Etiqueta: Real estate development

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DID YOU KNOW THAT INVESTING IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY IS ONE OF THE SAFEST TRANSACTIONS?

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

By Jessica Hernández

That’s right, the real estate business is considered the safest because it is one of the fastest-growing industries. Investing in real estate offers you a safe return on investment, you must be visionary and patient to understand that an investment today will give results tomorrow in the short and long term, for example, if you buy a property and market it as income, for short or long stays, you will immediately start generating profits and in a few years you will have recovered your investment, in addition to ensuring a heritage for your future. 

As the phrase says, the currency is devalued, the real estate is not. Unlike a car, which over time, no matter how equipped it is, its value will decrease, comparing it to a property; the more time passes, the more its value will increase, which is why it is not considered a risky investment, unlike other industries. In this sense, in the real estate sector, inflation is an element that plays in its favor.

Another of the benefits offered by this investment is buying both at auction and pre-sale prices. The properties at auction usually exist due to seizure processes, they remain as collateral in loans, since these are not settled, the bank proceeds to carry out the corresponding seizure and finally to auction off the property at 50% of its value. The important thing about buying pre-sale for pre-construction is that the prices are lower compared to the costs of already completed works.

As for Oaxaca, it is a state that is undergoing economic development, which is why the demand for housing has increased and will continue to do so considerably. With the upcoming opening of the new highway that connects the city with beach tourist destinations, the number of both national and foreign tourists will multiply, which also places the state in the eye of investors.

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CERTIFICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Monday, June 12, 2023

By Jessica Hernández

In the article The Importance of sustainable development the term “sustainable development” was discussed and how it has been increasingly positioned in the real estate framework. As mentioned, currently more importance has been given to the conscious construction of buildings in terms of being respectful of the environment where said building is located. Due to the notable growth that has been observed in cities and the development that will come in the near future, certifications have been established whose purpose is to regulate the operation of new buildings, taking care that they contribute to the preservation of the environment and that spending of water and energy is moderate, as well as the adequate use of existing natural resources. 

 

Mexico ranks ninth in sustainable buildings worldwide, with a number of 305 certified buildings, which is little for the volume of buildings that exist throughout the country, which is why developers are now focused on building projects with non-invasive greens.

 

Below we present one of the main certifications that new developments, including some already existing ones, seek to guarantee their sustainability.

LEED CERTIFICATION

 

The acronym LEED (Leader in Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design). It is a system implemented internationally and is based on market criteria to renovate and build high-efficiency sustainable buildings.

Within this certification different types depending on the type of building. Whether it is new construction, schools, shops, warehouses, hospitals, logistics centers, housing, or urban planning, among others.

 

Depending on the degree of sustainability and excellence of the building, 4 different levels of certification can be obtained, each with its own hallmark, according to the score obtained.  

How to obtain the certification? 

Step 1. Registration 

Register the project by completing forms for each type of certification and submitting payment of the registration fee, which is paid in advance at the time of registration. Ensure that the project meets all Minimum Requirements of the LEED program. Construction projects pursuing LEED certification must: 

  • Follow environmental laws.
  • Be a complete and permanent building.
  • Use a suitable plot or type of soil.
  • Meet the minimum floor area requirements.
  • Meet the minimum occupancy requirements.
  • Be willing to share building-wide energy and water usage data.
  • Fulfill with a minimum ratio of construction area/plot or land area. 

The https://www.leedonline.com/Index/index can be used to register. 

Step 2. Application 

Once the project has been registered, the required documentation must be collected and submitted for review. In this step, members of the project team will identify the desired LEED credits by gathering the necessary information, performing calculations and analysis, and preparing documentation demonstrating compliance or achievement of the selected credits and prerequisites.

Once the application documentation is prepared, the application must be rigorously secured and verified before it is submitted for review. The Certification Review has an associated fee that must be paid at the time of submitting the documentation. 

