Author Archives: Bea Lozano

Thanksgiving in the Riviera Maya: 3 Great Ideas for a Wonderful Dinner

Posted on by

If you happen to be in the Riviera Maya during the holidays and are planning on having a nice thanksgiving celebration you have different choices available. Mexico is the number one destination for North American  tourists and the hospitality business is always looking to accommodate to the needs and tastes of our visitors.Whether you want to have dinner in a nice restaurant, use a catering service or prepare your dinner yourself there are plenty of options to choose from. Below are some of our recommendations.

Thanksgiving in the Riviera Maya: Five Star Dinner in a Resort

Hyatt Playa del Carmen
+52 984 875 1234 ext 5077
https://playadelcarmen.grand.hyatt.com/ photo cdp_7994rs_zpscg3dbz5i.jpg

Start the holidays with the right food, enjoy a delicious dinner in the recently opened Hyatt Hotel in the Riviera Maya. This hotel is located in the heart of Playa del Carmen at the corner of the famous 5th avenue and 26th street.

Their traditional Thanksgiving dinner will be held on the 26th of November from 6:00 – 10:00 PM in “La Cocina Restaurant”. The cost per person is going to be $650 MXN Pesos (about 40 USD).

Enjoy your Thanksgiving in Paradise, and make sure to visit the shopping area within the hotel and have a look at their 150mts stretch of beach. Wow!

Thanksgiving in the Riviera Maya: Enjoy Traditions in a Local Restaurant

Carboncitos
4th St. & 5th Ave.
Reservations: info@carboncitosplaya.com.mx
+52  (984) 873-1382

photo menu1_zpsfjc2ufrt.jpgIf you are not fond of crowds and want to have a formal dinner then a Thanksgiving feast at Carboncitos is a good idea. This restaurant is part of El Cielo Hotel in Playa del Carmen and has been been awarded the TripAdvisor Excellence award for 5 years in a row. It´s a quaint option for those looking for privacy and superb service.

This Thanksgiving they will have a seated three course dinner beginning at 5 p.m and ending at 11 p.m. Keep in mind that this is a popular place and last year they ran out of food in a couple of hours, so reservations are encouraged.

Thanksgiving in the Riviera Maya: make your own traditional dinner

The Riviera Maya has a huge expat community and you will likely find most of the ingredients for your dinner in any local supermarket. Soriana and Chedraui have a big selection of imported items and ideally you start start buying up ingredients with plenty of time. Keep in mind that the chances of finding a turkey, green beans, potatoes, and other fresh ingredients are high. If you are looking for a particular brand of stuffing, canned pumpkin or other specific imported goods you might not be as successful. Keep an open mind and enjoy everything the Riviera Maya has to offer.

You can also add your own twist and add new traditions to your family dinner, after all there is a huge offer of tropical fruits and Mexican delicacies, so use your creativity. Let us know if you are planning to visit one of our suggested restaurants or you have somewhere different in mind. We would love to know!

If you like this post, please follow our blog. If you are looking for the ideal property to retire in Mexico please visit our sponsor’s website. Top Mexico Real Estate is a local American-owned company, with a decade experience helping foreigners become homeowners in Mexico.

Rainy Day in Playa del Carmen Got You Down?

Posted on by

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.

photo boy-looking-out-window-in-the-rain_zpsizpguoi0.jpg

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.

photo img079_zpsjcsf7p7e.jpg

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.

photo rio-secreto_zpsg5uamajv.jpg

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.

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen!

World Travel Awards 2015: The Best of Tourism in Mexico

Posted on by

Every year, the winners of the World Travel Awards are chosen by a jury of international experts who cast their votes to select those destinations and tourism service providers. On the 22nd edition of these prestigious awards, Mexico’s leader destinations and providers have been favored as nominees and winners.

This is no coincidence, considering that Mexico occupies a solid 10th position among the most popular tourist destinations worldwide. Only in 2014, more than 24 million tourists visited our beautiful country; generating a gross income of more than $10 billion dollars.

