Baja Surf´s Realty Blog

HOW TO OWN IN MEXICO?

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 17:41:48 GMT

Fact and myths of owning a property in Mexico.

Travel + Leisure named Los Cabos one of the best places to visit in 2019. Lonely Planet says it’s “made for decadence.” Fodor’s ranks it as “Mexico’s ultimate seaside escape.”

With a stunning desert landscape that meets the Sea of Cortez on one side and the deep Pacific Ocean on the other, Cabo boasts a warm, dry climate with low humidity.

A brief history of Los Cabos

In the decade of the 40s, some Hollywood stars like, John Wayne, Clark Gable and Henry Fonda wanted to escape the paparazzi, they went to Los Cabos, on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

At that time, the only way to get to Los Cabos was in a private plane or boat. Those movie stars came to enjoy some fun in the sun…fishing, sunbathing, sipping cocktails by the pool. They were joined by presidents, wealthy businessmen and the international jet set.

They gave Los Cabos a reputation for exclusivity and glamor, a reputation it still holds today.

Fine dining, luxurious spas, yacht trips, world class golf… Cabo has it all. And today it’s attracting more than just the jet set. Lots of ordinary folk are vacationing here, buying second homes and riding out the cold winters back home in Los Cabos.

Amazing custom home designed by the renowned architect Luis Ruiz, Casa La Piedra, luxury home for sale in Cabo San Lucas, asking price $949,000 USD

Can North Americans Own Property in Mexico?

It’s time to put an end to the most enduring myths about buying property in Mexico. Whether you’re in the market for a home you can move into full-time…a vacation retreat you can visit a few weeks a year…a beachfront lot you hope to resell at a profit…or your own slice of sand to build your dream home on…you can find it in Mexico. And, despite what you may hear, it’s perfectly legal for foreigners to buy and own in Mexico.

Let’s take a look at three of the most common myths surrounding buying property in Mexico—and the truth behind them.

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Myth #1: Foreigners Can’t Buy Property in Mexico

Foreigners can own property in Mexico. It’s perfectly legal. Outside the restricted zones—50 kilometers (about 31 miles) from shorelines and 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) from international borders—foreigners can hold direct deed to property with the same rights and responsibilities as Mexican nationals. And inside the restricted zones, foreigners can control land through fideicomisos (bank trust agreements) again with the same rights and responsibilities as Mexican nationals. Alternatively, foreigners can hold land in these areas through a Mexican corporation. However, if it’s a residential property that the foreigner plans to use personally, rather than a commercial property or one used purely as an investment, it should be held in a fideicomiso.

In the restricted zones, if a foreigner buys, the property title is held within a bank trust or a Mexican corporation—not directly. The trust is easily transferrable when an owner is ready to sell. This is a safe, legal, and extremely common vehicle for foreign ownership in Mexico.

Myth #2: It’s Best to Hold Title in Your Own Name.

An article in the Mexican Constitution of 1917 states that no foreigner can own property in Mexico’s “restricted zone.” In 1973, however, the government saw the economic wisdom of allowing foreign investment in the “restricted zones” and established the fideicomiso, or bank trust, as an instrument to allow such investment in residential real estate.

Since 1973, most foreigners who have bought residential property in “restricted zones” have therefore done so through a fideicomiso. This sort of bank trust grants the title for a piece of property to the bank (the trustee), which in turn is obliged to follow any instructions given by the trust’s beneficiary—you, the foreign owner. You retain use and control of the trust and make all investment decisions regarding the property: that is, to sell it, rent it, build on it, live on it, or pass it down to your heirs.

The fideicomiso is very secure—only banking institutions authorized and regulated under Mexican banking laws can serve as fideicomiso trustees. And with the fideicomiso you effectively have all the rights you’d have if you owned the property via direct deed. Fideicomisos do add some time and cost to the buying process. But they are a useful instrument, and many people buying outside the restricted zone— such as expats in the colonial cities, for instance—have chosen to own their property through fideicomisos/bank trusts.

Owning property through a trust deed offers several advantages. First, you can list more than one person as beneficiary. This means, for example, that a husband and wife can essentially be “co-owners.” You can and should structure this in such a way that if one partner dies, the other has immediate, 100% control over the property. Second, you can list an “heir.” This means that, should both co-owners die, a new beneficiary is already in place—a beneficiary who, incidentally, needn’t be related to the original co-owners. Essentially, you write a letter of instruction to the bank naming this heir. When presented with the death certificate(s), the bank immediately and seamlessly passes title to him or her, and they don’t even need to be in Mexico for this. For gay couples, friends who own a property jointly, or for couples in a second marriage with different children, this is a very desirable option.

