In the course of a week in the Lake Chapala area you will receive factual information, observe daily life and events, experience what it would be like to live in the area, and have the opportunity to discuss and evaluate your learnings. 

There are a multitude of factors that go into such a big decision as determining where to live, particularly in your retirement years.  We will ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information available for your decision about the Lake Chapala area.  Thousands of others have gone through this process successfully and we believe many thousands more will be undergoing a similar process over the coming years.

Just as individuals or couples sometimes have difficulty finding the information they need to evaluate a situation and make a good decision, there are times they interpret that data differently, and require a check on their perceptions.  The interaction with other tour participants and local resources will provide opportunities for on-going perception checks and reveal further information requirements and clarifications as the week progresses.

It will be a busy week, but one which we believe will leave you clear about what your next step should be and confident in taking that step.  And it will include some fabulous meals, entertainment and shopping, some great company, and a retreat from your daily routine.  Whether you are committed to a move to Mexico or just interested in “kicking the tires” at this point, this tour will give you an efficient and low-cost vehicle for making your decisions.

Here are some of the topics that we will be discussing during your visit:

Some of the most advanced pre-industrial civilizations in the world inhabited Mexico.  We will explain how the sites that have been unearthed in Central Mexico provide a connection to present-day customs and traditions.

A combination of tropical location, high altitude, low humidity and a large body of water produce a climate in the Chapala area that is second to none in the world. 
Sunshine, clean air, and moderate temperatures are a daily feature of life at Lake Chapala.

It seems that crime is an inescapable part of the human condition.  However, at Lakeside the combination of a small-town ambiance and friendly people create an environment that is tough on crime.  Your personal safety during the tour (and if you decide to stay on for a few days), will be greater than it would be back home.  Twenty million people visit Mexico safely and securely each year. 

Pre-Hispanic Amerindian civilizations, Reformation and Renaissance Spain, the Catholic church and present-day global trends have all contributed strongly to Mexican culture.  As is the case in many western hemisphere countries, Mexico’s culture is still developing.  Over the past 125 years, however, the country has stamped its identity on many facets of culture.  We will show you beautiful examples of the culture in this fabulous country.

“What do I do with myself if I move down there?” is a common question we hear from prospective residents.  We will show you a number of the activities that expatriates participate in and introduce you to a sample of current residents who will provide a perspective on what it is like to “really live” at Lakeside.

Do you have a green thumb?  Are you interested in birds or butterflies?  Do you have a little tear in your eye each year when the first frost destroys your prize roses?  Have we got a place for you!!  The expressions to describe this part of Mexico are endless:
“Put a stick in the ground and it will grow.”
“Even the trees flower.”
The variety of birds and butterflies may outnumber the flowers, but who’s counting?

The second largest city in Mexico is only 45 minutes away from Lakeside, the international airport only 30 minutes.  The variety of goods and services available is truly global.  The public buildings, venues and art work are world class.  The traffic (as in any large city) will drive you crazy.  The people will stop whatever they are doing and try to be helpful.

Two suburban cities, Tlaquepaque and Tonala, are world-renowned centres of arts and crafts.  We will visit these areas, and some of you may have to be restrained from overusing your credit cards.

Mexico's medical infrastructure is very good.  Lakeside has two high quality clinics.  (As we write this, a hospital and two wellness centers are on the drawing boards and about to be started.)  World class specialized medical care is available in Guadalajara.  Expatriates who have experienced both the public medical system and the private system rave about the quality of care they have received and the reasonableness of the cost.

Similarly, dental care in the Chapala area is available at low cost and at a very high level of quality.

We will not be taking you back to school, but providing an overview of the long and illustrious past in Mexico.  If you think the “wild west” or American Civil War were violent, you will be surprised at some of the events and eras in Mexico’s past.

Mexico is said to be home to the largest number of U.S. citizens abroad (estimated at one million as of 1999).  This represents 1% of the Mexican population and 25% of all U.S. citizens abroad. The Argentine community is estimated to be the second largest foreign community in the country (between 30,000 and 150,000).  At Lakeside the American and Canadian populations are about equal, with increasing numbers of Europeans and Asians entering the area.  We will tell you about immigration details that you need to know, and how to navigate through the various bureaucracies.

The legal system in Mexico is different than in Canada or the United States.  Basic principles of equality before the law and the right to legal representation are observed.  There are nuances that it is important to know about before being involved in legal matters.

In real estate, there are also certain procedures that have to be followed in order that the buying/selling process succeed.  We will cover these issues in detail.

It is very difficult to make a move internationally.  If loyal and beloved pets have to be left behind, the move may be impossible.  Fortunately, Mexico is an extremely pet-friendly country, and the residents at Lakeside doubly so.  We will talk about the process to bring your pets into the country, or the ease of adopting one (or some) once you are here.

One of the biggest decisions an individual or couple make is the one regarding their home.  In considering a relocation to a foreign country, therefore, the magnitude of the whole process can seem overwhelming.  We will take the “overwhelm” and the doubt out of the housing issue.  We will show you new housing developments, re-sale houses, rental houses, condominiums and apartments, and all with no pressure to make decisions until you are ready to do so.

There are regulations governing the import of foreign vehicles into Mexico, whether permanently or temporarily. If you are planning to drive into Mexico to attend our seminar, please contact us well in advance to ensure we provide all the information you will need to make your border crossing as smooth as possible.  Valid Canadian and U.S. drivers’ licenses are recognized in Mexico.

Many expatriates decide to work or start a business after moving to Mexico.  There are some major differences with the U.S. or Canada, and we will describe how you can navigate the business and regulatory environments to maximize your chances of success.