties build on what is now the ‘lake level’ should be avoided; the risk factor is too high.
In general the realty market is at its turning point. Prices are low and investors are on the lookout for interesting offers at Lake Atitlan and have been actively buying.

Panajachel residential property, with 3 separated adobe houses.

Residential Real estate
Popular residential areas with real estate offers are Panajachel and Santa Cruz la Laguna at Lake Atitlan. Apartments, lots and lake view properties are on the market as well as commercial real estate.

Hotel - Lake Atitlan

Commercial Real estate
Various Hotels are for sale at Lake Atitlan, in Santa Cruz la Laguna and Santiago Atitlan luxury Hotels on the market. These are well established hotel-businesses and popular in the current investment-climate.

Inform about the various investment opportunities in Guatemala, with Atitlan Solutions.

Guatemala and vacation rentals

2010-10-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

View: Rental in Santiago Atitlan
available with Atitlan Solutions

Guatemala, “country of eternal spring”, ideally located at the intersection of the North and South Americas, and with beaches bathed by the Atlantic Pacific Ocean, should be an ideal destination for vacation rentals. This is not yet the case, at the moment due to several factors like the lack of security and weak governmental publicity strategy. Despite a strong network of brand new highways and a good conversion rate for the dollar it is still a destination for adventurers, people willing to deal with uncertainty. With a wide selection of interesting tourist locations, it is a destination with great potential particularly being so close to the US market with only 2,5 hours flight from Miami, 5 hours from LA and 6 to NY.

Antigua - Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Now if you would ever decide to plan a trip to Guatemala and would rather choose to rent a house than stay at hotels you will find out that most locations offer a great selections on quality, all included, vacation rentals. And they will give you a good opportunity to discover the best locations for an introduction to this country. After landing you arrive in Guatemala city, a modern capital with archeological museums but not much more of interest, and is preferably better to just skip on a first visit. From Guatemala City you can head to Antigua Guatemala, the colonial capital of the Spanish conquerors, a gorgeous old town with romantic paved streets, imposing perfect coned dormant and active volcanoes, offering modern tourist services. The selection of vacation rentals in Antigua will give you the possibility to enjoy the town at your own path still feeling at home, cook your own food while enjoying your dream vacation.

Take the road to the west and immerse yourself in the Mayan highlands, a place of amazing landscape and living indigenous culture. The road coming down to Lake Atitlan will unfold for you stunning views and beautiful sceneries. From Panajachel, the entry port to the lake, you will be able to visit our offices and reach the house you selected, either by road or by boat, to enjoy your Guatemalan vacation rental. Of course you might want to stay in a modern apartment in Panajachel to enjoy its artist and music and other nightlife scenes. Optional is to have car access to your house to plan trips to the various Mayan cultures around the lake or to Chichicastenango, the crafts market Mecca of the high lands. You can enjoy a kayak included in your waterfront rental, or even your private boat, ready to engage the relaxed life style of living on “the most beautiful lake in the world”.

Vacation rental in Santiago Atitlan

Whatever your plans are be sure to plan ahead as very often the vacation rentals offer extras that are inexpensive in regards to the convenience they provide. For example, a local Mayan cook to try new flavors, an experienced Mayan nanny for your small children, so you will be able to spend quality time with the children and reserve lots for yourselves.

We selected some links with more information on rentals in Guatemala.

Guatemala vacation rentals and properties
Panajachel vacation rentals
Santa Cruz la Laguna Vacation rentals
San Marcos la Laguna vacation rentals
Santiago Atitlan vacation rentals
Rental Videos Guatemala
Lake Atitlan vacation rentals

Lake Atitlan - The antidote to gated community development

2010-10-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Lake Atitlan - The antidote to gated community development.

Located in the heart of the Guatemalan Mayan Highland, Lake Atitlan is considered as one of the most beautiful Lakes in the world and "the closest thing to heaven" by The Lonely Planet Guide that refers to it as being the jewel of Guatemalan tourist destinations. It might attract your attention if you have been looking for an option to relocate for your retirement. Now if you browse the web to find a gated community which can receive a development of several condos including golf or any other kind of outdoor amenity you may have concluded that Lake Atitlan has very little to offer. I propose to take you through the advantages or retiring here but also why it is the antidote of traditional gated retirement communities.

