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.

Spending a Day at the Beach

The Riviera Maya has some of the most gorgeous beaches and beautiful turquoise Caribbean water in the world. Spending a day at the beach is like no other place you’d rather be. Hundreds of thousands of visitors, snowbirds and fulltime residents enjoy this wonderful experience on a daily basis.

Places like Tulum, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and even the smaller communities like Akumal are privileged to have such breathtaking beaches. Several online publications ranked Tulum on their ‘Top 10’ list as having one of the best beaches in the world. Playa del Carmen is considered one of the most sought out vacation destinations in all of Mexico. Its reputation for having quite a few ideal beach spots is no secret. Ask anyone who frequents this charming town.

Spending a day at the beach

Enjoying a day at the beach is super simple. All you have to do is figure out which way you want to spend it! Tulum, Playa and Akumal to mention just a few have plenty of beach bars and grills. Pull up a lounge chair – hammock, order your favorite beverage and put your toes in the sand. When you need to cool down, take a refreshing dip in the warm tempered Caribbean water at your leisure.

Spending time on the beach is exactly what the doctor ordered!

However, if you want to just relax and enjoy the day, there are plenty of locations to do just that. Set up an umbrella and beach chair, take a cooler packed with snacks and plenty of your favorite beverages and a good book. Don’t forget to take time and people watch in between chapters. Spending time in paradise doing whatever comes to mind is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Being on the beach can offer plenty of opportunities to meet new people and participate in many of the everyday activities. There are absolutely no communication barriers when spending a day on the beach. The young and not so young play Frisbee, kick a soccer ball around, and hacky sack to mention just a few activities. Afterwards, everyone sits down together and enjoy each other’s company.

Spending a day at the beach

Moreover, on many of the Riviera Maya’s beach destinations you can watch windsurfers perform their acrobatic jumps, twist and turns. They glide along the water waiting for the perfect updraft to catch their kite’s broad sail and off they go! You can create your own adventure buy renting a Jet Ski or small sailboat for an hour or two. Beach vendors also offer parasailing, snorkeling and fishing trips upon request.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t let life pass you by without enjoying Mexico’s fabulous Caribbean coastline. Spending a day at the beach offers no limit on what to do, see or experience. Palm trees, sugar fine white sand and tropical sea breezes can be a great way of life.

Living in Mexico, Your lifesavers in the Riviera Maya!

Living in Mexico is an amazing opportunity for retirees, since a modest pension in your country of origin can stretch much more if you decide to move south of the border. As the dollar keeps strong against the peso, more and more people are looking to settle and enjoy retirement in this beautiful country.

There are over a million North American retirees living in Mexico full time, and an estimated 50,000 snowbirds that spend part of the year in the country. These numbers keep rising, as the pension system is failing and health insurance prices skyrocket.

The Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations for retirees from all over the world. Some of the reasons that make it such a popular destination are the closeness to North America and the available direct flights to Cancun from almost every main airport.

Once that you have settled in your new life, there are a couple of things that can make your life much easier. Keep in mind that transitioning to your new life is always to have challenges, but a positive attitude and a good sense of humor is the best tool to deal with them.

1.  Get your INAPAM card

If you are a permanent resident in Mexico, you can get your INAPAM Card and get discounts in services, property taxes, museums and cultural events. Your INAPAM card also will allow you to get discounts on buses and airlines tickets; just keep in mind that the number of discounted tickets is limited, so it is important to buy them in advance.

To get your INAPAM Card as a foreigner you will need to present:

  • Either your Migratory Form (FM2, FM3), Carta de Naturalización, Temporary Resident Permit or your passport to verify your identity and age.
  • A bill not older than three months of water, electricity or landline (TELMEX, AXTEL, TELNOR, IZZI, ETC) with your name and Mexican address.
  • 2 “Infantil” size photos.

The modules available in the Riviera Maya are open from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 PM and their locations are listed below.

Isla Mujeres

Address:  Av. Jesús Martínez Ross # 001, Isla Mujeres, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 998 274 04 22

Benito Juárez (CANCUN)

Address:  Región 94 Mz.76 Lt.3, C.P.77500, Benito Juarez, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 998 888 89 21 y 888 89 22

Cozumel

Address: Calle 50 Bis between 3 and 5 Sur, col. Adolfo López Mateos, Cozumel, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 987 872 56 61

Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen & Puerto Aventuras)

Address: Av. 40 Corner with calle 28, Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 984 127 99 12

Tulum

Address: Calle Alfa Sur between avenida Tulum and Sol Poniente, Centro, Tulum, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 983 130 40 55 y 103 22 23

2. Enjoy your local status

Being a local has its perks, most attractions and archeological sites have special prices for locals. It is important to have a photo ID such as your driver license or Migratory Card. If you are resident of Playa del Carmen, there are special discounts at local beach clubs such as Lido, Senzi or Piola; ask for your local discount!