Step 3. Review 

Once the application has been submitted and the certification review fee has been paid, the LEED application is thoroughly reviewed by Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI). We will get the result of the preliminary review in about 20-25 business days. They will tell us which prerequisites and credits are granted and which are marked as pending, asking us for more information if this is the case.

If you are satisfied with the results of the preliminary review, you can accept it. Conversely, if you are not satisfied, new or revised documentation can be prepared. Also, add extra credits before submitting for final review.  

Once GBCI completes the final review of your application, it can be accepted or appealed by requesting an additional supplemental review (appeal).

Step 4. Certificate

The last step but the most important is obtaining the final report and certification that your development is green and sustainable. 

References: 

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MEMORABLE SPOTS FOR PICS IN THE HISTORIC CENTER OF OAXACA

Friday, June 9th, 2023 

By Jessica Hernández

We know that the entire state of Oaxaca has beautiful places worthy of being captured not only with our eyes and in our minds but also in photographs. On this occasion, we present 5 spots in the center of the city that we recommend so that during your stay here you can take unique photos to share them on your social networks and surprise your followers, in addition to capturing the memory of your trip to this enigmatic city.

1.- Jardín Etnobótanico 

Located on Reforma Street, just behind the Temple of Santo Domingo, this is a space dedicated to the protection and exhibition of hundreds of endemic plants of the state. It began in 1998 with the planting of these and it is planned that in a very soon finish planting perennial species. There are in this garden plants from different ecosystems of the regions of the state, we can find species from arid, humid climates, tropical zones, cold and temperate mountainous areas, etc.

In addition of being in charge of the exhibition of so many species of plants, the Ethnobotanical Garden has also the task of of carrying out research on the care and propagation of this flora in order to continue its preservation in the state and in the country. 

Do not miss the opportunity to go and take a picture in one of its spaces like this👇 .

Picture by https://jardinoaxaca.mx/

2.- Barrio de Jalatlaco 

This is one of the most beautiful places in the historic center, in its colonial-style streets you will find facades with colorful murals that reflect the traditions and culture of the state. This neighborhood dates back to the 16th century, and it is precisely the houses, businesses, and churche that are found there that make those who visit it fall in love with it, and that definitely motivates you to take pictures in each of its corners and facades. This neighborhood is known for being beautifully decorated on special dates such as the Day of the Dead, Christmas, and others.

3.- Andador Turístico 

A must-see is undoubtedly the city’s tourist walkway, Macedonio Alcalá Street connects the heart of the city, the zócalo, with the Santo Domingo temple, another site also famous for its impressive view. Along this walkway you will find local handicraft shops, coffee, and many more products, like most of the streets in the center, the walkway is captivated by its colonial-style architecture. In this place, you can always see “calendas” of the weddings and/or baptisms celebrated, as well as the invitations prior to the Guelaguetza festival.

4.- Teatro Macedonio Alcalá

This theater built in 1909 in art nouveau style is considered one of the most important in the country, and no wonder, since its impressive French-influenced modernist architectural style provides an elegant and imposing view. Thousands of artistic shows have been presented there over the years. During your stay, do not hesitate to go to a play or show that is presented there and of course take a picture inside this elegant enclousure or outside, in fronto of its masterful façade.

5.- Museo de Filatelia 

This museum dedicated to the exhibition and collection of stamps from different parts of the world is ideal for a good photo session, you will love its huge cacti located in one of its patios. Also, if you are looking for a nice place to take photos of your pets, the MUFI is perfect, since it has the characteristic of being pet friendly.

It is difficult to list only 5 places because we know that there are in the city many corners and beautiful facades waiting to be captured by a lens. Don’t forget to also walk the streets of García Vigil, 5 de Mayo, and of course the city’s zócalo and share your photos using the hashtag #silmexico

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IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Today, which is World Environment Day, we would like to talk about the importance of sustainable development in the real estate field to benefit the well-being of all living species on the planet and the natural resources it provides us. 