Lake Atitlan is ideally located at 2 ½ hours from Guatemala city by car (and this time is shortening with all the work done on the divided highway connecting Guatemala Ciudad and the Lake of Atitlan), 2½ hours flight from Miami, 5 hours from LA, 6 hours from NY, 4 hour drive to the Mexican border and a 4 hour drive to San Salvador beaches. Its geographic location make it attractive for the ones who don't want to go to further South or/and still want to be able to go back and forth to their family and friends.

Quiriguá. Photo from Wikipedia

The centrally located Lake of Atitlan and the vast array of other tourist activities that Guatemala has to offer make it a perfect “base” to discover Guatemala and its beauties. Mentioning some of them: Antigua Guatemala (the beautiful colonial town classified World Patrimony by UNESCO), the best sail fish spot on the pacific coast, long list of Mayan Archeological sites (Abaj Takalik, Tikal, Quiriguá, and may more) its multicultural society with 21 Mayan languages and living mayan culture and its high concentration of natural beauty, all within a short distance from three other Latin-American counties.

Located at 1500 mts above sea level, Lake Atitlan offers the perfect tropical climate. The altitude makes it almost mosquitoes free and the year round temperature is about 25C or 77F, like spring temperature. No need for air conditioning or heating systems, at the most a cozy fire place to dry out the ambiance during rainy season.
The rainy season last from June to October and generates comfortable and sunny mornings, with rain falling in the afternoons. Expect some heavy rain particularly when hurricanes or tropical storms strike Pacific or Atlantic coasts. Not that hurricanes hit the Lake Atitlan area directly but often the tails of these natural phonemes swing over the area, bringing with them mud slides and therefore difficulties with the roads. But every long term resident knows to make provision for these particulars days and that they can count on the help of the indigenous residents and vice versa.
The ex-pat communities in Jaibalito or Santa Cruz la Laguna (for example) work well together with the local population when it comes to health, nutrition and their education. These “inter-woven” communities that help each other have developed mutual respect and have therefore become secure and fun locations for retirement.

Lake Atitlan, Source: Wikipedia

Lake Atitlan offers a spectacular view with excellent weather and delicious food available all year round. The highlands of Guatemala are a big vegetable garden and throughout the year you find on top of the traditional vegetables like corn (white, red and black), beans, sweet potatoes, squash, new varieties of products like mini zucchini, eggplant and a large inventory of tropical fruits, all fresh all year round.

And not the least; great people. The locals are charming individuals always eager to know more about you and your culture. Treat them as you would like to be treated and you will have a wonderful time, and experience great rewards.

All that said why Lake Atitlan is the antidote of the gated community. Before going further let me tell you that I don't have anything against the gated communities. They are an option and they have their purpose. At the moment there are a few intents to build gated real estate communities around Lake Atitlan and they are in their phase of development. It is a little bit early to know which segment of the market they will attract.

Now deciding to retire in Lake Atitlan is not for everyone. First of all you have to see yourself willing to live in a third world country with its advantages and disadvantages. Electricity can fail for hours or more, bad weather can cause landslides, etc. A good real estate agent is able to provide solutions to any of the disadvantages that can be humanly “fixed”. At Atitlan-Solution we develop existing properties for example to install solar power and we have the experience to professionally advice you about the Geologic hazards in Guatemala. Associate yourself with a specialist in order to lay out the best ever retirement plan you will choose.

We have ample experience to make your retirement overseas into a success story.

Many who made the decision are comfortable and happy about their choice, swearing never to leave Lake Atitlan.

Resources:
Retire at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
Real Estate Videos
Real estate investments in Guatemala

Real estate area One, Lake Atitlan - Guatemala

2010-09-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

What we specify as real estate area 1 lies between Panajachel and San Antonio Palopó. This area is connected by road and is the most accessible area around Lake Atitlan. You can drive down by car from Quetzaltenango or Guatemala City via Sololá to Panajachel and there is an alternative road taking you from Panajachel via San Andres Semetabaj to Guatemala City in about 2 to 2,5 hours.

