Category Archives: Entertainment

Living in Mexico, Your lifesavers in the Riviera Maya!

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Living in Mexico is an amazing opportunity for retirees, since a modest pension in your country of origin can stretch much more if you decide to move south of the border. As the dollar keeps strong against the peso, more and more people are looking to settle and enjoy retirement in this beautiful country.

There are over a million North American retirees living in Mexico full time, and an estimated 50,000 snowbirds that spend part of the year in the country. These numbers keep rising, as the pension system is failing and health insurance prices skyrocket.

The Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations for retirees from all over the world. Some of the reasons that make it such a popular destination are the closeness to North America and the available direct flights to Cancun from almost every main airport.

Once that you have settled in your new life, there are a couple of things that can make your life much easier. Keep in mind that transitioning to your new life is always to have challenges, but a positive attitude and a good sense of humor is the best tool to deal with them.

1.  Get your INAPAM card

If you are a permanent resident in Mexico, you can get your INAPAM Card and get discounts in services, property taxes, museums and cultural events. Your INAPAM card also will allow you to get discounts on buses and airlines tickets; just keep in mind that the number of discounted tickets is limited, so it is important to buy them in advance.

To get your INAPAM Card as a foreigner you will need to present:

  • Either your Migratory Form (FM2, FM3), Carta de Naturalización, Temporary Resident Permit or your passport to verify your identity and age.
  • A bill not older than three months of water, electricity or landline (TELMEX, AXTEL, TELNOR, IZZI, ETC) with your name and Mexican address.
  • 2 “Infantil” size photos.

The modules available in the Riviera Maya are open from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 PM and their locations are listed below.

Isla Mujeres

Address:  Av. Jesús Martínez Ross # 001, Isla Mujeres, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 998 274 04 22

Benito Juárez (CANCUN)

Address:  Región 94 Mz.76 Lt.3, C.P.77500, Benito Juarez, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 998 888 89 21 y 888 89 22

Cozumel

Address: Calle 50 Bis between 3 and 5 Sur, col. Adolfo López Mateos, Cozumel, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 987 872 56 61

Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen & Puerto Aventuras)

Address: Av. 40 Corner with calle 28, Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 984 127 99 12

Tulum

Address: Calle Alfa Sur between avenida Tulum and Sol Poniente, Centro, Tulum, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 983 130 40 55 y 103 22 23

2. Enjoy your local status

Being a local has its perks, most attractions and archeological sites have special prices for locals. It is important to have a photo ID such as your driver license or Migratory Card. If you are resident of Playa del Carmen, there are special discounts at local beach clubs such as Lido, Senzi or Piola; ask for your local discount!

3. Meet your crowd

Living as an expat is much more doable if you make friends, not only you get a support system but also benefit from their experience living in Mexico. There are many activities that can allow you to meet new friends: The Rotary Club, helping in Animal associations such as Coco’s Cat Rescue, joining local Thanksgiving dinners, etc.

So, what do you think? Can you share with us what would be your lifesaver as a retiree living in the Mayan Riviera? We would love to hear your thoughts and comments! Let’s Retire in Mexico looks to share relevant information with retirees living in Mexico, either full time or part time.

Snowbirds are Returning to Playa del Carmen

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It’s that time of year when the snowbirds start to prepare for their return to Playa del Carmen once again. Leaving behind the cold winds, rain and snow and migrate south to the sunny beaches of Playa del Carmen for much fun and well deserved relaxation.

Since your visit last year Playa del Carmen has had some changes to the Fifth Avenue. You will be glad to know that more stores have been added to the La Quinta Alegria Shopping Plaza, and there are several others due to open shortly. Unfortunately, the Body Shop has closed and remains empty right now but we are excited to see what will open next.

If you remember, last year there was a large construction site just a few steps away from the La Quinta Alegria mall, where the famous Calle Corazon used to be. Now there is a modern five story plaza called “Calle Corazon Mall”, where you will find well known retail stores like H&M -which opened one of the largest fashion shops on Fifth Avenue, plus sunglasses, cosmetics and a new Starbucks, and there will be much more to come. Above the shopping area is the upscale Thompson Hotel with 2 rooftop restaurants that are open to the public, the Cinco and Catch Restaurant, here you can enjoy a fabulous meal and some of the best views of the city.

Hopefully some things in Playa del Carmen will not change as we as locals and snow birds enjoy the simpler things too and a big hit with both is Kava Kasa. You will be happy to know that they still have a great yoga lineup and their weekly local market has not changed, you will find your fresh produce there every Tuesday morning. Kava Kasa posts their monthly yoga schedule on their Kava Kasa Facebook page and any other changes that may happen.

