Viva Tropical Radio
How cool would it be to have a show that covers real estate related activities in Central America? If you like the sound of that, you will love today’s show.
Skip around Central America and hear on the ground intel, reports, and data you can use.
Today we interview three brokers from three different countries, starting in Costa Rica, then on to Roatan, Honduras, and finally Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
We discuss what is happening in these markets, where the opportunities are, and other things like how much it costs to build. Tune in and start learning how things work in each of these unique places.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Where to get a deal in Guatemala
- How much it costs to build in Roatan, Honduras
- Palm oil farms in Costa Rica make good investments
- Is Lake Atitlan really polluted?
And much more.
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The Show Notes
- Casey Stamps of Costa Rica Real Estate Service Southern Zone, Costa Rica Website and email [email protected]
- Steve Hasz Roatan Life Roatan, Honduras Website: Roatan Life and email [email protected]
- Armand Boissy Atitlan Solutions Atitlan, Guatemala Website: Atitlan Solutions and Email [email protected]
Everything you need to know that happened in the last 2 months in Guatemala.
Each day we sift through hundreds of articles in English & Spanish to bring you the very best ones from Central America. From investment indicators to new infrastructure projects. Adventure stories to politics. It’s all here.
Guatemala May 2014.
Fernando Reyes Palencia
Guatemala Tourism
- 5 Movie Locations to See on Your Next International Vacation (Travelers Today) Taking a trip to Tikal National Park in Guatemala will place you smack-dab in the middle of Yavin IV, home of the rebel base in the classic movie “Star Wars.” Indeed, the towering Mayan temple of that movie’s ending sequence is one of the most enduring and exotic images in all of cinematic history.
- 10 Most Sacred Spots on Earth (Fox News) Nestled in the Guatemalan Central Highlands, and bordered by three volcanoes, Lake Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America and steeped in Maya history and culture.
- Avianca and Regional Tourism Ministries Want You to ‘Discover Central America’ with Deep Travel Discounts (The Tico Times) Want to visit Guatemala? Then now is the time to act with Avianca Airlines offering discounted rates on round-trip airfare in the region.
S. Zeke
Guatemala Lifestyle
- The Cost of Living in Guatemala (Reach Financial Independence) As long as you are prepared, life in Guatemala is very affordable.
- Buildings Violate Conservation of Antigua Guatemala (Prensa Libre via Google Translate) Buildings in Antigua, Guatemala are being made to look ‘less old’ and violating conservation laws established to retain the city’s colonial charm.
Fernando Reyes Palencia
Guatemala Investment
- Queen Sofia Strolls in Guatemalan Capital Zone Restored with Spanish Aid (Fox Latino News) Spain’s Queen Sofia took a walk through a formerly neglected, crime-ridden section of the Guatemalan capital which was restored with Spanish aid funds.
Cayambe
Guatemala Economy
- Palm Oil: Guatemala’s Newest, Biggest Cash Crop? (Tico Times) If there’s one thing Guatemala has in abundance, it’s land and most of it is perfect for growing Palm oil trees. Palm oil, in fact, now represents one-third of the vegetable oil consumed worldwide, and its use is increasing thanks to its high productivity.
- Guatemala Considers Taxing Poppies, Marijuana: Legalizing Their Sale Could Curb Drug War (Latin Post) With an increase in growing of poppy flowers, the Guatemalan government is considering taxing their farming to pay for rehab and other social programs.
Guatemala Environment
- Five Remarkable, Endangered Spots You Should Know About (USA News) The Global Heritage Fund wants you to know it’s time to take in our worldly treasures. Among those is Mirador, Guatemala – a mix of wetlands, mountains, rivers, and lakes which covers an area larger than Yellowstone National Park and is called the cradle of Maya civilization.
Like this country brief? Get it in your inbox weekly for free.
Be sure to catch the weekly country briefs by subscribing via email right here:
Everything you need to know that happened in the last 2 months in Guatemala.
Each day we sift through hundreds of articles in English & Spanish to bring you the very best ones from Central America.
From investment indicators to new infrastructure projects. Adventure stories to politics. It’s all here.
Guatemala April 2014.
