Merida’s Art Scene Getting Worldwide Recognition

Merida’s art scene is ever-growing and is starting to get worldwide recognition. With the help of government-funded programs and an influx of international talent coming to the area, the Yucatan capital is posturing itself to be a favorable destination for the creative arts. The Pinacoteca del Estado de Yucatan (Yucatan Painting Gallery), which is a part of the Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan (Yucatan’s Autonomus University), operates a small ground floor gallery in the downtown area. It holds an artistic reverence that attracts art connoisseurs from around the world. Moreover, there are numerous art museums showcasing Mexican and other world-renowned artists’ extraordinary work. Merida’s art scene is, in fact, stealing the spotlight.

Merida’s Art Scene Deserves Recognition

Art Exhibition

The historical setting of Merida, year-round warm weather and cultural influences are an ideal platform for adventure-seeking artists. Because of this, art galleries like The Bernardini Gallery are starting to migrate towards Merida’s art scene. Not only is there plenty of local talent contributing to Merida’s growing market, but artists from as far away as Cuba and New York are taking notice as well.

Popular Art Museums in Merida

The Museum of Popular Art resides in the historic district of Merida. It is the perfect place for displaying a variety of art that comes in many shapes and forms. The following venues are an attributing factor to the rising popularity in Merida’s art scene.

Galerie Merida

Galerie Merida’s building projects an architectural theme that radiates colonial descent and provides an ambiance with its higher ceilings and traditional tile. The gallery holds an abundance of contemporary and fine artwork by some of the region’s most noted artists. The gallery also has an outdoor section that exhibits some magnificent sculptures.

Museo de la Canción

Museo de la Canción portrays the art of Yucatecan music and how it has influenced many national and international cultures. Even though the museum signage and information are mostly in Spanish, it still offers a visual remembrance of times past. They say music makes the world go around!

Palacio del Gobierno

Palacio de Gobierno Merida

Palacio del Gobierno (Governor’s Palace) is a turn-of-the-century government building where the walls illustrate the history of the Mayan people and their cultural beliefs. The murals were painted by the famous Fernando Castro Pacheco who still resides in Merida and paints in his own distinctive way.

Museo Contemporaneo Ateneo de Yucatan

The Museo Contemporaneo Ateneo de Yucatan (also known as MACAY) has a multitude of halls displaying a variety of fine art. It is located in a government-owned building in central downtown Merida that dates back to the 1500s. There are exhibits that display work from several well-known local artists. It also offers a bit of an educational tour that walks you through the world’s history of art.

Amaro Restaurant Gallery

Amaro Restaurant Gallery is in a peaceful courtyard where the walls are filled with fabulous art. Enjoy a refreshing beverage and local cuisine while viewing some magnificent art pieces. Who said art galleries had to be indoors?

Other places that are worth a mention are Centro Cultural de Merida Olimpo, located across Plaza Grande, and the Merida City Museum. The latter is housed in the old post office building. Both these venues display ancient artwork from the Mayan era, as well as the Spanish conquistadores.

Merida: Perfect for artists, expats and retirees

Merida’s art scene is quickly developing. Because of this, the city is becoming an important icon in today’s world of art. Practicing, up-and-coming, and well-known artists are flocking to the region to explore different art avenues. They look to expand their creativity, find alternative inspiration and possibly devise a new era with their given talents. In turn, this creates a unique and artistic experience to anyone visiting, living or retiring to Merida or anywhere nearby (such as the Riviera Maya). It opens up plenty of cultural activities for those that enjoy bathing in art and discovering new artists around. Visit Merida and explore the finer threads of life that bring joy to all your senses.

