On September 8, 2017, an 8.2-magnitude earthquake in southern Mexico affected at least 2.3 million people in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, and claimed around 96 lives. The official reports count a total of 40,000 houses with a damage in Chiapas, and around 12,000 in Oaxaca.
Thankfully, there are some organizations already working on helping these victims; but there’s a lot to do and people in the affected areas have many needs. So, you if you were wondering how you can help the earthquake victims, here’s a list of what the Family Services Agency (DIF) is collecting:
Blankets and bedding
Clothes and shoes
Canned tuna, sardines, beans, cereal, biscuits and instant coffee
Powdered milk and water
Soap, tooth brushes, toothpaste and sanitary towels
Where can you provide these items?
The local Red Cross, Walmart and Superama stores are collecting donations. Also, Starbucks Café is accepting donations such as: non-perishable foods, bottled water, clothing, blankets and personal hygiene products.
You can also donate cash to:
Account #0404040406 at BBVA Bancomer in the name of Cruz Roja Mexicana IAP.
Account #066 900 6667 at Banorte
In addition to this, Club Rotary Tulum with the help of Ex-Pats Tulum and Gaia Hotel Tulum, will be receiving items to help earthquake victims in Oaxaca and Chiapas until Tuesday 19, 2017.
They are collecting:
Non-perishable foods
Bottled water
Clothing
Blankets and towels
Sleeping bags
Lanterns and batteries
First aid kits
You can bring these products to Gaia Hotel Tulum; for further information, call (984) 134 6082.
Although it’s been more than a week since the earthquake affected Mexico, it will take a long time for these communities to recover and any aid is still helpful.
For more information, visit the Red Cross website or click on this link to make an online donation through the Red Cross website.
The day is finally here! Mexico’s Independence Day is on September 15. If you’ve already lived this experience, perhaps you already know how it is to have a Mexican style party; but if this is your first time celebrating this huge event in Mexico, be prepared to have an awesome night.
Let’s sum up in a few words what’s Mexico’s Independence Day. Back in September 15, 1810, El Cura Miguel Hildalgo, one of the nation’s leader, motivated the town to revolt against the Spanish soldiers. His speech is known as ElGrito de Dolores, Cry of Dolores in English. Although Mexico’s definitive liberation was on September 21, 1821, Mexicans celebrate their Independence Day on September 15.
Needless to say, this date is extremely important for Mexicans, who will transfer their Mexican spirit to any foreigner willing to celebrate this holiday. If you’re looking for ideas for how to celebrate El Grito, here’s a list of great places in Playa del Carmen where you will surely have fun.
But if you want to celebrate like a Mexican, then you should go to the plaza 28 de Julio, where you can witness the traditional ceremony, followed by fireworks. This event is starting at 7:00 pm.
Mexican Party at The Carmen Hotel
On Friday 15, The Carmen Hotel will be hosting a Noche Mexicana. This party will include live music, Mariachis, art exhibition, Mexican games and a Frida Kahlo characterization contest.
This party starts at 8:00 and ends at 12:00 am.
Where? Calle 8 with beach
La Reina Roja
Mexican Party at La Reina Roja Hotel will open its doors Friday 15 at 7:00 pm. This party will include a Taco Buffet, better known in Spanish as a Taquiza. Eat as much tacos as you want at the price of 2×1.
Have a magnificent and unforgettable Mexican party at a singular and unique place: La Reina Roja.
Are you planning to assist to this event? Then head to 28 street between 5th Avenue and 10 street.
Merendero Surf
Is there something better than Mexican food? Well, Merendero Surf will be hosting an amazing Mexican party this Friday the 15 at 9:00 pm. They will offer live music, Mexican food, drinks and much more to make this night unforgettable.
If you would like to join this event, go to 5th Avenue between streets 30 and 32.
La Vagabunda Mexican Food with a Twist
This Mexican cuisine will offer a Taco Buffet (Taquiza), Mexican snacks, games, Mariachis and much more! The price for adult is $250 pesos, $120 for children 11+ and free for kids under 10 years old. The open bar has a cost of $200 pesos.
La Vagabunda’s party will begin at 8:00 on Friday the 15. Where? 28 Avenue and Carretera Federal.