If you want to know more about these awards, we invite you to see the list of winners.
photo Sin tiacutetulo_zpsiyphfxu5.png

World Travel Awards Winners in the Mexico and Central America Region:

Mexico & Central America’s Leading Airport Hotel Hilton Mexico City Airport, Mexico
Mexico & Central America’s Leading All Inclusive Resort Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
Mexico & Central America’s Leading Beach Resort Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa, Mexico
Mexico & Central America’s Leading Hotel Suite The Grand Penthouse Suite @ Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
Mexico & Central America’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre Cancun Center, Cancun, Mexico
Mexico & Central America’s Leading Nature Reserve Rio Secreto, Mexico
Mexico & Central America’s Leading New Hotel Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen Resort, Mexico
Mexico & Central America’s Leading Resort Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, Mexico
Mexico & Central America’s Leading Tourist Board Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau

World Travel Awards: Mexico Winners

Mexico’s Leading All Inclusive Resort Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Mexico’s Leading Beach Destination Cancun
Mexico’s Leading Beach Resort Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto
Mexico’s Leading Boutique Hotel Hacienda de San Antonio
Mexico’s Leading Business Hotel Hilton Mexico City Reforma
Mexico’s Leading Destination Cancun
Mexico’s Leading Family Resort Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Mexico’s Leading Hotel The Ritz-Carlton Cancun
Mexico’s Leading Hotel Residences Esperanza, An Auberge Resort
Mexico’s Leading Hotel Suite Bret Michaels Rock Star Suite @ Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Mexico’s Leading Resort Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita
Mexico’s Leading Spa Resort Banyan Tree Mayakoba

photo cancun beach_zpsfqeclhcg.jpeg

International awards such as these, allow Mexico to remain in the spotlight as a leading world tourist destination. This is the perfect showcase for the wonderful destinations and hospitality services that can be found in this beautiful country.

If you want to know more about these awards, we invite you to visit the World Travel Awards website and learn more about the best travel destinations within Mexico and the world. If you have visited any of the destinations or have enjoyed the services offered by the winners, please let us know about your experience!

If you like this article, please follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our blog.

Weekend Getaway: Bacalar

Posted on by

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! 

Mexico Living: Organic Gardens

Posted on by

If you are living on Mexico then you know the organic food movement has been going strong for quite a few years, there is a strong desire in people to go back to basics when it comes to their nourishment. If you visit the local supermarkets, there is a lack of organic produce which is pushing locals living in Mexico to look for new ways to produce their own organic food.

Organic farming integrates cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers are not allowed, although certain organically approved pesticides may be used under limited conditions. In general, organic foods are also not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.

photo Depositphotos_27804177_original 1_zpsakcwa854.jpg

Moce Yax Cuxtal is a local NGO that has been working in the Riviera for many years, protecting Native Trees, creating beautiful organic gardens for businesses and individuals and educating people to produce their own food at home. The goal of Moce Yax Cuxtal is to promote the creation of urban gardens where families can get their fruits and vegetables, thus contributing to the decrease in spending and environmental impact.

Guadalupe de la Rosa, president of Moce Yax Cuxtal and workshop facilitator, is offering an aromatic herbs workshop, which will allow you to grow and reproduce herbs like rosemary, basil, mint, cilantro and lemongrass. The workshop will also include tips on organic pest control, drying and conserving your herbs and so much more.

The workshop will be taught on Saturdays in September from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at their garden, located on 35th Avenue between 28th and 30th in Gonzalo Guerrero. These and other courses are offered year-round, so feel free to contact the Moce Yax Cuxtal members and ask for more information.

Moce Yax Cuxtal
(984) 115 4490 Lupita
(984) 804 7088 Laura

Or visit their facebook page /grupomoce to keep posted on their latest courses and events.

If you care for the planet we are sure you would also love Holistika, a sustainable development in the Mayan Riviera. Holistika is located in the beautiful town of Tulum, a few blocks away from the beach and surrounded by mangrove and the jungle.

photo 4494-8c7826b759600e4004657b19b53771ab_zpssi0fbcul.jpg

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.

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen!