All this is important because it allows the simple and easy transfer of control over the property and avoids the messiness of sorting out ownership in the Mexican courts. Plus, it allows you to avoid inheritance taxes. Trusts are issued for renewable 50-year periods. If you are buying property currently held in a trust, you can either establish a new trust for the next 50-year period or take over the existing trust deed. Trusts are renewable at any time by simple application. Maintenance fees for this kind of trust are typically $700 to $800 per year. Initial set-up may run a few thousand dollars.

Myth #3: The Government Can Just Take Your Land.

This is simply untrue. No property controlled by foreigners through a properly constituted fideicomiso bank trust—the instrument used by foreigners to hold beachfront residential property in Mexico—can be repossessed by the Mexican government.

There have been cases—such as in Baja California some years ago—when the Mexican government ‘repossessed’ property from foreigners. But when you dig a little deeper, it turns out the property titles didn’t hold up to scrutiny—they were essentially fraudulent. Yes, these expats were defrauded, but not by the government; the government was simply correcting the fraud, applying the law, and returning the property to the rightful owners.

“Cases like these are good reminders that you need a competent, honest lawyer protecting your interests in a real estate deal…someone who can make sure a property title is legal, clear, and unencumbered. But IF there is a problem, you are protected as fully under the law as a Mexican citizen would be. Mexico’s legal system does work, despite bureaucracy and the occasional corruption.

How to Own and Purchase Real Estate in Mexico.

There are three ways of owning Mexican property: via direct deed (all property in the interior), through a Mexican corporation (commercial property), or through a bank trust called a fideicomiso, for residential property in the restricted zones. All three ways of property ownership are safe.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Mexico

Step 1: Make an Offer

This is usually done in the form of a “promissory agreement” (contrato de promesa), which your attorney will draw up.

Step 2: Set Aside 10% as Earnest Money in Escrow

Once your offer is accepted in writing, you’ll need to put a certain amount (usually 10% to 20% ) of the purchase price aside as earnest money. This should be held in escrow with a third party. Whatever you do, don’t give this money to the seller. Notarios—while they might be the logical, neutral third party to hold this money—won’t hold deposits in their bank accounts, as they don’t want the tax liability on the funds. If you’re working with an attorney or real estate agent, they will likely have a system in place they can recommend.

One arrangement is for the deposit to be held in escrow in dollars in the United States. When the deal nears closing, the deposit is transferred t at the current rate of exchange. This avoids the exchange rate problem—if the earnest money is transferred immediately into pesos and sits around several months and then the deal falls apart, someone will have to eat the currency fluctuations and the cost of the exchange…twice. And it will probably be you, the buyer. Another option is for you to have a cashier’s check drawn up in the seller’s name and have your notario attorney or a trusted third party keep it. If you are working with a title insurance company they will usually provide escrow services.

IL tip: Buyer beware. In the U.S., escrow agents are licensed and legally responsible to see that the conditions of a contract are met before money is released. That is not the case in Mexico. If the real estate agent you’re working with is acting as escrow agent and he’s honest, there probably won’t be any trouble. But if he runs off with your funds, there won’t be much you can do about it.

Step 3: Inquire About Title Insurance

We suggest you get title insurance for your property, if you can. Though a notary will investigate a property’s title to be sure it is free from immediate encumbrances and that the taxes are paid, that research may not extend back through the entire chain of ownership. A title insurance company, however, will dig to be sure that there are no surprises lurking. If the title search tells you that title is not clear, don’t buy the property.

Sometimes brokers, and even attorneys will tell you that title insurance is not necessary. We, however, recommend that you buy title insurance if it is available. While most likely you’ll never need it, you just never know. Title insurance will cover you if anyone else claims your property, by either reimbursing you or fighting your case in court. If you don’t have title insurance and something goes wrong, you have little recourse…and what recourse you have will likely be very expensive and take a very long time.

Step 4: Wait While the Notary Investigates the Title, Gets an Appraisal, and Puts the Closing Papers in Order

You need to have a purchase sales agreement (contrato de compraventa) drawn up at this point. Normally, you’d have your attorney do this. The legally binding version of the contract is Spanish. Even if you have a side-by-side translation to English, it may not be accurate. So, have your attorney check the Spanish version and explain it to you. Depending on the way that you’re purchasing the property, your attorney can draw up the papers for a direct deed or help you form a Mexican corporation or create a bank trust, and he’ll get the papers in order to register your purchase with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the meantime, your title insurer and the notary will verify the property’s title. In doing so, they will request a copy of the title deed and also documents such as the lien certificate (certificado de libertad de gravamenes), which will show the name of the owner of record as well as the details of the property, including the lay of the land (its size) and its status (commercial or residential, for example). They will also request from the local tax authority a non-lien certificate (certificado de no adeudo), which, if issued, will show that either no taxes are due or will reveal unpaid back taxes. In addition, they will make sure that no other property-related bills such as water or electricity are outstanding. You can also have the property appraised at this stage to establish its assessed value.