Population growth in Mexico and worldwide has led to greater demand for housing, which implies greater spending on water, energy, and natural resources, as well as the extension of urbanization in natural areas. It is no secret to anyone that the accelerated development of cities has led to immoderate consumption of resources, which has resulted in exceeding the estimated amount of resources that had been considered for a given period, in addition to the notable impact on the environment.

Given that the problem of contamination, the excessive use of resources, and the shortage of water is global in nature, it had to be given more attention by the governments of the countries, and this is how in 1982 it was established for the first time The term “sustainable development” in the document known as the “Brundtland Report” or “Our Common Future” presented by the former Norwegian Prime Minister, Gro Brundtland, within the World Commission on Environment and Development, created by the United Nations. Said document defines “sustainable development” as “…that which satisfies the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations” (UN).

From then until now, the countries have had the task of complying with the norms that are established in each summit or meeting concerning sustainable development. Mexico, for its part, has also participated in them, which is why programs and regulations have been created internally that seek to reduce climate change and promote sustainable development.

Until a few years ago, the housing trend in Mexico did not follow any sustainability protocol, however, more importance has now been given to it and this term has actually been applied to new real estate developments.

According to data from the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation, buildings are responsible for 17% of total energy consumption, 5% of total water consumption, 25% of total electricity consumption, 20% of carbon dioxide emissions, and 20% of the waste generated.

These data give us an idea of ​​the great impact that buildings generate on the environment, which derives the importance of new buildings being developed following the parameters of sustainability.

Thus, according to the same standards established by the United Nations, certifications for sustainable buildings have been implemented, and there are different organizations that grant said certifications, their objective is to guarantee that the building in question is “green or sustainable”, which is defined as the use of environmentally friendly (environmentally advantageous or environmentally preferable) practices and materials in the planning, design, siting, construction, operation, and demolition of buildings. The term is applied both to the renovation and reconditioning of pre-existing buildings and to the construction of new buildings, whether residential or commercial, public or private (CCA, 2008, p.4).

 

The certifications add value to real estate developments, as they reflect their commitment to the environment and care about future generations’ well-being.

What are these certifications? How to get them? We will talk about it in a future article.

Written by LMI. Jessica Hernandez.

Bibliography: 

  • Comisión para la cooperación ambiental. (2008). Edificación Sustentable en América del Norte. Informe del Secretariado al Consejo conforme al artículo 13 del Acuerdo de Cooperación Ambiental de América del Norte. Montreal: Comisión para la Cooperación Ambiental. p.4, 22, 124-125.
  • Informe Bruntland . Documentación de las Naciones Unidas (s.f.). Recuperado el 5 de junio de 2023 de http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/spanish/resguids/specenvsp.htm 
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GASTRONOMY OF OAXACA; A MEXICAN DELICACY

Besides all the unique spots and landscapes Oaxaca has, this “Gastronomic Capital of Mexico” estate is a culinary treasure. 

The reason? House houses recipes for unique dishes in each of its cooks, in which different local foods are honored. 

Did you know that Oaxacan gastronomy was considered by UNESCO intangible cultural heritage of humanity? That’s right, and it is not for less. Oaxaca food is unique worldwide and meets the tastes of the most demanding palate. Proof of this is its 7 different moles, among the most representative we can find: black mole, prepared mostly in the Valles Centrales region; red, green, yellow, and coloradito. 

We can not leave behind the famous and delicious tlayuda, a big corn tortilla, with bean paste, exquisite quesillo, and of course its roast tasajo, cecina, or chorizo

A must-visit during your stay in Oaxaca is the 20 de Noviembre market, where you can lose yourself in its corridors, smells, flavors, and colors of the different dishes that are offered there. Likewise in its special corridor of roast meat, you can enjoy it accompanied by roast onions, guacamole, and tomato sauce. 