Prana Hookah and Drinks
Are you ready to live a party in one of the most animated streets in Playa del Carmen? Well, then Prana Hookah Lounge is the right place! On September 15 visit this bar and take full advantage of the Tequila and Mezcal promotion. This Mexican party will include many surprises to make sure you have an amazing night.
Be ready to Prana Hooka Lounge at 8:00 pm on 12 street between 5th Avenue and 1st street.
Art Hummus
Celebrate with Art Hummus this enormous national holiday. Art Hummus will be offering a menu which includes Mezcal Papa Diablo, organic Tacos al pastor, guacamole and dessert for $350 pesos. Dance all night and have an incredible Mexican Party at Art Hummus!
If you want to join this event, visit Art Hummus at Plaza Paseo Coba in Aviacion Avenue, Playacar.
Thompson Playa del Carmen
Join Thompson this September 15 at 10 pm and celebrate the Independence Day in an amazing atmosphere. Their resident DJ Shemaya along with DJ Flight will animate this party. Thompson will be offering Ladies Night from 10 pm to 1 pm.
How to get to Thompson? Go to 12 street between 5th Avenue and 10 street.
8. Zenzi
Zenzi will be hosting a Mexican party and every margarita sold will help people affected by the earthquake last week in Chiapas and Oaxaca. Help this great cause by visiting Zenzi in 10th street and the beach.
Have a great and unforgettable Mexican Independence Day! Enjoy all the Mexican parties in Playa del Carmen and tell us how your night goes. Live this incredible experience and get to know more about the history of Mexico and its culture.
There are so many things we could include in this article. We will do our best to include as much as we can, but you most likely do not have hours upon hours to read about everything that we love about living in Playa del Carmen. So let us keep this short and sweet. We will include the main attributes as to why people love to live in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Below we have listed the top five things that we love best about living here.
The location (beach + convenience)
The people
The safety
The food
The culture
Location
Let’s start off with the number one reason as to why we love living in the beautiful Playa del Carmen, and that would be the location. Here you can find everything you would ever need in the proximity of 45 minutes. An international airport is only 30 minutes away. Some of the best beaches in the world, such as Tulum, are only 45 minutes away. If you would like to go on a tour to one of the eco parks, it is within 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen. If you are looking for grocery stores, Wal-Mart, Cell phone stores, malls, and Starbucks, Playa del Carmen is home to all those places.
The people
Secondly, it would of course be the people. They are some of the friendliest, most helpful people here living in Playa del Carmen. Not to mention people of every nationality. It is such a multi-cultural beach town, where you will find people of your own culture and meet new people too! No matter where you go, if you have troubles or need help with anything you can ask a fellow local and they will be happy to help you out.
The safety
Number three is a huge advantage to this town, and a very important reason as to why people choose living in Playa del Carmen. When you think of living somewhere, you do not want to be afraid of your safety. We know things happen everywhere in the world and you always have to be cautious, Playa del Carmen is a safe town. There are policemen located all over the city to protect everyone who lives and visits Playa del Carmen. So there is no need to feel unsafe living in Mexico. Just ask the other Americans and Canadians and other nationalities that live here.
The food
Number four is most likely why the expats choose to live here for so long. The food in Playa del Carmen is FANTASTIC. Not only the Mexican food is delicious, but also the Italian community is huge here. We recommend you trying out all the delicious Italian restaurants on Fifth Avenue, but there are many wonderful and cheaper restaurants on 10th Avenue. You will not be disappointed in the gastronomy here in Playa del Carmen, especially if you are a true foodie.
The culture
Last but not least is the culture. If you have been to Mexico before and stayed in an all-inclusive resort, you have experienced about 10% of the culture. If you went into town for a day, you have experience 20% of the culture. You need to move to Playa del Carmen to experience 100% of the culture here. With Mexican shows at night, friendly locals roaming the streets, comedy nights, local talent acts in the middle of the streets, along with musicians who sing to you while you are enjoying some wine. No matter where you go you will be surrounded with beautiful people who love you! The energy is high, and that comes with a high quality of life. So we suggest you pack your bags and move down to paradise.
The Riviera Maya is home to beautiful attractions and wonderful activities that will provide you an excellent time. Needless to say, one of the main charms of the Riviera Maya are the sinkholes or cenotes. These breathtaking freshwater natural pools are just a small proportion of what nature has to offer.