Safety in the Yucatan Peninsula to Receive a $70-Million-Peso Investment

Although international media often portrays Mexico as a highly dangerous country, this is not the case in many of its beautiful states. We wouldn’t recommend wondering into places such as Guerrero, Michoacán or the northern border. But other destinations like Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are quite safe. In fact, it is so safe that many expats have chosen these major cities as their forever homes. Safety in Mexico has long been an issue. However, the government has put forward efforts constantly to keep tourist destinations as safe as possible. There is no need to worry for your safety in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Safety in the Yucatan Peninsula Comes First

Merida Mexico

Just recently, the Fund for Strengthening of Performance in Public Security Matters announced that they will be giving just over $70 million Mexican pesos worth of public security to the Yucatan Peninsula. They will be investing around $14 million of these in Merida alone. The four main municipalities in the state of Yucatan will receive just over $120,000 for security measures. This includes Merida, Progreso, Tizimin and Valladolid. The capital will be put forth for possessions to strengthen the presentation of the municipalities and the state of the public security.

Authorites are required to make the millions of annual tourists feel safe and protected in the tourist areas. This is because Mexico has experienced higher crime rates in certain areas, mainly amongst opposing drug cartels. Safety in the Yucatan Peninsula has risen concerns about whether traveling to the country is a good idea or not. However, tourist destinations are far from being dangerous.

Over the past 10 years only four major kidnappings have occurred in the state. Mexico certainly has some red-alert states. We cannot deny that. But in general, Mexico is quite a safe country in comparison to major cities in the United States or Europe. The efforts that the government is putting in to keep safety in the Yucatan Peninsula at bay are major. This is mainly due to its tourism-driven economy. That is why it comes as no surprise that places such as Merida, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum keep growing in tourism (a 4.3% in Quintana Roo, according to SEDETUR), and in real estate sales.

The Yucatan Peninsula is Still the Perfect Getaway

Safety in the Yucatan Peninsula

The southeastern region of the country continues to paint an image of relaxation, rejuvenation and of self-discovery. Here, you can find your dream home in the tranquility of the Mayan jungle, steps away from the turquoise Caribbean waters without ever having to second-guess yourself or your surroundings. The Yucatan Peninsula continues to grow and continues to put forth the life you’ve always dreamed of.

 

Weekend Getaway: Holbox Island

This upcoming weekend, we’re escaping the hustle and bustle of Playa del Carmen and Cancun and visiting a small island on the Gulf of Mexico. Holbox Island is located just at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, surrounded by beautiful blue waters. With a no-cars-allowed policy and offering golf carts to move around, this beautiful and magical island make for a perfect weekend getaway. Are you ready? Let’s get moving!

How to Get to Holbox

How to get to Holbox

Holbox is an island located in the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, technically belonging to the state of Quintana Roo. However, due to its northern location, it is no longer the Caribbean, but rather the Gulf of Mexico. To get to Holbox is quite easy if you have a car. From Playa del Carmen you must take the new Merida highway, which will cost you $107 Mexican pesos. Follow the signs that say Chiquila – you’ll be driving straight. It will take approximately two and a half hours to reach the port of Chiquila.

Once in Chiquila, you will find many parking options. Most of them will charge a $100 Mexican pesos fee to keep your car for 24 hours. Once you’ve parked, you will need to walk towards the ferry. This will take you a couple of minutes. You can expect to pay $300 mxn for the round-trip ticket. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes each way. Ferries run every half an hour from 6am to 9:30pm.

Where to Stay

Holbox is a very small island offering different boutique-style hotels. You can find from small one-room spaces listed on Airbnb to slightly larger, more luxurious hotels. You will not find big-brand names nor all-inclusive resorts on the island. Homeowners often rent out properties here for days, weeks or even months, for anyone wanting to go for more than a weekend getaway. The island is quite small, which means that a centrally-located accommodations are only 3 blocks from the ferry and 3 blocks from the beach on the other side. There are certain more laidback and less-populated areas in the island, also lined with more luxurious hotels.

If you’re staying at a central location, you can quickly reach other areas by renting a golf cart or taking a golf cart cab for $40 mxn. It takes minutes to get from one point to another. Staying at the central areas is better for those looking to be within walking distance to the main square and the main street with shops, restaurants and bars.