The empanadas and tamales without a doubt are worth mentioning, they can also be found in the baskets of the cooks selling in different places. 

Whether in the hot season or on a normal day, you can’t stop trying tejate either, the drink of the gods, which has its origins in prehispanic times. It is made from corn, cocoa, and the cocoa flower. Also do not forget to taste a glass of chilacayota, or a fresh horchata or hibiscus water. 

As if that was not enough, either in the traditional markets or on different streets you will find people selling the different variations of bread: pan amarillo, hojaldras, and the traditional regional sweets.

Perhaps you have already heard about the pan de muerto, it is mainly made in Tlacolula de Matamoros, a small town close to the city. This bread is precisely called that way due to the celebration of the Day of the Dead, this bread is accompanied by delicious hot chocolate. 

if you are more of those who like exotic dishes, then the chapulines (grasshoppers) are perfect for you, you can taste them in a taco with quesillo, avocado, and some lemon drops, or you can also try them already transformed in a delicate sauce. ¿

Finally, surely you have already tried mezcal, an ethylic drink obtained from the maguey, one of the greatest references of Oaxacan culture without a doubt, it is precisely the town of Matatlán that is recognized as the world capital of mezcal.

Our state’s geographical and climatic conditions allow it to have a vast variety of ingredients, from vegetables and fruits harvested in each of its regions and insects typical of the region, thus creating unique flavors, which are revered to this day, preserving the culinary legacy of our ancestors.

Written by Jessica Hernández. 

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WHY IS THE GUELAGUETZA SO IMPORTANT IN OAXACA?

July means one thing for people from Oaxaca and tourists, Guelaguetza. It is the most outstanding multicultural representation of the towns of Oaxaca. It is about a performance where different towns from all the state present at the auditorium their traditional dancings. 

Oaxaca is divided into 8 regions; Cañada, Costa, Itsmo, Sierra Sur, Sierra Norte, Mixteca, Papaloapan, and Valles Centrales, which are represented by its different towns at the Guelaguetza. 

Its roots are found in the ancient Zapotec and the offerings they made to the agricultural gods in gratitude for their crops. In 1932, the Guelaguetza was officially established as a racial tribute. That is why nowadays, we have every July, party full of dance, rejoicing, traditional gala clothes, food, and art expressions. 

The people from Oaxaca are proud of this unique festivity which is a cultural treasure, not only for them but for national and foreign tourists too. 

Picture by @roymendezmx

This representation shows the traditions of eight regions of Oaxaca, which is internationally recognized since every year people from all over the world come together to enjoy of this celebration. 

Its name is of prehispanic origin and it was taken from the “mutual aid” institutions of the natives of Oaxaca that had a great feeling of community. The term alludes to the Zapotec ideas of “cooperation and reciprocity”. In addition, it refers to the “courtesy gifts” that are exchanged between families in a community and have a deep sense of respect and collaboration. 

That is precisely what the Guelaguetza represents, the unity of the towns of the state, it highlights the idea that, even with the differences between each town and their contrasting cultural expressions, they all form part of the same entity, which is to be Oaxacan. 

Before the 2 days in which this festivity has place, parades or “convites” can be seen in the main streets of the historic center, they announce the big party, give people a taste of what they will see at the auditorium and invite them to join.

Given that Oaxaca is a state that depends a lot on tourism, it is important to mention the significance of the economic benefit that Guelaguetza leaves every year. Only in the period of July 22 to August 1, 2022, national and international tourists visited the entity to enjoy “el Lunes del Cerro”  festivities and the activities that framed the 90th anniversary of the Racial Tribute. 

The City of Oaxaca registered a hotel occupancy of 95% due to the arrival of 152,559 national and international visitors which generated an economic benefit of 463 million pesos. 

That is the importance of this party of the Verde Antequera, it reminds us of our indigenous roots, makes us feel proud of the land where we were born, and helps the economy of all the artisans and merchants, and the recognition of our culture in the world. 