3. Meet your crowd

Living as an expat is much more doable if you make friends, not only you get a support system but also benefit from their experience living in Mexico. There are many activities that can allow you to meet new friends: The Rotary Club, helping in Animal associations such as Coco’s Cat Rescue, joining local Thanksgiving dinners, etc.

So, what do you think? Can you share with us what would be your lifesaver as a retiree living in the Mayan Riviera? We would love to hear your thoughts and comments! Let’s Retire in Mexico looks to share relevant information with retirees living in Mexico, either full time or part time.

Tulum Wins More Accolades for Its World Class Beach

Playa Paraíso Tulum

Tulum Wins More Accolades for Its World Class Beach

The whole of the Riviera Maya has been receiving accolades all year round, and the city of Tulum is no exception, having picked up some of its own in 2016. We recently reported on how TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, had named Tulum as one of its top destinations on the rise. Now one of its beaches is making itself known on the website, with Playa Paraiso getting some much deserved respect.

Paraiso (Spanish for Paradise) has great location, just north of the Tulum ruins.

It has its own boutique hotel and an excellent beach club that has sun beds, umbrellas, lounge chairs, tables and palm trees for grabbing some shade. T

here is a cost for the use their beds and chairs, but it is certainly possible to negotiate for a discount if you are up for the challenge.

The beach opens at 8am and closes at 11pm, with a restaurant on-site that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Read: Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Playa Paraiso

Tulum is located 80 miles south of Cancun, with Playa del Carmen to the north and the Sian-Ka’an Biosphere Reserve- a natural biosphere reserve that is home to over 300 types of birds and 100 mammal species- to the south.

It was once a walled city, one of the last to be built by the Mayans, and its’ archaeological sites are well preserved. The main archeological site of Tulum is built on a cliff that overlooks the Caribbean Ocean.

Tulum is a small eco-friendly town that epitomizes the term bohemian. It draws many travelers who seek out its hippie, low tech lifestyle, and it’s no wonder that TripAdvisor would be impressed by its stunning blue waters and cool white sand.

It is one of those places in this part of the world that must be experienced for oneself in order to appreciate it fully, so make sure to pay it a visit and see what makes Paraiso Beach and Tulum so special.

If you are looking to explore this area, why not join us for one of Top Mexico’s Live it Tours? It’s a great way to get to know the area and enjoy a nice vacation at the same time.

To book yourself in for the next tour and see the Top Mexico Real Estate properties we have listed in Tulum please contact one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives. We will be happy to assist you and help you find your very own piece of paradise.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate

We Make It Happen!

Live it Tour

2016 Travelers’ Choice by Tripadvisor

Top 25 Destinations — World

The 2016 Travelers’ Choice award by Tripadvisor is out. This list could have been taken straight from my bucket list of places in the world to see. Most are far away, distant lands but one destination close to your home made the list.  And not to be biased but it is my favorite place… Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Here is the top 25 worldwide destinations;

    • 1. London, United Kingdom
    • 2. Istanbul, Turkey
    • 3. Marrakech, Morocco
    • 4. Paris, France
    • 5. Siem Reap, Cambodia
    • 6. Prague, Czech Republic
    • 7. Rome, Italy
    • 8. Hanoi, Vietnam
    • 9. New York City, New York
    • 10. Ubud, Indonesia
    • 11. Barcelona, Spain
    • 12. Lisbon, Portugal
    • 13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    • 14. St. Petersburg, Russia
    • 15. Bangkok, Thailand
    • 16. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    • 17. Buenos Aires, Argentina
    • 18. Hong Kong, China
    • 19. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
    • 20. Cape Town Central, South Africa
    • 21. Tokyo, Japan
    • 22. Cusco, Peru
    • 23. Kathmandu, Nepal
    • 24. Sydney, Australia
    • 25. Budapest, Hungary

 photo PDC_zpslkkf000b.jpg“Playa del Carmen is one of the top dive destinations in the world, thanks to vibrant sea life and dazzling underwater caverns. On dry land, Playa is a hipper and more modern version of the fishing village it once was. Spend some quality time on the golf course or wave hello to the playful spider monkeys at The Jungle Place sanctuary. Explore the ancient ruins of the Coba Mayan Village, or get in some quality people-watching as you shop and stroll along 5th Avenue.” Commented Tripadvisor about the destination hotspot Playa del Carmen.

