Happy Holidays From Los Congos!

Los Congos Update

The entrance of December brings an end (or at least a slow down) of the "green" season. This year's rain counts are the highest in many years, perhaps in several decades. With all of this precipitation comes an extremely healthy forest and eco-system as well as a handful of problems. All in all though the benefits far outweigh the challenges and we are very happy to have had the rain this season; the laguna, and Nicaragua as a whole, really needed it. Laguna levels are high, the flora and fauna are thriving and our outlook for the coming "dry" season is good.

Major news this month comes not at Los Congos itself but from surrounding areas...

Roads Baby... Lots of Them!

The main road from Granada, heading south towards Nandaime and connecting to the Pan American Highway, is being completely redone! This is the main access road from Granada to Los Congos as well as San Juan del Sur and Costa Rica. The physical work has begun and the construction crews are making incredible progress. This road improvement project is not simply a repair job. The contract has called for complete removal of the existing road to create a new, wider roadway from the base up. The contractor, Llansa Engineering, has purchased a special piece of equipment that is removing the entire existing road surface to be re-used as the new road base. Once the removal is complete the crews come in and repair any necessary portions of the ground itself and establish a new base composed of the old road materials that have been processed with the new equipment. This is a nice example of recycling! Once this new base has been graded, the new, wider road is ready for the new coat of asphalt. Total construction time for this project is expected to last for 5 to 6 months.

This news is well received in Granada and for those traveling south to San Juan del Sur, Costa Rica and other beach areas such as Tola, Rancho Santana and Hacienda Iguana. Another section of major road repair is the stretch of road connecting the Pan American Highway at La Virgen to San Juan del Sur. This work is also underway and is also being completed by Llansa Engineering. When finished, these two road projects are expected to shave 20 to 30 minutes off the drive time between Granada and San Juan del Sur! Now we need the government to put out the bid for the road from the Carretera Masaya in Masaya to Guanacaste (the route over the mountain connecting the Pueblos Blancos) and we will have an incredible road network for the entire Masaya / Granada region. Rumor has it that this bid will be prepared in the very near term, some suggest as part of the Millennium Challenge pledged by the USA.

A Facelift for Diria... Preparing for the Future and for Increased Tourism

Anyone traveling through Diria over the past couple of months has seen plenty of construction going on in and around the pueblo. Due to the increased exposure and attention Diria is garnering from the Los Congos project they are working closely with foreign and local contributors to improve their town and prepare for the certain increase in tourism in the coming years. The municipality and city counsel have been planning improvements over the past year and have begun to perform the initial work.

The main focus at this point in time is in repairing and improving the access and entrances into Diria. A new "main entrance" has been completed within the past 4 months complete with a 15' tall statue of San Pedro, Diria's patron saint. This entrance road is possibly the most attractive and functional in all of the Pueblos Blancos. Other projects of note include the restoration of the main church in Diria, which was originally constructed in 1650. This church has many unique features including statuary not found elsewhere in Nicaragua and the truly colonial design. The church is adjacent to the central park, which is also getting a complete overhaul and facelift. The central park is the center of the action in any Nicaraguan town and Diria is doing an incredible job in making their park more attractive to visitors and residents alike. The major contributors for these projects are Diriangens (the name given to residents of Diria - descendants of Chief Diriangen who bravely held off the Spanish longer than any other group in Nicaragua) who currently reside in Miami and New York City.

Improvements affecting Los Congos directly are being made to the "mirador" (panoramic viewpoint) overlooking Laguna de Apoyo. This mirador is also the entrance to Los Congos. New parking areas have been constructed as well as sidewalks and much more attractive viewing areas. The aim is to clean up and improve this "gateway" to Los Congos for residents and visitors alike. Also underway are improvements to the various restaurants and bars and they are building a playground for children. New signage, landscaping and other smaller improvements will follow. The views from the mirador are spectacular so making this place a little more safe, convenient and attractive will do wonders for the local economy.

MARENA - The Saga Continues...

As of the moment this newsletter is being written we still do not have our full permissions from MARENA, the environmental arm of the government. We are awaiting this final piece of paper in order to begin our "heavy" work within Los Congos. Our delays are not based on technical or regulatory issues but now on local politics and a major "shake-up" within MARENA itself. Changes seem to occur within MARENA every passing week - recently we have witnessed the removal of the General Secretary and the Vice Minister, two of the three top positions within the Ministry. The reasons for their removal and replacement are not concrete but seem to be based in local political engagement and allowing minority opinion to sway their support in varying ways.

These changes affect us as we are at the tail end of our approval process, which requires "signing off" by the heads of the various departments within MARENA. So with each change comes a delay in getting our approvals. We are not alone! MARENA is responsible for delaying more than 20 major development projects in Nicaragua with many more in the pipeline! The government is pledging to do something about it and Pro-Nicaragua, an investor relations agency within the administration, is supporting Los Congos and other major projects in their attempts to move past these bureaucratic snags. This is a tedious and frustrating endeavor but we stay focused and we are very confident that we will have our full permissions in the near term - all things are pointing this way.