Actually, if you’re looking to enjoy an amazing journey where cenotes are the main attraction, the Cenote route is for you. This attraction is located on the road that connects Puerto Morelos to Leona Vicario, and is a wonderful road that has plenty of cenotes to choose from. Each one will offer you a different adventure, and you will be surrounded by natural wonders.
The entrance to the cenote route is located in Puerto Morelos, which is located halfway from Playa del Carmen to Cancun. We highly recommend to live this experience and have fun while you admire the amazing landscape. You can visit them all or pick the ones that seem more appealing to you. To help you plan your trip, here’s a brief description of each cenote and what makes it special.
Mojarras
To begin your adventure, the cenoteMojarras will amaze you. This is an uncovered sinkhole where you can freely swim and snorkel. Some of the extra activities are a zip line, ATV road, horseback riding and there’s a restaurant where you can eat and have a little break from your adventure.
Boca del Puma
This sinkhole is located in a natural reserve in the middle of the Riviera Maya. Boca del Puma offers an amazing experience and a journey filled with entertainment. Also, take full advantage of other activities such as the magnificent zip lines and the incredible ATV tour. Most people consider this park as one of their favorites!
Siete Bocas
Cenote 7 Bocas is a beautiful cavern sinkhole which received its name due to the 7 holes that allow the light to enter. This is a covered cenote that offers a taste of what diving in caverns is. You will be amazed by the rock formations and the color of the water; to enjoy the place even more, consider bringing a waterproof flashlight so you can explore de depth of the water. This is a great experience for good swimmers, and there are life vests available for rent if you want. Being a more rustic and less- touristy cenote, this place offers a jungle vibe that is surely a worthwhile experience.
Chilam Balam
You will surely have a happy surprise as soon as you arrive to this sinkhole. Chilam Balam, is home to a beautiful cenote where you can definitely snorkel and get closer to nature. This place also offers more activities such as ATV rides, horseback riding and canopy lines. You can have a dreamy family day here by enjoying the open-air sinkhole and much more.
Verde Lucero
A little piece of paradise where you can freshen up and enjoy the crystal clear and cold water! This sinkhole is an amazing inexpensive experience. One of the main features is the zip line that drops you into the water. Besides being a peaceful and quiet cenote, Verde Lucero is a hidden jewel in the middle of the jungle.
La Noria
This cenote is actually an awesome place to experience a sinkhole visit among other different activities. This place offers zip lines, cliff diving and mountain biking! Prepare yourself to have an extreme adventure at the surrounding jungle with a wonderful atmosphere.
Kin-Ha
Looking for a fun adventure? Then you will surely find it at cenote Kin-Ha. If you’re feeling adventurous, be ready to jump 25-ft. into a 72° F degree water! Also, explore the jungle while you ride a four-wheeler track to get to the 2 beautiful sinkholes. And to add more fun to your incredible journey, enjoy the dual zip lines and zip together with a friend!
Zapote
Be ready to have an excellent day at this eco-park that not only has astounding surroundings but also incredible adventures. The first cenote has 10-ft. and 25-ft. jumping platforms. The second sinkhole offers a different adventure, being an underground cenote where you can see stalagmites and stalactites. The third and last cenote is a small deep sinkhole with two high jumping platforms. This place is waiting for any adventurous soul who’s ready for some action!
Remember that each cenote will offer you an amazing experience and they are all different from each other. Prices vary as well; if you’re planning to visit more than one cenote make sure to bring cash, since there are no ATM machines nearby. And while there are some small restaurants on the road, it’s a good idea to bring enough water and snacks to keep you energized during the day.
Consider visiting the cenote route… You won’t regret spending a day in these wonderful natural sinkholes doing eco-friendly activities!
We understand this summertime heat can be a little irritating. There are days when all you want to do is stay somewhere with air condition. But, this could actually be boring. Besides, when you live in Playa del Carmen, you must learn how to handle the heat. It is okay to stay locked in home with A/C once in a while. However, there are so many places where you can go to freshen up while you have fun outdoors. Let’s take a look at some options to escape the Caribbean heat!
The first thing you can do is visit a beach
Well, this one is clear! There are so many beautiful beaches all along the Riviera Maya. We recommend to bring an umbrella, a large blanket, drinking water, snacks, sunscreen and a chair. This will help you stay fresh and away from the sun. Whenever you want to rest, you can sit under your umbrella. And if the heat takes over, you can run to the sea and cool down Don’t forget to bring a book or something to stay entertained and enjoy the beach to the fullest.