Written by Jessica Hernández

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WHAT IS A TRUST FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTIES IN THE RESTRICTED ZONE IN MEXICO?

When a foreigner wants to acquire a Mexican property in the restricted zone, there are two mechanisms they can use.

First of all, it is necessary to clarify what the restricted zone is, well, according to the 27 Article of the Mexican Constitution, it is all the land located 100 kilometers from any national border and 50 kilometers from any ocean, so it means, properties on the coastal border. 

As mentioned above, there are two ways of acquiring these kinds of properties, the constitution of a Mexican corporation, and a trust.  

A Mexican corporation: as of 1995, foreigners can own, operate and manage Mexican companies, however, some restrictions remain on the activities in which a Mexican company can participate when foreigners are involved, such as mining, airports, and telecommunications; however the general rule is 100% participation. There are no investment restrictions on foreign-owned companies intended to purchase and develop the property. Mexican corporations require a minimum of two associates or shareholders. Both shareholders can be foreigners and it is not necessary to have a Mexican partner.

Now, let’s focus on the trust, it is about a three-part contract whereby the seller (the settlor) irrevocably transfers to a real estate bank (trustee) so that a third party (beneficiary) can use and enjoy such property. 

Under Mexican law, only an authorized Mexican banking institution can be a trustee. The bank acquires title to the real property and is obligated to allow the beneficiary to use and enjoy the property as he/ she sees fit (as long as the way in which he does so is legal). If the beneficiaries wish to rent the property to third parties, they can do so by obtaining the necessary authorizations. The beneficiaries also have the right to sell the property at any time to receive the proceeds from the sale. 

The bank cannot encumber or sell the property without the express written consent of the beneficiary.

It is important to mention that Mexican law requires that all real estate transactions be carried out by a notary public. The notary is obliged to register in his books the deed of transfer of title, have signed it by the parties involved, and registered it in the Public Registry of Property that corresponds to the location of the property. Once the deed of transfer of title has been signed in the presence of a notary public and registered with the Public Registry of  Property, the real estate transaction has complied with the requirements of Mexican law. 

At SILMÉXICO our specialized legal team is in charge of carrying out all the processes in the acquisition of properties in and out of the restricted area.  

Contact us and ask for our consultancy services at www.silmexicooaxaca.com 

Written by Jessica Hernández 

Real Estate Advisor.

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COMMERCIALIZE YOUR PROPERTY WITH SILMÉXICO

Are you thinking about selling or renting your property? This article is of interest to you.  

At SILMÉXICO, we offer a huge range of services, including commercializing properties. Whenever we explain to our clients our process, we like to make them feel sure their property is in the best hands and we will do our best and beyond to promote it.  

It is important to mention that the market in Oaxaca has areas of higher capital gain, for instance, the center is one of the most demanded areas, especially for foreigners who look for properties of more traditional or non-modern style. However, precisely due to this high demand, there is a scarcity of properties there, nowadays, there is only one unique development called “La Merced”, a complex of 7 condos located in the heart of Oaxaca City, of which, 4 are already sold.

Continuing with the city, Reforma neighborhood and San Felipe are also on the top of the list, these are residential areas, due to their proximity to the historic center and the numerous amenities around them, these are preferential areas too. In this zone, houses are more modern and luxurious, and their style goes according to the atmosphere of the place since this is characterized by its different fashion shops, restaurants, and malls, in other words, this is the fanciest zone of the city.

Paseo Santa lucía cuenta con más de 50 locales comerciales destinados a distintos giros, entre las marcas ya confirmadas se encuentran Italian Coffee, Acreimex, Wing Box, Navarro Panadería y Pastelería, Vino y Vinyl, Hierba Santa, Ópticas América, Sushi Cat, Il Forno Da Simone, York Pub, Creepy Burguer, El Mercader de Oriente, Parrilla Andina, Beisbolmania, Peak a Boo y Schmuck. 