Real estate in Panajachel

Panajachel is a popular village because it is the most accessible and central. Many NGO’s have their headquarters here and you’ll find various hotels, super markets and other suppliers of goods in Pana. Real estate has been taking a boost in the first lustrum in the third millennium, and the few open properties still available are not cheap to come by. Prices on the other hand have not gone up the last years and even started to come down from its height which is making Panajachel an interesting area for investments again.

In recent years the municipality of Panajachel improved the infrastructure in general which is noticeable. A state of the art library in the center of town and a new market which has been a big improvement are amongst its accomplishments. Very important is the availability for English schooling in Panajachel, three schools are available.

As mentioned in one of the articles below, you have to be sure you contract a capable and correct real estate agent that knows the geologic area enough to be able to provide you with practical advice that will serve you and your family in future generations. Contact Atitlan Solutions for any information about the current availability of real estate in Panajachel.

Real estate in Santa Catarina Palopó

At walking distance from Panajachel, Santa Catarina is connected by a well maintained paved road and offers real estate at various locations. Below the road, close to the lake, are where most properties have been built in the past and where some lots are still for sale. Santa Catarina Palopó itself lies above the road and is mainly occupied by locals. Contact Atitlan Solutions for any information about the current availability of real estate in Santa Catarina Palopó.

Real Estate in San Antonio Palopó

About 10 km from Santa Catarina, also connected by a solid paved road, lies San Antonio Palopó, a beautiful village where many of its traditions are still practiced and where development is getting on its way. It attracts more and high class tourist which you notice by the recently opened hotels and restaurants. Contact Atitlan Solutions for any information about the current availability of real estate in San Antonio Palopó.

Lake Atitlan Real Estate - An introduction

2010-08-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, the most beautiful lake in the world.

You might have realized that it is time to think of a better place to live your retirement, to take your kids for a unique enriching experience, to invest taking advantage of the quiet ignored destination that Atitlan is... For whatever reason this article will guide you to the different areas of the lake and gives you some tools to help you decide where to settle.

Guatemalan Laws

First of all Lake Atitlan is a national protected area in Guatemala and therefore it is ruled by specifics laws and it is not a free, un-ruled area where anyone can do as he or she pleases. Well some will tell you that yes it is possible here to make your dream come true... this is only possible if your dream is not someone elses real estate nightmare. Guatemala is not your normal area in terms of rationality in buying or selling. As every Guatemala real estate property is unique they all have to be evaluated in their own matter.

Lake Atitlan Real Estate

But we pretend to give you some guidance with the following:

So if we look at the value of land to start with we can draw 4 areas with characteristics that make them a specific geographical real estate market.

The first area and it is one of the most appreciated is from Panajachel to San Antonio Palopó and beyond, precisely the road uniting these villages. It is also where you have the best view of the 3 volcanoes (Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro), exposed to the west and find the wildest natural part of the lake. The first section is what we call Sunset road as it offers the best views of the famous sunsets of lake Atitlan, then past Santa Catarina Palopó, we have the Mansion road, the name tells it all, it is an area of gorgeous real estate properties with beautiful views. After San Antonio Palopó it is a new frontier as the recent aperture of the road between San Antonio Palopó and the ridge of the mountain, Aguas Escondidas, open a new area for development with fantastic access and views. In this area you will find big properties with long waterfront properties, new constructions, and luxury real estate with pool and sauna. Not many pieces of land.

The second area of real estate is located on the North shore of Lake Atitlan between Panajachel and Tzununa including the villages of Santa Cruz La Laguna and Jaibalito. This area is mostly accessible by boat and offers 160 degrees view of the lake and the 5 volcanoes (San Pedro, Atitlan, Toliman and towards east the Fuego and Acatenango). This area is for people who are willing to take a boat to get to their little paradise. Santa Cruz la laguna for example is one of the safest villages in Guatemala (no homicide) and Tzununa at the other extreme side is accessible by car and only a 5 minutes drives to San Marcos La Laguna with all its new ages holistic centers. In this area you will find a lot of waterfront properties with beautiful hotels and other lake atitlan real estate available.

