Author Archives: Thomas Lloyd

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Sian Ka’an Beach

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Beach #25 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Sian Ka’an

The Sian Ka’an reserve is one of the most fascinating beaches in the Riviera Maya; it is located 86 miles south of Cancun and about 5 minutes away from Tulum. Sian Ka’an has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean (approximately 1.3 million acres).

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If you love nature, Sian Ka’an has a lot to offer; there are over one 1,400 species of plants, as well as more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds. There are also pumas, ocelots, jaguars, tapirs, howler and spider monkeys, white tail deer, wild boar white cheeks, manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, and several species of sea turtles that call Sian Ka’an their home.

Additionally, Sian Ka’an faces the Mesoamerican reef, home to hundreds of species of fish and other marine wildlife. If you like diving or snorkeling, you will discover an endless show of sponges, pink conch, starfish, sea urchins, and spiny lobsters, just to name a few. And if your thing is fishing, there are plenty of areas where you can throw out a line and see what bites.

Sian Ka’an Beach: Getting there

If you are coming from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, take Highway 307 South, towards Tulum. When you reach Tulum itself, you get to the first big intersection with traffic lights and the San Francisco de Asis supermarket. Here, you will turn left towards the Tulum beach hotel zone (follow the street sign that says Boca Paila).

At the end of this road, follow the road to your right. This is the Tulum coastal road and you will drive past lots of small hotels and cabins. You will then reach the Mayan Arch, the entrance to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. There will be guards there to greet you and collect the entrance fee.

Sian Ka’an Beach: Things to do

Driving into Sian Ka’an is an adventure itself. The road leading into Sian Ka’an is a dirt road. During the rainy season, it can get quite muddy. If you are renting a car, make sure to rent a Jeep or something similar; a smaller car might have trouble getting in and out.

If you don’t have a lot of time, make sure you visit the old wooden bridge. There are plenty of people around this area camping, fishing or just having a picnic. Also, there are several secluded beaches to visit in the surrounding area.

Another idea is to visit the Chunyaxche / Muyil channel. You can take a boat tour in the sinuous channels that run between the mangroves. In this tour you will be able to admire hundreds of birds, Mayan ruins surrounded by water, coastal lagoons, wetlands, and so much more. Make sure to reserve this tour in advance!

Sian Ka’an Beach: Recommendations

While you’re not traveling to a completely isolated area, it is a good idea to have precaution. Make sure your car is in good conditions, fill your gas tank (it is a 42km one-way drive and there are no gas stations in there). Make sure to bring a spare tire. Since the roads are dirt and rocks, it could come in handy (better be safe, than sorry!).

Even if you plan on just visiting for a few hours, you might find yourself wanting to stay longer. Take supplies with you such as drinking water and snacks or non-perishable food for when you get hungry or thirsty (it can get hot, you’ll be surrounded by jungle).

There are many mangroves in the area, with all sorts of insects who tend to be particularly vicious early in the morning and at dawn. Take biodegradable insect repellent with you. Keep a bottle of OFF! Or DDT based repellent in your car as some insects – such as gnats – are not bothered by the Citrnoella.

If you plan on staying on the beach all day, bring biodegradable sunscreen. Also, don’t forget to pack things for sunburns, scratches and bites…a lot can happen in the wilderness!

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In short, Sian Ka’an is like being in heaven for those who truly love to be in contact and at one with nature. It is a unique paradise!

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

If you are looking for a beautiful real estate property surrounded by nature in Sian Ka’an, Top Mexico Real Estate can help you find the house of your dreams!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Cost of living Riviera Maya -vs- other popular retirement destinations in America.

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People from all over the world are choosing Mexico as a retirement destination. More than a million foreigners live permanently in Mexico, and about 50,000 snowbirds spend part of the year in this beautiful country.

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We have covered in other blogs the many benefits that Mexico offers its expats: easy straightforward immigration policies, cheap medical bills, warm weather and beautiful settings. But there is also another reason, the lower cost of living in Mexico.

Living in Mexico can reduce your bills dramatically, but do not take our word on it; let the numbers speak for themselves. We have selected three top retirement spots in America and two cities in the Yucatan Peninsula, to do a cost of living comparison on everyday items and services.

