COVID-19?
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We want to reassure all of our guests that all of our staff have completed a series of classes regarding precautionary practices and sanitary measures in view of the C-19 pandemic. Mexico went the extra mile with training for food service staff, as well as housekeeping, providing 12 hours of classroom instruction for the combined two course.
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Club Pilotos de Mexico…in the beginning

After ten years of renovation, restoration and expansion, Hacienda de los Santos opened for business as a boutique luxury hotel. In 1999, Jim and Nancy Swickard were at the Alamos Airport to meet two new guests.  Upon landing a smiling Sandy Houston opened the door of the Citation CJ-2.   She had just completed her first flight with a newly issued ticket from the FAA for her jet rating.    Her husband Sam, then exited and we began a friendship that lasted until his death in 2010.   That evening in the Hacienda Cantina the topic came up about making the resort a haven for General Aviation pilots.  We all gave a toast to the idea and inaugurated ‘Club Pilotos de Mexico’ with Sam Houston as member #1 and Sandy as #2.  In 2011 we realized that we have grown from two members to more than 500 and in 2023 over 800 members of which more than 500 are active.  The U.S. has the most members, followed by Canada, Mexico, Australia, France, Denmark, England and two from China.

The concept of having the aviation market being the primary focus of our efforts ultimately would include upgrading the airport and having exclusive events for pilots. Gradually the concept developed until today we now have a first class jet capable airport (thanks to the help of the Mexican government rating includes Falcon 20 & Lear 45), a fully fenced airport and extended runway (thanks to the local Alamos pilots who donated funds for land acquisition and more than a mile of chain link fence), a twelve aircraft capacity hangar all in a Spanish Colonial motif.  There is paved ramp parking which as of 2022 is about $200 Pesos a night.  No night operations or fuel is available, however at CEN (52nm) both Jet A and 100LL 52.

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The catalyst of the ‘Club’, and it’s positive effect of increased tourism for the village, further prompted the local government to beautify the airport entrance with landscaping and a fountain, as well as the construction of a tower for Unicom service.   The ‘new’ Alamos Police Department is adjacent to the airport and as well from a security standpoint, the tower building is occupied 24/7 and the military visits the airport during random hours to make spot checks. The use of the local airport has enhanced the exposure of the village to a greater number of people within the Republic, including TV and movie celebrities, filming companies and Mexicans from throughout the country.  In 2008, Alamos and Hacienda de los Santos^®, were chosen as the site for the National Governor’s Conference, of course, with every Governor arriving at the Alamos Airport.  We learned at that event the capacity of the two paved ramps at 65 aircraft. In 2010, the AFAC (Mexico’s FAA) changed the rating for the runway from a King Air 200 to include the Falcon 20 and Lear 45.  In 2018, the State of Sonora, upgraded the runway with a seven layer seal coat, taking the surface back to a ‘better than new’ condition.

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In a spirit of fun, the requirements for pilot membership were conceived with levity. Only three actions are required of each pilot: (a.)  The PIC must be able to navigate to Alamos, Sonora, Mexico ( b.)  The PIC must make a safe landing on either Runway ‘31’ or ‘13’.(c.) The PIC, and passenger(s) must stay at the AAA Four Diamond rated Hacienda de los Santos^® Resort & Spa.

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After meeting these requirements, the PIC (Co-pilots do not qualify) will become a lifetime member in ‘Club Pilotos de Mexico’. Annual dues are less than one Peso, however annual pilgrimages, by air, are expected by the staff of Hacienda de los Santos^®.

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As of 2023, more than 800 pilots have been given the complimentary ‘Capitan’ cap, (pronounced Ca-Chu-Cha) in Spanish, as well as special pricing for aviation events and regular visits. All ‘Piloto’ members will receive complimentary parking in the Hacienda hangar (singles & light twins only, on a space available basis) and complimentary ground transportation to and from the resort (advanced notification is required).

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Urique Canyon View

Countless pilots have contacted Jim for their first flight into Mexican airspace all arriving at XALA or MM-45 with wide smiles on their faces. After reading the information on this web site he encourages you to contact him by email (sorry no phone calls) at  jnswick@aol.com , if you have any questions.
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For details about the award winning Hacienda de los Santos Resort & Spa, visit www.haciendadelossantos.com. In 2021 alone, the resort was awarded:
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AAA Four Diamond Award more than 23 Consecutive Years!
U.S. News & World Reports, “Best Hotel in Northern Mexico”
Trip Advisor, “Top 25 Hotels in Mexico” (#3), “Top Small Hotel in Mexico” (#1)
Conde Nast Traveler, ‘Winner in Mexico’ (Top 25 Hotels)
Historic Hotels Worldwide, ‘Winner of the Americas’, South America, Central America, Mexico & Canada. Also in 2022, ‘Most Magnificent Art Collections of 25 Hotels of the World’ by HHW>

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As you will discover, Hacienda de los Santos^® is much more than a hotel, it is an experience.

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