What to Do in Holbox

Holbox

There are many things to do in this charming island. From visiting the endless sand banks near Mantarraya to walking by the little shops and restaurants, the options are many. During the summer season, you can take beautiful and natural tours to see the migrating whale sharks who swim by the island. These gentle giants of the ocean are a sight not to be missed, slowly gliding through the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and making their way down to the Caribbean.

During the day, you can visit one of the many sand banks where you can walk for miles in shallow clear waters. You can visit the Mantarraya beach restaurant to enjoy hammocks in the ocean under letters that spell out Holbox. We highly recommend you also check out the bioluminescence tours, where microorganisms in the ocean react to movement by lighting up. This is done at night and costs approximately $250 mxn per person. Bathe in the warm waters while tiny plankton light up creating amazing starred-like shapes in the ocean.

There are also other tours you can take to snorkel in certain parts around the island. As soon as you get off the ferry, many vendors will approach you offering accommodation, taxis and tours. However, the best thing to do in Holbox is lay your towel down and sunbathe.

Shopping and Eating

Holbox

Because Holbox is such a small island, there are not many options for shopping or eating. There is a main street lined with delicious little restaurants ready to serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner at very accessible prices. If you head onto the other side of the island where the sand banks are, you will find an array of beach restaurants offering fresh fish and other local delicacies.

For shopping, the main street is where you will find the most shops. There are many locally-sourced shops selling souvenirs and other cute crafts perfect to take home as a reminder of your weekend getaway. Most things in Holbox are quite affordable in comparison to big restaurants in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Although some range slightly higher. Make sure you visit Mantarraya Restaurant for a delicious fresh mixed ceviche to share.

Recommendations

Holbox requires driving and a ferry. So, if you’re visiting from Cancun or Playa del Carmen you should definitely head out early in order to be able to enjoy the day at the beach. We recommend you get on the road around 9 or 10am to be reaching the island around 1pm. That way you can enjoy the afternoon and the next morning there.

Bring cash with you. Not many places on the island accept credit or debit cards. Although there are some ATMs (such as Banamex) on the island, it is best to have cash with you. Bring Mexican pesos to avoid high exchange rates and prices. Plan your activities in advance – especially if you’re taking tours. That way you know how long it will take you to go from one place to the other to not miss out on anything you want to do.

Holbox

To move around, rent a golf cart. You can rent one for 24 hours for $1,500 mxn. You can use this to explore places on the island you would otherwise need to pay a cab to see. Renting a golf cart will give you the freedom to move around and go wherever you wish at your own time.

Most importantly, bring an open mind and be ready to live experiences you can only imagine. Enjoy the laidback lifestyle of the island, the clear waters and the shining sun. There really isn’t another island quite like Holbox.

Where to Buy Groceries and Necessities in Playa del Carmen

One of the first annoyances many expats and retirees face when settling for their new life in Playa del Carmen is finding where to buy things. When relocating to these new places it is important to do some previous research on where all the necessities are located in reference to where you will be living. If you are making the Riviera Maya your forever home, you will surely be in need to find certain things along the line – more than just groceries. From grocery stores to malls to car dealerships, you will find it all in the region. Even more mundane things such as going to the cinema or knowing where to buy fruits and vegetables is important. Here is a list of where to buy things throughout Playa del Carmen.

Grocery Shopping

A routinely activity, grocery shopping is very easy in Playa del Carmen. There are many large supermarket chains throughout – both national and international – where you will find locally-sourced and imported goods. La Mega and Walmart are great for quick shopping. You can find anything from alcohol to groceries, clothing, souvenirs and electronics. Although you might be familiar with Walmart, this is focused on a Mexican market and not always carries the same products you are used to back home.

Here is a list of the largest and most popular grocery shops:

La Mega

Walmart

Chedraui

Soriana

Super Aki

Aurrera

Medical Centers and Hospitals

It’s important to know where to get medical attention, whether it’s for a quick check-up or an emergency. As expats and retirees, we highly recommend you always go to a private clinic or hospital for any medical needs. As to where to buy medications and other things, there are many pharmacies throughout the area, as well as inside large hospitals.