*The Lowest values are marked in gree

Phoenix, AZ Miami, FL Tampa, FL Playa del Carmen Merida, Yucatan
Restaurants
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 11.50 13.00 10.00 4.10 5.29
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 43.50 60.00 50.00 32.42 20.48
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 6.00 6.62 7.00 4.61 5.46
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) 3.25 3.72 3.50 1.71 1.37
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 5.00 4.48 5.00 2.73 2.25
Cappuccino (regular) 3.61 3.34 3.66 2.18 2.44
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) 1.48 1.61 1.59 1.02 0.74
Water (0.33 liter bottle) 1.23 1.32 1.10 1.15 0.55
Groceries
Milk (regular), (1 liter) 0.75 1.03 1.05 0.96 0.98
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) 2.29 2.59 2.40 1.73 1.54
Rice (white), (1kg) 3.18 2.44 2.83 0.68 1.06
Eggs (12) 2.20 2.63 2.28 1.17 1.59
Local Cheese (1kg) 7.80 9.96 11.83 4.44 6.37
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) 5.84 8.49 7.38 5.12 6.46
Apples (1kg) 3.43 4.03 4.00 2.01 2.00
Oranges (1kg) 4.41 3.13 4.05 0.78 3.04
Tomato (1kg) 3.20 3.73 3.90 0.78 1.06
Potato (1kg) 2.46 2.70 2.40 1.13 1.18
Lettuce (1 head) 1.21 1.63 1.80 0.96 0.61
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 1.82 2.13 1.64 0.92 0.75
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 12.00 12.00 11.00 7.17 6.14
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 2.50 3.80 2.13 0.80 1.16
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 2.08 4.62 3.07 1.54 1.18
Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) 7.50 7.00 6.38 3.41 3.41
Transportation
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 2.12 2.25 2.00 0.48 0.48
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 64.00 113.75 60.00 N/A N/A
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 3.00 2.50 2.50 1.88 1.37
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) 1.38 1.49 1.00 1.37 0.55
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) 32.50 20.00 25.00 10.24 10.24
Gasoline (1 liter) 0.91 0.97 0.92 0.85 0.85
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 20,000.00 19,000.00 21,500.00 13,310.31 12,969.02
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment 173.60 173.54 150.31 91.30 133.10
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) 0.12 0.25 0.13 0.11 0.24
Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 49.38 48.42 47.22 22.17 25.04
Sports And Leisure
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 35.83 38.89 36.00 47.10 22.75
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 10.00 19.50 16.67 17.06 11.95
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 9.88 12.00 11.00 3.92 4.78
Clothing And Shoes
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 39.17 37.00 39.00 56.31 43.69
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) 21.33 57.86 33.71 20.48 59.16
1 Pair of Nike Shoes 67.00 78.33 75.44 75.08 64.85
1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes 70.00 80.83 79.25 40.95 52.33
Rent Per Month
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 833.33 1,609.29 885.00 477.81 204.77
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 723.89 1,050.00 693.18 196.24 153.58
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 1,334.00 2,850.00 1,466.67 1,185.98 420.92
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 1,156.75 1,819.50 1,186.36 477.81 477.81
Buy Apartment Price
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre 1,829.86 3,632.82 1,345.49 728.09 648.45
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 1,453.13 1,795.49 1,184.03 750.84 614.32
Salaries And Financing
Average Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax) 2,767.86 3,151.83 2,834.99 739.46 418.65
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly 4.35 4.35 4.89 9.00 11.50
Source: Numbeo
www.numbeo.com

As you can see in this cost of living comparison, the cost of living in Mexico is much lower. Even if you decide to spend only part of the year in Mexico, your pension or savings will surely stretch further!

If you have ever dreamed of retiring in Mexico, please feel free to browse our beautiful properties! We have modern condos, retirement communities, beachfront homes, jungle cabanas…. whatever you can dream of!

Our professional and certified real estate agents have the expertise and credentials to help you become a homeowner in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Top Ten Reasons to Retire to Mexico

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Mexico consistently ranks one of the top destinations in the world for vacationers but did you know that many people from all over are choosing Mexico to retire. Many retirees are looking for a more fulfilling, happier and affordable lifestyle, which can be achieved by living in Mexico. Here are the top ten reasons to retire to Mexico:

  1. Culture and History: Mexico is a country rich in culture and history. Complete with ancient Mayan ruins, warm proud people and a society steeped deeply in religion, heritage and a manner of living, working and playing that predate most industrialized nations.
  2. Weather: The weather in Mexico is nearly perfect and gorgeous year round. Mexico has NO SNOW! January, the coldest month of the year in the Riviera Maya has average high of 29C/84F and an average low of 21C/70F.