The third area it is from San Marcos La Laguna to San Pedro La Laguna including the villages of San Pablo La Laguna, San Juan La Laguna. It is an area accessible by car and where the land is very divided so you have often very small lots with narrow waterfront. The dynamic of this area is different than the 2 precedent ones because San Marcos, San Juan and San Pedro are very active villages where tourism plays a big role and therefore you will find more luxury tourist oriented properties to sell than any other place. San Marcos for example the “holistic village” is a great place to be if you are looking for self improvement, easy access to yoga, massages,,, and not to mention a particular life style... San Juan is a destination to be as it is the most organized village with a lot of local association from painters, natural herbal medicine, naturally died weavings... and San Pedro has been where all hippies went when Panajachel became too expensive and the village is strongly improving its image from party town to eco-touristic destination with volcano climbs, horseback riding and a local museum.
There you will find some small lots, waterfront properties, houses, and land and businesses for sale.

The fourth real estate market area is from San Lucas Toliman to Santiago Atitlan including the village of Cerro de Oro. This is an area where mostly Guatemalan gateway houses are found. With beautiful houses on the shore in private little bays. It is not a primary destination for foreigners (except for Santiago Atitlan) as the houses are isolated from any villages or social activity center. In this area we have beautiful luxury properties for sale as well as some hotels. Important to mention the Yacht Club, a gated residential project where you have houses and lands (lots) with title on very well kept grounds, with excellent amenities.

Now in future article we will go through each of these areas describing their particular characteristics.

Purchase real estate in Guatemala

2010-08-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Purchasing a home can be a long, frightening and complicated process, it is important to be well prepared. Knowledge is power when it comes to calculating in the difficult world of property value, interest rates and loans.

Like any investment however, real estate has intricate nuances and market trends that when ignored can cause an investor tremendous heart ache.

For a first time real estate investor in Guatemala it is important to start at a point “of expertise” with a capable, service minded and knowledgeable real estate professional. This will be a tremendous asset as the realtor takes the effort and time to evaluate your future needs and cover those. It’s like a good insurance policy against overlooking all the seemingly insignificant but important details that you have to be prepared for when buying real estate in Guatemala.

The list of documents that needs to be proofed can be overwhelming to a first time investor. Building permits, title policies, mineral leases, inspections, purchase contracts, insurance, environmental laws, etc.

You do not have to do it alone. We at Atitlan Solutions can remove most of the stress and bring the transaction or project to a smooth success.

We are here to inform you, contact us for any information or for an informal meeting to talk about your interest and possibilities for investing in Guatemala.

Armand Boissy
5493-6161 (Cell) or 7762-0959 (Office)

Kiteboarding Lake Atitlan

2010-08-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

When you choose to decide in a place look for activities you can do..
Investing in Guatemala, Lake Atitlan real estate might be a challenge
as you don't have the regular activities people expect of a retirement, resort
place.. (no golf, no theater, no high end restaurant...) but great sports oriented activities
like this one. May not be for all publics but neither to say a great spectacle
to watch... So take your boat and look for the kite surfers.

Kiteboarding Lake Atitlan

Guatemalan Electrical Bill

2010-04-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

Most of us leaving around Lake Atitlan, unless you are living off the grid, receive monthly an electrical bill, from DEOCSA, the company distributing the electricity in the Solola's area. I add a translation of the different items composing a bill in order for you to understand better what it means.

Now you might add the bad experience of having your electricity cut off because, supposedly you have not paid your bill. You have to know that after 2 bills no paid the electrical company would issue an order to cut you off the system. And it will cost you Q 140.00 to get reconnected, independently the amount of your consumption. Very unfair fine as the poor pay more comparatively than the rich. It is important for you to make sure that you do get your bill and if you live in a remote area you might want to have your bill send to an office in Panajachel for example to make sure to receive it. You might also consider utilizing our service of property management and we will take care of your bill. If you do receive your bill you might to put a mail box which close at the entrance of your property with your NIS number on it to help the person distributing the bills. There is one company reading the meter and one other company distributing the bills. Now you will find on your coming bill an increase of your amount due.