Hospitals and Clinics

Hospiten Hospital

CostaMed

Playa International Clinic

Hospital San Carlos

Consultorio Clinic

Cruz Roja (Red Cross)

Pharmacies

Similares

Farmacias del Ahorro

YZA

Car Dealerships

If you’re thinking of bringing your car down to Mexico, you should definitely check whether the brand you’re driving is available in Playa del Carmen, or at least Cancun. That way, if you need to put it in for a check-up or need to replace any parts, you will be able to visit the dealership. For those who want to purchase a car in Playa del Carmen, it is also best to know what dealerships are available and what cars they carry – it often varies from other countries.

Here are the most popular dealerships in Playa del Carmen:

Volkswagen

Nissan Playa del Carmen

Toyota Riviera Maya

Ford Riviera Maya

KIA Playacar

Shopping and Entertainment

Expats are often looking where to buy clothes, sports accessories, perfumes and lotions and other things. There are plenty of shopping centers with great local, national and international stores, as well as plenty of entertainment options. You will find movie theaters, cafés, shops, supermarkets, furniture stores and big stores like Sears.

Cinepolis

Centro Maya

Quinta Alegria Shopping Mall

Paseo del Carmen

Plaza Playacar

Calle Corazon

Plaza Las Americas

US Consular Agency, Playa del Carmen

For any needs about visa requirements, passports or any other assistance you may require while living in Playa del Carmen you will need to visit or call the US Consular Agency located in Plaza Progreso on the Federal Highway 307, local 33.

Everything is different in Playa del Carmen than it would be back home. That is why knowing where to buy things or find the help you need is important. As you settle into your new life, you will slowly start finding quirky and odd stores throughout the many neighborhoods. You will find restaurants, cafés, shops, bars, and more that you will start to frequent.

If you’re just beginning to consider your retirement to paradise, make sure you check out the hundreds of listings we have for you. And if you’re ready to start seeing properties, give us a call. We’re here to help you!

Rainy Season in the Riviera Maya and How to Make the Most of It

Despite the Riviera Maya getting 300 days of sunshine each year, it still gets plenty of rain. The rainy season run from June through November; however, it does not rain every day. Hurricanes, when present, usually land between August and October, although they are a rare sight. Tourists are often baffled with what to do when it’s raining in the region. Firstly, it’s important to point out that showers usually don’t last very long, which means you can quickly resume outdoor activities. Funnily enough, “Playa del Carmen weather” is the most common search in Google.

Not a Fan of Rain? No Problem!

Beach rain

If you want to avoid any sight of rain, you have to travel to the region during the hot, dry months. That means anywhere between December and June. However, if a little rain doesn’t bother you, you should definitely visit any of those other months. You will enjoy the Riviera Maya just the same. There are plenty of things to do when it rains – including swimming! But, be aware, if there is lightning and turns into a thunder storm, steer clear of being in the water.

You need a positive attitude during rainy season. Many people often complain about not having enjoyed their stay at Playa del Carmen due to the weather. Unfortunately, that is out of anyone’s control. A positive attitude will be your ticket to enjoying your visit to the region when it is raining. Whenever the drizzling starts, head on over to one of the many shopping centers. Get a coffee, watch a movie, window shop and just wait for the rain to stop.

Start Taking Up New Activities

Rio Secreto

If you live in Playa del Carmen, using the time it rains to go to the gym, yoga, or even grocery shopping is a great way to spend some time outside your house. There are also casinos available for those who wish to give gambling a go. It’s the perfect place to spend a rainy day at. Lastly, you could always use it as an excuse to go get pampered at a spa.