Have a wonderful day at a cenote
A freshwater sinkhole, also known as cenote, is a perfect way to fresh up. Its cold water will help you to feel better and escape the Caribbean heat. Also, most cenotes are covered, so you can stay away from the sunlight and avoid a sunburn. There are many cenotes you can visit, and most of them are not expensive. In addition, if you want to have an adventure and enjoy a cenote to the fullest, you can rent diving equipment and have much more fun.
Enjoy a delicious ice cream on the 5th Avenue
What’s better than taking a walk on the Fifth Avenue? Well, having an ice cream while walking all along this amazing street. There are plenty of ice cream shops that offer delicious flavors and also, beverages if you’re not really in a mood for an ice cream. Once you decide what kind of dessert you’re having, it’s time to enjoy the 5th Avenue! This pedestrian street offers so many shopping stores, restaurants, spas, among many other things. The world-famous 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen will surely keep you entertained and, sometimes, away from the Caribbean heat.
Have an amazing adventure at a theme park
There are plenty of options to choose from! Each theme park in the Riviera Maya offers different amazing activities. You can have a relaxing day at Xel-Ha or an incredible adventure at Xplor. And if you want to have a family day, Xcaret could be the perfect place. Alternatively, there are some other companies that offer great tours which include zip-line, ATV and a cenote visit. Choose one or more of these activities and have fun while you freshen up.
Swim in one of the many hotel rooftops in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is home to several hotel rooftops that are open to the public even if you’re not a guest. However, most of these rooftops will ask you to eat something or have a drink. Therefore, make sure to bring some cash, so you can enjoy your food and/or beverage while you sunbathe and refresh in the swimming pool. This exquisite option could end up being your weekend getaway plan!
Now you that you have these ideas in mind, go outside and enjoy all the activities the Riviera Maya has to offer! As a result, you will escape the Caribbean heat whilst having an astonishing journey. Additionally, you will get to discover more incredible places in the Riviera Maya and see why people define it as a paradise.
Mayakoba Resort celebrates the second edition of the most dynamic and fun event: Mayakoba Playa Fest 2017.
Mayakoba Playa Fest 2017 will be an amazing event surrounded by crystal-clear waters, mangroves and the beautiful Caribbean Sea. The stunning turquoise water and the white sandy beaches highlight each of the activities performed in this event.
This festival will take place in Mayakoba, a paradise located in the heart of the Riviera Maya. On September 15 to 17, Mayakoba Playa Fest will celebrate this amazing party. This huge event expects around 250 people. Every guest will enjoy this unique event and its beautiful location in the recently inaugurated Andaz Mayakoba.
Here is the schedule for the Mayakoba Playa Fest activities:
Opening Cocktail: To start with this event, we will celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day at Mayakoba’s Pueblito (little town). This party will be open for the public and it will be the perfect moment to celebrate with family and friends.
Mayakoba Challenge: This is the most challenging activity. This event includes Yoga, a 5K race and a SUP race- 1K into the sea.
Sunrise Yoga: An inspirational yoga session in front of the beautiful dawn at Andaz Maykoba beach.
Stand Up Paddle Race 1K y 5K: One of the most fun activities in the sea, led by a Stand-Up Paddle expert.
Jet Surf Mexico demonstration: A sport that mixes surf, motor sports and entertainment.
Aqua Forza: A great experience with a new exercise trend that combines yoga positions, resistance and elasticity.
Yoga and Kite Surf: Additionally, during this weekend you can take courses of Yoga and Kite Surf. Relax and have fun at the same time.
Award Ceremony at Andaz Mayakoba beach: To award the winners of the “Mayakoba Challenge”, they will offer an exquisite lunch. Chef invited, Paul Bentley and the culinary Andaz Mayakoba team will create an extraordinary menu. Their delicious food will delight all the guests with Mexican food and margaritas, accompanied with the best music.
Closing Dinner at Casa Amate: To end on a high note, Mayakoba will host a splendid dinner. Vincent Wallez, the executive chef at Andaz, and Chef Paul Bentley will create a banquet. This delicious dinner will take place at the Insignia Restaurant in Andaz Mayakoba.
