Hi, I just posted this in the Green Building section, under another Guatemala topic.. but just found this post, so am doing it again. I apologize for the double post. I'm new here, so unfamiliar with all the sections...
Hi, I have had Guatemala on my mind for years, and this post has prompted me to ask a few questions about Green Building there....I apologize in advance if this if not the correct place in these forums to post this, (this is my first post although I have been a lurker for several years off and on) Most "land for sale in Guatemala" type websites gloss over most any and everything concerning the reality of living there. No place is perfect, and I definitely have some questions! Having lived all of my life in heavy snow, temperate areas of the Rocky Mountains, the 70 - 80 degree daytime temps with 50 degree nights 365 days a year sounds quite appealing to me! ; )
I have long had a dream to re-locate to a place where gardening is possible year-round outside, without requiring greenhouses...but I do not want to contend with a hot steamy tropical jungle type climate year round....and my budget to do this is in the $200,000 or less mode for everything - land, structures, etc.
I have visited areas of South America looking into various areas, but am still searching for the right place, within my limited budget...
1) What is current availability, and cost of land in the Lake Atitlán area, that would be suitable for all aspects of permaculture? Something in the couple of acres minimum, with lakefront, privacy, good sun, drainage, decent soil, etc.... (I realize many of these types of properties are boat access only)
2) Obviously, there is no "Home Depot" down the road, or across the lake....how do you obtain building materials, and get them to you building site? If not locally available, is it possible or financially feasible on a budget to do a one time, "fill a huge moving type vehicle" and do one large load driving from the US to the area with any and all building materials needed that are not available locally?
3) Climate - I realize the climate has two seasons, wet, and dry, but I am wondering just "how wet" the wet season is in the area surrounding Lake Atitlán, "how dry" is the dry season, a and what are the laws pertaining to pumping water from the lake to sustain your crops during this time? What are the general water rights type laws in Guatemala?
4) What sort of pest type critters do you have to contend with in the Lake Atitlán area, as far as poisonous snakes, mosquitos and the like?
5) What is the state of the water in the lake, as far as being clean enough to swim in, filter for drinking, etc? (Perhaps using something like a Big Berkey type filter, when rain water isn't available that is)
6) Are there any building codes, covenants, rules and/or regulations pertaining to building in the area? Are permits required? Bottom line, what does it take legally for a US Citizen to buy and build there?
7) Are there local sources, plant nursery type places for starts in trees and plants, such as fruit and nut trees, and anything else that does not grow from seed, or do you have to ship these in from out of the country?
Once one would be totally setup down there, having purchased land, build a home, what would be an estimate of what it would take in monthly expenses to survive, compared to say in rural areas of the US, or Mexico? One website I visited claimed overall living expenses would be around 1/3 of the US? (I am talking a very frugal, rural green lifestyle here)
Anything else you can discuss about moving to, and living in the Lake Atitlán of Guatemala would be greatly appreciated!
AC
