About Los Barriles
Baja California Sur’s East Cape is not only one of the best places in the world for deep sea fishing, it also appeals to those who seek activitity-packed vacations. In addition to the great weather, beautiful scenery, and historic charm the area offers, active visitors can fill their days with snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, mountain bike riding, exploring on ATV’s, wind surfing and a multitude of other water sports that require gentle surf and a strong breeze.Los Barriles is a town on the beach located 40 miles north of the San Jose airport and 75 miles south of La Paz, the East Cape is easy to access but away from those highly developed areas. While it is classified as desert (less than 10” of rainfall annually), temperatures generally do not rise above 80º 10 months out of the year. In spite of its perfect climate and setting, the East Cape has maintained a rustic flavor and community feel. Visitors enjoy the experience of going to a foreign country without undo hardships.
The area is growing at a measured pace; maintaining it’s charm with development that provides a wide variety of tourism opportunities. These are just some of the investment opportunities our office represents. If you’re interested in taking part in the growth of this spectacular area, please ask us about these and other opportunities.
Purchasing Property in Mexico
Purchasing property in Baja California is safer than it has ever been but there are important differences between the laws governing real estate here and in other countries. A brief explanation of the history and current rules and regulations helps put things into perspective.
The rules for land ownership by foreigners have undergone many changes over the years. The constitution of 1917 prohibited foreigners from owning land within ~62 miles of the International border or ~31 miles of the coast (sometimes called the Restricted Zone). This made it difficult to attract foreign investment and the accompanying economic development. The Fideicomiso was developed as a secure method for foreigners to invest in property within the Restricted Zone.
A Fideicomiso is similar to a Trust. The Mexican bank of your choice is the Trustee or holder of the title to your property. You direct the activities of the Trust and are the Beneficiary of all the rights associated with the ownership of the property. You can improve you property (build), sell it, rent it, will it to your heirs, etc. The Trust is renewed every 50 years by the current Beneficiary, in perpetuity.
This Fideicomiso works well when a property is truly available for sale and not part of a prior agreement like a Private Contract or Ejido. The Mexican Government is serious about good land use planning and in many cases properties must be subdivided and approved before a Fideicomiso can be obtained. This is why Ruth Rundquist's comprehensive experience with legal requirements and knowledge of the area can benefit you. Our office also serves local developers in creating registered subdivisions and current residents with resolving disputes, so we understand all sides of the issues.
We'd like to help you find the right spot for retirement, investment, or a part-time get-a-way. Once you have selected your home or lot, we'll guide you through the process and make sure every “i” is dotted and “t” is crossed on all the necessary paperwork so you can enjoy your Baja property without worries.
Phone Facts
In the past year, the phone system in Baja has gone through several changes. The conversion from 5 digit phone numbers to 7 digit numbers was initially very confusing but it brought the benefit of phone numbers that more closely resemble numbers in the US.
If all you have is the old 5 digit number, take the last two digits of the old area code and put them in front of the 5 digit number to make the new 7 digit number. For example:Old 5-digit number: (114) 12345 New 7-digit number: 141-2345
A new area code was established from Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo) to Los Barriles. It is 624 but if you are calling from within the same area code, you don't need it; simply dial the 7-digit number. The area code for Todos Santos to La Paz is 612.
Cell phones
Cell phones are a slightly different animal. All cell phone calls require 10 digit dialing. To call from a cell phone to another cell phone within the same area code, dial the area code plus the 7 digit number (example: (624) 141-2345). If you are calling a cell phone from a land line within Mexico, you need to use the prefix 044 (example: 044-(624)-141-2345).
Long Distance
If you are calling to a different area code from within Mexico, simply dial 01 before the number (example: 01-612-141-2345. If you are calling from a land line to a cell phone that is in a different area code, proceed the entire number with the 044 prefix (example: 044-01-612-141-1234).
Calling from the US
To call from the US first dial 011 (indicating you are making an international call) 52 (the country code for Mexico) then the 10 digit number (example: 011-52-624-141-2345). If you are calling a cell phone in Mexico, you don't need the 044 prefix, just dial as if it were a land line.
"800" number dialing from within Mexico.
If you need to call a US toll free number while you are in Mexico, you'll need to make the following adjustments to the number you wish to call:
To dial a 1-800 number, dial 001-880-the 7-digit number.
To dial a 1-888 number, dial 001-881-the 7-digit number.
To dial a 1-877 number, dial 001-882-the 7-digit number.
To dial a 1-866 number, dial 001-883-the 7-digit number.
Some of those numbers will not be toll free from here, and will incur regular long distance rates, but at least you will be able to get through.
There should be a recording announcing if it is not toll free, and ask if you want to continue.
Happy Dialing!