Don’t miss this amazing event! Mayakoba Playa Fest 2017 will reiterate the beauty and greatness within a resort like no other.
More about Mayakoba:
The Riviera Maya is home to this beautiful resort that takes only a 15 minute drive from Playa del Carmen. Mayakoba is an eco-friendly development on the Mexican Caribbean beaches. Also, natural beauties, such as lagoons, mangroves and white sandy beaches sorround this luxurious resort. On the other hand, Mayakoba is home to 4 luxury hotels: Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Andaz Mayakoba.
Another spectacular feature Mayakoba Resort offers, is a spectacular 18-hole golf course; where the OHL Mayakoba Classic takes place each year. This course is surrounded by 13 km of lagoons and fresh water channels that lead to the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
It’s not a secret; Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Each year, thousands of tourists choose the Yucatan Peninsula as their destination for incredible vacations. This place has become a favorite destination for both, tourists and Mexicans.
Once you land in Mexico, any beach you visit will look extraordinary. It’s guaranteed that you will never find an ugly beach in Mexico, but when it comes to the Caribbean, you are standing in paradise. The white sand that almost feels like powder and the beautiful crystal-clear waters will hypnotize you. Walking along the beach, while you take a sunbath and freshen up with the sea breeze, is an unforgettable experience.
Since most tourists come to the Caribbean beaches to look for comfort, some beaches tend to be too crowded. This could actually be ideal for people who want to have fun and party. However, for those who want to relax and enjoy, a tranquil beach would be perfect. Luckily for those people, the Yucatan Peninsula has many virgin beaches; most of these beaches are kept secret and are much less crowded.
Here are the 5 most beautiful beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula:
Caleta Tankah, Tulum:
This beautiful beach is located on the Highway 307, on the way to Tulum. It is a 43-minute drive from Playa del Carmen and 1 hour 30 minutes from the Cancun airport. The entrance to this beach is not easy to see, so it’s really important to be alert and observe the way.
Once you’re in, you’re going to drive a small path towards the beach; it should be less than a minute. The entrance fee is $150 pesos, and it includes access to the beach club. Right here you can choose a spot, leave your things and relax. This location has a restaurant, so you can order delicious food and beverages for a reasonable price. It’s important to mention that Caleta Tankah has limited space, so it is highly recommended to arrive early.
A wonderful thing about this place is the beautiful inlet “caleta”, where fresh and salt water collide. However, the whole beach itself is stunning, from the beautiful white sand to the amazing crystal-clear waters. Also, Tankah is home to a cenote. You can dive into this freshwater sinkhole and freshen up a little.
El Cielo, Cozumel:
You may have heard of this fantastic paradise located just a short drive from downtown Cozumel. This place is perfect to do some snorkeling in its crystalline waters that allow you to appreciate the bottom of the sea. El Cielo has become one of the favorite destinations for people who visit this island.
To arrive to this paradise, you have to take the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. Once you get to Cozumel, you can buy a tour that includes activities such as snorkeling. It is also possible to book a tour through a website. If you decide to acquire a snorkeling activity, don’t miss the opportunity to watch the starfishes; a highly interesting activity El Cielo has to offer. The white sandy beach and the turquoise water will make you never want to leave the Caribbean.
Xcacel, Tulum:
The turtle sanctuary, located 40 minutes away from Playa del Carmen, is also home to a cenote. This hidden jewel is another paradise the Yucatan Peninsula has at your disposal. Its name is Xcacel and it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Quintana Roo. The entrance fee to this beach is $20 pesos.
Why is Xcacel so special? Let’s begin with the fact that it is a turtle sanctuary. Each year, between April and October, thousands of turtles arrive to nest along this beach. If you’re visiting Quintana Roo during these months, you can volunteer for one day and witness the birth of hundreds of turtles.
Another beauty in this place is the amazing freshwater sinkhole, known as cenotes. “Cenote Xcacelito” is perfect if you want to cool off in fresh water. It is located a few steps away from the beach, in the middle of the jungle. Run to the cenote and escape for a while from the Caribbean heat. Xcacel is definitely a beach you must visit at least once.
Boca Paila, Southern Tulum
Boca Paila is an incredible fishing village located in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This is a dream for anyone who is a nature lover. In the same way, any adventurous lover would enjoy a night camping here.