Playa del Carmen: Family friendly Things to do on a Rainy Day

Posted on by

Most families who have a condo in Playa del Carmen come to enjoy the sun and the beach. Having a rainy day can be bothersome for most expats, but for kids can be extremely difficult to miss out the fun at the beach.

Luckily Playa del Carmen is much more that a beach town, and we have listed some of the activities you can do with your kids or grandkids here in Playa del Carmen, to keep everyone happy and sane!!

  1. Visit the Xel-ha archeological site: If the rain is not too intense, this archeological site is ideal for a family adventure. Located 44 km south of Playa del Carmen and 9 km north of the archaeological site of Tulum, on the main highway Cancun-Tulum, this is an ideal area to explore with children, climbing up most buildings is allowed and the site is not heavily visited or too big for the kids to get tired.

Please note this is not the park but the archeological zone, located on the right side of the road when you are driving towards Tulum, there is an entrance fee is only 43 pesos ($3 USD) and it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. everyday.

If you want you could challenge your kids and organize a rally, taking photographs of different elements or let them do their own findings. You could also hide tokens or candy chocolate coins and let your kids enjoy their own Indiana Jones adventure.

  1. Enjoy a Game day: A quick visit to your local supermarket will allow you to get enough classic games for several days of fun. The supermarket will have cards and other games like monopoly, operation or scrabble and don’t forget to grab some game day snacks. Go to your condos club house and enjoy hours of family fun in the game room.

photo BH63H8_2424732b_zpsvggfslka.jpg

  1. Arrange a cooking class: Most condos have a concierge, ask your concierge if it is possible to arrange a cooking class for the whole family, either a family favorite such as pizza or a local recipe with lots of mashing like guacamole and chips. See your kids smiling happy faces as they devourer their master piece.
  1. Visit the local movie theater: Let the kids choose a movie and enjoy some buttery popcorn, both local shopping malls have a good sized movie theater and offer a coffee shop for tired parents.

photo Cinema-Playa-del-Carmen_zpsr833ac0g.jpg

  1. Take the kids to a Play Zone: They are located in the shopping mall, let your kids have some pesos and let them play ancient videogames. Most of the games are so old they might be a novelty for your children.
  1. Or think ahead and bring your own game system: Mexico customs will let you bring a used gaming system in without any hassle. Have a relaxed evening, your kids can play video games and you can indulge in a quiet glass of wine on the balcony.

photo pe0071639_zpsnlxje1e9.jpg

We hope you enjoy your time in your beautiful Playa del Carmen condo, but the reality is that during low season (hurricane season) rain can happen and it can last for days. If you are traveling with children it is wise to plan ahead and have a few tricks up your sleeve.

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.

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen!

Viva Mexico: The Story Behind El Grito

Posted on by

Thanks to misplaced advertising and a lack of general knowledge, many people around the world believe that the Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on May 5th, or more commonly known as Cinco de Mayo. However, the battle for independence actually started on the 16th of September of 1810 and has been celebrated on that date ever since. It ended on September 27th of 1821, but El Grito is given on the 16th. Let’s rewind a couple of centuries and start at the beginning.

As many know, Mexico was under Spanish ruling for 300 years after Hernán Cortés and his men invaded the lands, ridding themselves of the ancient colonies and building cities that resembled Spain. For years and years, Indians, creoles and mestizos were regarded as nobodies and were never appointed to any important colonial positions, unable to do anything about their status.

After Spain was invaded by Napoleon, Mexicans found strength and belief in making themselves an independent land once again. Armies of Mexican rebels started to arm and rise against the Spanish government that had cast a shadow over their land for centuries.

Mestizos and Indians throughout the country planned conspiracies to bring down the Spanish government; one by one, however, were discovered and the leaders harshly punished. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a progressive priest, along with Royal Army officer Ignacio Allende, had planned to start the insurrection against Spain on October 2nd, 1810.

