Introducing for the first time from Lake Atitlan Guatemala.......... Santiago del Lago
Introducing a New Way of Life to Guatemala.......
Guatemala's most exclusive master-planned residential development nestled in the spectacular scenic region of Lake Atitlan.
About Guatemala........
As of late Guatemala has become one of the most sought after Central American and International locales. With scenery and climate that is quite simply second to none, and with locations such as the colonial city of Antigua, the Caribbean resort area of Rio Dulce, the “second Amazon” rain forest of Peten, and the mountain volcanic lake region of Lake Atitlan, it is no wonder that Guatemala is so highly prized by foreigners seeking a unique way of life. Having a government and culture that is very friendly to foreign investment, a stable and growing economy that is the largest in Central America, freedom to live a peaceful and family-friendly life; coupled with some of the world’s most picturesque scenery and temperate climate, it is no wonder why many expatriates and investors alike are excited about this special Central American locale. Travel into Guatemala is further improved with the new Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City...... Central America’s newest and finest International Airport. Foreigners in Guatemala have the constitutionally-protected right to sovereign ownership of land, without any Guatemalan residency requirements. Also, foreigners can easily set up bank accounts and business entities in Guatemala. Guatemala is becoming very popular with foreign expatriates and retirees as they can live very comfortably on $500-$700 USD every 30 days. Health and dental care is modern and very economical. Guatemala has a population of approximately fourteen million, with about 20% of its population living in the major metropolitan area of Guatemala City. The other 80% live throughout the beautiful coastal and inland rural areas spread throughout the country. Guatemala is located in northern Central America, bordering Belize, Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador. It is about 1,500 miles from the United States via the newly renovated Pan-American Highway, or a 2-3 hour direct flight from Houston, Atlanta, or Miami. The currency, the “quetzal” is currently trading at approx 8 quetzales per U.S. dollar.
About Lake Atitlan........
Lake Atitlan is renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and the famous English novelist Aldous Huxley famously wrote of it: "Lake Como, it seems to me, touches on the limit of permissibly picturesque, but Atitlan is Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a fine thing." It is a large freshwater lake in the Guatemalan mountain highlands at an elevation of 1,562 meters (5,148 feet) above sea level. While Atitlan is recognized to be the deepest lake in Central America, its bottom has not been completely sounded. Estimates of its maximum depth range up to 340 meters. The lake is shaped by deep, vegetation covered mountainous escarpments which surround it and by three volcanoes on its southern flank. Lake Atitlan is further characterized by quaint, colorful towns and villages of the local indigenous mayan people, blended with carefully designed and landscaped estates. This makes for a locale that is quite peaceful and serene, yet colorful in its vitality and ambiance. The lake basin supports extensive highland coffee growth of the finest quality and a variety of farm crops, most notably corn. Other significant agricultural products include onions, beans, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, peppers, strawberries, avocados, lemons and other fruits. The lake itself is rich in animal life which provides a significant food source for the largely Mayan population. The climate of Atitlan is simply wonderful with its constant Mediterranean-like 70-75 degree days and 55-60 degree nights. No wonder Lake Atitlan is considered the "Guatemalan Riviera" for its authentic ethnicity, beauty, intimacy, and elegance. The lake is surrounded by an environment of natural beauty that is unique in the world and is a must see for foreign expatriates, foreign travelers, and Guatemalan vacationers. No crime and stress problems here...... just a beautiful, clean lifestyle.
About Santiago del Lago.......
Santiago del Lago is a unique concept in residential living that combines the spectacular natural beauty of Lake Atitlan with amenities of life that are second to none. This concept of residential development is well established in some of the most scenic international locales. In Santiago del Lago this special quality of residential living finds a home in the beautiful Central American locale of Guatemala......
Why is this Lake Atitlan's First Major Residential Development?
For years, North American and European Investors have been looking to build an international-class residential development in the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala. With its Mediterranean-like climate, pristine landscapes, and attractive currency exchange rate; all packaged with arguably the most beautiful lake in the world, what more would the selective foreign homeowner want? There has been only one major drawback to building a development near this picturesque lake nestled in the mountain highlands....... a property suitable for this class of development. A property that meets the basic requirements of size, access, smooth landscape grades, ecologically-friendly integration, and of course views of this picturesque volcanic lake and its surrounding majestic mountains and canyons. This sounds easy in many locales but Lake Atitlan is not just another locale. It is situated in the heart of the millennia old indigenous Mayan culture. A land where the countryside is made up of people who have farmed their lands on small parcels for generations. A land where one’s “wealth” and future is wrapped up in their property and passed down to their descendants. A land where large tracts of practically “usable” land has long since been divided up into smaller parcels, or is held on to as a family estate that stays within the family. Coupling that with the fact that the beauty of Atitlan is formed by its steep mountain elevations makes for what has until now been un unsurmountable task. Until now. A locally-owned property that meets these crucial requirements has finally become available and is being offered to the selective home owner.
