Chichen Itza – The Largest Archaeological Site in the Yucatan Peninsula

Mexico and the Riviera Maya have so many beautiful and exciting things to do. There are literally thousands of sites to see and places to go. However, if there’s one thing you should do when visiting Mexico, it should be a visit to the world-renowned site of Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza is Mexico’s largest archaeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula including the  Riviera Maya. UNESCO classified this site as a World Heritage Site, and is now considered as one of the New Seven Wonders of The World. With status’ like these, Chichen Itza is a must see for anyone travelling to Mexico.

Numerous ruins encompass the Kukulkan Pyramid in the Archaeological site. This pyramid is the main attraction of Chichen Itza with heights staggering up to 79 feet. Also, the pyramid is perfectly symmetrical, and the ancient Mayan people who once ruled the region built it with immaculate precision.

Chichen Itza is the favorite archaeological site in Mexico for tourists

You can easily reach the archaeological site from surrounding cities such as Cancun, which is around 100 miles away. Chichen Itza is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico, meaning it can get quite busy with crowds. The best time to see it is at opening time in the morning before the tourist buses arrive. Upon arriving, make sure to apply sunscreen, as there is very little shade. As well, bring enough water and wear proper footwear, as you will be doing a lot of walking. With that said, the site is something truly special, with so much beauty, architecture and history surrounding the Mayan culture. It’s a must see on anyone’s bucket-list.

Tourists who visit the site learn so much about the ancient city and the Mayan Culture through a very informative information center; as well as through friendly and knowledgeable tour guides. Tourists can also explore the ruins on their own without a tour guide. The entrance fee is $242 MXN. If you choose to go with a tour it’s not much more and varies in price.

As well, if you are traveling from the popular destinations of Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, there are various tour packages that bring you to the site and surrounding areas. If you’re more adventurous and prefer to site see on your own, you can either rent a car or take the ADO bus from the major cities in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo. Upon arriving, tourists can purchase various souvenirs from the gift shop or from numerous stands amongst the ancient city.

Maya Theme Park in Cancun to Open in 2017

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!

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!

Questionnaire TMRE

Weekend Getaway: Puerto Morelos

The Riviera Maya is a stretch of 80 miles of pristine beaches located just a few miles south of the hustle and bustle of Cancun. This area attracts around 10 million visitors each year and offers luxurious hotels and resorts, as well as a number of theme parks, clubs, shopping malls, and other attractions.

Puerto Morelos is located about 10 miles south of Cancun and about 20 miles north of the beautiful Playa del Carmen and it is one of the best kept secrets and one of the top 25 beaches in the Riviera Maya. Walking on its square and around the town will let you feel the vibe of this small fishing village.

 photo PM2_zpsviiilrqi.jpg

Puerto Morelos: General Information

If you want to stay away from the Cancun crowds, do not forget to visit Puerto Morelos! You can not only enjoy the quiet atmosphere, but also visit the Mesoamerican Reef; which is located only a few meters from the beach.

The main roads have a wide offering on small restaurants, cafes and boutiques; no huge chains or massive hotels. The locals and hotels in the area want to keep it that way, by having strict building restrictions and working together to preserve the little town feeling.

Puerto Morelos: Getting There

By Car:
From Cancun: Get the 307 Federal highway southbound (towards Tulum) and stay on this road for about 10 miles. Once you get to Puerto Morelos you need to take the exit and turn left under the overpass.
By Bus:
You can take the bus straight from the Cancun International Airport; the cost is around $6 USD for a one way ticket. This bus does not go to the town center, but it does go to the highway turnoff into town just 2 kilometers away from the square. From there you can grab a 20 peso taxi or a collectivo to the downtown beach area.

 photo PM_zpskea37gmz.jpg

Puerto Morelos: Things To Do

  • Snorkeling:
    Enjoy the beautiful Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef in the world. There is plenty of local providers offering tours just off the main plaza, for only $25 USD your get the boat ride and all the needed equipment.
  • Diving:
    Enjoy all sorts of diving adventures: there is the reef, caverns and cenotes in the area; ideal for every level and age. Dive Shops are available directly in Puerto Morelos.
  • Sport Fishing:
    The waters off the Puerto Morelos coast have a wide variety of marine species: Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Barracuda, Grouper, Snapper, Snook, Pompano, and more…
  • Ruta de los Cenotes:
    This is a wonderful way to visit many cenotes in a day for a reasonable price. Local run cenotes are open for visitors; enjoy the cool transparent water and the amazing caves, a life changing experience!
  • Alma Libre Bookstore:
    Alma Libre is the Riviera Maya’s best English language new and used bookstore. In this book store you can find regional guide books and maps, as well as books about the
  • indigenous culture, flora and fauna of the region.
    Crococun:
    This is ideal for families, a guided tour to learn more about crocodiles and other native species. Seeing the spider monkeys in the wild is amazing, the kids will love it!