For those who enjoy more the tranquility and silence offered by places close to nature, and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, San Andrés Huayapam and Tlalixtac de Cabrera are the perfect ones. These two are towns close to each other, and only 25 minutes from the city center. These communities are the favorite ones of foreigners who want to live in Oaxaca, since these towns still preserve their traditions, as most of the towns in the state, but what calls the attention and is interesting for locals and foreigners, is that, although Huayapam and Tlalixtac are just some minutes away, their cultures stay intact. Houses here keep the perfect balance between architecture and nature, most of them have rooftops where people can enjoy memorable sunsets with gorgeous mountains view.

Another important area of our clients is, of course, the coast of Oaxaca, where most of the retired and digital nomads lean towards oceanfront and sea-view houses, there, is a variety of stunning properties that, even if they are immersed in nature, they do not disrupt its flora and fauna, which is the main interest of real estate developments nowadays.

At SILMÉXICO, we have had great success in the sale and rental of properties in these mentioned areas, having approximately, 2 sales closings and 4 rentals per month. We achieve our monthly goals by focusing on quality service and on timely follow-up. Whenever we list a new property, we promote it through all possible channels, our vital tool is our website, from which we get most of our leads. In addition, we accompany you throughout the sales process with legal advice. We always make sure all of the parties involved in the sales process are benefited, and that our clients feel satisfied with their investments.

The process? Easy, first of all, we provide the clients with a list of documents that we need just to verify everything is good with the property, once our legal team gives us the green light, we proceed with the commercialization contract, once it is signed, we continue with the commercialization of the property through all of our platforms and tools, and finally, when there is a buyer or a leaseholder we help you with all the consultancy until the closing of the sale or rental.  

Come with us to market your house, commercial local, or land. We are the number 1 real estate agency in Oaxaca.

 

Jessica Hernández

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PASEO SANTA LUCÍA; EL ORIGINAL E INNOVADOR NUEVO CENTRO COMERCIAL EN LA CIUDAD DE OAXACA

En la Ciudad de Oaxaca está próximo a inaugurarse el que ya ha sido nombrado el más auténtico e innovador centro comercial de la misma. Así es, Paseo Santa Lucía, localizado en Carr. Internacional 802, en la Agencia Municipal Sta Maria Ixcotel, es un nuevo concepto en plazas comerciales que se está construyendo muy cerca del centro histórico de la ciudad. 

El nombre de Paseo Santa Lucía fue inspirado precisamente por su ubicación, ya que este conecta con dos calles, la cual es la carretera internacional y la calle de Niño Perdido. Este centro comercial se distingue por su diseño abierto, el cual mezcla materiales que lo hacen único, tales como su estructura de acero, la cual soporta 4 niveles con mas de 5,000 metros cuadrados comerciales, acabados y decoraciones en madera, así como sus pasillos rodeados de vegetación. 

Su mayor atractivo es su diseño abierto, el cual surge luego de la pandemia con una necesidad de darle a la población lugares para convivir en donde el flujo de aire sea mayor, pero sin dejar de lado la elegancia y modernidad.

La plaza se compone de 3 niveles: planta baja, primer piso y roof garden, además de su estacionamiento subtearráneo. En la planta baja podrás encontrar locales de giros variados, así como 2 cafeterías. En el primer piso se ubican también locales restaurantes, por su parte en el roof garden, se ubican el área para niños, food court, un bar y terrazas.  Como podrás darte cuenta, los espacios de PSL fueron ideados para que todos y cada uno de los miembros de la familia disfrutaran de ellos, y al decir todos, nos referimos también a nuestros fieles compañeros, así es, las mascotas son bienvenidas en Paseo Santa Lucía, pues sabemos el rol que juegan en nuestras vidas, y la importancia que tiene que cada vez existan más lugares donde también ellas puedan disfrutar con nosotros. 