Rigostar
Guatemala Lifestyle
- Couple retired since age 38: Americans don’t realize how wealthy they are (My Northwest.com) One of the Internet’s most famous retired couples is still comfortably retired and living in Atitlan Panajachel, Guatemala. One of their secrets – is to keep traveling. Which would lead you to think that would be expensive. Except a lot of the time, their lodging is free.
- Why expats are ditching their U.S. passports (Yahoo Finance News) Donna-Lane Nelson, 71, who has lived in Switzerland since 1980 says she threw up after giving up her U.S. passport. Why did she take the same path as so many other Americans who have renounced their citizenship? Her decision to renounce was triggered when her bank threatened to close her account because she was American.
- Top places to watch the sun rise and set (Stuff NZ) Looking for the perfect sunset? Check out Volcano Pacaya’s live lava flows at sun set…spectacular.
Chensiyuan
Guatemala Tourism
- Central America offers something for everyone (KPLU Travel) There are seven countries in Central America, all smashed into a thousand miles of land between Mexico and Colombia. KPLU travel expert Matthew Brumley says among those seven countries that Guatemala, nearly two decades after war, is earning new fame as a top tourist destination.
- Antigua, Guatemala off the beaten path (Gayapolis) Get your sweet fix of chocolate history and trivia (and, of course, free samples) at the ChocoMuseo in Antigua Guatemala, which brings ancient Maya’s cacao culture to life.
- Government applies support plan for tourists in Antigua Guatemala (StarMedia via Google Translate) Guatemalan authorities will initiate a special security action plan to insure higher safety standards for those traveling to Antigua Guatemala, one of the main tourist centers.
- Guatemala: Tourism grew 12% during first two months of 2014 (El Nuevo Diario via Google Translate) Good job Guatemala! The nation proved that its increased tourism presence has paid off with a 12% increase in the number of visitors who came to the country in the first two months of the year compared with the same period in 2013.
Elder99
Guatemala Investment
- European Union offers $3.4 billion aid package for Latin America (Tico Times) The European Union is handing out to Latin America 2.5 billion euros ($3.4 billion) in development aid over the next seven years to fund projects ranging from environmental aid to education.
Andris Piebalgs, EU’s Development Commissioner says “this aid package marks a new step in the way we work with Latin America, and sends a very strong signal of our commitment to continuing to support the region’s development efforts.”
- Road announced at a cost of U.S. $ 350 million (La Hora via Google Translate) Guatemala has announced a new $350 million highway. The 280 km stretch of road will run from Cocales, Suchitepéquez up to the border crossing between Guatemala and Mexico, Tecum Uman.
- Urban Territories (Prensa Libre via Google Translate) The dynamics of cities in Guatemala has faced changes in the past four decades. The National Development Plan of K’atun projects that in 2032, 79% of Gautemalans will live in urban areas, and the report suggests, these are also the areas with the greatest potential for investment.
- Top 100 central American banks ranking, 2014 (The Banker) Colombian banks are gaining ground in Central America, but the good news is that locally owned banks are still scoring well in this year’s Top 100 ranking of Central American banks. Banco Azteca Guatemala came in first place for a locally owned bank with Top Return on Assets.
Chensiyuan
Guatemala Environment
- Ecocide in Guatemala: Call for international solidarity (IC Magazine) Groves of fish are turning up dead in Guatemala, an unsightly example of ecocide. The contaminated rivers through which these fish swim are ancient tributaries in Mayan territories and remain a source of life-giving sustenance for the surrounding indigenous populations of present day Playitas Chizec and Alta Verapaz.
- Clandestine cartel heliports are ruining Central America’s forests (Motherboard) Drug runners using helicopters is the leading cause of rain forest destruction in Central America, but the environmental impacts this sort of deforestation places on the environment can’t be overstated.
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Be sure to catch the weekly country briefs by subscribing via email right here:
The Guatemala 3 Count, where we bring you 3 Guatemala stories that you shouldn’t miss.
Carlos VanVegas
1. What’s Driving Guatemala’s Tourism Boom?
The Guatemalan government has increased its foreign investment by over 300% since 2003 in an attempt to drive economic growth, stability, and improvements in infrastructure. Its efforts are paying off as more and more tourists are flocking to places rich in culture and heritage such as Antigua.
