Question 1

Is this an investment or equity?

Accepted Answer

No. Nopalitos Society of Friends is not a real-estate investment, timeshare, or securities offering. This is a private membership license granting recreational use rights only. You are joining a stewardship community — not purchasing property or shares.

Question 2

What exactly am I paying for?

Accepted Answer

Your one-time origination fee secures your long-term use rights to a specific site (Founders & Ashlars) or general access (Stewards, Companions, Seekers). Of every membership fee: 83% funds the sanctuary build-out and preservation, 10% goes to the Nopalitos Community Stewardship Fund, and 7% is a perpetual payment to the original ejidatario family.

Question 3

What is the annual maintenance fee and what does it cover?

Accepted Answer

Founders pay $750/yr, Ashlars pay $450/yr. This covers ongoing upkeep of the entire sanctuary — trails, dock, communal kitchen, common areas, solar infrastructure, caretaking, security, and long-term land preservation.

Question 4

What are the Five Circles of Belonging?

Accepted Answer

Lakeside Founders (5 sites, $35k, 50-year rights), Ashlars (13 stone platforms, $13k, 50-year rights), Stewards (77 members, $1,200/yr), Companions (300 members, $900/yr), and Seekers (unlimited, $95/yr digital membership).

Question 5

What can I build on my site?

Accepted Answer

Founders: a raised wooden deck with a canvas-style tent or cabin only. Ashlars: a removable tent, hammock, or light improvements on the stone platform. No concrete, permanent structures, plumbing, electricity, or enclosed living spaces are allowed on any site.

Question 6

How long does membership last?

Accepted Answer

Founders and Ashlars hold 50-year renewable licenses. Stewards, Companions, and Seekers renew annually.

Question 7

Can I transfer my membership?

Accepted Answer

Founders and Ashlars may transfer once, subject to a 10% administrative fee and approval by the Council. Steward, Companion, and Seeker memberships are non-transferable.

Question 8

Where is Nopalitos located?

Accepted Answer

Laguna Nopalitos is a freshwater lake along the Tulum–Muyil Corridor in Quintana Roo, Mexico — within the community of José María Pino Suárez, 8 km from the new Tulum International Airport, and 3 km from the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Question 9

Is there a payment plan?

Accepted Answer

Founders can pay in full or in 4 quarterly payments of $8,750 at 0% interest. Ashlar origination can also be structured in installments.

Question 10

How do I join?

Accepted Answer

Submit an expression of interest through the Apply form on this site. All memberships require a brief conversation and mutual agreement before acceptance.