Other Papers You Should Have in Hand

If you are purchasing a home, make sure you have copies of the paid water, electricity, telephone, homeowner’s association, cable, and other utility bills from the seller. Unpaid bills remain attached to an address. They will be your responsibility—not that of the prior owner. This applies to unpaid mortgages, too, so make sure that any mortgage debt is paid off by the seller before the property title transfers to you. If the seller had household help—a maid or gardener, any others—then you should have from each a signed letter stating that they have received their severance pay and that their rights have been satisfied. If you want to keep them on, start afresh with a new employment contract drawn up by your attorney.

Step 5: Close on the Property

Once you have assurances from your attorney, notary, and title insurer that the property’s title is good, and the purchase of sales agreement is ready for you to sign, you’ll meet with the notary, the seller, and your attorney or broker for the closing. You get the deed (escritura), and you either bring a check for the remainder of the payment or have the funds transferred into the escrow account and have whoever is acting as escrow agent release them once you have the deed in hand.

Step 6: The Notario Registers Your Ownership

Though you’ll have a copy of all the paperwork associated with the property, the transaction isn’t really complete until the notary registers your deed with the land registry office. We’ve heard all sorts of horror stories over the years (from all over the world) about notarios not completing this last step properly. So, you must follow up with the notario to ensure this has been done.

When you have your (presumably registered) deed in hand, look for a seal on each page and for a certificate of registration, which should be included with the documents. With these papers in hand, you can go to the land registry office, where they will look at the registration number on the certificate and show you how the transaction has been listed in their books.

Step 7: Have Your Attorney Draw up a Mexican Will for You

IL tip: While your Mexican property can be transferred to your heirs as requested in your U.S. or Canadian will, it is by far the least desirable way to ensure they’ll get it. Guaranteed, if other arrangements have not been made, your heirs will spend months, if not years, wrangling with Mexico’s bureaucracy over your estate. You can save them the torment, time, and expense by having your attorney draw up a Mexican will in Spanish that disposes of your Mexican possessions and property.

Step 8: Don’t Forget the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

No matter how you plan to hold your property in Mexico, you’ll need to alert the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that you intend to make a purchase. As we mentioned before, it is usually your attorney or the notary who applies for the permit on your behalf before the closing. It’s standard practice to issue these permits, so you needn’t worry that you’ll be waiting months for the paperwork to go through. In fact, the government pledges to have them issued within a few days.

If you’re buying through a trust and you apply for your permit through the ministry’s central office in Mexico City, you’ll have it within five working days. If you apply at one of the state offices, the permit must be granted within 30 days. If you’re forming a Mexican corporation that will hold title to the property, you need to register that company with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry has 15 days to get the registration done. In any of those cases, if the ministry’s deadline passes and you still have heard nothing, then the trust permit or the registration are automatically considered authorized.

Property Taxes in Mexico

Transfer Tax

A 2% acquisition tax is payable by the buyer when property changes hands.

Inheritance/Gift Tax

Although Mexico does not impose an estate or inheritance tax, there is a tax on certain gifts involving real estate (payable by the recipient). Gifts between spouses and direct family members are not taxable.

Property Tax

The property tax on Mexican real estate is called predial. Compared with property taxes in the U.S., the cost of the predial is quite reasonable. It is a local tax and in most areas is payable quarterly. The average is approximately 0.1% of the assessed value of the property at time of sale.

It is verytyuj

55 common in many communities in Mexico to use the “assessed” value of the property as the basis for these taxes, and the official assessment can be considerably lower than the market value of the home—often only 30% or 40% of the actual sale price. You should know though that under Mexican law, using an assessed value less than the actual commercial value for tax purposes is illegal. And, it means you’ll likely pay more capital gains tax when you sell.

Rental Income Tax

If you do not reside in Mexico, but rent out your Mexican property, your rental income is subject to tax at a rate of 25%. For residents, rental income is taxable at the regular income tax rates.

Capital Gains Tax

If you sell the property, you’ll owe capital gains tax. This can be up to 35% of the profit, but can be lowered based on how long you have held the property, authorized deductions, etc.