2. Investing in Guatemala Just Got Easier
Last year, foreign investment in Guatemala grew by 25 percent and, with the government’s recent reforms to the country’s employment law and judicial security, analysts are predicting an additional 15 percent growth for 2013.
3. Pulling Out of a Downward Spiral
Guatemala remains a troubled country, threatened by the international drugs trade as well as by its own weaknesses. But there are signs that it may at last be pulling out of its downward spiral. Leading the way to change is a president bent on changing the future for his country, but old habits are hard to break.
Fernando Reyes Palencia
Panajachel is one of Lake Atitlan’s busiest and most built-up lakeside settlements.
Known for its market, where the Maya from surrounding villages come to sell their handicrafts to tourists, Panajachel is a melting pot of locals and visitors, both of which are drawn to the stunning shores of Lake Atitlan.
Have you been to Panajachel yourself? We welcome your comments below about your trip to Lake Atitlan and Panajachel.
The tranquil setting of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, has lured many expats to its shores with the tantalizing combination of a low cost of living, colorful local culture and the laid-back lifestyle that so many of us crave.
J.s. Barrie
Considered by many to be the most picturesque lake in the world, the icy blue basin that is now Lake Atitlan was the product of one of the strongest volcanic eruptions in the planet’s history.
Nestled in the Guatemalan highlands, against a majestic backdrop of three volcanoes, Lake Atitlan can offer expats a taste of authentic Guatemalan life, without the tourist traps that can now be found scattered throughout Central America.
Why Lake Atitlan?
The initial reason that many expats are flocking to Lake Atitlan is simple, serenity and scenic beauty. A little slice of heaven, the 50 square mile lake, mist filled rain forests, and mountainous trails are all the convincing many expats need before deciding to make Lake Atitlan their new home.
Ideal weather
But if they come for the scenic beauty, it’s the year round spring-like climate that often seals the deal.
Positioned 15° above the equator and 1560 meters (5100 feet) above sea level, the climate in Lake Atitlan is never too hot and never too cold. And even during the rainy season, the sun shines almost every day.
Cynthia Lawson
Close to home
Although many expats are dying to get away from the bustle of North American life, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they want to leave it behind all together.
Many expats plan to fly back and forth to visit friends and family, and for Americans, Central America and Lake Atitlan in particular can be the perfect solution. You can live the small mountain town life without having to be completely cut off from the world.
It’s a two and a half hour drive from Lake Atitlan to the colonial town of Antigua and to Guatemala City where international flights arrive on a regular basis.
Low cost of living
There is nothing quite like living in a tropical paradise without having to shell out obscene amounts of money to do so.
The cost of living in Lake Atitlan, like many areas in Central America, is quite moderate and allows expats to enjoy Guatemalan life to the fullest while on a budget.
And depending on what you want to spend and the lifestyle you want to live, Lake Atitlan has plenty of options.
It’s possible to rent a small room in a simplistic indigenous house for as low as $50 a month, and at the opposite end of the spectrum, a luxury vacation rental can cost upwards of $1,500 a week.
But each Lake Atitlan village offers expats a different standard of living and because of this, prices will vary drastically. So before you make a final decision, be sure to shop around.
Villages and local culture
Lake Atitlan is surrounded by twelve indigenous villages, each one unique in its own way. When selecting a village to call home, consider what is most important to you.
If having a stunning view is a top priority, the North and Northeast side of the lake are the most popular, but if you want to be close to as many North American amenities as possible, villages to the West side like Panajachel will most likely be the place for you.
Living side by side, both the local and expat communities are open and friendly and you can expect to make many new and interesting friends as you sink into Lake Atitlan life.
The locals, including the Kakquichel Maya and the Tz’utujil, still dress in traditional colorful garb and if you choose to settle down in Lake Atitlan, you will get to experience Mayan culture on a daily basis.
Visit the market
Make weekly trips to the colorful Solola market near the village of Panajachel for an authentic taste of Mayan culture.
Tuesday and Fridays are market days and you will be able to fill your shopping bags with all the fresh produce, fish, handmade clothing, thread, and fabric you can carry.
The Solola market is not aimed at tourists so you won’t find tourist aimed souvenirs at this market.