However, as Spanish officials started rounding up those who were to stand against them, Hidalgo heard they were soon coming for him. Instead of going into hiding or surrendering, he took to the town of Dolores on the morning of September 16th and announced that he was going to take up arms against Spain. He issued a famous speech that is still repeated today by every President, and it has come to be known as El Grito (the cry). It took very little convincing and soon he had an army with which to march into Mexico City.

photo grito_de_dolores2_zpseuq7naal.jpg

It was not long before he and his army found themselves at the doorstep of the city, but he mysteriously retreated and left the army in the hands of Allende. In 1811, they were both capture and killed. It looked as if hope had died with them, but the passion and anger within the armies that had risen was not over yet, and new leaders stood up in the fight for independence. José María Morelos fought until his death in 1815, and Vicente Guerrero took his place, continuing to fight until 1821.

photo batalla-puebla-gran-1515037_zpsc5mqdlpk.jpg

On September 27th, 1821, Agustín de Iturbide, a royal officer, granted the liberation of Mexico, thus signing over the independence. Funnily, in Mexico they celebrate the beginning, when Hidalgo rose, rather than the actual signing of independence.

Every year, Mexicans around the world gather in celebration to hear and give the cry, el Grito, in a very traditional manner. Everyone dresses in green, white and red, representing the colors of the flag. Amongst the typical dishes to be made and eaten are chiles en nogada and pozole, all accompanied by tequila and beers. Families and friends gather around the television on September 15th at 11pm precisely to hear the President in turn give El Grito.

photo mexico_independence_zpszlsxzfnf.jpg

“¡Vivan los héroes que nos dieron patria! ¡Viva Hidalgo! ¡Viva Morelos! ¡Viva Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez! ¡Viva Allende! ¡Viva Aldama y Matamoros! ¡Viva la Independencia Nacional! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!” goes the cry, followed the ringing of the bell to commemorate the day. Everyone repeats “viva” after each phrase.

Music, dancing, traditional food, and plenty of partying go around throughout the night. September 16th is celebrated with parades throughout the streets with the military, never allowing anyone to forget the lives lost for a free and sovereign state.

Viva Mexico!

Summer Reads: Top Mexico’s Picks!

Posted on by

Reading is simply one of the greatest pleasures in life. There are so many new characters to meet, so many new adventures to go on, and so many places to visit without ever leaving the comfort of your (beach) chair. Going off to the beach offers plenty of time to dive into the wonderful world of words and imagination.

The problem is always the same: summer reads, what should I read this summer? With millions of books being printed year after year, it’s almost impossible to decide what to read next! Spending a week (or more for some!) at the beach gives anyone plenty of time to eat through one or two books. You know, those types of books you can’t let go of.

photo book_zpsnzttzwf7.jpg

Here at Top Mexico we took our top picks for what to read at the beach this year! We know tastes vary, but hey, you can always try something new:

For the Thriller Seeker

Title: The Girl on the Train
Author: Paula Hawkins
Synopsis: Rachel, a 32-year old alcoholic, witnesses shocking events on a train she takes daily to hide her unemployment from her roommate. With nothing to do, and constantly being drunk, she decides to discover the story behind the disappearance of a pregnant girl named Megan.

For the Romantic One

Title: A Lady of Good Family
Author: Jeanne Mackin
Synopsis: This story takes place in 1930s New England, where one of the first female landscape artists, Beatrix, meets a handsome young man by chance and is forced to face between being an architect or indulging in romance.

For the One Looking for an Adventure

Title: The Shadow of the Wind
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Synopsis: Daniel, a young boy in Barcelona, sets out to find the author – Julian Carax – of a book he loves only to find that Carax’s other books are being destroyed by unknown people. Daniel, and his friend Fermin, get caught up in an exciting adventure to find the whereabouts of this author and find out what is going on.

For the Lovers of Strong Reinventing Women

Title: A Window Opens
Author: Elisabeth Egan
Synopsis: When her husband quits his job, Alice is forced to be the breadwinner at home. As a book lover, she is happy to take a job at a company that aims to revolutionize reading. However, this causes strains both in her work and personal life as she looks to reinvent herself.

