I will be in Guadalajara again in September looking for retirement properties. I want to get away from the Gringo areas (not that there is anything wrong with Gringos, I am one myself). So I think a good topographical map of the Lake Chapala area is called for.
Something like the USGS maps in the US.
Where can I get such a thing?
Is this what you are looking for?
I think the equivalent to USGS is “Instituto Nacional de Estadistica, Geografia e Informatica”
I went down there about 5 years ago as a friend was thinking of retiring down there. Not a bad looking lake. Not well developed, at least back then.
There was a fellow who had lived in the area, Guadalajara, for many years who gave seminars about living in Mexico. Covered banking, medical care, housing and all that stuff. I don’t remember the details, but I can try and find out if you like.
But as you’ve been before you might know of him and have all the information.
Mike your link did not work, could you PM me with it again?
Gary, not to worry. I am a pretty old hand in Latin America and Mexico pretty well caters to retired Americans.
I found the USGA store. Many thanks, I am not sure if their map is exactly what I want, but it is the best thing I have found yet and will order it.
Then why didn’t you just say “American” or “white”?
grin·go
n. Offensive Slang
Used as a disparaging term for a foreigner in Latin America, especially an American or English person.
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company.
Have a little too much free time on my hands today.
This is more in line with what you are looking for 1:50,000 quads.
Mexicomaps
Not so, or maybe only in the USA. Here in Mexico, I’m a gringo and I know it.
Paul, I think the largest expat American community in the world is in Guadalajara, at least I’ve heard that. Maybe Colima would be more your style, and then you’re close to the ocean (Manzanillo) and close to Guadalajara.
Yep, the “Mexico Maps” site sells INEGI topo maps (as mentioned, the USGS equivalent in Mexico. I’m sure there is an INEGI office/store in Guadalajara. In fact, there is a small but well-stocked one right in Mexico City Int’l Airport, in the line of shops just between the airline counters and the taxi stands).
If you really want some good hiking in Jalisco state, I’d recommend the undeveloped but gorgeous Sierra Manatlan Biosphere Reserve. Oak-forested highlands, etc. Link: http://www.odi.org.uk/tropics/projects/3230.htm
Why use ‘Gringo?’ Because I have never used it as, nor considered it, an offensive term. ‘Jankee’ is more likely to used as curse word in Latin America (although Mexico God knows is remarkably different).
Why not use ‘White?’ Obviously, because the term does not describe Americans and Canadians.
Sorry to cause offense. It was certainly not intended.