And on your way back from the Solola market, why not see what your fellow expats have for sale. Embracing the small town life, many expats sell things like organic chocolate, jewelry and stained glass to make a little extra income. Before you know it, you may find your home decorated with the handmade ceramics, woven crafts, and freshly cut orchids that you pick up each day.
Experience a new way of living
If you do decide to purchase or rent property in Lake Atitlan, get ready to slow down and live the small mountain town life.
In all likelihood you will spend your days enjoying the exotic wildlife, cooking meals made with fresh local ingredients, keeping active by hiking the trails, swimming or practicing yoga, and watching the sunset over the crystal lake.
Time tends to slow down in Lake Atitlan so don’t be surprised if a lot of the big city stresses you bring with you eventually start to melt away.
Luis Guillermo Pineda Rodas
But it’s not for everyone
While days filled with breathtaking scenery, perfect weather, and a low cost of living might seem too good to be true for some expats, others may find that Lake Atitlan life is not for them.
Because Lake Atitlan is in the highlands, two and a half hours from the larger Guatemalan cities, some expats feel too secluded.
If you need to be close to large city amenities and don’t necessarily crave small town living, the villages of Lake Atitlan may not be for you.
Also, Lake Atitlan has not yet been cultivated for tourists like many other spots in Central America and because of this, not all areas are easily accessible.
Much of the lake’s shoreline can only be reached by boat and residents have to rely on the winding footpaths and undeveloped roads to move through the hills.
Trouble in paradise
For decades Lake Atitlan has been renowned for its stunning beauty, but unfortunately in recent years it has been facing some environmental issues that have resulted in many expats moving on to look elsewhere.
In 2009, the clear waters of the lake became brown and murky as a result of an abundance of cyanobacteria that was feeding on the high levels of phosphorous found in the water.
A problem fifty years in the making, the cyanobacteria began to multiply when the Guatemalan government brought black bass into the lake and unknowingly tampered with the ecosystem. The bass ate the organisms that ate the bacteria and the bacteria inevitably increased.
Realizing that something needed to be done in order to keep expats and tourists from abandoning the lake, the government began to work on a $350 million dollar plan to clean up the lake.
Then in 2010, Lake Atitlan experienced a record amount of rain that raised the water level by three meters in a matter of days. Over the next few years, Lake Atitlan raised by an astounding seventeen meters and sadly many home and farms were flooded as a result.
Fortunately today, in 2013, the cyanobacteria have receded and Lake Atitlan is blue once more. And while the water levels are continuing to rise (although at a slower pace), the beauty and serenity of Lake Atitlan continues to attract expats.
Experience Lake Atitlan
So make a trip down to Lake Atitlan and experience it for yourself. Rent before you buy and hop around between the villages to get a good sense of what each has to offer you.
Stroll the mountain paths, visit the local markets, stretch out in a hammock and watch the sunset out over the smooth body of water as you determine if Lake Atitlan life is the life for you.
That First Taste of Free Air
You feel it the moment you step out of the airport, and are busy cruising down the highway to your destination. It’s not just in the traffic that crosses double yellow lines or ignores stop lights if the road is clear. It’s in the vehicles themselves; sometimes crowded to the maximum, with luggage tied to the top, sometimes appearing to be tied up just to keep the vehicle together.
Maybe you’ll notice a truck filled with workers or one that has a hammock swinging lazily in back, with the occupant blissfully taking in the sunlight. The buses lumber by, so packed, passengers cling to the door frames. If you brave one of these second-class, local buses, you might feel you’re in a barnyard. Chickens squawk from crates packed under the seat, and there might even be a goat or a lamb that somebody’s transporting to the market.
It’s a reminder of how America was before seat belt laws and strict traffic regulations, before traffic citations became profitable. If you have someplace to go, nobody cares about the means you use of getting there.
Slowing Down
Outside the city hubs, vehicles are relatively sparse. The most common mode of transportation is by bus. Pedestrians, farmers pushing along a few cows, wash women with piles of clothing on their heads are not an uncommon sight along rural roads.
This daily life, so unencumbered by appointments and punching a clock, begins to seep into you. You find yourself hurrying less and relaxing more, spending time doing those things you’ve always dreamed of doing, but never found the time or the opportunity. You begin to think about your new found freedom, that began with a freedom from worry.