You will be happy to know that your favorite bars have not changed and still have their amazing lineups to keep your evenings full of entertainment and happy hours.

If this is your first year coming to Playa del Carmen as a Snowbird, there is a great online community of Expats that are always happy to assist you whether you just can’t find the right ingredient or if you are looking for fun night out.

One of the forums that is very useful is Playa Info, where you can find general information posted from where to find pink lemonade to a lists of the best happy hours in town.

Another very helpful community is the Facebook group Expats & Locals in Playa del Carmen, in this community they cover everything you need to know for daily living in Playa del Carmen and are eager to meet new people, they even arrange nights out which is a great way to meet new people and expand your social group.

Welcome Snowbirds Old and New!

Ideas for Rainy Days

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“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing…” – Billy Connelly

As we all know Playa del Carmen is known for its beautiful white beaches and sunny days. But with the recent storms and with the promise of more upcoming rain a question arises: what is there to do in Playa del Carmen when you can’t be outside? Surprisingly Playa del Carmen still has a lot to offer.

Here in Playa del Carmen there is a number of malls that may not be as big as you are used to in the United States or Canada but are great for an enjoyable way to pass a rainy day.

One of the main malls is Plaza Las Americas, located north of Playa del Carmen has many department stores, a grocery store, Sears and even a Sally’s. For entertainment Plaza Las Americas has a 12 theater cinema with many movies in English to choose from and a small casino and video arcade.

Closer to the center of Playa del Carmen on the highway towards Tulum you will find the Centro Maya mall, this mall is quite small but it does have Mexican known stores, a grocery store and a cinema next to the food court that shows movies in both English and Spanish.

If you are feeling brave and think you can make it shop to shop through the showers the Fifth Avenue has 2 malls, the newest is La Quinta. This 3 level modern mall (partially outdoor) has many well-known shops that include American Eagle, Forever 21, Victoria Secret and brand sport shops plus more.

The second shopping area on the Fifth Avenue, Paseo del Carmen is at the entrance of Playacar Phase 1, the south end of the Fifth Avenue. At this open air mall all of the department stores are next to each other if do need to make a mad dash between showers to get to the next store. This quaint shopping area carries on the cobblestone pavement and is the home to many stores for all ages such as Zara, Diesel, Ultrafemme, jewelry stores and even a Harley Davidson shop.

If you are not in the mood for shopping and the storm has settled why not head to beach with your favorite Starbucks coffee for some easy exercise to listen to the roaring waves come in. While you out for your leisurely stroll you will see many surfers on the beach. As you know this is a highly unusual sighting for Playa del Carmen and this is the only time you will see people surfing since the water is normally calm, but on these rare occasions when the heavy rain comes it also brings these huge amazing waves that surfers cannot help to take advantage of.

In the end we are very lucky here in Playa del Carmen, we have more sun than we do rain so another option is to simply take advantage of this weather. Stay home guilt free with your feet up and catch up on your favorite TV show, start or finish that book you’ve been meaning to read and listen to the rain against your window enjoying a hot cup of coffee or bowl of soup.

Enjoy your time off!

And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…

we make it happen!

Maya Theme Park in Cancun to Open in 2017

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Museo Maya Cancun

A new theme park will soon be added to Cancun next year, dedicated to exploring the world of the Mayans. The ‘Parque Maya’ is a private investment planned to be ready for winter of 2017 with the intention of promoting cultural tourism in the city. Cancun and the Riviera Maya have already had tremendous success with the Xcaret adventure parks, which were named among the world’s best theme parks earlier this year and recently saw the opening of Xenses, a new park on the same grounds, but this new park will be dedicated to promote the cultural tourism in the area.

August 15 will see the laying of the first stone, while work will be expected to take 12 months in order to bring this project to life. “The concept behind it is of the Mayan universe” said Francisco Córdova Lira, an investor of the Park. “We already have all the permissions and licenses to carry out the Park.” He stated that they are currently in the phase of accreditation for a bank loan, although some investments have already been made.

The plan for the park is to have three zones that are united together, including El Rey, archeological ruins that few currently visit but will now be promoted, and the Mayan Museum which opened to the public in 2012. The Park will be located facing the Museum and is designed for visiting families to learn about the Mayan culture and also have fun at the same time. There will be zip lines, rope bridges, along with replicas of relics and Mayan architecture. They will be distributed among the three worlds that make up the Mayan universe.