We hope you enjoy your visit to Puerto Morelos and the beautiful beach. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Top Mexico Real Estate is a local American-Owned company that specializes in helping foreigners become homeowners in Mexico. If you are looking for a second home or to retire in paradise, please feel free to contact any of our Top Buyers’ Representatives! Browse our beautiful properties; we are sure you will find your dream home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…
We make it happen!

Weekend Getaway: Bacalar

It’s that time of the week again when you start planning your next weekend getaway. The Riviera Maya is so vast that living in Playa del Carmen doesn’t really give you a great idea of everything there is to see. So this week, we are running away to the Magical Town of Bacalar! Are your bags pack? Let’s go!

How to get there

Bacalar is located approximately a three-hour drive south of Playa del Carmen (four if you’re coming from Cancun). The best way to reach this beautiful town is by renting a car and driving. This allows you to move around Bacalar easily without having to rely on public transport within the town.

Once you have your car, head onto the Federal Highway 307 heading south and following the signs that read “Chetumal”. Once you have passed Felipe Carillo Puerto (where you should definitely stop for breakfast at the market), be on the lookout for signs that read Bacalar. There is no “taking wrong turns” as it is fairly easy and straightforward.

If you are not into driving and would rather be taken, you can take an ADO Bus from the Playa del Carmen terminal, which will take you to the town. It takes approximately 4 hours and costs $240 mxn one-way.

Where to stay

Bacalar is quite a small town, sitting on the edge of a lagoon. Accommodation varies in quality and price, as in any other place on Earth. However, to get the great experience of waking up to the beautiful colors of the lagoon, a hotel by the water’s edge is ideal. You can choose from more rustic, eco-friendly hotels to more modern ones. Don’t expect to find 5-star resorts, as most hotels here are locally owned and have seen better days, but are still charming and comfortable.

 photo bac 2_zps5hf1uo7y.jpg

You should also consider a hotel that has hammocks hanging over the shore! Nothing beats getting up in the morning, enjoying breakfast and just relaxing on a hammock counting the colors in the lagoon.

What to do

Bacalar may be small, but there are plenty of things to do there. Other than just relaxing by the lagoon (which you should definitely put on your list as a priority), you could take a tour to cross the lagoon and possibly see some local wildlife. The lagoon is the second largest fresh water lake in the country, so it’s not something to be overlooked.

 photo Bac_zpsaootsg9y.jpg

For the adventurous bunch, visiting (and eating) the Cenote Azul is a must! This waterhole is 90 meters deep and of an intense navy blue. Nothing can really be seen downwards because of its depth and small amount of light it receives, but there are friendly fish on the surface, an upside down boat to hang around in, and a restaurant serving delicious Yucatan food.

Take a tour to San Felipe Fort. Located in the heart of Bacalar, this small fort has a lot of history. Initially built to fight off pirates, who would come to the town to steal corn, the fort stood up there for years and is now an iconic landmark of the town. You can’t leave without visiting – costs are quite accessible and tours are available all day long.

 photo bac 3_zpsb3paaarp.jpg

Bacalar is not by the ocean, so if you are really looking forward to spending a day at the beach, you should drive down to Mahahual to spend the day. This beautiful town is located approximately a two-hour drive from Bacalar and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

Shopping and eating

As mentioned before, Bacalar is a small town, ran mainly by locals. Restaurants are found throughout with local Mexican and Yucatan food (don’t expect menus in English!). But hey, you are in a country whose cuisine is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, so you surely want to eat some of that deliciousness!

Shopping in Bacalar is quite limited – for the same reason. However, the road to Bacalar will present you with many options for buying tropical fruits, hammocks, carved wooden souvenirs, and much more.

Recommendations

Bacalar is a must see in the Riviera Maya – so make sure you don’t leave without visiting! We recommend a long weekend so you can runaway for a day trip to Mahahual (although that can be a weekend getaway on its own).

