Focus On Mexico - Your Guide to Moving and Retiring to Mexico's Lake Chapala

What Are the Focus a-la-carte Programs?

At every FOCUS seminar we offer modestly priced a-la-carte options that include the following: The Sunday full-day tour of Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Hospicio Las Cabañas and a detailed review of the famous murals by José Clemente Orozco, a contemporary of Diego Rivera, including one of his most famous murals "Man on Fire". After a morning in the historic center of Guadalajara, we tour the unique artisan shopping area of Tlaquepaque and enjoy lunch at one of the best restaurants in the area, followed by a performance by the famous local … [Read more...]

Carnaval Lakeside – What’s A Sayaco?

Carnival is celebrated in almost all Catholic countries as the final festivity before the commencement of Lent. At Lakeside we are in full Carnaval season with a series of events including the Sayaca parade in Ajijic on March 2 beginning at 10:30, starting from behind the church. The Sayacos are a pre-hispanic tradition native to Ajijic and there are several versions of the legend about their origins that have been passed down orally from one generation to another. The Legend of the Sayacos One version of this ancient tradition says that the Sayaco and the Sayaca were born prior to the … [Read more...]

Can Mexico Be Fixed?

As widely reported, the Lakeside community is shocked and saddened at the recent murder of a local Canadian resident and we join the rest of the community in offering our condolences to the family and friends of the victim. This incident only added to the anxiety caused among some by recent reports regarding the purported upswing of crime in the area, and recent writings and interviews conducted by visitors to the area. So let's take a closer look at current events Lakeside and address the question of how bad is it and can Mexico be fixed? CRIME In general, there is some level of increase … [Read more...]

Getting Your Retiree Mexico Resident Visa

Once you are within no longer than six months of your proposed date to move to Mexico, the next step is to apply for either a temporary or permanent resident visa at the Mexican consulate nearest to you in your home country. While the process may seem daunting at first, it is rather straightforward at most (but not all) Mexican consulates. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that some consulates are easier to deal with than others, and much like any other process involving government bureaucracy, patience and calm will help you navigate the visa process. The consulates vary widely in their … [Read more...]

Lakeside Retirement Budget Planning

When planning a move Lakeside, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to plan your Mexico budget in advance. Of course you will inevitably make adjustments once you are on the ground in Mexico, but having a proposed budget will give you the peace of mind you need when making a major life move. While prices have risen somewhat in recent years, the good news is that Lakeside life is still quite affordable with careful planning. Visa Costs - the Bottom Line Your first expenditure once you've made the decision to move to Mexico will be your resident visa. Temporary Resident … [Read more...]