This is the consequences of the increase of the rates. The first rare called "Tarifa Social" a subsidized rate by the government for people consuming less than 300 kv/hour/month will increase 29% for 1 Kv/hour/month from Q 1.380 in fevruary-april to Q 1.7807 in may-july. But the National Institute for Electricity (INDE) will subsidized the rate of the "Tarifa Social" according the following ranks. Under 50 kv/h/m of consumption Q 0.50 /kv, between 51 and 100 kw/h/m Q. 0.75/kv and between 101 kv/h/m and 300 kv/h/m Q 1.45 for the first 100 kv.

So make sure you turn off your lights. We, at Atitlan Solutions, are looking forward to help you find solutions to cut down on your electrical bill by installing solar water heater and installing solar electrical power. We have done both kind of installation check out our building records at www.atitlanbuildingexpert.com.

2010-03-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Following up on my last addressing some of the legal aspect involved with building in lake atitlan here are some updates related to the new legal disposition taken by the government consequently to the ciano-bacteria crisis witnessed in october - november 2009.

As you might know by now the President and particularly his wife Miss Sandra Torres have been taking the problem at heart and demanding result from the different authorities which have direct relation with the enviromental administration of the RUMCLA, (Lake Atitlan Reserve of Multiple Use).

The most public act has been installing an “aireador”, Aeromix brand, in front of Panajachel. A floating device solar powered, which circulates the water and supposed to have an impact up to 3 hectares around it... Well the fabulous machine didn't last more than 2 days as the strong waves which agitated the lake in the evening sunk it according to the authorities. Fortunately they recuperate the instrument which is under reconstruction and will be installed in areas less subject to strong waves. This one was donated by the company which fabricates them to experiment it. As 8 others are expected to be bought an installed around the lake... Knowing that 130 at least of them would be necessary to cover properly the area.

Now in order to speed up the legal action in the area the government is going to install "una fiscalia del medio ambiente" this is a special environmental branch of the justice department to give them the legal tool to sanction the infractors.

In order also to oblige the house owners around the lake to comply with the law they have issued a gouvernment agreement , the 51-2010, which gives 3 months to the house owners around the lake and 18 months to the villages to comply with a more resumed version of the 236-2006 gubernative agreement , 15/05/2006 of residual water...

As you might know by now, any building project around the lake needs the green light from the CONAP- MARN before starting. Through the form of an Environmental Impact study (Estudio de Impacto Ambiental ) or Initial Environmental Evaluation (Evaluacion Ambiental Inicial). As it is of public knowledge most of the houses build in the last 3 years not to speak the last 10 years lack of any of these instrument, despite it is mandatory according law....

Atitlan Solutions building division has been working closely with the Ministry of Environment for its last on going projects in order to comply with the law and overly the experience has been very productive achieving compliance in reasonable times.

Now the situation as drastically changed since the ciano-bacteria event. It put a lot of scrutiny on the activities going on around the lake. Plus it is strategic for the government to work on the issue as the Lake basin is a good reservoir for electoral votes. Don't forget in 2 years we have presidential election and it wouldn't. So right now the government through the MARN (Ministry of Environment) is going to ask to all the house owner on the shore and around the lake to produce their EIA, and if you don't have it you could be subject to a fine from Q. 5,000 to Q. 100,000. What are we supposed to do... Remember we are foreigners and we have a bigger obligation in respecting the law. Why? Because we are coming from countries where we are used to respect them ( The Ministry of the Environment in an article published in Prensa Libre said that he welcome all the foreigners and investors under the premise they obey the law as he is asked to do when he goes up North) and second because we could be instrumented from the government to show his work in protecting the lake. Already the hoteles owners and the “Chaleteros” have been mentioned as contaminators.

According to the MARN the persons who don't have an EIA should ask for a “diagnostico ambiental” which is as an EAI but for houses already build. The diagnostico will look at your house and check that you are complying with current regulation and make comments of what should be improved. After that it goes to MARN which will look at it and then confirm the diagnostico or ask for improvements. So with the DIAGNOSTICO you are in order with the law of areas protegidas (Protected Areas) but you will still have to comply with the new AG 51-2010. Which is a technical study of your black waters to determine that your sewage treatment is not contaminating. And that you are under the limits of the AG 51-2010. It is according the MARN the only way to say for you that your are complying with this particular requirement. This study should be kept in your house and presented upon any request from the MARN. And it is why we have 3 month to get it as after that if we cannot produce it we could be object of a fine....But at the moment I cannot tell you how to do it as the MARN has not issued which laboratories are legally authorized to produce these kind of analyses....

