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I received the following announcement this afternoon, sent by the Rocky Point TVA (Tourism and Visitor Assistance) office. What a great place to retire...in a town where local officials are available and bilingual! Come visit our little corner of Paradise, and see why so many of us love living here so much!  Tourist and Visitors Assistance Office IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
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CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS WEDNESDAYS
THE NEW PUERTO PENASCO - ROCKY POINT CITY ADMINISTRATION Invites you ....
EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM
Mayor Alejandro Zepeda and his entire staff, including the Chiefs Of Police, Finance, Zoning, Fire Department, etc. all of whom are bilingual!
WHERE? On the city hall patio - located at the corner of Freemont and Benito Juarez
WHY? We want to hear your suggestions, take care of your problems or answer your questions and if you have any kind of complaint to take immediate action. WHAT CAN I DISCUSS WITH THEM? Property Tax Issues
Public safety questions or suggestions
Questions about starting a business
How best to promote an idea
Cultural activities or social organizations
Pavement or trash collection situations
Police Issues
ANYTHING YOU MIGHT NEED OUR GOVERNMENT WANTS TO HELP
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED THEY WILL BE THERE WAITING FOR YOU
PUERTO PENASCO CITY GOVERNMENT works, governs and protects everyone regardless of country of origin, language, race, political affiliation, sexual preference, visitor or permanent resident...We govern for all with equal opportunity and open doors!
IN PUERTO PENASCO WE TAKE CARE OF TOURISTS, RESIDENTS AND CITIZENS
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| Tourist and Visitors Assistance Office IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
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CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS WEDNESDAYS
THE NEW PUERTO PENASCO - ROCKY POINT CITY ADMINISTRATION Invites you ....
EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM
Mayor Alejandro Zepeda and his entire staff, including the Chiefs Of Police, Finance, Zoning, Fire Department, etc. all of whom are bilingual!
WHERE? On the city hall patio - located at the corner of Freemont and Benito Juarez
WHY? We want to hear your suggestions, take care of your problems or answer your questions and if you have any kind of complaint to take immediate action. WHAT CAN I DISCUSS WITH THEM? Property Tax Issues
Public safety questions or suggestions
Questions about starting a business
How best to promote an idea
Cultural activities or social organizations
Pavement or trash collection situations
Police Issues
ANYTHING YOU MIGHT NEED OUR GOVERNMENT WANTS TO HELP
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED THEY WILL BE THERE WAITING FOR YOU
PUERTO PENASCO CITY GOVERNMENT works, governs and protects everyone regardless of country of origin, language, race, political affiliation, sexual preference, visitor or permanent resident...We govern for all with equal opportunity and open doors!
IN PUERTO PENASCO WE TAKE CARE OF TOURISTS, RESIDENTS AND CITIZENS
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"Casita Vista del Mar" does not look like much from the outside, and the inside has lots of stuff covered with dust covers, so it is not too photogenic. But don't let this ugly duckling fool you...a swan is just over the horizon! The house is well-started, but never finished! One huge 24 1/2 x 35 ft. room, with a bathroom, is just begging for your imagination and expertise! Wonderfully located with unobstructed views of the Sea of Cortes, on a quiet street with nearly no traffic, and surrounded by upper-end homes, giving this home an edge from an investment standpoint. Construction is excellent quality, with quality materials, and has been planned to take advantage of the views of the Sea of Cortes. This would be a great purchase for a smart investor! Only $110,000, with owner financing possible! If it were as cute as it could be, the price would be double!
