Author Archives: Thomas Lloyd

5 Sports Bar to Watch NFL Games in Playa del Carmen

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Steelers will come face to face against Super Bowl champion, New England Patriots, to kick off the NFL season on September 10th. This promises to be an exciting season as teams from the East to the West, the North to the South, and everything in between fight for the ultimate title. Regardless of what team you are rooting for, we are all equally excited about the season kicking off! Football season is here and there are several sports bars where you can watch NFL games in Playa del Carmen!

If you’re living or traveling in Playa del Carmen during football season, you need to know where to go cheer for your team. Without further ado, here are five sports bars that you can watch NFL games in Playa del Carmen at – because who doesn’t enjoy chicken wings, draft beer and football?

1. Wah Wah Beach Bar

This sports bar is an all-time favorite among American expats residing in Playa del Carmen. It is the only sports bar throughout the city on the beach, so that is nothing but a win-win situation, regardless of the final score. Food is delicious, drinks are endless, and the environment is fun, fun, fun. With a huge stage (for music performances), 4 big flat screens and a projector, there is no better way to enjoy NFL, or any sport for that matter.

Location: 2nd Street North and the beach

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2. End Zone (or EZ Bar)

Another favorite among expats and locals alike, EZ Bar is a unique, down-to-earth sports bar in the heart of Playa del Carmen. There are screens for everyone, often playing more than one game. The backroom projection is always showing the most important game. Drinks and food are relatively cheap and delicious. EZ bar has customers all day long, so make sure to arrive earlier if you want to get a good seat for the NFL game!

Location: 5th Avenue between 12th and 14th Streets

3. Legends Sports Bar

Eight HD screens and a projector decorate this fun and lively sports bar. Legends offers an extensive finger-licking menu (hot dogs, burgers, hot wings), and don’t forget their wide array of beer options. This sports bar is up to date with all sports and is more often than not showing the most popular games around; so make sure to check what they will be playing before heading there.

Location: 16th Street between 5th and 10th Avenue

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4. McCarthy’s Irish Pub

This Irish pub recently opened its doors in Playa del Carmen, but comes from an extensive family of pubs around Mexico. Famous for its live music weekends, it never forgets its sports fans. Their motto “eat, drink, be Irish” could easily be interpreted as “eat, drink, and come watch sports”. Again, like many sports bars, they will be playing the popular game, so make sure you know what you are going to go watch!

Location: 5th Avenue corner with 22nd Street

5. Tequila Barrel

For some American expats this bar can be “too American”, but it certainly is unique when it comes to sports. An inside air-conditioned room with a huge screen and betting machines are the perfect scenario for sports fanatics. Football, air-con, friends, delicious American food, beer, and an overall exhilarating ambiance make this place a fun sports bar. You can’t go wrong in Tequila Barrel. Now if you’re going for cheap, head to one of the above mentioned bars.

Location: 5th Avenue between 10th and 12th Streets

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There is still a month left until kick off, but if you’re a true sports fan you’re already planning your calendar and social events around your team’s scheduled games! Now you know where to go watch the games if you’re looking for entertainment and a little bit of rivalry! Happy football season!

Top Mexico Real Estate is a leading real estate website selling properties in the Riviera Maya and throughout Mexico. If you’re looking to enjoy every NFL season for the rest of your life in paradise (which you really should be thinking about), then contact one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives! They will gladly guide you through the process of purchasing real estate and possibly engage in NFL talk with you.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Xcacel Beach

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Beach #1 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Xcacel Beach

This is one of our staff’s favorite beaches, and number #1 in our list of Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya. Xcacel is a popular beach among locals, but a hard to find gem for tourists and people that are unfamiliar with the area.

If you are looking for a party beach full of comforts, forget about Xcacel Beach! This place is far away from the crowds. Instead you will find sand, sun and coconut trees in one of the most secluded beaches in the Mayan Riviera.

Xcacel Beach is a nature reserve protected by the federal government because it is one of the most important turtle nesting sites in Mexico. The reserve was established in 1998, with the objective of preserving the nesting areas of the loggerhead and green turtle.

This reserve covers about 90 acres of pristine jungle, mangrove, cenotes and coral reefs, and it is one of the few beaches in the Riviera without major constructions. Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, sunbath on the soft white sands and enjoy the sound of the waves and the breeze swaying the coconut trees.

photo Xcalcel Beach_zpsfamo97g3.jpg Xcacel Beach: Getting There

Getting to Xcacel Beachcan be a little bit tricky as it is not signaled on the road. It is located between Pueblo Chemuyil and Xel-Ha. There is one small sign, so keep your eyes open for a dirt road going to the beach.