Happy Holidays!

We here at Los Congos would like to wish you a very safe and happy holiday season. The holidays here in Nicaragua are a celebration, though not quite as theatrical and "over the top" as it is in the States, and time is spent with friends and family. We will have many hours of "bombas" - fireworks with all the noise and none of the pretty visual displays - over the course of the month. We will also have processions for the Saints in the various towns and cities. But above everything else we will have Nicaragua at possibly the best time of the year. The weather in December is much cooler (I actually have blankets on my bed!) and everything is still a vibrant green. The flowers and orchids are beginning to bloom, the animals are having babies and most people enter into a time of celebration and reflection. As we take this time to spend with our loved ones we are also beginning to reflect back on the past year. Though circumstances have been frustrating and difficult at times we still have a clear direction of where we are heading in the coming months and years and we have a lot to be thankful for. I was told when I was young that "nothing worthwhile is ever easy" and we know that our work here is very worthwhile so we keep trudging forth into the future, despite our challenges and setbacks.

We want to thank everyone for their support and their participation in our very exciting project and we want to invite you back for a visit, Nicaragua is improving on a weekly basis and you will be in store for many surprises. In addition we want to express our wishes that you will think of others that are less fortunate during this holiday time. Proyecto Laguna is making incredible changes in the lives of children in Diria, they need your support so please read the information below on how you can make an impact in a child's life. We are very proud to be a part of their work because we see the improvements each and every week and we are certain that you will take great pride in knowing that a little of your hard earned cash can make a huge impact in child's life. This is the season of giving after all, right?

Take care and stay in touch.

J. Finch - Laguna, SA - Developer of Los Congos

*CLOSURE NOTICE - Our offices will close for the holidays from Dec. 22 through Jan.1

Ownership & Investment Opportunities

Laguna Vistas - Los Congos' Latest Offering - Spectacular Views & Easy Laguna Access

*Note - "I spent over 2 hours walking these lots over the past week, preparing for an upcoming investment tour. I want to say personally that these lots are absolutely stunning. If you are considering purchasing land in Nicaragua you will be hard-pressed to find a better value, setting or location than these building sites. Truly and utterly spectacular!" - Jeffrey Finch, Developer of Los Congos

We have recently released a new section of laguna view properties that is called "Laguna Vistas". As the name implies these lots offer incredible, wide, sweeping views of Laguna de Apoyo and the surrounding forests. This section offers direct access off of the main all-weather road and is positioned in an area that captures nice breezes all year long. Accessing the beach and laguna from these lots is simple via road or trail system. Each building lot contains nice trees and this section is bounded on all sides by private nature preserve including several trailheads. There are only 6 of these lots available and they will be snatched up quickly so act now! These gorgeous building lots average 1/2 acre in size and begin at $89,900

Laguna Vistas Highlights & Details

- Building Lots Average 2000 m2 (+/- 1/2 acre)
- Spectacular Laguna de Apoyo & Jungle Views
- Easy & Direct Road Access - Near Entrance to Los Congos
- Newly Established Organic Fruit Orchard Directly Adjacent
- Private & Secure Location With Year Round Breezes
- Building Sites Primarily Level and / or Easy to Build
- Monkey Corridor & Exotic Bird Habitat Adjacent
- Easy Laguna de Apoyo & Shoreline Access
- Possible Owner Financing Purchase Options
- Only 6 Building Lots Available - They Will Not Last
- Priced from $89,900 - An Excellent Price

The Laguna Vistas section is the first phase of lots to be released in the area of Los Congos named "San Primo". This western section of the property offers great sunrises and consistent year round breezes. Several natural springs are located very close to this section of the property and this brings in all kinds of wildlife including many exotic birds, large green iguanas and everyone's favorite - Congos (Howler Monkeys). These animals can be witnessed year round. In addition a newly established organic fruit orchard sits within a 5 minute stroll from any of these incredible lots.

Investing in Los Congos is an excellent value and a secure purchase. This is an early-in opportunity to buy into Phase 1 of a newly established development, which has been deemed by some government agencies as the most important tourism based project within Nicaragua. Quality property on Laguna de Apoyo is extremely rare, this is your opportunity to purchase something this is in high demand and inventory is dwindling. Contact Us to arrange a showing or to make your reservation deposit. Photos, location maps and surveys are available upon request. As an added incentive Owner Financing may be available on select lots to qualified purchasers - ask your representative about this option.

Contact Us for more information, to arrange a showing or to reserve your property:

Email >>> sales@loscongos.com

US & Canada Dial Phone >>> 1.804.915.9630 - rings in Nicaragua

US Toll Free Phone >>> 1.800.959.6422 - from US only, rings in Nicaragua

International Phone >>> 011.505.552.3405

Web Site >>> www.loscongos.com

* For your convenience we can now arrange Los Congos purchase closings within the USA, ask one of our representatives for more information.

Help Improve a Child's Future - Proyecto Laguna

Sponsor a Child or Make a Donation - Great Gift Options!