Paseo Santa lucía cuenta con más de 50 locales comerciales destinados a distintos giros, entre las marcas ya confirmadas se encuentran Italian Coffee, Acreimex, Wing Box, Navarro Panadería y Pastelería, Vino y Vinyl, Hierba Santa, Ópticas América, Sushi Cat, Il Forno Da Simone, York Pub, Creepy Burguer, El Mercader de Oriente, Parrilla Andina, Beisbolmania, Peak a Boo y Schmuck. 

Te preguntarás, ¿cuál es la marca ancla de PSL?, pues bien, cuenta con negocios ancla como bancos, restaurantes y otro giros exclusivos que atraen grandes cantidades de personas, pero este centro comercial no quiere depender de estos prestigiosos negocios y apuesta a su estrategia orgánica que es su “Gran terraza comercial” de más de 1900 m2 siendo la única en un centro comercial en Oaxaca y que, gracias a su diseño se puede disfrutar de unas vistas increíbles a las montañas y a la ciudad de Oaxaca.

Si tú quieres expandir tu negocio, Paseo Santa Lucía es tu mejor opción, pues su ubicación la convierte en un punto importante en el flujo de personas. Recuerda que aún hay locales disponibles, ya sea para renta o para venta. 

Es importante mencionar que a la fecha, la construcción lleva ya un avance del 93%, lo cual significa que en poco tiempo podremos disfrutar de todo lo que este nuevo atractivo ofrece a la población Oaxaqueña. 

No olvides visitar la página web https://paseosantalucia.com.mx/, puedes contactarnos para agendar una visita a la construcción y visualizar tu idea de negocio en este innovador desarrollo comercial. 

 

Jessica Hernández

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8 PRISTINE PLACES CLOSE TO OAXACA DOWNTOWN

In a previous article, we talked about a New development in the heart of Oaxaca City: “La Merced”, a complex of 7 apartments ideal for those who love being close to the most tourist attractions of the Verde Antequera. Living in downtown is a privilege since you have quick access to many restaurants, museums, art galleries, and cultural activities, in addition, as it is a middle point, other tourist attractions are 30 to 40 from it. That is why, this time I will present you 8 pristine places close to Oaxaca downtown you can visit and know more about its culture. 

Monte Albán 

 

This is the most famous archeological zone in Oaxaca, it was one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica. It was founded in 500 BC, n the top of a mountain in the center of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, and functioned as the capital of the Zapotecs from the beginning of our era until 800 AD.C. At its moment of greatest development, Monte Albán came to have about 35,000 inhabitants, who lived mostly on the terraced slopes of the mountain, dedicated to agriculture. 

This site keeps vestiges of what this culture was, there is a museum in which different jewelry, pots, and other antique Zapotec objects can be admired. 

This emblematic cultural treasure was declared by UNESCO, together with the Historic Center of the City of Oaxaca as Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 11, 1987. It is located 8 kilometers to the west of the City, and it is only 2 minutes by car from downtown. 

 

Mitla 

Following on the line of the archeological places. here is Mitla, also the house of the Zapotecs. It is a place where the stone was worked as jewelry, and the Zapotecs showed its devotions to the dead. In all of this, the imprint of the skills of this indigenous group and their prodigious world, born 18 centuries ago, can be observed. 

Among the buildings that composed the site, the Hall of Columns stands out, inside which a row of such architectural elements, carved in a single piece of stone, fulfilled the function of supporting and decorating. 

After the fall of Monte Albán, it gained great importance, reaching its apogee around the year 1200, and retained preeminence in the Tlacolula Valley until the Spanish Conquest. 

Mitla is located 40 minutes from downtown, in the place can be also found handcrafts stores and traditional ice creams.