So much to want to comply...

Any way for the ones interested to start with the DIAGNOSTICO AMBIENTAL I have negociated with the engineer I work with, who is authorized to make them, as has successfully submitted several EIO already a special rate as several of the neighbors could be interested to get their papers in order. If you have already a plan by a legal surveyor and the plan of your house the cost is Q 5,750.00 if you don't have them the cost is Q 7,750.00

Plese contact me for more información at atitlanrealestate@gmail.com.

BOAT OWNERS

You might have noticed 2 new grey big lanchas from the Guatemalan Marine with 15 soldiers. They are based in Panajachel and they are going to make a census of the boat around the lake. They will instruct and train the lancheros drivers and give them a boat driving license. Then they are considering to make a boat reglament for the lake and finally issued boat permit for every boat owners... It might take some times... They have calculated that 400 boats navigates on the lake of which 150 carried passengers..

Land use protections at Lake Atitlan

2009-10-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

The high season is coming and with it our friends and neighbors. I would like in this article to follow up on my preceding article, "The Juridical Aspect of Lake Atitlan," published in the January 2009 issue of The Cruz N ews. In that article I explained that the lake is
categorized as a protected area known as RUMCLA and is governed by the CONAP.

Now what does this mean in our daily lives?

Well, the CONAP in its management plan of the lake has defined different areas of land use.
Primitive Areas
The top third part of the volcanos have been designated Primitive Areas and are set aside as areas of maximum conservation where no human activity is authorized.
Reclamation Areas
Most of the waterfront from Panajachel to the north and west to San Juan are areas of reclama- tion. The object of this zone is basically to promote the natural recovery and reforestation of the area with native species. Goals are to protect water springs, promote practices which protect the soil from erosion, to restablish the connection between the lower part of the lake and the upper part, and to reclaim the forest cover of the shore line.
Protective Forest
The far eastern part of the lake past San Antonio toward San Lucas, where you can see a lot of vegetation and few houses, is categorized as Protective Forest. These areas help to channel water toward the lake.
Municipal Parks
Right now there are 4 official municipal parks: Municipal Park of Chawanimajuyu' ( 357 hectares) in San Pedro la Laguna, Municipal Park of Chuiraxamolo' (172 hct) of Santa Clara la La- guna, Municipal Park Papa (207 hect.) in San Marcos La Laguna, and Municipal Park Panan (711 hect.) of San Juan La Laguna. Unfortunately, Santa Cruz has so far missed the boat despite the fact that they have been invited to have their own municipal park.
Private Reserves
Reservas Naturales Privadas - RNP - is an association which registers properties that are dedi- cated all or in part to land protection. Check their website www.reservasdeguatemala.org and the following link to see the map of the lake then click on MAPA NODO ATITLAN. You will see that most of the reserves are located behind the volcanos on the south face of them. Currently there are only 3 reserves around the lake: Laguna Lodge in Santa Cruz La Laguna, San Buenaventura in Panajachel, and Xicaman in San Antonio Palopo.
So now we know that all of the lake and the surrounding areas are protected in different zones that have been specifically defined. We cannot do what we want where we want. Unfortunately, the various institutions have not been endowed with the proper budgets in order to make all this work as planned. But slowly we are getting there.
What does it mean in our daily life?
First of all, if you think you are victim of or a witness to an environmental incident (it could be noise, a building that is horrible, somebody throwing garbage in the lake or oil....), you can file a complaint directly to the Ministry of Environment Click on “Denuncias” and you will see a list of matters that you can report. At the bottom of the list there is a link to formalize your complaint. Your Denuncia with then be directed to the CONAP office in Solola for review.