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  1. Food: It isn’t a shock that a country so rich in culture and heritage would have such amazing food. Mexico offers everything from a hole in the wall taco stands to gourmet fine dining restaurants. Mexico is also a melting pot for food because people from all over the world come to this beautiful land to set up shop.
  2. Safe: Mexico is very safe. For Example, the Yucatan State with its beautiful beaches and ancient Mayan ruins has a homicide rate that is lower than the U.S. rural states of Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, North Dakota, West Virginia and several others. People feel safer in Mexico than in many places in the United States.
  3. Close: Mexico is close to home. Your friends and family can come to visit in just a few short hours, with easy access through direct flights from the United States and Canada.
  4. Cost of Living: The cost of living in Mexico is amazing low. In Mexico you will save on everyday items like groceries and public transportation, to things such as water and cable bills, you will even save on entertainment such as going to the movies or out to dinner. Mexico, on average is 40% cheaper than the United States.
  5. Medical: As you reach your golden years you find yourself taking more trips to the doctor. Mexico has top-notch medical care facility and quality hospitals in all major city and tourist destinations, offering a 60% – 80% savings from what you would expect to pay in the United States and Canada.

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  1. Insurance: Private health insurance for many is thought to be only a dream but in Mexico it is very affordable and feasible. Also, foreign residents can qualify for social security. Health Insurance is attainable in Mexico.
  2. Benefits: Senior citizen are treated with respect in Mexico. Locals receive many benefits such as senior citizen discount cards, discounts at restaurants, and free or discounted passes to archaeological sites, museums and other tourist attractions throughout the area.
  3. Real Estate: Mexico is the gorgeous backdrop to some really stunning real estate. There are phenomenal real state opportunity’s in Mexico. On a whole, real estate properties, property taxes, HOA fees and Insurance prices are lower than what you would pay in the United State or Canada.

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Perhaps, one day you will be one of the many who retire to this beautiful country and call Mexico your home!

Now if you have any question about living in Mexico 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 BUYER’S RERESENTATIVES 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!

Source:

www.weather.com

www.howsafeismexico.com

www.numbeo.com

Off the Beaten Path: Visit San Felipe

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The Mayan Riviera can be a crowded place sometimes; if you like adventure and want to visit some unspoiled beaches do not miss the opportunity to visit San Felipe in the neighboring state of Yucatan.

This jewel is located north of the state of Yucatan, 31 km. north of Tizimin and only three hours away from Playa del Carmen. This destination is ideal if you are planning to have a road trip and visit places like Valladolid, Tizimin, El Cuyo, Holbox and the coastal town of San Felipe

History:

This region was inhabited by the ancient Mayan and was known by the name Actum Chuleb. To this date, there are still some Mayan vestiges in the area.

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On February 5, 1853, when they separated from Panabá, the town and port of San Felipe was erected municipality and became part of Tizimin until July 12, 1935, when San Felipe was declared a free municipality.

Once the Spanish settled in the area the main activities were agriculture and cattle, which was shipped to the rest of Yucatan by way of canoes. Nowadays, the main activities are tourism and fishing.

Attractions:

San Felipe welcomes its visitors with rows of multiple colored rustic wooden houses, similar to the ones found in Chetumal and Belize, and not so much like the traditional Yucatecan Colonial architecture with stone and beams. The real estate in San Felipe is beautiful.

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In the surrounding areas it is possible to appreciate a great diversity of flora and fauna, as well as an abundance of mangroves and tropical plants. As for wildlife, there is a variety of fish, crustaceans and molluscs, among which grouper, blonde, saw, octopi, squid, conch, lobster, and others are abundant. On the land, there is a variety of species such as rabbits, foxes, turtles, snakes, gulls, migratory birds and herons, amongst others.

The main attraction in San Felipe is the beach, which can be reached by boat transfer. Once you cross the Ria, you will find a rustic tourism complex with palapas and composting toilets. It is important to be prepared as there is nothing else in that area: no shops, no chairs, and no food. Bring everything you might need such as water, food, a chair or hammock, as well as an icebox, suntan lotion, mosquito repellent and so on, especially if you are planning to stay for longer than a couple of hours.