To ensure that capital improvements you make to a property can be deducted, make sure you get the correct receipts. In Mexico, you can only claim deductions for services and materials that are recorded on official receipts and invoices called facturas. Facturas must be printed on a government-authorized press and have the tax ID number (RFC number) of the company or individual issuing the receipt. No factura, no tax deduction.

The closing costs in Mexico are usually paid by the buyer. Fees for closing, in a regular transaction, usually come to between 5% and 8% of the cost of the property. The fees will cover an acquisition tax, property-registration fee, a fee for the tax certificate, the title-search fee, the property-appraisal fee, the notary’s fee, and any miscellaneous clerical fees, as well as a value-added tax on anyone whose services were engaged in facilitating the transaction (the appraiser, the notary, etc.). You can get an estimate of these fees from your notary and/or real estate agent when you make your offer.

The seller pays the real estate agent’s fee—usually somewhere between 6% and 10% of the sale price.

Ownership Issues in Mexico

As a foreign buyer, you cannot hold property that lies within 50 kilometers of the high tide line, or within 100 kilometers of Mexico’s international borders, directly in your own name. It needs to be held via a Mexican corporation or fideicomiso (bank trust).

And, you cannot own ejido land. This type of land was established in 1917 as a result of the Mexican revolution. It is not private property; it is government land granted for use by members of local ejidals, something like Native American land in the U.S. and Canada. This land can be converted into private property, but the process is long and complicated. We recommend that you don’t even consider the purchase of ejidal land. One of the most important aspects of title research is making sure the plot you’re interested in has never been ejidal land or, if it was, that it was successfully privatized a long time ago and never challenged. Too much can go wrong with an ejidal property. You may be tempted by a low price or a promise that nothing will go wrong but ignore it—just don’t buy it.

By purchasing title insurance, you make sure you hold clear title to your property and that, should anybody dispute that title, you’ll have an advocate who will defend your claim in the local courts. We highly recommend you buy title insurance. And if the title insurer you’ve hired says he will not insure the property…ask why. If it’s because the title isn’t clear, don’t buy it.

Los Cabos Named The World’s First Health Secure Destination

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 15:06:48 GMT

Los Cabos was named the world’s first VERIFIED travel destination after nearly all of its hotels earned an independent health validation from digital health company Sharecare. The title is the first for the health security of hotels.

Among the Mexican region’s 85 hotels, 84 of them have completed and maintained verification on more than 360 global health security standards, including health and hygiene protocols, cleaning products and procedures, ventilation and health safety communication for guests and employees. The remaining hotel is undergoing the verification process. (Full disclosure: Forbes Travel Guide helped to develop the VERIFIED platform.)

“It’s an acknowledgment and an encouragement to continue working towards having this goal, that is, offering the highest level of satisfaction to our visitors,” says Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of Los Cabos Tourism Board, about being VERIFIED. “Los Cabos has always been a destination that has excelled in exceeding the expectations of the visitors, even those that are repeat visitors.”

One&Only Palmilla is among the VERIFIED hotels.

The certification is particularly meaningful for the hotels, given that tourism makes up 80 percent of the Los Cabos economy and the pandemic has made health safety measures a top priority among travelers. “Being VERIFIED not only means that the destination is operating with the highest degree of safety, but that resorts in the destination are consistently verifying their health protocols on an ongoing basis, ensuring compliance with the latest global health standards,” says Robert Logan, general manager of One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos Resort. “It adds an extra layer of validation for our guests to come with a peace of mind, knowing that they and their families are safe not only at One&Only Palmilla but in Los Cabos as well.”

Montage Los Cabos general manager Marco Ortlam agrees. “It demonstrates the commitment of the destination and all hoteliers in Los Cabos to the safety protocols and to the importance of tourism. We are grateful to be able to have the VERIFIED tool available that provides a peace of mind to everyone traveling to Cabo and also unified safety protocols.”

The area’s history of coming together to meet common goals at difficult times is the secret to achieving the first-time designation, according to Esponda. “We are a very united destination, and from many, many, many years back, that’s how we have overcome natural disasters, economic crises and other situations,” he says. “Our geography forces us to work together because we are separated in the peninsula. So that’s how we have been facing COVID-19. The Sharecare initiative is part of that, it’s part of the nature of collaboration that we have.”

Guests get a complimentary antigen test at Montage Los Cabos

That’s not to say it was easy, given the variety of accommodations in Los Cabos. “I think that’s the beauty of the Sharecare platform, that all types of hotels can participate, and all types of hotels must offer the same level of health safety to the visitors,” Esponda says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a super-small family-owned hotel or a 500-room property part of an international hotel chain.”