Second, if you are planning to build a structure on your property such as a new house, cabin or guest house that is larger than 1000 m2 ( adding the surface of all the levels), then you must file an Enviromental Impact Evaluation. This EIA is filed with the CONAP in Solola located at 6th avenue 12- 16, Barrio El Carmen, Zona 1, Solola. Their phone is 7762-3081 and they are open from 8.30 to 1300 and 1400 to 1700. The Regional Director is Mr. Sergio Vasquez.
The CONAP will give you a form to fill out and submit with the different papers you will have to provide. Once you file the EIA they will review it. If the paperwork is accepted they will then plan a visit to the site to check on the project. If everything is OK then you will receive a resolution confirming your project. This procedure can take some time and patience but it is worth it. The only cost is to have an architect, surveyor or engineer sign the plan. We, at Atitlan Solutions, have successfully submitted several of these EIAs and can to do it for you if you prefer not to do it yourself, go to www.atitlanbuildingexpert.com.But you have to be patient as they are not very fast. Technically you shouldn't start your project before they approve it. The CONAP can also stop you in the middle of your project if you have not presented the proper authorization.
Next time we will cover some of the effects of living in a protected area. If you have any ques- tions, please do not hesitate to consult with us. Remember to check the following links for more
informations on lake Atitlan, Atitlanpropertymanagement, Atitlan rentals, Atitlan Luxury Homes and Atitlan Real Estate

The Judicial Aspect of Lake Atitlan….

2009-03-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

We know that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world…
and we enjoy its beautiful views, Mayan culture, incredible weather. Now do you know what Lake Atitlan is its the juridical status?
Well since the Spanish conquest the juridical status as evolved a lot… When the Spanish arrived the lake basin was inhabited by Mayan from the Kakchiquel, Quiches and Tzutuhiles ethnies. From there the Spanish divided the land in encomiendas and this evolved until today administrative division, with the classification in National Park in 1955 and then recategorized in 1997 (decreto 64-97) as Reserve of Multiple Uses of the Basin of Lake Atitlan, which in Spanish translate into RUMCLA (Reserva de Uso Multiple de la Cuenca del Lago de Atitlan). In 1999 the Technical Unit of Atitlan , part of the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) is created. The area is administrated by a director, 1 forest technician, 19 forest guard and 1 secretary. The office is located in Solola. The superficy is 541 km2, 124,722 ha or 306.40 acres and covers 19 villages of the department of Solola. The area also include part of Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan, Patulul and Chicacao of Suchitepequez, Chichicastenango of Quiche and part of San Miguel Totonicapan, as of Tecpan, Pochuta and Patzun of Chimaltenango Department. The lake is 130 km2, a maximum depth of 324 mts and an average depth of 188 mts.
Now why to protect this area…?
Because it is part of the Volcanic Chain of the occident of Guatemala considered as prioritary region for conservation of biodiversity. It conserve the resources of the basin and water of Lake Atitlan considered one of the most beautiful in the world, it is the second tourist destination in Guatemala, generating grand quantity of employment and taxes. It has a spectacular scenic beauty, exuberant nature and Maya culture. In the area there is several archeological sites and multiples sacred spaces. It is an area of high hydrological importance as its water provide rivers and sources to the pacific coast. It is a pioneer protected area for private natural reserve , actually there are 13 of them and finally in its territory it has been established 4 municipals parks in San Marcos, San Pedro, Santa Clara and San Juan La Laguna. The CONAP conscious of the urgency of having a Master Plan as strategic an solid instrument to direct with better efficiency the administration and conversation of the RUMCLA, solicit ate to the Nature Conservancy (TNC) the elaboration of it. From this solicitation TNC , in consultation with CONAP, Vivamos Mejor and the General Secretary for Planificacion (SEGEPLAN) elaborate a plan to consolidate all the environmental and development activities, define threats (cultural, economical…), ordinates the relation between the different institutions of the area. After several meeting between NGO, institutions, civil society… a Master Plan has been elaborated , Plan Maestro, which have been approved and now rules the lake area since 2007 and it is valid until 2011 when it will be evaluated and modificated if necessary.
So for the moment remember that the Lake is part of the National System of Protected Area, that its name is RUMCLA and that the CONAP is the entity in charge of administrating it.
In my next post I will go a little deeper into the practical meaning it has for us.