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The beach is quiet and not very crowded, the water is also very shallow, and you have to walk out several feet to reach a decent depth. It is ideal for small children and snorkeling as the water is extremely clear and many fish and other sea creatures can be seen without any equipment.

Some other attractions in the area are:

Cenote Kambunáh

Isla Cerritos

Birdwatching

Observation of crocodiles

Sport fishing

Walking on the bay

Ria Lagartos Reserve

Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this piece of paradise known as San Felipe; if you are looking for the house of your dreams in Mexico, let the Top Mexico Real Estate Buyer’s Representatives help your dreams come true!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

10 Things to Do While Visiting Cozumel

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Cozumel is a worldwide famous destination, a heaven for divers that travel from every corner of the planet to explore the second largest reef in the world. However, there are plenty of other things to do in Cozumel; it is more than just a gorgeous diving island. Here is our handy list of 10 things to do while visiting Cozumel.

1. Cozumel has one of the best reefs worldwide, and there are plenty of water activities to partake in such as fishing, diving and snorkeling; the options are endless!

2. Learn to snorkel; this is an easy activity for children and adults. Also, the equipment required is minimal. The water that surrounds Cozumel is crystal clear and there is an abundance of marine life. Don’t forget to take an underwater camera because you will be surprised at what you find.

3. Cozumel offers plenty of shopping opportunities, if watersports are not your cup of tea. You can stroll around and visit the shops. You can find everything from small arts and crafts stalls to top designer shops. You could even shop for real estate. In Cozumel you are sure to find something you like.

4. Take a jungle tour on an ATV; have fun on dirt roads and enjoy the jungle. The tours are about three hours long and take you to the gorgeous beach or cenotes, followed by a delicious meal.

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5. If you’re an adrenaline junkie and love speed, take one of the famous thriller jet speedboat tours. Test your ability to ride a boat and take it to the limit, an activity that will surely pump up your adrenaline.

6. Rent a jeep and drive around Cozumel; this is one of the favorite activities for nature lovers and will allow you to visit different areas of Cozumel Island.

7. Take a ride in the only submarine in the Mexican Caribbean around Cozumel exploring America’s largest reef. This tour will allow you to dive to depths of 100 feet beneath the surface of the water and see the wonders of the underwater world without even getting wet!

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8. Segway through Cozumel. One of the favorite activities for a family looking to explore the island is renting Segway. These can be used by everyone: enjoy the sun and the breeze as well as the magnificent views.

9. Visit the archeological site of San Gervasio, known worldwide as the home of the Ixchel: Goddess of Love and Moon.

10. Parque Punta Sur is a major archeological site as well as a Lighthouse Museum. Do not miss this historic place in Cozumel!

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Top Mexico Real Estate is your one and only stop for everything Riviera Maya, let our real estate experts help you find your dream home! From a small cabana in the jungle to a luxurious beachfront villa: we have something for every budget and taste!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Ready to Party: 2015 BPM Festival in Playa del Carmen

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The holidays have passed, but we are ready to keep partying! Playa del Carmen is ready to enjoy the music of the 2015 BPM Festival.

The  2015 BPM Festival in Playa del Carmen has established itself as one of the finest music festivals in the world, with thousands of visitors from all over the world. Even with its humble origins, BPM organizers have grown the festival into a music event with the best lineup, Dj’s and setting in the magical Riviera Maya.

Something that makes BPM such an attractive music destination is the beautiful tropical surroundings, not just the music. After dancing the night away, the day can be spent lounging on the beach, visiting archeological zones, or diving into a Cenote.

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BPM Festival: Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, is a small city 35 miles south of the Cancun International Airport, easy to access from any main airport in the world.  Once a sleepy fishing village, Playa del Carmen offers beautiful beaches, exclusive hotels, and a wide array of restaurants; everything to feel right at home!

Enjoy walking on the 5th Avenue, lined with bars and restaurants as well as plenty of shops to get souvenirs, clothes or whatever you want!

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BPM Festival: Other attractions

Playa del Carmen is much more than beautiful beaches, there is also its mysterious jungle, Mayan archeological zones and hundreds activity’s such as: snorkeling, diving, jungle tours, zip line excursions and cenotes.