Getting to this point has come at an investment of approximately 50 million pesos. The development project was submitted twice to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), but due to the lack of appropriate permissions it was put on hold, but will now see the beginning of the construction.

The investors believe that the concept will appeal to tourists, since the Cancun hotel zone will be providing more places of recreation and culture. Given the tremendous success that Xcaret and other adventure park have had in recent years, along with the continued boom in tourism for Cancun and the Riviera Maya in general, the opening is likely to be a big success.

If you’d like more information about Playa del Carmen or are interested in purchasing property here, we invite you to visit our main website where you can search further. Please get in touch with one of our agents who will gladly assist you in any questions you might have.

And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…

we make it happen!

It’s Whale Shark Season!

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Foto: internetFoto: Internet

The whale sharks have returned once again to Quintana Roo. Whale shark season runs from June to September, until the time has come for them to move to their next destination.

In the meantime, you have the chance to live one of the most stunning experiences in life, swimming next to them and being able to see them in their natural environment.

Whale sharks are the largest fish on the planet and with a life span of 70 – 100 years they can reach up to 40 feet long (12 meters) and weigh an average of 5 tons, though larger and heavier have been spotted.

Surprisingly for such a large mammal their mouths are filters feeders, meaning that they cannot bite or chew so their diet consists mostly of plankton which makes them completely harmless to humans.

Related: 10 Interesting Facts About Whale Sharks

In the Yucatan Peninsula you can take advantage of this annual gathering of the whale sharks at Holbox or at Isla Mujeres.

With a past record breaking number of 400 whale sharks arriving off the Yucatan Coast at one time, it’s one of the largest known gathering of whale sharks on record. You are almost guaranteed not to be disappointed.

The Island of Holbox is located on the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon.

This Island is well known for its fishing and rural qualities but every year for the few months the whale sharks appear the little fishing village is bursting with people wanting to welcome the whale sharks back.

It is good to consider that with the new toll way to Merida, you can get to Holbox in 1 hour and 30 minutes, for 90 pesos each way.

Related: 10 Things to Do in Merida

Foto: Internet

Isla Mujeres (Spanish for Island of Women) is approx. 13 kilometers off the Yucatan Peninsula coast with easy access to the Island from Cancun, which makes this island a great day trip for tourists.

Isla Mujeres is usually a quiet place, but with the whale sharks yearly visit this little island of under 13,000 inhabitants is booming during their short visit.

You can find many tour operators located around the tourist areas both in Holbox and Isla Mujeres (or even on-line).

They usually offer boat trips out to spot these amazing creatures or even to take you swimming with the whale sharks, the experienced tour guides and divers have been doing these tours for many years and will be able to give you the best advice when swimming with the largest fish on the earth.

Be sure to shop around to get the best price and value for your money!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

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The Riviera Maya Film Festival is Bilingual!

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Living in Mexico can be a challenge if you don’t speak the language, and this can have an impact in your entertainment options. Even in a town like Playa del Carmen, which has a big expat community and where, in general, it is very easy to move around and communicate in English, most of the times the entertainment and cultural events are targeted towards the local community, leaving you with few options to attend.

An exception for this is the Riviera Maya Film Festival 2016. We have been attending some of the screenings and it’s been very refreshing to see that the movies in Spanish include subtitles in English, while those films in a language different to English or Spanish include subtitles in both languages, making it easy for the expat community to be part of this festival and enjoy the events.

Take a look at the program and feel free to attend these events, knowing that you’ll be able to enjoy the movies.

In Playa del Carmen the events are being held in the Teatro de la Ciudad, Cinemex (movie complex in Centro Maya shopping mall), and some at the beach. There are also events scheduled in Tulum, Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres. If you’re interested in knowing more about the Riviera Maya Film Festival 2016, you can see the full program here.

Besides the availability of English subtitles and the variety of venues and schedules, there’s another very interesting detail about the RMFF: all the events are for free! So all you need to do is to get there on time to be able to get a seat.

Please be aware that both the opening and closing ceremonies are really popular. There’s a red carpet and many guests, usually actors, actresses and directors, both Mexican and non-Mexican attend these ceremonies. If you choose to attend any of these events, consider that even getting there early doesn’t guarantee being able to access the venue. So, unless you have a special pass, we would recommend you not to attend these ceremonies, and just enjoy the regular program.

Check the Riviera Maya Film Festival website to see the details, movie synopsis and much more.

Enjoy the festival!