Top 25 Beaches — World

Some of the most exotic and beautiful beaches made the list. Coming in at number 21 is Playa Paraiso in Tulum, Mexico. It is known gorgeous turquoise blue water, white powdery sand and breathtaking views.

Here is the top 25 worldwide beach destinations;

      • 1. Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
      • 2. Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
      • 3. Playa Paraiso in Cayo Largo, Cuba
      • 4. Anse Lazio in Praslin Island, Seychelles
      • 5. Cayo de Agua in Los Roques National Park, Venezuela
      • 6. Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico
      • 7. Playa de Ses Illetes in Formentera, Balearic Islands
      • 8. Ngapali Beach in Ngapali, Myanmar
      • 9. West Bay Beach in West Bay, Honduras
      • 10. Nacpan Beach in El Nido, Philippines
      • 11. Maho Beach in Cruz Bay, St. John
      • 12. Whitehaven Beach in Whitsunday Island, Whitsunday Islands
      • 13. Sharm El Luli in Marsa Alam, Egypt
      • 14. Elafonissi Beach in Elafonissi, Greece
      • 15. Playa Manuel Antonio in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
      • 16. The Baths in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
      • 17. Camp’s Bay Beach in Camps Bay, South Africa
      • 18. Praia da Marinha in Carvoeiro, Portugal
      • 19. Kata Noi Beach in Karon, Thailand
      • 20. Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida
      • 21. Playa Paraiso in Tulum, Mexico
      • 22. Agonda Beach in Agonda, India
      • 23. Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton Parish, Bermuda
      • 24. Tumon Beach in Tumon, Mariana Islands
      • 25. Praia de Santa Maria in Santa Maria, Cape Verde

“One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. Swim, take a nap, read a book. You’ll be happy to just be here.” Commented one Tripadvisor client about Playa Paraiso in Tulum.

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“Best time to go: Year-round”, states Tripadvisor… can you imagine a gorgeous beach that has weather so nice it can be enjoyed year-round.

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How many places have you been to on these lists? To experience beautiful places you don’t have to travel across the world, just go to the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Explore the culture and cuisine, wonderful sights such as ancient Mayan ruins, cenotes and pristine beaches. Enjoy the near perfect weather year round… leave those frigid winters behind. Many Americans and Canadians are not just exploring the area but are choosing to retire here. They have selected a place where their social security, pensions, and saving will go much further. See what so many are talking about, explore the Riviera Maya.

If you are interested in exploring properties in the Riviera Maya contact a Top Mexico Buyers’ Representative today.

We Make It Happen!

Weekend Getaway: Akumal Bay

This weekend, we’re taking a day trip to the gorgeous Akumal Bay, just half an hour south of Playa del Carmen. Never forget that the Riviera Maya is vast, full of hidden (and not so hidden) gems, and it offers a million things to explore. Playa del Carmen doesn’t quite give an idea of everything there is to see. Are you ready? Let’s go!

How to get there

Akumal is located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, only a 30 minutes drive from both cities, and approximately 1 hour and 20 minute drive south from Cancun. The best way to reach Akumal Bay is by renting a car and driving. However, colectivos (public transport) leave from the central coelctivo station in Playa del Carmen (15th Avenue with 2nd Street) towards Tulum. All you have to do is get on it and ask to stop in Akumal. You should expect to pay between $2 and $3 USD for the ride.

You will be dropped off on the west side of the highway. There is a huge crossing bridge over the highway, which you must cross and you have reached Akumal. If you’re driving, take the Federal Highway 307 heading south and following the signs that read “Akumal”. It is very well signaled and the exit is clearly marked.

Akumal is quite small and parking is limited. There are two small parking lots, however they tend to be quite expensive. Unfortunately, there are no free parking areas in Akumal so be ready to either pay the parking fee or you can park on the Akumal Pueblo side of the town (on the other side of the highway), and cross the highway by foot.

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Where to stay

Akumal is a very small town with a beautiful bay and a few hotels. Accommodation varies between renting one of the houses or apartments available down the road towards Yal Ku (where you can enjoy Half Moon Bay beach), and staying at one of the hotels available there. Hotels, however, are quite expensive and you can expect to pay no less than $100 USD per night, or even much more. If you are staying in Playa del Carmen or Cancun, Akumal is great for a day-trip, with no need for staying the night.

However, you should consider that if you do stay at one of the hotels you get the added bonus of enjoying beach beds, towels and shade; whereas if you go for the day, none of that is available.