If you are coming from Cancun, take the 307 federal highway and start looking for the sign by the road on the left hand side, you need to make a u-turn and drive back a few feet to get to the entrance of Xcacel Beach.

Xcacel Beach: Recommendations

If you go to Xcacel Beach, it is important to take your own drink and food, as well as chairs, umbrella, icebox or whatever you need. This secluded beach is quite basic and it only has a few toilets and showers available. There are no shops nearby, so it is important to plan ahead of time.

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Xcalcel Beach: Things To Do

There are plenty of things to do such as sunbathing, look for turtles or snorkeling in the nearby reef. Go for a short walk in the jungle and find a cenote with pristine waters or just enjoy nature and the view. We are sure it is going to become one of your favorite places!!

It is important to get there early, since the closing time is strictly enforced at 4:00 p.m. to make sure the turtles feel safe to make their nests on the beach. There is also a voluntary donation of 10-20 pesos per person, this money is used to keep the place running.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and have fun at Xcacel Beach!!

We hope you enjoy your visit to Xcacel Beach. If you missed any beaches along the way on the Top 25 beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown please feel free to go back through all the blogs! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out all on the Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya list, which includes videos, photos and maps for each beach. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Finding Xcacel Beach might be more difficult than finding the house of your dreams in the Riviera Maya! If you are looking for a home in Mexico, contact our professional Real Estate Agents or visit our website and browse thousands of beautiful properties in the best areas of Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Playa Del Carmen: An Explosion of Color

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It seems that the buzz in Playa del Carmen revolves entirely around the wonderful beaches and finger-sucking gastronomy for most visitors. Fifth Avenue, the “tourist trap”, as some have called it, features bars upon bars and restaurants upon restaurants just a block away from the beautiful and cool Caribbean Ocean.

Vendors of all types are try to sell you everything, from shirts to souvenirs, to carved wooden masks. But what lies beyond the obvious? Many have claimed that Playa del Carmen is fun, but that it is missing something. There is no culture, no art, and no creativity, some have said. Of course, someone who is too scared to wander off the beaten path and retreats to their 5-star resort won’t see it. But in reality, Playa del Carmen is plastered in art.

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Playa del Carmen is a popular and international destination, attracting all kinds of tourists. Amongst these are many artists hoping to leave a mark before moving onto another city. The town prides itself in having such a large and emergent art scene. But, are you missing it?

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Street art – not graffiti – is an art style developed in public spaces; anything from stencil graffiti to flash mobs or street installations is considered as such. Strolling just off Fifth Avenue, onto the more local beaches, you will find an explosion of color and outstanding street art worthy of a mention.

Although the Colosio neighborhood (past CTM, or 46th street and 5th Avenue) has a reputation of being rowdy, both visitors and locals use the walls throughout this neighborhood as canvas, creating beautiful – and sometimes powerful – works of art. While it is still light outside, it is worth a visit. Anytime after 5pm locals are gathered on the streets enjoying a cool beer and reminiscing about their weekends.

Local joggers, dog walkers, and couples hang out on the streets to enjoy the afternoon surrounded by colorful paintings created by ghosts – who are these artists? If you’re trying to gain insight on the actual Playa del Carmen lifestyle, this is where you ought to go. Not only is the area a great spot for people watching and for learning the customs of the real Playa del Carmen people (not the one following you on 5th Avenue trying to get you to buy a tour), but it is also a great display of creativity and imagination.

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As everyone knows, Mexicans are nothing short of colorful, in their customs, traditions, language and art. While we won’t trash on the appeal and attractiveness of the tourist part of Playa del Carmen – it certainly has its charm – we will encourage everyone, or anyone with a passion for unique sightings, to stroll on past what seems the end to find a world that others can only imagine.

If your mind is set on taking a break from being a tourist and wants to venture deep into the entrails of this beautiful city, you know where to go.

Top Mexico Real Estate is a leading real estate company set in Playa del Carmen. Catering to foreigners wanting to invest in a home in paradise, our Top Mexico Buyer’s Representatives are readily available to help you. Feel free to contact us and let us help you find the home of your dreams.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Tulum North Beach

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Beach #2 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Tulum North Beach

Meet our second favorite beach in the Riviera Maya, Tulum North. If you are familiar with the Tulum area, you know there is a lot to love: wavy turquoise beaches with powder white sand, a peaceful vibe and so many other things that lead you to relaxation.