However, outdoor activities are also quite fun whenever it’s rainy season. Places such as Rio Secreto, which is made up of natural caves and underground rivers, are even more fun when it’s raining. Xcaret, or any of its other 6 parks, are also great with a little drizzle. Since you’ll be wet most of the day anyway, you might as well make the most of it. There is no room for boredom in paradise. With so many fun activities for you and the family during the rainy season, there are no excuses.

Don’t Let the Rainy Season Ruin Your Visit!

A few drops of rain will hardly ruin anybody’s visit to the beautiful Riviera Maya – don’t let it ruin yours! The world is yours and there are many opportunities and activities if you visit with an open mind. Make the best of your retirement in paradise!

Whale Sharks: Swimming With the Gentle Giants of the Sea

As if the Riviera Maya didn’t offer enough to do and see, there is one special phenomenon that takes place every year. Whale sharks – the single largest sharks in the world – make their migration through the Mexican Caribbean every summer during their mating season. From June through the end of August, you can experience a close encounter with these gentle giants of the sea. Don’t worry, they are completely harmless and feed only from plankton. Many tour operators take advantage of the summer season to bring people like you close to these school-bus-sized animals. You will find them in their natural environment in an activity you should not miss out on.

Swimming with whale sharks

A whale shark can weigh as much as 10,000 pounds and can measure up to 40 feet long. Even though the enormity of the whale sharks can be daunting, they usually just roam around the ocean looking for plankton, fish eggs and krill to eat. Humans and other animals are not their main concern, as they are not part of their diet. However, due to their unnaturally huge size, keeping a safe distance from them is essential. You want to avoid being hit by a heavy fin.

Where can you swim with whale sharks?

The best place to find the whale sharks in the Riviera Maya is around Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox. During this migratory season it is possible to spot as many as 40 whale sharks at the same time smoothly cruising through the ocean. While snorkeling from above may make them sometimes seem very tiny from afar, once they come up close and personal you can really entertain the idea of how big they actually are. They primarily swim through the northeastern shores of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Swimming with whale sharks

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and represent a healthy marine ecosystem. Their life expectancy is around 100 years old, although some have been reported to live up to 150. Interestingly, female whale sharks can have about 300 pups per litter. This is an opportunity not to be missed when visiting your vacation home in the Riviera Maya – be it Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. Many tours will take you to see them with experts on the subject explaining everything about them to you.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

When you plan your next vacation to paradise, or if you are visiting during the remaining time of August, make sure to factor this amazing natural wonder into your trip. Trust us – it makes for one amazing life experience to tell people back home. Whale sharks are the gentle giants of the sea for a reason. Swimming alongside them is one of the most thrilling activities to engage in. It also makes for a sweet pro-tip to tell those renters who book your vacation rental during the summer months.

If you are looking to invest in the Riviera Maya, make sure to send your inquiries our way. Our expert Buyer’s Representatives can hook you up with the best real estate in the region. You can have your perfect paradise home right next to the whale sharks.

Xcaret Announces Two New Parks in the Riviera Maya

Xcaret Park is perhaps one of the Riviera Maya’s most sought-after tourist attractions. It offers a wide selection of activities that are impossible to see in just one day. From swimming in the ocean, to visiting the massive aquarium, and checking out the butterfly den and seeing the jaguars and panthers, it has everything for a fun day-trip for the family. It is the size of over 40 football fields and has all types of water activities on offer. However, its most popular attraction is the Mexico Espectacular show they put on at the end of the day.

The owners of Xcaret, however, have not just stopped at that. In total, they have opened six parks and one archeological tour. They are Xcaret, Xel Ha, Xplor (and Xplor Fuego), Xichen, Xenotes, Xoximilco, and Xenses. At the moment, their seventh park, Xavage by Xcaret, is under construction and is due to open in December 2018. For three years in a row now, Xcaret has received the Best International Theme Park Award by American travel companies, making it one of the most important Mexican-owned companies in the world.