What sets Santiago del Lago Apart from the Usual Residential Development?
Santiago del Lago is not the standard Central American “lotificacion”, it is a residential development that is designed to exceed the expectations of the selective client. In locations like North Dallas Texas, Piedmont California, Boca Raton Florida, Seville Spain, Florence Italy, and Melbourne Australia to name a few, selective home owners have come to expect a setting where quality of life is foremost in the mind of the developer. A place where security, access, large open spaces, ecological integration, amenities, property value, and more are carefully envisioned in the development of the master plan..... a place where you would want to invest your money and your future into.
Santiago del Lago Accompishes this in the Following Ways:
Large spacious 1,000 meter (1/4 acre) to 4,000 square meter (1 acre) lots..... 48,369 square meters ( 12 acres ) of area dedicated to recreational and common areas..... Only 162 exclusive lots in a development of 371,369 square meters (92 acres)..... Large private clubhouse with meeting, dining, concierge and fitness facilities set in a meticulously landscaped setting..... Recreational facilities that include pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, tennis, soccer, pavilions, parks and more..... Helicopter landing and take-off area..... Custom-designed Colonial style streets and landscaping..... Ecologically friendly development that showcases the natural beauty of the region with over 4,000 organic fruit trees, large hardwoods, pines, and a variety of lush, tropical vegetation including oranges, lemons, avacados, apples, peaches, papayas, macadamia nuts, bananas...... Subterranean electrical and drinking water infrastructure with purified drinking water..... Controlled access with 24 hour security..... Excellent access with over one kilometer of paved road frontage..... A variety of breathtaking views with lake, mountain, and forest view lots..... All of this and more in a Mediterranean like climate. For more information on Santiago del Lago please visit our English and Spanish website at our website link below.
Santiago del Lago Pre-Sale (during construction) Details:
Depending on the type of view and size of the lot, the listed lot prices range from $43,000 ($43 per square meter on a 1,000 square meter lot) to only $115,000 ($29 per square meter for a 4,000 square meter lot). Once the construction phase is completed the lot prices will increase by as much as 300%. We are offering financing for the pre-sell (during construction) lots with a 15%-25% down payments. Pre-sell lots are available on a first-come basis only. The standard square meter price in the region is $125-$300 per square meter without amenities of the type and caliber of Santiago del Lago. The first phase consists of 52 acres of development and has 90 lots. The first phase also includes the primary clubhouse and recreational facilities, the heliport, the fruit orchards, and various parks. The first phase is 90% completed and the first phase is available now for immediate construction.
Additionally there is a private subterranean purified water system to all lots that uses the latest bottled-water technology, without the use of chemical treatments. 240v subterranean electrical service is also provided to each lot. The perimeter of the development is enclosed with a custom built wall that does not obstruct the breathtaking views from the lots and has guarded, gated entries. In Guatemala custom built homes of the finest quality run about $50-$80 USD per square foot for construction...... for a house that would run $300-$600 USD per square foot in the United States. Santiago del Lago has an approved list of builders that offer our clients custom home-building services of the finest quality starting at only $50 USD per square foot.
In Guatemala there are three types of land ownership. First is a “private document or deed” (some are centuries old), which can be legally disputed. The second is a registered “private title or deed” (many have this), which the government can technically exercise eminent domain on like in the U.S...... third is the “Escritura Publica” (sovereign registered document), which is an absolutely sovereign title. This document can be difficult to acquire at times because land owners have “legally” stripped their land (trees) bare to the dismay of the government. (Land prices commonly triple with this type of title). All Santiago del Lago lots come with new detailed surveys and are titled with an escritura publica registered title with totally sovereign ownership rights. There are no property taxes. This property is ideal as an investment and as an offshore, non-U.S. securities investment all profits are non-taxed for foreigners.
Thank you very much for your time and interest,
The Staff of Santiago del Lago