Bring cash! Bacalar is a small town and some places might not take credit cards – especially foreign ones. So make sure you have some cash handy to pay any souvenirs, cenote visits, tours, amongst others.

Among other activities you can do in Bacalar is take a stroll through Downtown, the plaza that is directly across from San Felipe Fort, and take in the gorgeous and colorful Caribbean houses. There are also Mayan ruins near Bacalar that you can visit such as Chacchoben.

We recommend you take a translation app or study up your Spanish before visiting. Although most tour guides speak broken English, if you plan on visiting local restaurants or shops, you might find yourself lost in translation.

One weekend comes after the next, and if you’re in search for amazing adventures, check back next week for a new weekend getaway destination!

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned real estate company based in Playa del Carmen. With a focus market of Americans and Canadians, our Top Buyer Representatives are happy to help you relocate to paradise and help you find your paradise home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen! 

Weekend Getaway to Cozumel

Are you looking forward to packing up for the weekend and heading off on an adventure? Head over to Cozumel! This beautiful Caribbean island is full of wonder, life, and amazing things to discover. While it can get quite packed with tourist during high season, it is still enjoyable…especially if you know where to go!

 photo cozumel_zpsy8uhphx9.jpg

How to get there

Transport between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel is reliable, affordable and fun! There are three ferry companies that navigate between the ports: Ultramar, Mexico Waterjets, and now a government-run company. Services run from 5am to 10pm from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, and from 6am to 11pm from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.

Expect to pay approximately $10 usd for a one-way trip.

Where to stay

Cozumel offers beautiful bed and breakfasts, hostels and elegant hotels either very close to the beach, or just on it. Prices range depending on what you are searching for and the season you visit. For example, during the Divers Week in Cozumel (usually during summer) you can find some beautiful 5-star resorts with discounts as many people travel just to go scuba diving. Cozumel real estate also offers options as many owners rent out their property to vacationers.

What to do

Cozumel is one of the favorite diving spots around the world. Because the gorgeous Mesoamerican Reef passes right by, there is an array of marine species to observe. If you’re not into diving, you should at least go on one of the many snorkeling tours. You are certainly going to be surprised by the amazing underwater world.

 photo cozumel 2_zpsvet4hfp9.jpg

There is a secluded snorkeling area known as El Cielo (The Sky). It was named like this due to the outstanding number of starfish that lay on the white sand banks. Unfortunately, many of these starfish are gone due to overfishing and overpopulation of visitors, but you can still manage to see a few more than you would normally.

For those looking for an adventure, renting a cheap car at any of the rental agencies to go around Cozumel should be fairly easy. WARNING: at night certain roads are blocked and very largely signaled, so stay away from these roads.

You can visit Isla Pasión, a small island off the coast of Cozumel. Offering breathtaking views, this private island does not have any hotels or restaurants, and it can only be visited via authorized tour operators during the day. There are no overnight stays at Passion Island.

Shopping and eating

Cozumel’s boulevard is quite popular, lined with stores, bars, restaurants, supermarkets and hotels. Shopping options are endless as vendors offering all types of souvenirs and unique items. If you wonder off the main boulevard street you are sure to find local indigenous women selling small hand made turtles and other quirky things.

 photo cozumel 3_zpsnzqxdbvf.jpg

If you are looking to enjoy delicious meals in Cozumel, your taste buds are in for a party! Cozumel is lined with cute and cozy seafood restaurants, beach clubs serving everything from shrimp ceviche to octopus tacos, and much more. For those craving a typical American meal (hamburgers, and such), you will find a Hard Rock Café and other similar restaurants throughout the island.

Recommendations

Cozumel is a gorgeous island with many things you can do. Even if you plan a strict itinerary, you are sure to wonder off eventually and find something new or different to do. So we recommend bringing cash – especially Mexican pesos, as prices tend to change from USD to the local currency.

Do some research on scuba diving shops before going to Cozumel. The options are endless as it is one of the most popular activities to do, but that doesn’t mean every shop around has great quality or service. Check online before to see what other tourists are saying about the dive shops and find one that suits your budget and what you want to do! If you’re an avid diver and own equipment, we recommend you bring it with you. It’s worth the hassle of carrying it around, as you will save plenty of money from renting out equipment at the shops.