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Today started out with the Sunday morning slowzies. I was congratulating myself for my excellent choice of Mexican coffee beans, when I received a call from the USA asking me to check on a friend who was staying alone at his Cholla home, and who had made a distress call to his wife, also "up north." I shifted into high gear, raced to my friend's home, and found him debilitated by inhalation of noxious fumes. I rushed him to the Santa Fe Clinic & Hospital, located 5 miles away in Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point), and called the clinic from the road to let them know we were on our way. We arrived at about 10:30 a.m. to find the staff awaiting our arrival, and in short order my friend was in the emergency room being examined by a doctor, who communicated in excellent English, while the nursing staff prepared oxygen and took vital signs. After we knew that he was going to recover, I called his wife to tell her the good news, then left my friend resting comfortably around noon. The doctor said that they wanted my friend to stay in the clinic for 6 hours, and they would call me when he was ready to be released. At 3 p.m. the nurse called to tell me not to worry, my friend was much better, but not ready to go home. At 5:30 p.m. my friend called to tell me that someone had stopped by to visit, and he had a ride home. At 6 p.m. my friend bounced by my house to pick up his wallet, which I had taken home with me. What a pleasant end...he looked like his usual self, and said he feels 100%, and was 100% thrilled with the medical care he received. My friend is sure that the staff at the Santa Fe Clinic saved his life. I don't know how much my friend's medical emergency cost him; we will find that out when we return during "normal" business hours tomorrow when he will pay the bill and get a statement to send to his insurance company for reimbursement. Regardless of the cost, who ever heard of waiting less than a minute to be treated in an emergency room on a Sunday morning? Or any day, for that matter? One of the things I love about living in Mexico is that this sort of treatment is standard operating procedure in Mexico's medical facilities!
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Retirement is a serious matter -- your choice of locale will be central to your happiness in your retirement years. Nice weather and ocean views, as well as activities and lifestyle are important considerations as you think about retirement home choices. Unfortunately, for most of us, another important factor is cost. Many Americans and Canadians, even those who have planned carefully and saved consistently for their retirement years, find the constantly soaring costs associated with retirement in the United States or Canada discouraging.
As retirement costs have skyrocketed, often to the point of causing people to postpone full retirement, many citizens of the United States and Canada have looked south, and found in Mexico uniquely appealing and affordable real estate ownership, investment, and retirement options. If you have not considered retiring abroad, we suggest you re-think, and give serious consideration to retirement in Mexico!
Affordable Real Estate: Why spend your retirement years cash poor? Your retirement home needs to be everything you want in a home, but its cost needs to bear an appropriate relationship to your overall assets, allowing you to comfortably afford the leisure activities you have earned. Quality-built Mexican homes are, without a doubt, dramatically less expensive than comparable homes in the United States or Canada. Countless statistics attempt to quantify this, but seeing is believing. There is a high likelihood that those reading this are not located in Puerto Penasco, also known as Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico. We suggest you visit an AMPI brokerage, meet an agent, go shopping, and see how far your money will go in Rocky Point!
Overall Cost of Living: Many daily expenses are far lower in Mexico than in either the United States or Canada. You will find wonderful fresh produce for pennies on the dollar, and here in Puerto Penasco / Rocky Point, exquisite fresh fish and seafood is readily available for a fraction of what you pay in the United States or Canada. Inexpensive meals at lovely seaside restaurants that would cost a fortune in California are the rule. The list is long, and now, notably, includes gasoline, which Mexico -- with its plentiful oil reserves -- has chosen to keep at a stable price throughout the wild price fluctuations experienced by Americans and Canadians in the past several years. In addition, property taxes, even on swank beachside properties, are a fraction of what they would be in the United States and Canada.
Political Stability: Over the past 20 or so years, Mexican leaders have worked hard to achieve political stability. Current President, Felipe Calderon, is a Harvard-educated economist, and a strong believer in open markets. His election in 2006 made him the second president in a row from the PAN "opposition" party to the long-ruling PRI party, and confirms Mexico's status as a healthy and vibrant multi-party democracy. There has long been political consensus across party lines that immigration by retirees is in Mexico's best interests, and as a result, Mexico has long been a "user-friendly" retirement destination for Americans, Canadians, and citizens of the European Union countries. Retirement visas are available with no complications.
Financial Stability: The Mexican peso is a fully convertible currency, is backed up by Mexican assets, which include oil reserves, gold, Euros and US Dollars, and has generally held its value against major world currencies over many years. US Dollar accounts are available from virtually every bank, and major international banks such as ScotiaBank Inverlat, HSBC, Santander Serfin and our close friends at Grupo Financiero Monex (monex.com.mx) provide our friends retiring in Mexico with world-class financial services and account management tools.