The Economic Race
It seems odd that so many of the citizens who are immigrating from the United States into Central America are doing so out of a longing for freedom, but sadly enough, as a country founded on the liberties of all people, it has become a system of rules and regulations designed to give advantages and privileges to some, while penalizing and suppressing the many.
That hectic pace felt so distinctly in urbanized America is the desperate measure of a people determined to keep their heads above water. The American dream for many married couples, of a fine little home and a two-car garage, can’t possibly be realized unless both are working and they take out a twenty year loan. Those over sixty who had been planning to enjoy the benefits of their golden years, find their retirement or social security checks just aren’t enough, and take on part-time jobs for which they are over-qualified, but too financially distressed to refuse.
Then there are the young singles, working hard and studying for a degree that may not be very helpful for finding work. Jobs that had once taken an associate’s degree, now take a master’s, and debt-strapped students wallow in student loans.
When Life Becomes Stifling
The opportunities once offered in America don’t seem so plentiful anymore. Innovation, imaginative ideas, are either swallowed in a maelstrom of bureaucratic paperwork, or take a long time to mature, making the process uncomfortable for non-entrepreneurial types. For every proposal, no matter how universally beneficial, there is opposition. The red tape ticks away at finances, valuable time, and eventually, motivation.
America can barely breathe. You cannot even build a porch for your house, on your own property, without permits and inspectors. In some communities, there are agreed-upon house colors, and regulations concerning what you may have in your yard. You may discover you don’t even have a right to grow a garden instead of a water wasting lawn. The attempts to create a uniform standard of living within specified zones has swept away the concept that one’s home is one’s castle. The spirit of these rules makes sense, they are for the benefit of environment, home prices, and people’s safety, but in today’s world the rules are wielded like weapons against creativity and individuality.
You’re as Free as Your Neighbor
The migration into Central America is made up of people who have grown weary with asking for permission. The safety net hovering over American social affairs feels more like an entrapment net, encumbering freedom of travel with security checks and invasive techniques, such as airport scans and cell phone tracking.
Homes and small businesses are regulated with so many expensive codes and mandatory health care. The U.S. constituents are strapped with so many liability laws, they become nervous about allowing the neighbor kids to come over and play on a trampoline.
Coping with Drawbacks
The expats have had to make some adjustments. In an area where there is little to no regulation, cities can turn ugly fast, while everybody builds whatever they want and a smorgasbord of buildings go up. If your neighbor wants to begin his day at six in the morning, banging away at his new addition, and you want to sleep until seven, it’s best to just roll over with your pillow.
While the cities offer the modern conveniences, the farther away you are from them, the fewer commodities, such as super consistent electricity, paved roads, libraries, and U.S. foods you’ll find. You may find a lower quality in many of the common household tools, such as for gardening or carpentry.
There is a role reversal once you are an expat. You are suddenly a minority in a foreign country. You’ll feel subjected to the same type of scrutiny as given any minority. You may get pulled over just because you look like a gringo. If you are aspiring to become a global citizen, this actually aids in perspective. Outside the dynamics of the western world, you are a minority.
You Still Feel Freer than You Did in the United States
There is an enormous amount of satisfaction in living and breathing freely, without the rigid controls over an over-regulated government. It’s a learning experience in getting along with others of different cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. It allows you ample opportunities for evaluating your own beliefs. It teaches you resourcefulness with the tools and materials on hand.
For the health-oriented, it becomes advantageous to acquire a taste for the native foods. This isn’t too hard, considering the volume of fresh tropical fruits and delicious sea fare that abound in Central America’s market. Not only do you benefit from the organics, but buying local is cheaper than the shipped-in U.S. market.
The Growing Family of Expats
Families make up a vital force in the expat community. Sometimes, they come down for a year to absorb the cultural setting or as a reprieve from restrictive American life. Sometimes, they arrive with more permanent intentions in mind.
The challenge for these families, if they remain within a residential area removed from the major cities, is finding good schools. But like pioneers, they draw upon their own resourcefulness, enjoying the opportunity to educate their children in the manner they feel is best, maybe even starting their own school.