Now if you want to learn more about property in the Riviera Maya or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our Top Mexico Buyer’s Representatives and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Parque Xenses: Dare your senses in this new theme park

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xenses

Parque Xenses: Dare your senses in this new theme park

 

A great thing about Riviera Maya is the amount of activities you can do; from a walk on the beach to a visit in some awesome archaeological site, this zone has everything you need if natural entertainment it’s your main deal. Another good thing about being in touch with such a natural environment is the incredible fun parks that exists, all of them with tons of different experiences, some of them wild, and some of them more chilled… and yeah, Xenses, the new Park in town has just delivered the news of it’s opening in next June. Get to know what is going to offer.

First thing first, what is Xenses? Is a half-day park with more than 15 activities in scenarios that will challenge your mind. Land, air and water experiences designed to revive your senses and, like the Xenses truly says, “Awaken those you didn’t know you had”. For real. Besides, its half-day mode gives you ideal time to return and enjoy the attractions of Cancun and all Riviera Maya if you’re still in the mood for more action. Xenses will also create some sensorial experiences using a lot of natural elements such as water and the same vegetation that exist in the area, all along with visual effects that will come in handy.

Xenses will be located a few kilometers from Xcaret Park with an extension over 40 hectares and will be built into an area called Rancho Xcaret, but be ready, creators expect to have about 1,500 to 3,000 people per day in their facilities.

Now that you´re sync, here’s what you need in order to have an awesome experience: For any visit, wear a swimsuit, water shoes, comfortable clothing, an extra change of clothes and a towel, believe us, you’ll need it. Use sunscreen and insect repellent, you don’t want to see any surprises when you arrive home. Along with your entrance, you get access to lockers, showers and free parking.

Who can come in? Everyone. The park is designed as a family tour; from little kids to older people who want to feel amazing and new experiences. Xenses will be ready in full summer: June 13th . And if you’re eager to the opening, we highly recommend you to plan a trip and get your things ready for business.

If you are interested in exploring properties in the Riviera Maya contact a Top Mexico Buyers’ Representative today.

We Make It Happen!

Fashion in Tulum, a series of runway shows from May 12th to the 14th

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All this trendy and exclusive fashion runways we see on TV are mostly just that: a show to watch from your comfy home and not really living it… but have you thought about a more natural and wild fashion show situated in one of the best towns in Riviera Maya? Tulum has it, and for its five consecutive year, Fashion Tulum will impress many people from around the world in order to promote this awesome destination from May 12th to the 14th of 2016.

What’s the main goal of the event? Bring people into the city, activate tourism and most of all, build a fashion trendy site out of Tulum and out to the open world. Government tourism area has design not just Fashion Tulum this time, but even more events in order to create a big and great promotion campaign to increase the incentives into this specific industry in the area.

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The state of Quintana Roo has also plans to turn Tulum into a national and international referral in the fashion industry, this way, the whole Riviera Maya can grow even bigger in tourism and society and local business can get the best out of it with thousands of visitors this kind of expos and events can provide.

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Can you imagine? The best models from all around the world along with the top kind of clothes and trends all gathered in just one place for three awesome days… yeah, Tulum. Get your things, start marking this on your calendar and get on with your fanciest clothes, we’re all going to Tulum for an enjoyable fashion event at the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.

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If you are interested in exploring properties in the Riviera Maya contact a Top Mexico Buyers’ Representative today.

We Make It Happen!

BPM Festival: Bigger Than Ever

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With the arrival of the New Year in Playa del Carmen comes one exciting event that attracts thousands of electronic music lovers: the BPM Festival. For the ninth occasion since its launch, this unique electronic music festival returns to the Riviera Maya with a fantastic line up and a lot of promise.

Founded in 2008, the festival has grown into an international gathering of DJs and electronic dance music fans. The festival not only offers an amazing dance music experience, but it also puts you in the perfect winter getaway destination in the picturesque Caribbean coastline.

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The festival runs for ten days straight with a one-of-a-kind musical program full of amazing events and a total of 375 international artists present. According to their website, over 60,000 people from 60 different countries attended the festival last year, and with their ever growing worldwide presence, that number is sure to keep increasing. The festival puts Cancun and Las Vegas to shame.

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The BPM festival puts you in the scenic Riviera Maya where you can also enjoy wonderful touristic recreational activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, visiting ancient Mayan ruins and absorbing the breathtaking natural landscapes of the region. It is the perfect way to kick off the New Year – there is no stopping the party.