Quality Medical Services: Mexico has long been a destination for quality dental care and affordable prescription medications, and Americans and Canadians are now discovering the excellent low-cost medical care that is available in Mexico. Puerto Penasco / Rocky Point is home to a number of excellent and affordable doctors and clinics. It is worth noting that there are medical insurance plans that are specifically designed to cover Americans who do NOT reside in the United States, and these plans are remarkably affordable compared to comparable coverage for those residing in the United States. Many of these insurance plans cover the cost of treatment in the United States if the patient chooses not to be treated in Mexico. A great deal of information about medical insurance for Americans living abroad, as well as online insurance premium estimating tools, can be found at globalinsurancenet.com.
Even if you are 45 years of age or younger, now is a good time to start thinking about retirement. I started this process years ago, and am now a happy owner of a beach home in Cholla Bay. I've encouraged my children to plan early for retirement, because it is never too early to start planning, and while on the one hand retirement may seem years away, on the other it sneaks up, and BOOM! It's here! Regardless of where you are on the road to retirement, some steps can be taken right now. It is never too early to shop for the community and home you know will be perfect for your retirement life. If you can buy, and perhaps even enjoy your retirement home part-time while you are still working, you will be perfectly positioned when that last day of work finally arrives!
For someone planning to retire today in Rocky Point, a property budget from $150K is perfect. Rarely has pricing and availability been kinder to buyers, and there currently exists on the market an abundance of exceptional properties at very competitive prices. If retirement is a few years away, a purchase now is a good idea for planners-ahead, too, even though they will have to wait to move to Mexico full-time. The plan may very well be to buy a home with savings, rent it, and let both rental income and appreciation of the value of the property improve the financial position. Once retirement age is reached, there will be options...move into the retirement home or sell the property and buy a better one!
It could be very useful to know that the strategy of purchasing with intent to rent, and a view to retiring either to that house or to another in the same community, even if that community is in Mexico, is exactly what self-directed IRA real estate investment is designed to facilitate. At our website, www.century21penasco.com, there are a number of articles and resources about buying Mexican real estate with IRA / 401(k) funds, notably "Buying Property in Mexico with Your IRA / 401(k)" by our friend Carl Fischer, Principal & Senior Self-directed IRA Administrator of Entrust CAMA (www.century21penasco.com). Beyond the use of IRA / 401(k) funds to invest in Mexican real estate, Century 21 Sun & Sand also offers a broad spectrum of services and advice for Baby Boomers retiring or planning to soon, such as helping foreigners to Mexico to buy Mexican real estate in their language, help with understanding the process of Mexican real estate purchases, introduction to the community, cultural advice, and "living in Mexico coaching" that will help you to enjoy you new life.
How to find the retirement home of your dreams? The main options are to go online and shop from the comfort of home, or tour the city on your own and chat with realtors and developers, keeping in mind that the agent representing the development works for the developer. These approaches are valid for early research, but when you are ready to seriously look at property with a goal of purchasing, make a point of selecting an agent from a well-known real estate company. Members of AMPI (the Mexican professional real estate organization) are qualified to represent you, and must adhere to the code of ethics for realtors. An expert realtor, with experience in Mexico, as well as expertise with retirement and lifestyle changes, will be able to protect your interests, and help you to choose the property that is truly the right property for you.
The precise completion of the documentation relating to your Mexican real estate purchase is the foundation of your ownership security. An excellent option is a retirement package that integrates a suite of services including bank trust, estate planning, IRA investment structures when required, medical emergency package, immigration processing and other services that you will make your retirement along Mexico's coasts effortless (Wouldn't you rather be at the beach?) and secure your investment for your children and grandchildren.
Many other parts of Mexico, such as Guadalajara, Chapala, Ajijic, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Cuernavaca and Queretaro, have large flourishing retirement communities of non-Mexicans. Each of these vibrant communities offers a distinct lifestyle and unique investment/retirement opportunities, including the option of fee-simple ownership off the coasts. We are experienced in structuring real estate acquisition and retirement planning strategies in these markets, as well as in Puerto Penasco / Rocky Point. Whether you are interested in retiring on or off Mexico's coast, we are always available to answer questions you have about retirement in Mexico: info@century21penasco.com
I am always available to respond personally to questions or comments, and can be easily reached via email at gretchenellinger@century21penasco.com or by phone from the USA and Canada at 602-412-3311.