As We Look Forward
It is, in every sense, a type of pioneering. The expats that settle in Central America don’t hate their country. They hate the limits placed on their abilities to make conscious choices. They no longer wish to be treated like a kid, they trust their own ability to decide what is best.
They know this freedom comes with a price. They are moving into a different culture with different customs. They must depend on their own abilities to cope with change, to problem solve, to develop good relationships with others, but it’s all part of the excitement, the adventure. These are the stimuli for growth and development, the fundamentals of increased awareness, and the reward is an evolving society, ready to explore the new boundaries of individual rights and harmonious communities.
The Guatemala 3 Count, where we bring you 3 Guatemala stories that you shouldn’t miss.
Kasper Christiansen
1. Antigua: The Perfect Place for an Escape
Antigua has everything to offer travelers, whether going for a weekend or for a month-long language course, here’s what travel blogger Natalie Compagno, from My LA Lifestyles, thinks is the best of the best of Antigua.
2. Take a Guatemalan Eco-Adventure: Cruise the Rio Dulce
The sparkling Rio Dulce in Guatemala is not one of the longest rivers in Guatemala but it is arguably the most famous among river cruisers, who claim it is crystal clear, with no pollution from heavy industry, just clean fresh water. This makes it an ideal habitat for a myriad of different wildlife and vegetation and of course a great place to take an eco-adventure.
3. Guatemala Is About to Change, Will It Help?
In an effort to help the international perception of Guatemala, its Tourism Institute intends to re-brand itself with an extensive public relations campaign as a safe and popular tourist destination. The project includes the creation of a national facebook page and Youtube channel, all which will be featured at www.visitguatemala.com.
Sal Falko
In recent years Central America has received an influx of North Americans investing in local business. Countries like Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama have become increasingly popular places for baby boomers to retire. Why has this generation chosen to settle offshore?
Quality of Life
With warm weather year round and stunning beaches, lakes, volcanoes, and hillside, Central America has an appealing climate. Many small jungle beach towns are popular among tourists, making foreign investment a lucrative possibility. For those looking for city comforts, most cities lie in close proximity to incredible wilderness. Granada, Nicaragua sits near a stunning lake and volcano and also has great restaurants, nightlife, and culture. Plentiful fruit and vegetables and many outdoor activities also make healthy living not only possible, but easy.
Lower Cost of Living
Even more expensive Central American countries like Costa Rica offer a lower cost of living than the United States. It is very possible for individuals to live comfortably on less than $1,000 per month. Nearby Panama is even more affordable and food, entertainment, and lodging in Nicaragua is half the cost of Costa Rica. This low cost of living is incredibly appealing to baby boomers looking to retire and live abroad without sacrificing luxuries like dining out, maid service, and travel.
Proximity to the U.S.
Central America is an inexpensive, quick flight from the United States, making investment or a permanent move less daunting. Individuals are still able to visit their families or live part time in each place.
Return on Investment
While some investors plan to live and settle in Central America, others buy property simply to earn income from their investment. Property costs are low and vacation rentals can yield a good salary, making these foreign investments a popular choice for those looking to save for retirement.
Nicknamed the Land of Eternal Spring, Guatemala is stepping into the spotlight and becoming a prime retirement location over past favorites like Costa Rica and Mexico.
Photo Credit: German Perez
With ideal weather, stunning views, and a great location (just a short plane ride from the U.S.), it’s not hard to see why expats are flocking to these countries to retire.
So what is it about Guatemala, located at the southern point of Mexico that has expats choosing it over other, arguably more popular countries in Central America?
Guatemala is Peaceful and Quiet
According to Travel Market Report, roughly 3.3 million American baby boomers claim that they intend to retire abroad, and as an increasing number of these expats set their sights on Central America, popular spots like Costa Rica and Mexico are becoming heavily populated.
But for those looking for solitude and serenity, Guatemala can provide them with an option that is a little more off the beaten trail, without sacrificing the wonderful weather and gorgeous landscapes that drew them to Central America in the first place.
Guatemala has a Lower Cost of Living
Due to the low cost of living, Guatemala can offer expats the best of both worlds, a beautiful place to retire, at a fraction of what they would pay to live the same life back home in the states.