But if you want to explore another side of Tulum, this beach will take your breath away. Nested along a natural preserve, Tulum north keeps the raw beauty of the coast with large coconut trees, sand banks and local plants giving it a more secluded and natural feeling. Another perk of this area is the amazing view, from the coast of the water you can clearly see the shore and the Tulum archeological site.

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Tulum North Beach: Getting There

Getting to Tulum North is easy, there is a paved road that can take you to the entrance of this favorite beach.

If you are coming from Cancun, take the 307 federal highway in direction of Tulum. Once you get to the town, turn left at the first traffic light (the one across the San Francisco grocery store). Take that road towards the beach and when the road comes to the end turn left, there is going to be some hotels and restaurants but also some signs that say “Acceso Libre a la Playa”.

Tulum North Beach: Things To Do

Chilling and sunbathing seem to be the favorite activity for the visitors of Tulum North beach, however the wavy nature of the beaches makes them perfect for bodyboarding and board paddle as well as windsurfing or surfboarding.

There are also plenty of local fishermen offering fishing trips and tours around the coast if you want to do something different. Additionally, there are many reef areas that are great for snorkeling, make sure to bring your snorkel gear with you or ask around for a snorkel tour.

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Tulum North Beach: Mingle With the locals

One of our favorite spots at Tulum North Beach is “Santa Fe”, a free access beach that has a small restaurant with delicious fresh food and amazing burgers and fries. There is also a camping area, bathrooms and showers available as well as rental of lounge chairs in front of the beach.

Finding your favorite beach in the Riviera Maya might be more difficult than finding the home of your dreams!  If you are looking for a home in Mexico, contact our professional real estate agents or visit our website and browse thousands of beautiful properties in the best areas of Mexico.

We hope you enjoy your visit to Tulum North Beach. It is a nice beach to catch some sun and relax at. 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 all of the other beaches on the list. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Shangri-la Beach

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Beach #3 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Shangri-la Beach

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, and one of the fastest growing cities in the world according to the 2006 Guinness World Records. Once a sleepy fishing village, Playa del Carmen has become an exciting tourist destination for people from all over the world.

Playa, as it is known among its residents is characterized for its varied neighborhoods, each of them with unique characteristics and beaches where people go and chill after a long day at work.

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Shangri-la Beach: General Information

Shangri-la is one of our favorite areas in Playa del Carmen, once a private property is one of the few places where you can still find the original trees on the sides of the road. There is a huge ceiba, maybe one of the oldest in Playa del Carmen in a private property between 5th Avenue and the beach.

Little by little the area has developed with condos and hotels residing by the jungle but the natural beauty and quietness remain. There is also a natural cenote on the road where the Piola Restaurant is located.

Shangri-la Beach: Getting There

Getting to Shangri-la from 5th avenue is quite easy, look for 38th Street and turn to the east. It is easy to know you are on 38th street, because there is a colorful mosaic fountain/sculpture in the middle of the road.

From the highway look for the exit for 34th street and take the road eastbound, once you get to 10th avenue turn left until 38th street. There are no parking lots, so park on one of the side streets and walk to the beach.

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Shangri-la Beach: Things To Do

Shangri-la is the ideal beach to enjoy the scenery and relax, it is not as crowded as other areas in Playa del Carmen so it is also ideal to practice yoga, meditate or enjoy a massage on the beach.

The beach has white sand and turquoise blue water, and as with most of the beaches in Playa del Carmen the water is calm without big waves. Making it an ideal place for children or to practice snorkeling, paddle boarding or kayaking.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars on Calle 38th in case you get hungry or thirsty, but you can also bring your own food and beverages. As with most of the beaches in the area there are no public restrooms, parking lots or convenience shops so plan accordingly.

Shangri-la Beach: Recommendations

  • If you decide to bring your own food and beverages, be sure to bring some plastic bags to carry your trash with you when you leave.
  • Make sure to use biodegradable suntan lotion and insect repellent and reapply frequently, this way you can protect the reef from chemicals and yourself from sunburns and mosquito.
  • Look for a cenote, as there are many of these beauties all over downtown Playa.

We hope you enjoy your visit to the beautiful Shangri-la 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!