For the Science Fiction Aficionado

Title: The Martian
Author: Andy Weir
Synopsis: Mark Watney, a NASA astronaut, gets stranded on Mars after his crew is forced to evacuate due to dust storms. Not allowing himself to give up, and using his engineering skills, he sets off to face all the obstacles.

For the One Looking for a Laugh

Title: Mona in the Promise Land
Author: Gish Jen
Synopsis: In 1968, Mona and her parents move to New York. The story follows her hilarious chronicles into fitting in and figuring out who she is. Although it is comically written, her story, questions and adventures leave you thinking long afterwards.

For the Ones Looking for Hope

Title: A Master Plan for Rescue
Author: Janis Cooke Newman
Synopsis: A man who loses his love and a child who loses his parents meet in WW2 years. Their combined grief pushes them to share the stories of those they have lost and do something memorable that can bring them back, even if it is just in their memories.

Have you decided which one to read? All these books – and many more out there – will have you tanning at the beach, beer in hand, not letting go of them for a second. If you finish one, move onto the next! Enjoy these summer reads. Happy reading!

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned company catering to Americans and Canadians looking to relocate to Mexico. If you are considering moving – whether for vacation or permanently – the paradise, feel free to contact one of our Top Buyer Representatives. Their expertise and willingness to help will make your process of purchasing a property in Mexico much easier.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Should you purchase Medical Insurance in Mexico or back home?

Posted on by

Whether you are traveling or living in Mexico, it is highly advisable (almost compulsory) that you purchase medical insurance to cover you in case of anything. Given the fact that Mexican social security is a) hard to obtain as a foreigner (unless you have full immigrant residency status), and b) not necessarily top of the line treatment – sometimes lacking in doctors or equipment – it is an intelligent choice to cover yourself privately.

photo Health_zpsbmpuoqyj.jpg

Given the circumstance of needing health care in Mexico, you will be able to use private hospitals, private physicians or clinics without having to crack your head open about the costs. Although medical insurance in Mexico is significantly more economic than in the United States, for example, private health care can sum up to the thousands of dollars if you are involved in an accident or suffer from a serious illness.

Mexico offers a plethora of insurance companies that thrive in the country offering coverage for you and your family for monthly premiums. Depending on how much you are willing to pay determines the type of plan and how much coverage you get. Additionally, factors such as age, pre-existing conditions or past accidents determine whether you will have to pay more, or if you get insured at all.

Underwriters tend to look at family history and treat a family as a single unit, when in reality each member is an individual and should therefore be covered for their personal needs. Make sure you check which companies offer this type of service so that you ensure the best possible coverage for your family.

But the question remains. Should you purchase your medical insurance in Mexico or in your country of origin? As mentioned above, Mexico has a wide array of big insurance companies (ING, GNP, MetLife, Axxa) that offer different plans depending on your needs and the amount of time you are insuring yourself for, whether you are a national or a foreigner. The easiest way to go about it is by checking and comparing. Check the companies back in your country of origin (costs, small print, benefits, cons, amount of time it covers you outside your home country) and compare it to the companies in Mexico. At the end of the day, you get to pick what you feel most comfortable with.

photo medical-insurance_zpsobxwcdvr.jpg

Although, as stated, health care in Mexico is cheaper than in the United States – a visit to a private doctor may cost up to $45 USD – the buildup in case of needing medical attention can take a toll on your budget. If you accommodate your budget to include either a monthly premium or an annual, life-long payment, you will end up saving thousands of dollars in the long run. Remember that where there are tourists, there are higher prices – and the medical industry is not left out.

Insurance companies cover more than checkups and accidents. Dental, maternity care, ophthalmologists and dermatologists, are some of the services that are included as well. Some even include – or have the option of purchasing for an extra cost – repatriation in the event of a life-threatening accident or death. Ask around to make sure you can also purchase additional guests when it comes to caring for health. Some companies will cover the plane tickets of someone back home so they can join you after an important surgery or accident.

photo Health insurance_zps3lhya3v8.jpg

For those who visit Mexico regularly but do not live in Mexico full time, purchasing short-term medical insurance or purchasing one that works for both the United States and Mexico is ideal. Again, shopping around the industry is the best guaranteed way to find what suits you.