Artists such as Yoshitoshi, Luciano & Friends, This is the End and Vatos Locos will be playing for the crowds from January 8th to January 17th. Blue Parrot Beach Club, Canibal Royal, La Santanera, Jungle, Tribeca, La Salsanera, Wah Wah Beach Club and Martina Beach Club will be the official festival venues this year. Tickets can be purchased directly through the BPM Festival website, although only 10-day passes are now available for $929.99 USD.

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Thinking of the Riviera Maya

The BPM Festival is an eco-friendly, green festival. This is something to highlight due to the amount of effort put into the conservation of the Riviera Maya’s ecosystems and nature. Attendees are asked to lend a hand in the keeping of the beaches and venues by picking up after themselves. “Green Team Stations” will be installed in all their venues to facilitate recycling. In 2015, they collected 185 tons of non-recyclable waste and 4,755 kg of recyclables.

Additionally, this year they are introducing a new BPM crest which spotlights the Black Jaguar (or panther) in an effort to raise awareness of its endangered status.

Join the thousands of artists, music fans, tourists and locals for a 10-day festival in paradise. The BPM has been successful since 2008 and plans on continuing its expansion putting the Riviera Maya in the world’s spotlight.

Top Mexico Real Estate can help you find your holiday accommodation for the BPM Festival. Contact one of our Top Buyer Representatives who will gladly guide you through the purchasing in Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya, or all of Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

New Year’s in Playa del Carmen

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We have quickly approached that time of the year when everyone is wondering where the time has gone. The end of December if fast arriving and soon we will be saying goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016.

The popular tourist destination of Playa del Carmen is soon to be swarmed by thousands of tourists and locals alike wanting to give a good farewell to the year in paradise. Who can blame them, really? There is no place like the Riviera Maya for a good meal, a good party, a good time and an amazing location to start the New Year.

Whether you have already landed or are just about to hop on a flight to this gorgeous beach town, here is a list of things you can expect to do to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

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Fine Dining

Playa del Carmen is many things, but it certainly is nothing short of hosting an array of amazing and finger-sucking, delicious restaurants. Whether you want to spend your last day of the year eating Mexican, Italian, French, or a mixture of different culinary styles, you are sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

Go big or go home: Fifth Avenue is known for featuring restaurants upon restaurants serving delicious New Year’s meals. This is your chance to spur a little on the cash for an amazing meal and a night to remember.

Heads up: reserving a table a few days in advance is mandatory if you want to secure a place. Remember that thousands of tourists flock south at this time of year and restaurants are sure to sell out.

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Party ‘till the sun comes up

It is no secret that Playa del Carmen is giving Cancun a run for its money when it comes to the party scene. Year long, people visit from around the world to experience the amazing nightlife that this paradisiac coastal town has to offer. Many people have said that Coco Bongo, one of the biggest and most famous nightclubs in the Riviera Maya, puts Las Vegas nightlife to shame. There is nothing like celebrating New Year’s here.

Coco Bongo throws one heck of a party for $150 USD; if you are not too keen on paying too much, you can always head to one of the smaller (and significantly cheaper) bars and clubs on 12th street. Either way, you are sure to have the night of your life.

Heads up: Even though Playa del Carmen has an amazing nightlife, it’s quite limited to 12th Street. This means that the area will be overcrowded and clubs might be hard to get into if you arrive late. Be patient and go with the flow.

Beachin’ it

It is a common thing to celebrate the arrival of the New Year by the beach. Many beach clubs, such as Zenzi Beach Club, Fusion or Canibal Royal, host special New Year’s Eve dinners right on the beach with live music, party favors and a chilled crowd. Places such as Canibal Royal will bring on international DJs to set the music mood, as well.

After dinner and welcoming the New Year, head out to one of the public beaches to witness the first sunrise of the year. The sun will light up the gorgeous Caribbean Ocean for the first time in 2016.

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Coincidance Beach Festival 

From December 30th to January 2nd, the Coincidance Beach Festival will feature international DJs for an electronic goodbye to the old year. On the 31st, at Coco Maya, you will be able to dance the night away to DJs such as Robert Babicz and Harold Tellez, amongst many others.

The four-day pass is available for $165 USD and it will be hosted in La Santanera, Coco Maya, Reina Roja and SacBe Jungle.

There are hundreds of options to celebrate New Year’s Eve in this beautiful paradise beach town. Be sure not to miss out on any of them, because this is a unique life experience. Happy New Year from the Top Mexico Real Estate team!

 

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned real estate company catering to Americans and Canadians looking to relocate to the Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico. Browse through our thousands of property options and contact one of our Top Buyer Representatives who will gladly guide you in the journey to becoming a homeowner in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!