If you loved the Shangri-la neighborhood and are interested in purchasing a vacation home or retirement home Shangri-la has several real estate options from beachfront luxury condos to beautiful homes, please feel free to contact any of our Top Mexico 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!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Xaman-Ha Beach

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Beach #4 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Xaman-Ha Beach

Playa del Carmen has plenty of beautiful beaches, some of them offer a urban vibe, some others are a little bit more rustic; but for sure there is something for everyone’s taste. Xaman-Ha is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya.

Xaman-Ha beach located in the exclusive Playacar I community, just south from the famous 5th Avenue and the pier where the ferries leave to Cozumel. Even though Playacar is a private gated community, anyone can access this beautiful beach and enjoy a day at the beach in this quiet area.

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Xaman-Ha Beach: General Information

Xaman-Ha is the perfect beach for a beer ad! With clear turquoise waters, incredibly fine white sand and small waves. You can enjoy the view of the sea, the ferries going back and forth to Cozumel and even the Island itself.

Spending a day at this beach is a good option, as you can bring food and drinks with you or you can relax on the beach for a while and when you get hungry you can walk to any of the nearby bars or restaurants. The access is free! Do not be discouraged by the security guards at the entrance of Playacar I as they will permit you to enter the community and walk to the beach or you can take a taxi.

Xaman-Ha Beach: Getting There

The easiest way to get there is to take a taxi, as the driver will deal with the security guards and drop you off by the water, another option is to walk to the beach, and pass under the dock.

Driving: If you have a car it is easy to get there. From the Federal Highway look for the entrance to Playacar, follow the signs for the beach. Keep in mind that parking spaces are limited, if you are going to the public beach in your car you might have to pay for parking.

Xaman-Ha Beach: Things To Do

  • The lack of waves makes it ideal to practice water sports like kayaking, snorkeling or paddle board
  • Relax, meditate or take a siesta… this a place to unwind.
  • Hop to Señor Frogs for a Margarita or two…
  • Enjoy the beautiful view of the ferries and Cozumel Island in the distance.

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Xaman-Ha Beach: Recommendations

  • Bring everything you need: towel, umbrella, chairs, food and drink. There are no shops in Playacar I but 5th Avenue is just a couple of blocks away.
  • There are no public restrooms in the area, the closest place is Señor Frog’s just by the pier; but the use of the restrooms are for customers only.
  • Make sure to bring some plastic bags to put all your trash in.

Xaman-Ha is one of our favorite beaches in the Riviera Maya, close to downtown Playa del Carmen and 5th Avenue; but quiet and not so crowded.

Learn about the different beaches throughout the Riviera Maya, and count down with us to the Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya every Friday.

If you are looking for the perfect beach, you can follow our blog and learn about other local popular spots. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

There are many luxury real estate properties located in Playacar phase I and II. If you are interested in Playa del Carmen real estate please contact one of the Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives. We have the credentials and expertise and we are here to help you find your dream home in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Spanish Courses in Playa del Carmen

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Learning a second language is always a good investment, and Spanish is a popular choice. Over 400 million people speak Spanish in the world, it is the second most spoken language in the world just after mandarin.

There is an ever growing Spanish speaking population in North America. The United States has 41 million native Spanish speakers plus 11.6 million individuals that are bilingual, which makes it the second country in America with the largest Spanish speaking population.

Full Immersion Approach

Studying abroad is the best way to master the essential elements of everyday language. Real people do not talk like the characters in books ​​or in newspapers. Even on television, it is rare to hear the language spoken on the street.

If you already have basic knowledge of a foreign language, the most effective and quickly way to improve your skill level is through a quality total immersion education abroad. Immersion is the key to success: the simple fact of being in a different environment can help you absorb the language quickly, but to get even faster results, you need to completely immerse yourselve in the language.

Playa del Carmen is a Perfect Place to Improve your Spanish!

There are several language centers in Playa del Carmen, such as big chains like Berlitz and International House and some local companies too. Choosing the best school has to be done after careful consideration. Like at the length of the course, price, number the students in the class and visit the school to see if it is a good fit for you.

Here are some of the most popular language schools in Playa del Carmen:

Spanish Courses in Playa del Carmen: Solexico

Solexico Language and Cultural Centers was founded in 1997, and they have four Spanish schools in Mexico: Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta and Guanajuato.

Courses begin each Monday year-round and consist of multiple daily 50 minutes sessions with breaks in between. Upon arrival, each student will be given a placement exam to determine their Spanish level and class placement. Solexico offers full immersion courses.

If you would like to learn more about Solexico, click here.