A New World of Adventures

Xel Ha

The new park, according to Experiencias Xcaret General Director, Miguel Quintana Pali, is a whole lot of new extreme. It will be located right next to Xoximilco near the Cancun International Airport. The 25-million USD investment is going towards the implementation of a mountain and a fast white-water river to make the park one of the most exciting to experience.

Another Addition for Xperiencias Xcaret

Moreover, the group is now preparing to add yet another park to their portfolio. Authorities have recently approved a full-blown water park called Suut Há Water Park by Experiencias Xcaret. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources permitted the construction for the park in March of the upcoming year. Their goal for the water park features a 40-meter high slide, many swimming pools, canals, and lush green areas with a capacity of over two hectares.

Xplor

The water park will be located near their Xplor Park in Playa del Carmen and is set to cost approximately 1 billion Mexican pesos. It will create close to 200 new jobs. The Riviera Maya offers plenty of activities to enjoy their natural resources. But missing out on any one of the Xcaret adventure parks is a mistake. Especially for those that live in the Riviera Maya!

If you want to make this paradise your retirement home, reach out to us today. We’ve got experts waiting to help you find your dream home.

Mexican Holidays and Traditions: Everything You Need to Know to Celebrate

Whether you’re living full-time or part-time in Mexico, engaging in its many traditions is a great way to get to know the culture. Many people recognize Mexico for its beautiful white-sand beaches and picturesque Caribbean Sea. But there is much more than just that. The culture in Mexico is like no other. Its gastronomy is diverse and delicious. Unsurprisingly, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage. You will be enriched in the heritage and the Mexican holidays and traditions, regardless of where you decide to spend your retirement. Here are the most popular Mexican holidays to celebrate throughout the year.

Mexico Independence Day

Mexico Independence Day

While many confuse it with Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day is actually celebrated on September 16th. They became independent from Spanish governance in 1810, now marking 208 years of freedom. This is one of the largest celebrated Mexican holidays throughout Mexico, comparable to July 1st in Canada or July 4th in the United States. During this time, you will see Mexicans proudly wearing the colors of their country: red, white and green. The celebrations include parades, fireworks and dances in many cities. At home, locals prepare an array of traditional dishes such as pozole and chiles en nogada, which are the trademark foods for the holiday.

At 11pm, the President comes out to the balcony at Mexico City’s National Palace to give the Grito de Dolores. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gave this famous speech at the town of Dolores in the early morning of September 16th, 1810. This marked the beginning of the fight for independence. The President repeats the speech each year, while Mexicans cry back “viva” after celebrating famous names that brought the independence to Mexico. At the end, he yells “Viva Mexico” three times, ringing the bell, marking the beginning of the celebration. The Municipal Presidents of major city squares replicate this tradition, as well.

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead shrine

This is perhaps one of the most widely known Mexican holidays across the world. Mexicans do not grieve death like other countries do. In fact, death becomes a celebration of someone’s life and is very colorful. Day of the Dead takes place on November 1st and 2nd. Locals celebrate Dia de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) on the 1st, which celebrates the life of children who have passed. The second day is Dia de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead), which celebrates adults.

The holiday celebrates all loved ones who have passed by visiting them at the cemeteries with the whole family bringing them offerings of their favorite stuff in life. The central piece is the pan de muerto (day of the dead bread), which is a bread that resembles a bone structure. Sugar skulls are also a popular snack. Mexicans put up shrines throughout the house and office with pictures of the lost ones and their favorite foods and drinks. Mexicans widely believe that during these two days the dead are allowed back into the living world. They get to spend time with their family, but only those whose family set up a shrine with their photograph.

Christmas and Posadas

Christmas piñata

While Christmas is a world-wide holiday, Mexicans have a unique take on it. Mexico is a very Catholic country, and so they do the traditional posada fiesta. Posada means inn or lodging in Spanish; however, during the nine days leading up to Christmas, they become a celebration of the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Families and friends get together to reenact the journey. The family divides itself in two, one staying inside the house and the other outside. The people outside represent Mary and Joseph on their journey, while the ones inside are the ones who will allow them to stay the night so Mary can give birth to Jesus.