Los Cabos has been taking many steps to protect travelers and to make its health security logistics easier to maintain. When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention instituted a mandatory PCR or antigen test for travelers within 72 hours of a return flight to the U.S. (even for those who are vaccinated), the destination quickly came up with a plan.

“We decided that to offer personal service we need to do onsite testing not only in hotels, but vacation clubs, villa rental companies,” Esponda says. Montage Los Cabos, for example, provides free antigen testing with a same-day turnaround for all its guests.

Another hurdle was caring for guests who test positive but display no symptoms. To help these visitors undergo the required 14-day quarantine, some properties, such as Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, promise complimentary accommodations for the lockdown. The rest provide discounts. For example, One&Only Palmilla guarantees a minimum of 35 percent off the best available rate or the original booking rate, whichever is less.

Los Cabos is operating at half-capacity maximum throughout the destination, including hotels, restaurants, transportation and even the beaches, where police are on hand to take temperatures and regulate seaside access.

There’s also a midnight curfew. “I think that’s been very successful for us because as you’ve seen in other destinations in the world, the nightlife in itself has been a focal point of contagious outbreaks,” Esponda says. But this doesn’t just control the hours for bars and clubs; it includes hotels. “The authorities do inspections in town and inside the resorts so that everything is completely shut down,” he says. “It’s a way to refrain and contain the situation.”

Adhering to these and other health protocols has helped Los Cabos become an example for other areas looking to become more health secure. “As the first VERIFIED destination, Los Cabos and its tourism board are setting an important precedent for both the hospitality industry and other communities around the globe; through this initiative, they’ve put the health and safety of travelers, workers and residents at the forefront and at a regional scale,” says Hermann Elger, executive vice president and general manager of travel, entertainment and health security at Atlanta-based Sharecare. “For travelers, we’re thrilled that the Los Cabos Tourism Board has helped make health security the new standard, no matter where you chose to stay in Los Cabos.”

More than 570 hotels in 58 countries have received the VERIFIED badge, a third-party seal of approval that eliminates the need for travelers to wade through long, complicated lists of health measures to determine if a hotel is safe.

“We don’t tell hotels and resorts how to clean — we recognize there are many valid approaches,” Elger says. “Instead, we help them confirm their various measures align with the most up-to-date public health guidance and protocols, and in many cases, exceed them. This is accomplished by having the team on-property attest and confirm that they have the important elements of health security in place, which we’ve made easy to do in our VERIFIED platform. Additionally, in order to maintain their verification, each property that achieves this designation commits to ensuring all protocols and procedures are routinely re-verified through the platform.”

Los Cabos already has seen an increase in tourism as the vaccine rolls out across the globe. “The hotel guests that were regulars and have not been coming in a year, they are already coming back all vaccinated,” Esponda says. “We are hearing that a lot of people, as soon as they get the confirmation of the date that they are going to get the second vaccine, they immediately call their adviser or travel agent and book their trip.”

Yet, even after the number of those vaccinated increases dramatically, Esponda anticipates that these new procedures will remain. “All the protocols that we are discussing and the Sharecare certification is the way that tourism would take place in the next two or three years [at least],” he says. “The more that we are focused on offering that level of safety to the visitors, the better it will be for the sake of the destination.”

Information from Forbes.

Los Cabos now with 11 Virtuoso Preferred Properties

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 20:55:59 GMT

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences and Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Accepted Into the Virtuoso Hotel Program Positioning Los Cabos as a Leading Luxury Destination with the Largest Number of Preferred PropertiesThis is a subtitle for your new post

Los Cabos Tourism Board announced today that Chileno Bay Resort & Residences and Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, have been accepted into Virtuoso's exclusive portfolio of luxury travel companies that include more than 1,800 partners worldwide. With the addition of the two new preferred properties, Los Cabos joins a small group of destinations with the largest number of Virtuoso Preferred Properties becoming a leader in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean with 11 luxury hotels accepted by the organization.

Los Cabos personalized customer service, extraordinary unique product offering, strict health and safety measures, and cohesive and swift response during the COVID-19 pandemic have played a critical role in the destination’s recovery and steady growth of its luxury segment. Virtuoso’s endorsement and token of confidence in Los Cabos continues to strengthen its position as Mexico’s premier travel destination and the preferred choice for U.S. luxury travelers looking for a close, safe and secure place to visit in 2021.

“We are overjoyed by Virtuoso’s announcement and encouraged by the support of our travel partners and loyalty from our exclusive travelers over the last year,” said Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of Los Cabos Tourism Board. “Virtuoso’s acceptance process is unique and it is a true honor to have 11 of our properties included in their portfolio. We look forward to continue partnering with our luxury hospitality brands to provide unapparelled service and immersive travel experiences to all our visitors.”