Just a short drive away you will find magnificent colonial cities such as Merida, Valladolid and Izamal. Where one can walk on the cobble stone streets and feel transported to a different time. In these city’s you can learn about Sisal, the fiber that made the Yucatan Peninsula one of the wealthiest areas in the world, and stay in a 500 year old hacienda.

BPM Festival: Music, music and more music!

BPM offers an exciting combination of dance artists and Dj’s from all over the world, the festival spans over 10 days with the performance of more than 250 artists offering the newest in electronic music. The 2015 BPM festival offers more than 50 official events in different venues along the beach. Day or night there is always something happening!

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Make sure to learn more about the BPM Roster and events by visiting www.thebpmfestival.com!

Top Mexico Real Estate is your one and only stop for everything Riviera Maya, and also the best real estate company in the area. If you are considering buying a property in Mexico, let our expert real estate agents help you become a happy homeowner!

Top Mexico Real Estate, We Make It Happen!

“Mi Casa es Tu Casa”…Not Your Ordinary Real Estate Show

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A new cutting edge real estate original television series is now in production and debuting on the TOP MEXICO CHANNEL, featuring the lifestyle, the culture and neighborhoods of one of the most coveted and desired real estate area on the planet… the Riviera Maya, Mexico

This show is entitled…

“Mi Casa es Tu Casa”…Not Your Ordinary Real Estate Show

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Streaming live on the Top Mexico Channel, the first wholly dedicated internet channel developed for the consumers / viewers of the Top Mexico Real Estate company, “Mi Casa es Tu Casa with Thomas Lloyd” follows one couple through their buying process of purchasing their dream home in the beautiful and tropical Mexican Caribbean.  With Top Mexico Real Estate founder and foremost Mexico Real Estate authority Thomas Lloyd as their guide, Thomas and his international guests search, and eventually find, not only the home of their dream, but the perfect paradise neighborhood with just the right lifestyle, work environment and entertainment that his guests desire.  With the unparalleled help of Thomas and his Top Buyer’s Representatives, Thomas and his team meet with his guests, analyze the real estate market landscape, scout various general home locations, survey the Riviera Maya neighborhoods and finally present the guest with 3 expertly and thoroughly chosen neighborhood from which the guests will make their life changing choice.

From the first meeting between Thomas and the guest, through the sometimes overwhelming buying process and culminating with the joyous purchase of their new perfect paradise property and beyond, Thomas and his team cater to every possible want, need and desire to ensure that his client receives the most thorough and exhilarating experience as they take their first step into the next adventure of their lives.

From exploring the sometimes intimidating Mexico Real Estate landscape, to final escrow paperwork, to where to buy their groceries, Thomas and his team tend to every need possible so his guests have the most ‘painless’ and ‘worry free’ experience in their new country.

“Find the neighborhood… and the home will follow!”

With “Mi Casa es Tu Casa with Thomas Lloyd” and Top Mexico Real Estate… the dream doesn’t have to a dream anymore.

Watch the first episodes on topmexicochannel.com

“Mi Casa es Tu Casa”…Not Your Ordinary Real Estate Show

And who knows… maybe you’ll find yourself on one of our upcoming episode!

… but you gotta get down here first!

And remember, with Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Happy Holidays!

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Thomas Lloyd and the Top Mexico Buyer’s Representatives want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

May the festive season bring you Joy, happiness and success throughout the New Year.

And if in the New Year you want to invest in a vacation home, retirement home or investment property anywhere throughout Mexico, 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!

Happy Holidays from Top Mexico Real Estate

12th Annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

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The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival graced Playa del Carmen once again. Providing three great nights of FREE jazz music, the massive stage and impressive lighting that lit up the Caribbean sky and rivaled any concert that I have ever been to. It was setup on world famous Mamitas Beach, right on the beach. You heard me right, this beautiful jazz concert was held right on the beach under the stars.

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We met up with some friends, laid out our beach towels and got ready for the concert to start. Oh, and did I mention the picnic basket that we brought filled with beer, wine and snacks for the evening? But if you forgot to bring snacks there were venders selling hotdogs, hamburgers, tacos and BBQ, and, of course, there was a bar setup.