There is a lot of caroling and other rituals that take place. While not many people today actually celebrate Catholicism, it has become a trademark tradition that will never disappear. The posada is not only centered on the journey, but on spending time with loved ones. Matriarchs make plenty of food and drinks to go around. They bring out the piñata later to take a swing at. You will find star-shaped piñatas with seven points, representing the seven deadly sins. By breaking it, you are symbolically breaking free from sinning. People fill the piñatas traditionally with fruits such as sugar canes, oranges, jicama, and others. However, today, people put their own spin to it by adding candies and other things.

The Posadas and Christmas time in Mexico are a true celebration of the culture. You should definitely witness it in all its glory and learn about the comradery that is born from this tradition. This is definitely one of the most celebrated Mexican holidays.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo dance

The first thing to do is open with a disclaimer. Cinco de Mayo is not actually a nation-wide celebration, and it is, by no means, Mexico’s Independence Day. In 1862, Mexico was under French governance. Mexican troops defeated one of the largest French armies at the time, during the battle of Puebla, on May 5th. While Mexico lost the war, the battle spread a sense of much needed pride throughout Mexico.

Funnily enough, the quick outpouring of celebrations didn’t start in Mexico itself, but in the United States. When Mexican-Americans received word of the small victory, they fired their guns into the air and celebrated their Mexican heritage. However, the state of Puebla does celebrate Cinco de Mayo every year. Locals even get the day off from school and work. Years later, in the mid-1900s, Corona Beer was looking to enter the American market and launched the Drinko the Mayo campaign. This brought the holiday back into the eye of many people, who started celebrating it since.

Mariachi Music

mariachi

If you have been to Mexico, you are probably aware of what Mariachis are. These musicians are everywhere throughout Mexico. They liven up family reunions, restaurant dinners, weddings, and other celebrations with their traditional Mariachi music. You will recognize Mariachis due to their studded attires and large hats. The tradition dates back to the 18th century and, since 2011, the musical expression is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

With so many lively and colorful traditions, Mexico is a great place to live at year-round. Almost every month there is a celebration taking place. When there isn’t something marked in the official calendar, you can trust Mexicans to make an excuse to celebrate something. If you want to experience these Mexican holidays and cultural traditions with locals and in their true expression, it’s time to start considering retirement in Mexico. Take a look at all our properties in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

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

Xcalacoco Beach in Playa del Carmen: A Local Paradise

Playa Xcalacoco is a beautiful beach on the northern tip of Playa del Carmen. This is where many locals and tourists enjoy hanging out. The beach is far away from the hustle and bustle of the town, yet close enough to access quickly. As a retiree in Playa del Carmen, emerging in the culture and mingling with the locals is a great way to really enjoy the city. Xcalacoco beach offers that and much more.

The beach is long and beautiful, with nice warm water for swimming and snorkeling. Although some hotels are lined along this beach, there is more than enough room for those who want to pack their coolers, bring their towel and just enjoy the sun. If you’re not so keen on being out under the soon for too long, there are certain places where for a modest 50 or 100-peso fee you can rent some shade, a chair or a beach bed.

Xcalacoco Beach

Since the beach is not completely touristy, you should definitely pack a lunch and some beverages with you for the day. There are no restaurants or stores on the beach, and the closest Oxxo or convenience store is on the highway on the entrance towards the beach. You may want to stop there before you keep driving in to get anything you may want to enjoy at the beach.

For those who love swimming and snorkeling, there is a reef just a few meters in. The crystal-clear water allows for great visibility. So, make sure to look out for the many bright and colorful fish and crabs swimming around the corals.

How to Get to Playa Xcalacoco

This beach is located between two hotels (Azul Fives and La Reve). They’re both all-inclusive boutique resorts, which means tourists from those hotels rarely leave their designated areas, leaving plenty of space for everyone else.