Tlacolula

Before getting to Mitla, it is Tlacolula de Matamoros. It is distinguished by its handcrafts, its gastronomy, and part of the archeological zone that belongs to Mitla too; its tianguis (street market) is an ancestral tradition that comes alive every Sunday, it is important to mention that this market was on of the pioneers of the prehispanic era. 

The temples of the towns tell us about their culture, traditions, and festivities, of course, the 17 th century temple of The Assumption is not the exception.

Talking about gastronomy, when you visit this place you can not leave without tasting a hot chocolate with delicious “Pan de cazuela”, and of course its “barbacoa”. 

it is also 40 minutes by car, approximately, from Oaxaca downtown. 

Santiago Matatlán, The World Capital of Mezcal 

As its name suggests, it is about a town where the ancestral beverage Mezcal is produced. As you may already know, this alcoholic drink is obtained from the “maguey”, there are in the world around 210 species of this plant, and we are really proud to say that Oaxaca has 120 of them. Santiago matlán was named The World Capital of Mezcal due to the quantity of Palenques (traditional places where the mezcal is produced with handmade processes) that can be found in it. You can visit them and observe the ancestral techniques to make the Mezcal, the process goes from the cooking of maguey “pineapples”, to their grinding, fermentation, and distillation. 

If you visit the community, do not forget to buy some Mezcal bottles, you will contribute to the economy of locals, who are completely dependent on the production and sale of this product. 

Hierve el Agua

It is a system of petrified waterfalls, formed by calcium carbonate. The waterfalls where naturally originated thousands of years ago from the runoff of water with high mineral content. The place is located about 70 kilometers from Oaxaca City, in the town of San Isidro Roaguía, Municipality of San Lorenzo Albarradas, near Mitla. The natural puddles with turquoise waters perfectly contrast with the mountains view. 

Did you know there is only one similar place to Hierve el Agua in the world? As you read it, there are only 2 petrified waterfalls in the world, the second ones are located in Turkey. 

 

La Cumbre Ixtepeji 

This community has great natural wealth in its ancient forest of pines and oaks, likewise natural landscapes of exceptional beauty, but above all in the enthusiasm, personal treatment, hospitality, and great respect for the environment that the inhabitants have.  

There is an ecotouristic park, where you will find cabins in the middle of the forest, so a perfect place to connect with the tranquility it offers, you can practice hiking, mountain biking, and of course, stare at the flora and fauna of the place. 

It will take you from Oaxaca city only one hour by car to get to this natural sanctuary. 

 

San Bartolo Coyotepec 

It is only 15 kilometers from Oaxaca City, it was also a Zapotec settlement and it is a town dedicated to the elaboration of barro negro (black mud) pieces, it is its main attraction. 

You will find in it a market where locals sell pots, handcrafts, different pieces of barro negro, and musical instruments, among other things. 

It is important to mention that the pieces that the artisans create in this town are unique in the world as well as the ancestral techniques they use to mold the barro negro. 

It is an easy access place, since there is public transportation that can take you there, and by car, it will take you only 35 minutes. 

 

San Martin Tilcajete and San Antonio Arrazola 

 

We could not leave out in this list the towns where the famous alebrijes are created. The alebrijes are figures cut in wood, and they are painted with an original and curious design. They are imaginary creatures formed with animal parts and brilliant colors.  

It is important to mention that the alebrije is a handmade item because it is unique and cannot be repeated in a mold, since if it were, it would no longer be considered a craft as such within the group called alebrijes. The craftsman shapes his work and what he adds to it step by step determines its value.

 

San Martin Tilcajete is only 53 minutes (approximately) from Oaxaca City, meanwhile, Arrazola is only 26 minutes away. You will find in both towns artisans dedicated to the creation of this beautiful art. 

 

Enjoy and admire the landscapes, gastronomy, and hospitality of Oaxaca. Whenever you visit any of its places, we hope you spend memorable days, take unique pictures, and remember to support artisans by acquiring its pieces of art, likewise tasting the local food. 

 

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By Jessica Hernández.