Virtuoso’s recent acceptance follows the inclusion of the Four Seasons at Costa Palmas Hotel which was announced in June 2020, marking the addition of three properties to the Virtuoso network in less than a year - an extraordinary occurrence for the Virtuoso organization. Here is the complete list of all Virtuoso Preferred Properties in Los Cabos:

Los Cabos luxury travel segment has gained an extraordinary momentum due to the destination’s close proximity to the U.S. and comprehensive security protocols implemented across the destination. On January 26, 2021, Los Cabos rolled out the “COVID-19 Testing Program” allowing US travelers to get tested before their international departure, adding another security layer to the health and safety measures that were implemented earlier last year. With increased connectivity, availability of private flying options, exclusive accommodations, and personalized travel experiences, Los Cabos is poised to continue its remarkable recovery in 2021.

Mexico Travel Restrictions: The Safest Destinations to Visit in Mexico Right Now

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 03:05:09 GMT

The Safest Destinations to Visit in Mexico

Traveling to a different country can always be a risk, especially now with a global pandemic. While Mexico has long been a favorite country for Americans to travel to, some places are safer than others, in terms of both crime and the pandemic. Much of the country is under federal warnings to reconsider travel, but there are a few places where, with extra precautions in place, one can travel to, provided you have tested negative for COVID-19 prior to arrival. Mexico does not require a negative COVID-19 test to enter but it's still important to get tested if you're going to.

It's also important to note that staying at a resort property adds an extra layer of security due to their enhanced health and safety protocols . That's why going to some of the most popular tourist destinations, like the Riviera Maya or Los Cabos, will be your safest bet this year. Click through to see the safest places to visit in Mexico, and as always, make sure to follow proper guidelines and check out the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory page .

Los Cabos

Los Cabos is most definitely the most popular destination in Baja California Sur to visit. This resort-heavy locale is actually made up of two cities: San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. It offers more than twenty miles of beachfront paradise along the southernmost tip of the state. There's also no lack of incredible all-inclusive resorts here, from the romantic adults-only Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort to the stunning cliffside Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort .

La Paz

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, and is known for its beaches and beachfront promenade Malecón, which features artwork by Mexican artists. It's also a famous university town, where the most popular major is marine biology. It's no wonder why: stunning blue water, sea lions, dolphins, whales and a plethora of other marine life make their homes alongside the city's beach. Taking care of the environment is big here, and so are the opportunities for outdoor adventures. To start your hotel search, try the Puerta Cortes . The beaches in the state are also operating at 30% capacity because of the pandemic, so you have a great opportunity to enjoy a more serene beach experience.

Loreto

Loreto, located in Baja California Sur, is one of the oldest towns in the Mexican state and is known for being a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Go on a whale watching tour, discover dolphins swimming in the ocean as you watch some of the most beautiful sunsets around and visit the Loreto National Marine Park, home to 800 species of fish and marine life. Hike the Sierra de la Giganta, the local mountain range, to discover prehistoric cave art. Check out the Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa or the Loreto Bay Golf Resort & Spa . And according to the state's coronavirus website , Loreto has the smallest amount of cases in the state. Baja California Sur is currently under the "orange" designation in Mexico's phased reopening system, which means that all restaurants, hotels, parks and more are operating at 50% capacity. Measures such as masks and social distancing are still required.

Bringing Cabo Safely And Efficiently To You

noel.acosta17@gmail.com (Noel Acosta) — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 18:55:52 GMT

This week, the Baja California Sur government released some further health and safety restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19

This is a resulting in a move from level 3 to 4 on the health alert system. Furthermore, the CDC announced all air travelers flying to the United States will be required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test administered within three days prior to their departure from Los Cabos. This new rule will go into effect on January 26, 2021. The different types of tests (PCR and Antigen) are accessible at specific hospitals, laboratories and hotels and the Los Cabos Tourism Board is proactively working alongside all local authorities to ensure the most favorable avenues.

Los Cabos continues to safely welcome tourists and residents with steady numbers in passenger arrivals and hotel activity. In fact, last month, Los Cabos´ private aviation sector saw an impressive 87.8% increase in passenger arrivals compared to December 2019. #Vacation #Invest #Retire

We wanted to remind you that as we have ALWAYS done, we continue to adapt our property services bringing homes to buyers in the most innovative of ways. Our priority is the health and safety of our team and our clients and as we offer our services safely and efficiently, we persevere in doing our part maintaining every precautionary measure possible.