Spanish Courses in Playa del Carmen: Playalingua

Playalingua was founded more than 10 years ago and it is a popular choice for Spanish lessons due to its central location and the fact they offer classes and boarding all in the same building. The school is located just 5 minutes away from the beach and 5th avenue.

They have many different packages designed to fit your needs, but the most popular is their Intensive Regular program held every morning Monday thru Friday with 20 hours of classes. They also offer a Super Intensive program, mixing the regular program with an extra hour each day of private one-on-one tuition.

Playalingua offers attractive summer courses, being taught from July 1st to August 23rd. The options are to take the Monday – Friday 1 hour a day class for 2400 pesos or the 4 hour Saturday class for 1100 pesos. For both classes there is a 320 pesos fee for school materials.

If you would like to learn more about Playalingua, click here!

Spanish Courses in Playa del Carmen: International House

International House (IH) is one of the world’s top language schools, and they have a school in Playa del Carmen. This branch opened in 2004, and it has become an important center for language teaching, teacher training, study tours and other activities.

IH Riviera Maya has a number of local people studying English, so there is plenty of opportunity for the students to meet native Spanish speakers, make friends and improve their fluency outside the classroom, at a coffee shop or social event put on by IH.

If you would like to learn more about International House, visit their website.

This is only a few of the schools you can find in the Riviera Maya area, it is important to shop around, find as much information you can and talk to other students to see if the school is a right fit for you.

Playa del Carmen has a large number of people who speak English, so it is possible to live in the area and manage without speaking Spanish. But if you want immerse yourself in this new culture I can’t think of a better way to than to learn the language or at least enough to ask for directions or be able to order dinner at a restaurant.

4th of July in Playa del Carmen

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Tomorrow is 4th of July… and for many of us we begin to feel a little homesick for Independence Day celebrations back home in good ol’ U.S.A.   Backyard BBQs, potluck parties and breathtaking displays of fireworks… Oh how I miss them!

This is Mexico… why would they celebrate the 4th of July in Playa del Carmen?

Well, this cosmopolitan beach town beckons to people from all over the world. In Playa del Carmen you will find Canadians, French, Germans, Chinese… the list goes on and on.  Consequently, we also have a large expat community from the United States.  With so many expats, there are sure to be great American hangouts celebrating the “red, white and blue” right?   Whether you are living in Playa del Carman or just on vacation here… you don’t want to miss out on this beloved holiday.

Related: Yucatan Peninsula: A Safe Haven for Visitors, Expats and Retirees

We have found some fun ways to celebrate Independence Day “beach style” here in Playa del Carmen.

Wah Wah Beach Bar is one of the most popular expat spots in Playa del Carmen. This beach club is located right on the beach and offers free beach chairs, a huge projection screen (where they show all the big games), wonderful food and drinks and great company. Wah Wah has decided to combined two great independence days… Canada (celebrated on July 1st) and the United states (celebrated on July 4th). Wah Wah throws this ultimate celebration, or as they call it, the “…biggest party south of the border”. The party will start at noon on July 4th and carry on into the night. There will be a delicious BBQ with traditional 4th of July treats and many drink specials such as 15 peso drafts, 2 for 1 margaritas and big liter house drinks for only 100 pesos. The live music starts at 7 p.m. filling the tropical night air the sounds of The Nasty Bastards and The Smokin’ Aces. The event is fun for the whole family so bring the kids along, there will be a big bouncy house and face painting!

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Additionally, Bad Boys beach bar is also having their annual 4th of July party this Saturday. Bad Boys is another favorite expat hangout for Americans here in Playa del Carmen. The festivities will start here at 3 p.m. with an appealing BBQ potluck style buffet featuring a whole roasted pig provided by your host. Accordingly, make your favorite 4th of July side dish or dessert to share and head over to the annual 4th of July celebration at Bad Boys. So have a couple of drinks, eat some BBQ and jam out to live music by Creizy Toy.

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Furthermore, most resorts will have some kind of 4th of July festivity; from BBQs to activity for the kids, from spectacular firework display to fun had by all.

Put on your “red, white and blue” and celebrate the 4th of July in Playa del Carmen.

Happy 4th of July Playa del Carmen!

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Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Xcalacoco Beach

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Beach #5 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Xcalacoco Beach

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are the most popular destinations in Mexico, with more than 2 million tourists every year. There are so many things to do in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean, from adventure to relaxation, tasty Mexican food, colorful fiestas and gorgeous beaches.