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Cookies, candy and hot dogs, brought cherished grins from ear to ear to the small 40 faces of local children with jubilant thankful smiles just like Play station, I phone’s and video games do to more fortunate children today across the United States and other parts of the world. Yes, most of us are somewhat spoiled and need to take a moment to realize how small things such as candy or a hot dog can make such an impact. It was Santa Claus In Mexico 27 years ago.  John Fowler, organizer of the Santa Claus Club in Rocky Point, Mexico (Puerto Penasco) started this monumental giving organization to the local community over 27 years ago one Christmas holiday.
In 1981, originally from Natchez, Mississippi this part time Puerto Penasco resident had nothing to do for Christmas and with the help of the current Cholla Bay police chief in 1981, Augustine Leon, they rounded up 40 kids from the local community , invited them into JJ’s Cantina a local hangout along the beautiful Sea of Cortez in Cholla Bay, Rocky Point, Mexico and had a holiday party.
After that first year of 40 kids receiving holiday treats, the rest is history. The Santa Claus Club was organized and two years ago JJ’s Cantina Christmas Club party witnessed over 4500 kids.
From 40 to 4500 kids, Wow, the Santa Claus Club keeps growing each year giving away bicycles, clothes, toys even wheelchairs for children and seniors.
In 2009, with the attendee number so large, John Fowler states “Instead of them coming to us, we go to them, and not just Christmas but on a weekly basis.”
John talks about the thousands of people who live in cardboard boxes in the old town dump, where the sand has blown over. In today’s economy sad stories like this are plentiful but hard to imagine for those of us who are fortunate and have jobs and warm roofs over our head. Living in a cardboard box, with garbage all around, conjures up the movie scene of Slum Dog Millionaire. Yes, to most of us it is just a scene from a film, but sadly enough it is reality to many families. The good news is groups exist that are trying to assist by getting them out of cardboard boxes and into little stucco houses. Also, organizations such as the Santa Claus Club work year round to bring a little Christmas and giving to those in need. Right now, the Santa Claus Club goes out into areas where families live in dire straits to provide items such as clothing, blankets and bicycles.
This year John stresses, the Santa Claus Club “is trying to update ourselves into the real world. “ John who is retired and not familiar with the new technology of the internet and computers states, “It is important people know where the money is going . Now instead of my personal letter every year, we are gathering emails and updating ourselves on the web” As John gets active on the computer he is amazed how fast you can look someone up and get an email address.
Go to www.santaclaus.org. Check out the pictures, check out the statistics and if you have been pondering what to do with used clothing that has been hanging in your closet for a year, (that you never wear) or the used toys, games and bicycles your kids have out grown, here is your solution. Email Santa ClausClub@hotmail.com or call 602-840-1528 in the US or locally Puerto Penasco 382-5141. 100% of your donations go to the families of Puerto Penasco, Mexico.
Basically anything that someone else can use, pass it on, pay it forward, make someone’s holiday. Go to the website www.santaclaus.org contact someone who will get it to the right person and bring a little Santa Claus to those in need year round.
Yes, John, I believe, there is a Santa Claus and he’s visiting Mexico.
More information on visiting Rocky Point, check out the new Rocky Point Tourism and Visitor Assistance .