Bringing Cabo to you, here´s this week´s selection of extraordinary properties.

Source:
BCS Government
CDC requirements
Los Cabos Tourism Board

Is it perhaps, the most awaited peak season in the history of Los Cabos?

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:28:27 GMT

Yes, it is and it has finally arrived. After what feels like an eternity, the much anticipated peak season of Los Cabos has shown up as it should, on our doorstep.

This long overdue peak season, brings to mind, cherished childhood memories of eagerly awaiting summer vacation after a long drawn out school year or countless, sleepless Christmas nights , anticipating the opening of presents left under the Christmas tree.

Traditionally peak season in Los Cabos initiates and coincides with the World Famous Bisbee’s Black N Blue Marlin offshore fishing tournament, held this year on October 27 th . Although Covid 19 distancing had created some logistical challenges it did not deter 120 boats, from competing in the world’s biggest and largest prize money (over 4 Million dollars ) off shore tournament in the world.

On another not , November brings to us the highly celebrated and the revered holiday, Thanksgiving. A holiday created and enjoyed by our American neighbors to the north. An event which is being more and more welcomed in Mexico, especially here in Los Cabos where an abundant of restaurants provide Turkey and gravy dinners and local festivities to be enjoyed by both Americans and Mexicans a like, in the spirit of gratitude and joy by all.

Whether it be that you visit us in November or the following months, you will be sure to be delighted by our local cultural events or the plethora of activities such as, golfing, fishing, whale watching or you just might crave a relaxing evening, sipping a delicious margarita as you gaze into spectacular sunset.

Cabo awaits you with open arms.

Can You Travel to Baja California Sur now?

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 02:07:11 GMT

It’s a new age, and it’s time to start planning your next vacation. If international travel is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, you’ve got to consider Los Cabos , Mexico. So YES! You can travel to Los Cabos.

Los Cabos has absolutely everything you want in your Mexican vacation. From beaches to water sports to nightlife and culture, read on to learn why Los Cabos is still one of the best places to visit in 2020 .

Scenery and climate

Nestled along the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula lie the twin cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Together, they make up the area known as “Los Cabos,” which is a world famous vacation destination that hosts over two million visitors each year. Warm, dry weather year round, stunning scenery, and tourist friendly infrastructure make Los Cabos one of the leading destinations in Latin America.

The impressive desert landscape is one of the best reasons to visit Los Cabos. Mountains surround the cities, and rocky outcroppings and stretches of sand meander through the municipalities.

The weather in Los Cabos is warm, dry and sunny most of the year, which makes it the ideal vacation destination. August is the hottest month with high temperatures around 90 °F, and January is the coldest month with low temps around 60 °F. September is the rainiest month in the desert, with an average of just 3-4 inches of rain throughout the area. Summer thunderstorms usually do not get close enough to bring rain into Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cab o. You will almost never need to worry about your travel plans getting rained out.

Each of the two cities has its own draw, and its own personality. A sandy strip of highway known as “the corridor” connects the towns.

Cabo San Lucas – Food, Fiesta & Fun!

Cabo San Lucas is perhaps the better known city, having been rated one of the top destinations in Mexico ever since the Mexican government started to develop the area for tourism in earnest in 1974. Famous for its beaches, restaurants, and nightlife, Cabo San Lucas has everything you’d expect in a Mexican beach destination, with noticeably more luxury than other cities.

Beaches

One of the things that makes Cabo San Lucas such a fantastic place to visit is its beaches. Savvy international travelers will know that all beaches in Mexico are public, so grab your towel and stretch out anywhere you like. Medano Beach is easily accessible from downtown, and has many beach club style restaurants along its two mile stretch of golden sand, where you can relax on a lounger under an umbrella while enjoying fresh seafood and a cold cocktail. You can also find parasailing, jet skiing and other water sports on Medano Beach.

Lovers’ Beach and Divorce Beach are two famous, connected beaches at Land’s End, the southernmost point of the Baja California Peninsula . The two beaches straddle giant rock formations including the famous El Arco (The Arch) that mark the spot where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. To get to Lovers’ Beach and Divorce Beach, grab a water taxi at the marina and take advantage of the boat ride to see El Arco from the water. This granite formation is three stories high with a natural arch and was made by erosion. You can often find sea lions and other wildlife there, as well. Swimming and snorkeling are allowed at Lovers’ Beach because it is on the Sea of Cortez side with calmer water. Divorce Beach is on the rougher Pacific Ocean side and the water is not fit for swimming.