Eat seafood, talk to locals, engage in fun and unusual activities, and enjoy your weekend getaway in the gorgeous island of Cozumel!

Craving for more Weekend Getaway ideas? Check back next week for another one!

Top Mexico Real Estate is a real estate company based in Playa del Carmen, catering to thousands of Americans and Canadians who are searching for the perfect paradise home. If you are planning on relocating to Mexico, feel free to contact one of our Top Buyer Representatives, who will gladly guide you through the process of becoming a homeowner in Mexico!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate

We Make It Happen!

Weekend Getaway to Isla Mujeres

Living in Mexico and looking for the perfect place to escape to for the weekend? Have we got the perfect place where you could spend your weekend: Isla Mujeres! The gorgeous island off the coast of Cancun is home to over 12,000 people who can enjoy views of Cancun when the skies are clear. This small Caribbean island has much to offer to tourists who dare go on a getaway weekend to enjoy a new side of paradise.

 photo Isla Beach_zpscb4vkhhx.jpg

How to Get There

Getting to Isla Mujeres is quite easy. Ferries leave from Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam or Gran Puerto, all located in the Benito Juarez municipality. Ferries depart to and from Isla Mujeres every half an hour from 5 AM to 12 AM from Gran Puerto through Ultramar, but make sure you check schedules prior to your trip so you don’t get stranded on the island for an extra night! The other two companies run at different times, usually once an hour.

You can expect to pay $70 mxn for a one-way ticket, and if you want to cross with a car, moped, bike, or van, you can do so departing from Punta Sam and at an extra cost of $82 to $256 pesos.

Where to Stay

Isla Mujeres is lined with hundreds of gorgeous beach town hotels – from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Additionally, the real estate options are gorgeous and many home owners rent their properties by the day, week or month. Because the island is so small, staying in a condo or hotel in the center is perfect as you can walk or go by golf cart to the beach. If you would rather stay by the beach, the options are endless, also depending on which side of the island you want to stay at. The north part is where the arenales (sand banks) are, creating a beautiful view of white sand and crystal clear blue waters.

 photo Isla Downtown_zpsxjr5msvm.jpg

What to Do

The options of what to do in Isla Mujeres are endless. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the most common activities – you can’t say you went to Isla Mujeres without dipping a toe in the ocean! Amongst the most popular things to do is swimming with the great whale sharks (although this can only be done during Whale Shark Season) and visiting the underwater museum. You can also visit the natural reef park Garrafón, take a tour to visit the best snorkeling spots, go fishing, and much more.

As soon as you step off the ferry, dozens of people will approach you selling their tours. The best thing to do is rent a golf cart to be able to move around the island and discover its amazing nature.

 photo Isla Mujeres_zpsx92cl15o.jpg

Shopping and Eating

There really is no tourist experience without some shopping and fine dining! Isla Mujeres has a great boulevard by the beach offering an array of shopping options. Most shops offer beautiful Mexican crafts such as sarapes, clay art, carved good, paintings, hammocks, typical dresses, shoes, and others. You will also find dive shops, restaurants and jewelry shops.

As to eating, the top recommended places are Mango Café for delicious breakfast, tea and coffee. Lunch can be had at Q’Bravo where enchiladas suizas and guacamole are recommended highly. Additionally, most (note: not all) restaurants in Isla Mujeres are affordable, as is everything in general, compared to Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Recommendations

Isla Mujeres is small but has a lot to offer, so plan out your weekend getaway before getting there so you’re not trying to see it all and end up seeing nothing. Snorkeling and scuba diving tours usually take up quite some time from your day, so if you’re wanting to also explore the island, find the hidden gems, visit the parks and see the local life, you need to organize your times.

Bring money! Although it is more affordable than other places on the Riviera Maya, it is still a highly touristic destination and money will be spent. Whether you’re paying for tours, beers, meals, or just shopping, it’s always better to have money.

Most importantly, remember to be open-minded, enjoy the local laid-back lifestyle and make new friends!

Tune back for another great Weekend Getaway trip next week!

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned company in Playa del Carmen catering to thousands of Americans and Canadians wanting to own property in paradise. Feel free to contact one of our Top Buyer Representatives if you’re interested in purchasing a vacation, retirement or permanent home in Mexico! If you fell in love with the area there are many Isla Mujeres real estate options to choose from.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate

We Make It Happen!