One of the best things about the Riviera Maya is that there is something for everybody! If you prefer quiet relaxation on the beach, you can find a spot on the unending miles of pristine white-sand beaches. Continue reading
Rainy day in Playa del Carmen got you down? Are you setting in your Playa del Carmen condo starring out the window watching the rain come down wishing you could go to the beach? Fear not there are many things you could do in the rain. One of the most popular destinations for rainy days is an underground tour at Rio Secreto. This natural reserve is located 15 minutes south from downtown Playa del Carmen and it is a fantastic adventure for anyone wanting to learn more about the Mayan Riviera.
Rio secreto offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit one of the thousands of underground rivers that lay under the Yucatan Peninsula. What makes Rio Secreto different is the fact that the routes used for tours have semi-flooded caves, while the vast majority of the caves of the peninsula are flooded.
Exploring a semi-flooded cave means that you will not need to be a certified cave diver to see the stalactites and stalagmites, and discover the secrets of its petrified coral reef. You can walk and swim the underground river and discover more about the geological and cultural history of the Yucatan.
Rio Secreto is a place surrounded by jungle, as they pride themselves on being a natural reserve; the only in its kind in the Peninsula. Once you get to the entrance there will be a van to take you inside of the reserve, this is a 15 minutes ride on a bumpy road. A lot of people complain about the road, but opting for the dirt road allows rainwater to replenish the underground rivers, the only source of fresh water for Playa del Carmen.
Once you get to the base, you will be provided with a wetsuit, life jacket, helmet with a special lamp and water shoes. It is important to follow the guide’s instruction like, leave your belongings a locker, and make sure to visit the restroom and use the shower to wash any chemicals that might be on your body and in your hair.
There will be a short walk through the jungle where you will arrive at the caves entrance. Mayans consider caves and sinkholes to be a passage into the underground world or “Xibalba”, so a Mayan shaman performs a ceremony to cleanse the visitors before entering this place.
Inside you will be in a labyrinth full of geological formations, thousands of stalactites and stalagmites as well as pristine water. The cave is very fragile and it is important to keep your hands away from the formations, as any misstep can cause damage.
After about an hour and a half you emerge on the other side, tired and hungry. A buffet full of Mayan food is ready for you to enjoy.
So if you are starring out your Playa del Carmen condo window wondering what to do remember Rio secreto is a wonderful activity on rainy day! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Now if you have any question of this or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed in Playa Del Carmen, The Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our TOP MEXICO EXPERT SALES TEAM and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.
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July of 2015 is giving people from Solidaridad (one of the ten municipalities that make up the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, home to Playa del Carmen) many reasons to celebrate. Twenty-two years ago, on the 28th of July in 1993, the small entity of Solidaridad was founded by the decree of the State Congress. Today, it boasts with tourism, beautiful beaches, residents, and a lifestyle to envy! Just like any young child, Solidaridad has grown to become something amazing full of life, history, culture, art, gastronomy, and much more.
In celebration of this 22nd anniversary, the Municipal President of Solidaridad, Mauricio Góngora Escalante, will officially inaugurate the long awaited City Theater. The theater will host an array of culture and artistic activities for its opening night and for the celebration of the 22nd year of Solidaridad.
For the next couple of days, the municipality has put together a program that represents the growth and strength of Solidaridad, highlighting that the harmony and living of its citizens and authorities is steadily moving forward, creating a better environment.
The great celebration will bring families together; joyful for the celebration of the place they call home and for finally having the artistic stage that had been missing to make Playa del Carmen a fully cultural place. $650,000 USD was invested in the building of the City Theater, with an amazing display of activities and the presence of political figures.
From July 30th to August 2nd, residents and visitors of the municipality will enjoy a great variety of cultural activities. Amongst them, the Quintana Roo Symphony Orchestra, the hilarious Vagina Monologues, a great Ballet Gala with the State Dance Company, and the presentation of the play The Witch and the Witch Doctor which originally opened in the famous art and culture Cervantino Festival.
The theater will become a permanent home to the hundreds of artists that already call Playa del Carmen “casa”, such as poets, actors, artists, musicians, and more. Although it is not a huge theater – only hosting 780 spectators – this space will provide Playa del Carmen with the opportunity to place itself on the artists’ map. Cancun is home to the Cancun Theater were plays from around Mexico, concerts, and big events were held.
Playa del Carmen is giving Cancun a run for its money thanks to the growing interest in this beautiful part of the Riviera Maya. Hopefully the Theater will become an important cultural reference for Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Related: Cirque du Soleil Tumbles Into The Mayan Riviera
Mark your calendars, because this weekend will be busy with art, music, theater, and more! Raise your glasses for Solidaridad and the amazing growth it has witnessed in its short life.
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And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…
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Hello Playa del Carmen and welcome to this sunny beautiful day on the most beautiful beaches of the Caribbean! Some of us have been a little down with the rainy cold days in Playa, but now those days are just a far away memory!
The sun is out and Playa del Carmen beaches are back in action!
Have your morning coffee or breakfast outside! If you have a backyard or terrace at your home in Playa del Carmen, start your day relaxing and reading the morning paper with the natural sunlight. If you don’t have a space to relax at your home, go to Starbucks or Ah Cacao and enjoy your outdoor brew while you watch the people roam the 5th Avenue!
Take a walk! Maybe it can be on the 5th Avenue, in your neighborhood, on the beach or at a local park! If you have own a pet in Playa del Carmen, this is the perfect time to take your dog for a good long walk! Remember, they too have been stuck indoors waiting for the rain to go away!
Go to the beach! The sun is inviting us to come and play! We have all been waiting for the perfect beach day to come along! So go ahead! The local Playa del Carmen beach clubs are sure to be offering drink and food specials all day long!
Enjoy lunch outside! Whether you pack yourself a picnic for the beach, or hit up your favorite restaurant, eating outdoors can fill your tummy while boosting your endorphins, making you a little bit more likely to smile today!
Grab an afternoon fresh fruit refreshment! Since the temperatures are rising, our bodies are asking us for a little extra hydration and nutrients. You can always find all natural juices, smoothies and fresh fruits wherever you go!
Do a little outdoor shopping! In the late afternoon, while it’s still light out, take a leisurely stroll down the 5th Avenue! Even if you won’t buy, it’s still ok to look!
As the sun is going down you can head back to the beach! While the sun does not set on the ocean in Playa del Carmen, it still creates a beautiful colorful affect in the sky over the incredible turquoise sea.
Talk about perfect day outdoors in Playa del Carmen! Enjoy the sunshine and beautiful temperatures everyone!