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All services in place~Revenue Generating
• "Already developed as RV Park-Can Be Converted! " -  MLS® $3,600,000 - Turn Key Opportunity This is a very rare find in the El Mirador area of Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point - EXTRAORDINARY COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY ON THE BEACH! 29,786 square feet of waterfront property, with 232.7 feet of beach frontage on the Sea of Cortez! Already developed as RV park with shower/bathroom & office buildings, electric transformer, and improvements for 19 RV spaces. Could be operated as small business, or cleared and developed. Unlimited opportunity! Property information
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Las Rosas, In Town - Announcing a price reduction on an In Town Home located in the adorable gated community of Las Rosas. This is an immaculate 830 sq. ft., 1 bath, 2 bdrm single story that is "Move In Ready!". This has been reduced to be the best priced unit on the market, NOW is the time to buy this gem! MLS® ONLY $57,500- Terms Available & Cash Discount Available Too! Property information
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The new coastal highway between Puerto Penasco and El Golfo de Santa Clara, and then the new "connector" between the coastal highway and Highway 2, just east of San Luis is my destination. Actually, Yuma to see my friends Kathy and Lee is my destination, but this new route is exciting! I am told it will save an hour and a half from the "usual" route of Puerto Penasco to Sonoita/Lukeville to Gila Bend to Yuma, or the more adventurous route along the treacherous Mexico Highway 2 through the mountains to San Luis. I will cross the border at San Luis, which is a huge border crossing, compared to Lukeville...how long will it take to cross on a Tuesday morning? Quien sabe? I will let you know! I'm wearing my lucky travel dress...an old bib-overall style denim jumper with tons of pockets, which I find useful when traveling. And it is long! If all else fails, I can be modestly covered while making a pit stop in the middle of nowhere. More tomorrow...wishing everyone a great autumn Tuesday!
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Happy Monday! Yesterday afternoon, after work, was filled with friends sharing my beachside patio, delicious carne asada, tortillas, salsas, marinated onions, frijoles, coal-roasted potatoes, beer and CocaCola, rinsing sand off tired children, adults cleaning up in the dark, laughing and chatting in two languages. As I walked the beach along Cholla Bay's beautiful estuary this morning, I was thinking of how my life has changed since moving to Puerto Penasco 6 1/2 years ago. The local people have taught me so much, and the more I learn, the more I want to learn about Mexico! Then I opened up my e-mail to the Penasco Recreation Photo of the Week, and a fun article about Mexican music, which was heard yesterday afternoon, up and down the beach...all different sorts of Mexican music. My teachers are everywhere...thank you, Naomi! The Mexican Sound of Mariachi
by Naomi Black
Strolling Mariachis, dressed in their charro-style ornately embroidered jackets, silver-studded pants, sombrero hat, cowboy boots and playing a variety of instruments, evoke the sum essence of Mexico. Their songs of Mexico speak of love and betrayal, death, machismo, politics and the heroes of the revolutions.
Originally, the music of Mexico was the indigenous sounds of rattles, drums, reed or clay flutes and conch-shell horns. Hundreds of years ago, the Spanish changed all of this with imported instruments.
Mariachi is a melding of many sounds. The violins, trumpets and guitars are all standard European instruments. Add three specifically Mexican instruments: the round-backed guitar called a vihuela, the deep-voiced guitarró and the Mexican folk harp. The concertina or accordion was introduced by German immigrants first to Texas and then into Northern Mexico as they traveled south in search of work in the fields and railroads of Mexico. Another addition was the trumpet which became an integral part of Mariachi music in the 1950's when emerging Jazz and Cuban music further influenced the mariachi. All of these instruments combine in sharply contrasting sounds which are truly the heart and soul of Mexico.
The most common mariachi style is called "son", this rhythmic patterned sound has an African influence although the music clearly originates from Spain. This music was born to be danced to and the distinctive Spanish footwork is intense. One such dance is the zapateado where dancers drive the heels of their boots into the dance-floor, pounding out rhythms which complement the instrumentals. It is said that these dancers can literally reduce a wooden dance floor to splinters because of the force of the dance!
In the 1930's the President of Mexico was hoping to unify the vastly different regions of Mexico with a common culture and to this end he promoted the musical tradition of the Mariachi. Today the national dance of Mexico is the Mexican Hat Dance with its precise movement and unique costumes. It is a dance of the charro (or horseman) of Jalisco state and his beautiful partner who dresses in a traditionally hand-woven shawl and bright sequined skirt.