In fact, it is estimated that people can live comfortably in Guatemala for only $1000-$1500 a month, and according to Guatemala real estate agent Glen Wilson, people living in Guatemala will only spend $2-$3 an hour on cleaning and gardening services, $6-$10 for fresh produce at the local market and their utilities will rarely go over $200 a month.
It sounds almost too good to be true.
Guatemala offers Affordable Real Estate
If renting isn’t for you and your heart is set on purchasing property in Central America, Guatemala real estate is very affordable. Depending on location, a fully furnished three bedroom home in Guatemala can be bought from the low $200,000 to $300,000 on average.
Also, unlike some other Central American countries, the process of purchasing property in Guatemala is not too complicated and they even make it easy for expats to secure visas. Of course, it is recommended that you rent a place for a few months before you buy (it will cost you around $200-$250 a month to rent an apartment on average); that way you can be absolutely certain that Guatemala is in fact the place for you.
Expat Hotspots:
Lake Atitlan
Photo Credit: Ourownpath
Considered one of the most picturesque lakes on the planet, Lake Atitlan can be found behind a border of mountains and volcanoes just 75 miles from Guatemala’s capital, Guatemala City.
Expats come to Lake Atitlan not only for its perfect weather and breathtaking views, but also for its rich culture. The lake is surrounded by twelve indigenous villages that are still alive with Mayan tradition.
If you choose to make Lake Atitlan your home, you can expect to spend your days hiking, fishing, kayaking, and soaking in the thermal springs that feed down into the lake.
And if you are looking for a little more excitement, Lake Atitlan also has few nightlife options as well.
Antigua
Ward Oliver
Located just thirty minutes from the Guatemala City airport, beautiful Antigua is one of the top travel destinations in Central America, and it isn’t hard to see why.
Founded in the early 16th century, much of Antigua was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, but today many of the primary buildings remain preserved as ruins.
So enjoy the spectacular view of Volcan de Fuego and Volcan de Agua as you stroll through the colorful cobblestone streets and colonial ruins, brush up on your Spanish at one of the many Spanish schools, or why not try your hand at yoga.
With more affordable real estate and a lower cost of living compared to Costa Rica, it’s not surprising that more and more expats are heading for Guatemala so they can retire comfortably without having to stretch their pensions thin.
If warm days and cool nights, mountainous landscapes, and a slower pace of life are all things you seek, you just may have found a match in Guatemala. So take a trip down, visit Lake Atitlan and Antigua and keep your eyes peeled for that perfect spot to call home.
Guatemala 3 Count, where we bring you 3 stories that you shouldn’t miss.
San Lucas, Guatemala tranquil yet growing quickly.
1. This Booming Location in Guatemala Might Surprise You
First up: San Lucas, Guatemala is booming, despite being one of the smallest municipalities in the nation. With a record number of housing developments fueled by its ideal weather conditions, abundant water, and situated on the Inter-American highway it has quickly grown into an attractive location not to just live, but also start a business.
2. Get Beyond Guatemala City (2 Secret Places Expats Should See)
Next up: Guatemala City is a chaotic home to 3.2 million people, and with a high crime rate, this is not a place that lures tourists. Instead head outside the city and go for the mountain highland town of Chichicastenango and the Mayan ruins of Tikal, the country’s best-known former Maya city.
3. How Guatemala is Carving Out a Utopia Lifestyle
Finally: The main street of Paseo Cayala, a nearly independent city on the edges of Guatemala City is a new start for a nation riddled by violence and crime. In this area the backers of Cayala hope to build Guatemala’s private city, targeting elites looking to escape crime and enjoy an unusual degree of autonomy from the chaotic capital.
Antigua, Guatemala may be the most spectacular and best-preserved colonial city in Latin America. The Spanish Colonial style permeates every part of this mountain town: its houses, churches, squares, parks, and ruins, also its traditions and folklore as well.
Visitors will find an amazing array of colonial monuments in Antigua, some of which have survived the earthquakes, some that lie in ruins, and others that were painstakingly restored according to their original construction plans. Many of those buildings are open to the public and give their visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history of Antigua more than two centuries ago.
Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is located in the central highlands of Guatemala, only about 25 miles from Guatemala City. The colonial City also makes for an ideal base to explore the rest of the country.