To reach the beach from Playa del Carmen downtown, you will need to drive north on the Highway 307. Continue driving past the entrance to Grand Coral. At the traffic light where the Coca Cola factory is, turn right on the road. There is a sign that reads Lol-Tun. This is the road where you will find the last Oxxo before getting to the beach. So, make sure to factor it in as your last stop if you want to buy anything else.

Xcalacoco Beach

You will drive on this road for a few minutes, reaching the Azul Fives resort. Just ahead is a small entrance, which is the public access to the beach. Keep your eyes open as there is no clear sign for this path. Try to get there as early as possible. After 10am, you will see many cars lined up parked outside and you will need to park far from the entrance. The street only allows for about 20 cars to be parked. If you reach the Le Reve Hotel, you have gone too far.

However, just ahead past Le Reve, there is a place where you can park for $50 pesos. You may also rent shade, bathroom, palapas, beach beds and chairs for another modest fee. You can even rent their BBQ grill for $100 pesos if you want to have some food there.

What to Do in Xcalacoco

There really isn’t much to do except enjoy the sun, the ocean and the calmness of being on a beautiful beach away from the tourist areas. We highly recommend sticking around for the sunset. It is extremely beautiful with its pastel colors making for stunning photographs.

All we can say is that you will not regret spending the day at Xcalacoco beach. It’s a great place to escape from the vibrant city energy and relax in a tranquil setting. This is essential for your health and well-being. And if you love it so much you want to spend every day there, we recommend investing in a property in El Cielo Residencial, which gives residents direct access to this gorgeous beach.

Where to Learn Spanish in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen has increasingly become a haven for retirees and expats. With such a large community of foreigners living in the city, it comes as no surprise to know that many of the local people speak great English. However, for those living here – whether it’s part time or full time – it makes sense to get in on learning the language of the country, as well. The great thing about learning Spanish is being able to communicate with locals on yet another level. Spanish is such a fun and versatile language which can open up great opportunities for your future. Just as there are many teachers out there spreading their knowledge in English, many are sticking to their roots and teaching Spanish to foreigners. Here are the best places to learn Spanish in Playa del Carmen.

Learn Spanish with Don Quijote

Learning Spanish

Don Quijote is an informative language school in Playa del Carmen that offers many different lessons. They offer Intensive 15, Intensive 20, Intensive 25 and Super Intensive 30. Each number represents the number of classes you can take per week. They also offer summer camps, Christmas programs, group classes and much more. You can learn Spanish, and more about the school here.

Taan Spanish School Playa del Carmen

Taan is the Mayan word for speak. This Spanish school is run by local Mexican teachers in Playa del Carmen. They offer classes for all levels and are the only 100% Mexican school in the city. Their classes kick off every Monday, which makes it rather flexible for accommodating your schedule. Taan Spanish offers a fun approach, stepping away from the classroom setting. They teach in different places around Playa del Carmen as a way to also get to know the city. By switching up the scenery, they believe their students will learn Spanish better.

Apple Language Courses

Apple Language Courses is a language school that consists of 10 open-air classrooms. They allow a maximum of seven people per class for a more hands-on training and one-on-one lessons. You can choose to have 15, 20 or 25 lessons per week. The neat thing about Apple Language Courses is the ability to add a salsa or cooking class to your Spanish course for free! This will allow you to benefit from learning Spanish and thinking outside the box.

International House Riviera Maya

International House Riviera Maya perhaps is the most well-known Spanish school (besides Berlitz). They have schools in most major cities in the world and teach a wide range of languages. The courses spread from beginner classes to Business and Medical Spanish classes. They are very flexible in schedule and are even available online. This will allow you to refresh your Spanish before you arrive or after you leave Playa del Carmen.

Regardless of which institution you decide to invest in, you should definitely learn Spanish. Although many people speak English in the region, being able to communicate in the native language will take you a long way when traveling, meeting locals, making friends and even getting discounts. Besides, speaking a new language can never hurt anyone!