A short-term medical policy, such as IMG Patriot Insurance offer plans for as little as a week’s holiday. Usually, these are geared towards travelers and offer the “no questions asked” plans, but again, it all depends on your personal situation.

Purchasing insurance in Mexico is an easy task and it will be considerably more economic than in the United States in the long run. If you are a full-time permanent resident of this beautiful country, I recommend you go for one of the abovementioned Mexican insurance companies to take care of you.

If you have any questions about Mexican health care, insurance companies, or the pros and cons of investing in health insurance in Mexico, feel free to contact us. Additionally, for those looking for a paradise vacation – or otherwise – home, our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives are more than glad to help you through the process of becoming a homeowner in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Mexico Health Care Kit

The Perfect Meal: Best Spots for Lunch in Playa del Carmen

Posted on by

During my time on Earth I have met plenty of people who have claimed they do not eat breakfast. I’ve heard hundreds of others mutter that they would rather skip dinner and avoid being bloated before going to bed. However, not once in my life, have I come across someone who proclaimed they “don’t do lunch”. Sure, whatever, breakfast thinks it’s the most important meal of the day (it actually is, so don’t skip it), but who would ever say no to lunch?

Lunch means many things. It means that the time of the day when you can take a break from work or the hectic day has come. It represents freedom and everything in between. Lunch is that time of day when your brain can shut off and your senses can awaken. Ah, lunch, you are precious.

Because lunch is obviously delicious and important, I have set out to find the best spots to have a delicious and satisfying meal in the gorgeous town of Playa del Carmen. Are you ready?

Here are my Top 5 favorite restaurants to have lunch in Playa del Carmen!

1. Frutiyogurth

There isn’t much to say about this place except that it’s delicious! Located right in the heart of Playa del Carmen, this place is economic and serves rather healthy but amazing food. Salads, sandwiches, soups, eggs, and even chilaquiles, all with a special touch! The best part? Accompanying your meal with a delicious natural fruit frappe. I’m getting hungry!

2. Fruta Madre

This exotic restaurant is quite new in Playa del Carmen but has already captivated our hearts (and palates). You can choose between refreshing fruit sushi, hearty salads and even vegetarian burgers! It is located right outside Playacar where 10th Avenue starts. This is Mexican and Italian cuisine with a twist.

photo Fruta Madre_zpsi5y9grlw.jpg

3. Los Aguachiles

This restaurant is quite famous – and perfectly located! Playa del Carmen is a fishing town and fish restaurants are everywhere. However, Los Aguachiles has something about it that keeps you coming back. Whether you’re having a delicious shrimp cocktail or some fish tacos, thinking of this place will have you drooling!

photo Los Aguachiles_zps6c7fcyyl.jpg

4. Cheester’s

This pasta restaurant is nowhere near the touristy area but completely worth a visit. Their motto is that if you’re sitting across someone you are not allowed to use your cellphone, which is great for sharing with friends! Their plates are huge and worth splitting between two (and sometimes even three) people. Whether you’ve chosen one of their famous pastas or are going for a chic salad, this place will not disappoint.

photo Cheesterrsquos_zpstpadupdd.jpg

5. Plank

And of course, we couldn’t forget the king of brunch! This chic restaurant offers a variety of brunch options, from omelets to molletes and chicken enchiladas (yum!). This restaurant is nothing but a mixture of saliva-producing tastes that will leave you wanting more and more.

My tummy is growling just from writing about my top five lunch (and brunch) favorites! Which ones are yours? Go ahead and give these a try, you will not regret it. Remember, everybody loves lunch, so call up an old friend and head over to a new restaurant every week.

If you like breakfast here are the best places to have breakfast at in Playa del Carmen.

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-based company, leader in its field throughout the Riviera Maya. IF you’re looking to invest in a vacation or retirement home in the paradisiac Caribbean, contact us! Our Top Buyer Representatives are readily available to guide you through the process of becoming a homeowner in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!