What to do

Akumal means “place of the turtles” in Mayan, and people go there for one thing: sighting sea turtles in their natural habitat. Approximately 40 juvenile sea turtles live in the bay, coming and going as they please, as it is their feeding zone. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Akumal, but swimming through the bay searching for sea turtles is the main attraction.

You can either rent snorkeling equipment and lifejackets at one of the two diving shops, or take a guided tour. Keep in mind that Akumal Bay is a federally protected area and offenses are taken seriously, so we recommend you hire a guide in order to not break any of the rules (touching or chasing the turtles, standing on the corals, touching the ocean bottom, amongst many others).

After spending about an hour swimming around the bay looking at all the amazing sea creatures (there are plenty of fish, turtles, rays and corals), you can head over to Yal Ku lagoon, just a 5 minute car ride from Akumal, to swim in the gorgeous mixture of fresh and salt water that is home to thousands of colorful fish. This is also a protected area and an entrance fee of $12 USD has to be paid.

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For those of you who love fishing or scuba diving, there are plenty of boats taking you out on tours. All you have to do is ask at either one of the dive shops for prices and information. Usually any fish caught can be cooked at one of the restaurants in Akumal. Diving is a favorite activity here as past the reef barrier there is a whole other world underwater.

You can also visit the NGO located in Akumal, which protects the ocean and the nesting turtles. Akumal is a nesting beach and if you visit anytime between May and November you are most likely to be able to take a tour at night with the biologists to see the turtles nesting and watch hatchling releases.

Shopping and eating

It’s clear that Akumal is quite small and there is not much to do but spend the day at the beach. There are a handful of small shops around selling hand-made crafts, paintings and other curiosities. There is also a small market on the basketball court at the entrance selling necklaces, earrings, clothing items, bags, amongst others.

For eating there are three main restaurants to choose from: La Cueva del Pescador, Turtle Bay Café and Lol Ha Restaurant. They all are delicious and vary in cuisine styles, so make sure you choose wisely depending on what you are craving. On the road towards Yal Ku there is another famous restaurant called La Buena Vida with delicious food and an amazing variety of drinks, as well. This restaurant is on Half Moon Bay offering beautiful sights, and even a section with hammocks for relaxing after lunch.

 photo DSCF3124-1.jpgRecommendations

Akumal is one of the biggest attractions in the Riviera Maya – not to be overlooked! Although a weekend getaway is perfect in Akumal, if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Cancun, one day will suffice to visit this gorgeous bay. Here are some recommendations to take into consideration:

Bring cash: there is an ATM in Akumal, but remember that those usually charge hefty commissions. Most restaurants and shops take credit card, but it’s better to be safe and sorry (La Cueva del Pescador is cash only and definitely a great dining option). The small market is also cash only and it’s worth having some money on you to buy anything.

Bring a towel, a hat, sunglasses, your own umbrellas and biodegradable sunscreen. Akumal, as mentioned before, is an ecologically protected area, so it is of utmost importance that no damaging sunscreen is introduced into the ocean. Put on your sunscreen half an hour before you plan on swimming and make sure it’s biodegradable.

There is no beach club in Akumal so you must provide your own towels and shade. There are no beach beds, no umbrellas or anything. People lay their towels down on the sand and sunbathe there, so make sure you’re prepared.

Visit with an open attitude. Sea turtles are free, and they come and go as they wish, and – although unlikely – you may leave Akumal without having seen one. Don’t complain to the tour guides or the locals, as they have no control over them. Have fun, enjoy the beauty of the place and keep an open mind about everything.

Well, one weekend comes after the next, and there are always new adventures and places to discover in the Riviera Maya. So check back next week for a new weekend getaway destination!

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned real estate company catering to American and Canadian people wanting to make the move to the Riviera Maya. If you want to invest in paradise, our Top Buyer Representatives will gladly help you in the search for the perfect location and the perfect home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

World Travel Awards 2015: The Best of Tourism in Mexico

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

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

If you want to know more about these awards, we invite you to see the list of winners.
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World Travel Awards Winners in the Mexico and Central America Region:

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

World Travel Awards: Mexico Winners

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

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

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

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Summer Reads: Top Mexico’s Picks!

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

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

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

For the Thriller Seeker

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

For the Romantic One

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

For the One Looking for an Adventure

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

For the Lovers of Strong Reinventing Women

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

For the Science Fiction Aficionado

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

For the One Looking for a Laugh

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

For the Ones Looking for Hope

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

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

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

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate

We Make It Happen!

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

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!

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

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!