The stage was graced by jazz musicians such as Take Six, Chick Corea & The Vigil, Pat Metheny Unity Group, Kenny Garrett and Colin Hunter to name a few.

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I have never seen anything like it before.  The music was enjoyed by the little ones and old ones alike, everyone was having a great time and as the night went on the crowd kept growing and growing.

There is nothing like laying on the beach with the sand between your toes, looking at the stars and listening to the live jazz music fill the Caribbean air. What a beautiful night! Great jazz music on the beach with about 5,000 of my closest friends.

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Now, if you missed the Riviera Maya Jazz festival, be sure to add it to your calendar for next year!  It is such a wonderful time of year to come to the Riviera Maya, due to the beautiful weather and the variety of events happening during November such as the Jazz Festival, OHL Golf Classic, The Cancun Challenge and of course celebrating Thanksgiving beachfront!

This is certainly an exciting time of year in Playa del Carmen. The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is the start of snowbird season here in the Riviera Maya and many expats will remain here in paradise until the end of winter, escaping those cold winter months. So mark your calendar and join us next year in paradise.

Swimming with the Turtles in Akumal

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Swimming with the turtles in Akumal is a once in a lifetime experience you cannot miss. For centuries or even millennia, turtles have nested in the rocky shores of Akumal where the eggs are left to hatch and re-start the cycle of life.

The presence of this magnificent creatures probably impressed the ancient Mayans, who called this area in the coast, Akumal; “The Place of the Turtle.”

There are seven known species of turtles in the world, and all of them are endangered species; three of them can be seen at the Akumal beaches and two of them nest on the beaches of Akumal.

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Swimming with the Turtles in Akumal: Species found in the area

LOGGERHEAD TURTLES (Caretta caretta):

Adults weigh from 100–200 kg and grow to 1.15 m in length; this species feed primarily on shellfish such as crabs and snails. Nesting season is between April and July, and females nest 3–7 times every season, with approximately 120 round, white eggs in each nest.

GREEN TURTLES (Chelonia mydas):

Adults weigh between 100–250 kg and grow to 1.2 m in length, this species feeds primarily on sea grass. Nesting season is between June and September, and female nests from 3–7 times a year and each nest contains 120–150 round, white eggs.

HAWKSBILL TURTLE (Eretmochelys imbricata):

Adult hawksbill sea turtles weigh around 80 kg and have been known to grow up to 1 m in length, and this turtle’s favorite treat is toxic jellyfish. Please note that this species doesn’t breed in this area, but some specimens can be seen swimming in Akumal.

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Swimming with the Turtles in Akumal: Participate in the conservation effort!

Since its foundation in 1993, Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) has had one mission:  protect nesting sea turtles. CEA runs several programs and preserve the natural environment on the Akumal coast.

Their program is operated through a government-authorized management plan for the protection, conservation, research and management of sea turtles on four local beaches. CEA staff and volunteers patrol the beaches nightly to identify and protect nesting females, their nests and hatchlings.

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VOLUNTEERING:

Volunteers are always welcome, keep in mind this is a physical job that might take a toll on your body. Also the nesting and hatching of the turtles happen mostly during after dusk, so prepare yourself for some sleepless nights.

Volunteers must be willing to cover other educational and promotional positions, and speaking at least two languages is a requirement. Prior knowledge is not required, the volunteers have to have an enthusiastic and adventurous personality and be willing to adjust to a different environment and culture.

General Requirements for Volunteers:

  • Must be 21 years of age or older.
  • There is a selection process, not all applicants are accepted.
  • There is a 2 months minimal commitment to the program.
  • There is a monthly fee that helps cover for the program expenses. The cost is $200 USD (foreigners) or $100 USD (Mexicans). The payment is due one month before the start of the program.
  • A valid passport and visa or FM3 for the length of your stay is required.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the recommended vaccinations.
  • You should have valid insurance for medical services.

Swimming with turtles in Akumal is a dream for many, but helping preserving the species and the environment is a life changing experience.

Here at Top Mexico Real Estate we pride ourselves on promoting local organizations working to preserve the beauty of the Mayan Riviera. Visit the Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA) website at ceakumal.org to learn more about their programs or to make a donation.

We would like to thank Quetzal for sponsoring this blog. Quetzal is a new development in Bahia Principe. To learn more about Quetzal, please click here.