The 1950's are often called the Golden Age of the Mexican cinema. Romantic films of this period present Mexico as a rugged land of the true charro whose life revolves around his senorita, his hacienda, his tequila and... of course, the mariachi! Today, traditional songs such as Guadalajara, La Paloma, Volver Volver, Cielito Lindo, Besame Mucho and La Bamba continue to captivate listeners with the romance and nostalgia of Old Mexico as they sit intrigued by the strolling mariachi. I couldn't get the wonderful photo to copy with the article; if you e-mail Russ Black at mexicoruss@gmail.com, I'll bet he'll send it to you.
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A friend sent to me an article about moving to Mexico. The author is apparantly not familiar with Puerto Penasco, but many of his points are valid for our area as well as for the areas he discusses. If you would like to read the article, click on this link: http://www.lewrockwell.com/reed/reed74.html
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Good morning from Paradise! Mother Nature is teasing us with October-like weather, and it is wonderful! Cool nights, warm sunny days...and the Sea of Cortez still sports warm temperatures, making this the perfect time of year for a visit to Puerto Penasco! Join us in Cholla Bay to play in the calm waters of the estuary, commonly called the "bay," when the tide is in, and to discover the treasures revealed at low tide. Sand dollar beds, a reef, and tidepools offer up all sorts of curiosities, from baby octopi to deep purple live sand dollars, to be enjoyed and not disturbed, as well as sea shells and white sand dollar skeletons that can be judiciously collected. I have found other interesting non-natural collectibles as well, the best of which was a yellow rubber slicker, which I took home, cleaned with the garden hose, and when dry was as good as new! I gave it to a local fisherman, who was glad to have it! You never know what you'll find in the estuary at low tide! Cholla Bay also offers long stretches of beach to walk and mountain trails to hike, as well as local gathering spots for socializing. We enjoy guests, and hope you will plan a visit soon to our little corner of Paradise!
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Good morning from Paradise! The weather is just beautiful; the remnants of Hurricane Jimena seem to have passed to our south and east, and we are anticipating perfect holiday weekend weather here in Puerto Penasco! If you have not visited Puerto Penasco, or Rocky Point, as many people call our town, consider this an engraved invitation! It is safe, the roads from the USA are good, the beaches are gorgeous, and we await your arrival with open arms! While you are here, visit Cholla Bay, and check out the wonderful resort home, Manzana 69 Lote 2, featured in my photos. It is a charming home, just steps from the beach, with lots of character, and priced at only $159,000! Homes in this price range are often fixer-uppers, but not this one! It is furnished, equipped, well-maintained, and ready for you and your family to start building memories in Paradise! Contact me if you have questions, need directions...or, as many have done this week, want a weather update! I look forward to seeing you! Travel safely, and have a great holiday weekend!
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The price on this darling cottage has been drastically reduced, and someone needs to snap this one up in a hurry! Completely remodeled with the views, attention to detail, and an eye to easy care in mind! Check out the listing for photos and other information, then call about this wonderful property that is bargain priced!
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The owner says, "SELL!!!" so this great lot has been reduced to $48,000! In addition to this really low price, the owner is willing to finance! Rectangular 4,432 square foot lot gently slopes to the northeast...the right building project would afford sunrise views over Cholla's wonderful estuary! Opportunities like this don't come along often...take a close look!
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Palacio del Mar Luxury Waterfront Condominiums are so wonderful that they deserved their own page on my website! That page is finally complete...check it out for information on the very best built, most sensibly priced condominium development in Puerto Penasco. There is an agent on duty just aching to give you a tour of our beautiful model home in Phase II, and our resale opportunities in Phase I. Visit Eloy Lino or Gilberto Nevarez for warm hospitality and an introduction to the most beautiful condos in town! Call them if you need directions to the Mirador, or to get information about the outstanding financing package available...the number is 388-0516 (local in Puerto Penasco) or 480-463-7167 from your US or VOIP phone. Palacio del Mar has 2 and 3-bedroom condominiums for rent! What a perfect location for a vacation...on the beach, and still in walking distance to restaurants, clubs, and convenience stores! Call the friendly staff at Castaways, 388-0099 from Mexico phones or 602-445-6222, to book your vacation at Palacio del Mar! Travel is safe, the weather is gorgeous, all we need are visitors to help us welcome spring...come on down!
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