Proyecto Laguna is a community outreach program focused on improving the lives of nearly 800 children in Diria (with hopes to expand to more children in the future). We are happy to report that the program is finding success and their hard work is paying great dividends in the lives of these incredible children. The project is a constant work in progress and the dedicated team at Proyecto Laguna stays focused on their goals through unwavering effort. We at Los Congos are very proud to support this project and we hope that you will as well. These children need your help and every dollar you can find to donate will make a direct impact in improving the lives of children in Diria.

One very important consideration in making any charitable donation is to ensure that your money is actually getting to those in need. When it comes to Proyecto Laguna we know that 100% of every dollar goes directly to fund programs to help these deserving children perform better in school, live healthier and improve their lives. Proyecto Laguna's overhead costs are covered by private businesses and contributors, this is to ensure that every donation dollar gets used to it's greatest capacity. So when making your contribution to this very good cause you can enjoy the comfort of knowing that absolutely all of it goes to help the children, every cent.

Charitable Donations Make Excellent Gifts!

I know in my family we get sucked into the holiday shopping frenzy and end up buying gifts for people who do not need or want for anything. Many years we actually just end up exchanging gift cards! This is ridiculous, especially when our loved ones will get great satisfaction in knowing that a donation to Proyecto Laguna, in their name, will make such an incredible impact on a child's life. This year my wife and I are purchasing Sponsor a Child donations for every member of our family - in lieu of gifts. We know that our families will enjoy this much more than another gift card and hopefully it will start a chain reaction by creating more exposure to this great outreach program. Uncle Frank does not need any more long underwear, trust me!

How Do You Sponsor a Child and What Are the Details?

You can Sponsor a Child for $100 per year! Yes, this is the correct number! For $100 per year per child, made in the form of a one time donation, you will provide all of the needs of one child to attend school, receive the services of a school nurse and assist in the funding to provide clean drinking water to their school and community. What will $100 get you at the mall? Not much these days, not even for Uncle Frank.

For your contribution, you, or your gift recipient, will receive a picture of the sponsored child and a letter written by the child stating his or her goals and some information about their family and their lives. It is presented in a professional format that you, or your gift recipient, can display and enjoy. We know from our experience that the gifts we have given in this fashion have become the central topics in the homes of our loved ones, especially our grand parents! You can also choose whether you want a boy or a girl to sponsor, general age range or even an entire family group of brothers and sisters - this is our favorite method. Just make a note when you donate and the staff at Proyecto Laguna will accommodate you.

The Sponsor a Child program is also a wonderful and easy way to teach children about helping others - it is easy for them to comprehend and understand when they can actually see a picture of the child they are helping and to be involved in the process and share in the joy that comes from helping those less fortunate than themselves. Sure kids want Transformers, iPods and video games but also consider giving them the opportunity to learn that this time of year is also a time to focus on others and to share what we have. My personal experience has really opened my eyes, I never gave my children enough credit to truly empathize with other children in these situations and now helping these kids is as big a part of their lives as it is mine.

Making a donation or Sponsoring a Child is very easy. You can click on the >>DONATE NOW<< link here or below or you can visit the Proyecto Laguna web site by using the links. You can also donate by check if you prefer but please contact Proyecto Laguna beforehand for instructions. Large donations can be made using electronic wire transfer as well but again please contact Proyecto Laguna for complete information.

We urge you to help Proyecto Laguna! Your donation can change a life and give a child a fair chance at success in the future through better education and a healthier being. We ask you to give generously and often!

Life is difficult enough on it's own, now imagine life on less than US $60 per month per family - let's give these children a fighting chance for a better future by keeping them healthy and in school!

Web Site >>> www.proyectolaguna.com

Contact Proyecto Laguna directly via email:

Email >>> info@proyectolaguna.com

Flora & Fauna at Los Congos & Laguna de Apoyo

December Flora & Fauna Update

It has been over a year since we put our no hunting policies into practice at Los Congos. The local hunters (they are not "bad" people really - just uninformed) are respecting our policies for the most part and this program is finding much success.

Possibly the most dramatic effect of the hunting ban has been the increased presence of "venado" or deer at Los Congos. Deer in Nicaragua are not as common as they are in the US and Canada. They are smaller in size and require specific areas in which to thrive, Laguna de Apoyo is one of those areas, but numbers had been reduced in recent years as a result of hunting pressure. The deer sightings have become much more common and it seems that their shyness is subsiding. In the recent past only "dear sign" and bedding areas could be seen but now our employees report physical deer sightings each week. They also report that the deer are not so quick to flee and they are more relaxed and therefore stick around. This scenario will only get better and in the future we may be able to see deer from our patios.

It is the time of year for baby monkeys! This past Saturday we witnessed a combined family group of over 40 Howler Monkeys at the site of the future Los Congos Resort & Spa. This is a good area for viewing these creatures. In the group we counted 8 babies - 2 of which could not have been more than a few days old. Monkey sightings are generally a daily occurrence at Los Congos and these new additions to the groups make for exciting, and often loud, displays of vocal protection on the part of the male group leaders.

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