Restaurants

Cabo San Lucas and the entire Los Cabos area are home to many world class chefs heading up restaurants at resorts and independent locations downtown and along the corridor. Fresh seafood, traditional Mexican cuisine, and Mexican fusion just some of the fare you will find. Foodies will be in heaven with hundreds of high end dining establishments to choose from. Some well-known restaurants in the downtown area include Edith’s, Hacienda Cocina y Cantina , and Sunset da Mona Lisa .

Nightlife

There is no shortage of fun to be had in the evening hours in Cabo San Lucas. Nightlife is one of the things that Cabo is famous for. You can find everything from microbreweries to dance clubs playing electronic music and top 40, to the Cabo Wabo Cantina , owned by Sammy Hagar of Van Halen and named after the band’s hit song “Cabo Wabo.”

Boat Tours and Water Sports

Cabo San Lucas is known for its abundant marine wildlife. A sailing, fishing, or whale watching tour is a great way to enjoy a day on the water. Depending on the time of year, you can see whales , dolphins, whale sharks and rays. In the winter months, pods of whales come all the way from Alaska and Siberia to bear their calves in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. Whale sharks frequent the area as well in the winter through early spring. You can take a boat tour to swim with the whale sharks , which are a docile, plant eating species of shark, and also the largest fish species on earth. Sport fishing is popular, with game such as dorado, and striped marlin. Most tours leave from the Cabo San Lucas marina. Every year in October, Los Cabos hosts the highest paying marlin tournament in the world, Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore.

Water sports lovers will find many opportunities for surfing and stand up paddle boarding. There are numerous surf spots up and down the coast between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Hire an instructor or guide for the best experience. Many surfing companies also teach stand up paddle boarding.

Los Cabos has great snorkeling and scuba diving. The Sea of Cortez has been called the “Aquarium of the World” because of the abundance and diversity of marine life that live there. Snorkelers and scuba divers can expect to see everything from seahorses to stingrays to moray eels to octopuses, large schools of tropical fish, and even hammerhead sharks and sea turtles. Scuba divers can see a unique feature off the coast of Pelican Rock called the Sand Falls , which is a sand waterfall caused by rock formations about 50 feet deep in the water. Take a snorkeling or scuba tour with an experienced guide to maximize wildlife sightings.

San Jose del Cabo – A Cultural Experience

San Jose del Cabo is just 30 minutes’ drive down the highway from Cabo San Lucas, but it has a completely different vibe. The town is more artsy, and still has its Spanish colonial history. Art lovers, history buffs and photographers will appreciate a walk through the old city center, which is charming, with cobblestone streets and adobe houses. It retains much of its original architecture, because city planners have restricted growth to outside of the historic center.

Mission San Jose del Cabo

The Mission San Jose del Cabo, the main church in the old center, was built by Spanish Jesuit missionaries in the year 1730, and is the best example of Spanish colonial architecture that you can find in the city. A tile mosaic tells the story of founder Nicolás Tamaral, who was killed by the local indigenous Pericu people, echoing the stories of many conflicts between the indigenous people and the Spanish settlers throughout Mexico during that time period. The church was also the main site of the Battle of San Jose del Cabo, which was part of Mexican–American War, in November of 1847. You can find a monument of Lieutenant Antonio Mijares, who defended the city against the attack, on the main street of the town that bears his name.

Estuary

Near the church you will find the dry riverbed of the San Jose River. This previously above ground river now flows underground and empties into the Sea of Cortez at the estuary just south of the city center. Bird watchers will love the estuary, as it is home to numerous species of birds, including ospreys, kingfishers, warblers, blue herons, caracaras, and many others, in addition to many butterflies and dragonflies. The estuary is the largest freshwater oasis in the region, and also the largest estuary in this part of the Americas. In the summertime you can spot sea lions sunning themselves. The best part about the estuary is it is free and open to the public. There is a walking path that takes about 20 minutes to walk. You can hire a guide for a tour, and you can also go kayaking on the water. The estuary is closed to vehicles and horses, because it is a protected site.

Art Walk

There are still some large houses in the city center that were built in the 1800s. Most of them have been converted into restaurants, art galleries and shops. You can buy silver, local gemstones and jewelry, and locally made art and crafts. The city has a well-developed art scene. You can find paintings, sculptures and much more by traditional Mexican artisans, as well as high end artworks by Mexican contemporary and international artists. There aren’t any large shopping malls and chain stores in San Jose del Cabo, as the city and its residents prefer to support the art galleries and local shops. These shops stay open late at night during the high season between October and May, and there is an art walk every Thursday evening from 5-9 pm from November to June .

When booking your trip to Los Cabos, it’s a good idea to look for a resort located in the corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, so you can be close to both destinations.