Even with the growing popularity of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, there are many secluded beaches waiting for adventurous souls to find them. If you want to escape the crowds and the noise of the popular beaches, traveling a little bit further will reward you with a paradisiac beach.

Xcalacoco Beach: General Information

If you want to enjoy this beautiful paradise, the access is free! So, bring your towel, sunscreen and favorite beverage. If you’d rather have a comfortable chair and cold drinks being served to you, there are also some beach clubs in the area.

Related: Xcalacoco Beach – A Quiet Paradise Just North of Town

The beaches have powdery white sand and beautiful turquoise to azure colored water, there are also some rocks that make the coast so much more interesting. If you are into relaxation, please try one of the message stands on the beach, it is an incredible experience.

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Xcalacoco Beach: Getting There

Driving: From the Federal Highway look for the traffic light with the Coca Cola sign, and turn right (east) driving towards the beach or follow the signs for Petit Lafitte.

Keep in mind that there is not a parking lot, if you are going to the public beach in your car you might have to park on the road or pay one of the beach bars to park there. Some places will let you park for free if you eat there, always ask!

Xcalacoco Beach: Things To Do

  • Xcalacoco Beach has a rocky shore and is an ideal place to snorkel.
  • If you love water sports, you can go paddle boarding, kayaking or even sailboarding.
  • Having a massage on the beach is a heavenly experience
  • Just relax and enjoy the beautiful view.

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Xcalacoco Beach: Recommendations

  • There are areas on the beach that have rocks, so bringing a pair of water shoes is a good idea.
  • There are no public restrooms in the area, plan accordingly.
  • You won’t find trash cans at Xcalacoco beach; bring your own bags to put trash in.
  • Do not forget to bring your biodegradable suntan lotion and insect repellent, harsh chemicals harm the coral reef and the local fauna.

Xcalacoco is one of our favorite beaches in the Riviera Maya, enjoy this beautiful place and let us know about your experience at Xcalacoco Beach. If you are interested in purchasing a beachfront property on Xcalacoco Beach there are several breathtaking options like The Fives a gorgeous condo-hotel.

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

Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Celebrating Canada Day in Playa del Carmen

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Yesterday was Canada Day and Canadian expats, tourists and non-Canadians alike gathered at the Blue Parrot beachfront bar to celebrate! For those non-Canadians thinking to themselves… What is Canada day? Well, Canada day is the national day of Canada, celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867 enactment of the British North America Act (today called the Constitution Act), which united three colonies, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the United Province of Canada into a single country called Canada.

So happy 148th birthday Canada!

You might be asking yourself, why celebrate Canada Day in Playa del Carmen?

The Playa Time wrote that, “Mexico is the second most popular destination for Canadians, attracting 25,000 snowbirds every year. Approximately two million Canadian tourists came to Mexico last year, and around 50,000 Canadian Mennonites live in Mexico out of which 25,000 have dual citizenship.”

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Playa del Carmen is home to people from all over the world and has a large Canadian expat community. From year round retires to those just wanting to escape the winter cold and enjoy some fun in the sun. But no matter how long one has been living in Playa del Carmen… you can’t take Canada out of a Canadian. Their Canadian pride runs through and through. This was evident by all the folks that came out yesterday to enjoy the festivities, have a taste of home and celebrate Canada Day in Playa del Carmen.

Related: Why Mexico Consistently Ranks One of the Top Destinations for Retirees

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The Canada Day celebration was sponsored by The Playa Times which is owned and operated by a Canadian citizen who wanted to bring this festivity to the local Canadian expat community. The guests enjoyed a barbecue cookout with Canadian specialties such as poutine (French fries smothered in a rich brown grave and topped with homemade cheese curds what took a whole day to perfect) and Canadian sausage… all which were enjoyed by the participants! Additionally, a live band was covering popular Canadian artists throughout the event along with carnival games and other activity to entertain the kids. Fun was definitely had by all.

photo Canada Day 4_zpsffhgm0ru.jpgNot being from Canada myself, by the end of the party I was feeling the true Canadian spirit and felt truly welcomed into the Canadian family. I felt the urge to belt out a verse from, “O Canada! Our home and native land!”… but don’t worry I held myself back.

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So fear not, there is no need to miss out on native nationality celebrations in Playa del Carmen as there is a huge expat community. Yesterday many Canadian expats, Canadian tourists and non-Canadians alike gathered to celebrate the “Canuck” spirit in the Mexican Caribbean. Canada Day, what a wonderful holiday.