Besides being a gorgeous beach, Boca Paila has a giant lagoon, which is actually ideal for fishers. Thanks to the fact that Boca Paila is located in a protected area, this beach is still virgin. As a result, it is not crowded and noisy. Thus this beach is ideal for a tranquil and relaxing getaway.
Also, if you decide to stay the night and camp here, this would happen under the starry sky. From here, you will be able to appreciate nature as you’ve never done it before. This heavenly site doesn’t have any kind of service, so we recommend bringing water, food and a tent. Please remember to keep the beach clean!
Punta Maroma, Northeast Playa del Carmen
Punta Maroma is definitely among the most beautiful beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula. This site has become a favorite destination for newlyweds. For those who enjoy a beach that is not very crowded, this is the perfect place.
Punta Maroma offers a tranquil and peaceful ambience. People who commonly visit this beach, consider it a giant crystal-clear pool. Here you can admire the beautiful landscapes with gorgeous colors next to the calm Caribbean Sea. Since this beach is not crowded, you will be able to enjoy this paradise for yourself. Punta Maroma has a large range of lodgings; here you will find camping spots, eco-friendly hotels and fancy villas.
If you’re intending to visit this place, Punta Maroma is located 35 kilometers from the Cancun International Airport. As a reference, it’s between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen.
So take your things and visit these beautiful and amazing beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula. Don’t forget to take your camera with you and photograph the stunning landscapes.
Have an incredible getaway far from the city and close to nature. Enjoy the Caribbean to the fullest.
Mahahual is one of the many hidden jewels of the Yucatan Peninsula. A small fishing village where magic happens since you arrive. This small town is a very safe destination; and the perfect spot to escape and have a peaceful time off.
Mahahual is located south of Tulum following the 307 highway on the way to Chetumal.
Once you pass the town of Carrillo Puerto, you will see the signs pointing to take the road to Mahahual. Your destination is only 3 kilometers away from the Costa Maya cruise port. If you’re coming from Cancun’s International Airport, it is an easy and worthwhile drive to Mahahual; with plenty of cenotes and quaint towns. If you’re looking for a getaway to relax and to get some rest from the crowds of Playa del Carmen or Cancun, Mahahual is the perfect place to achieve this.
Here you won’t find big hotels, nor giant developments. Mahahual features beautiful small hotels in the heart of the town. You will find some grocery stores and, of course, delicious restaurants where food will give you another amazing experience. Mahahual offers a range of lodgings, from camping spots, boutique hotels and luxury villas.
In Mahahual there are several activities to do. It goes from eco tours, to snorkeling, diving and fishing. The weather conditions in the summer are excellent for fishing, so in this period of the year this town hosts amazing fishing contests. Also, you will find some beach clubs with excellent service to enjoy an amazing day at the beach.
Wake up every morning in this small paradise. You can have breakfast in one of the many coffee shops, so you can later get ready for an incredible day. The calm waters of Mahahual will allow you to dive in and swim all along the Caribbean Sea. Then, you can sunbath while you drink a fresh beverage. When you decide to leave the beach, you can go for walk on the main street, where you will find some local sellers with beautiful Mexican handicrafts; the perfect place to find a souvenir to take back home! Moreover, take the opportunity to rent out a bike and go across Mahahual, a short but lovely road.
Once the night arrives to Mahahual, you can go out on a romantic dinner under the moonlight and feel the ocean breeze. Enjoy every corner that this paradise has to offer. Mahahual has managed to maintain the beautiful Caribbean vibe that every tourist looks for.
Mahahual is another hidden jewel of the Yucatan Peninsula, and you must visit it before you leave Mexico. Once you’re here, you will not regret this amazing getaway!
This will be the final article in a series of “Things you need to know before moving to Mexico: Adjusting to your new lifestyle”
In this segment we will be talking about adjusting to a new lifestyle after moving to Mexico. Saying goodbye to your old life and hello to a new chapter can sometimes take a little time. After finding a new home and settling in, getting familiar with your surroundings and meeting new people can be a bit frightening.
In the beginning, taking baby steps leads to long and very rewarding strides. Don’t be afraid to go out during the day and explore your new neighborhood. Try shopping at a few local markets for your fruits and vegetables. If you live in town, there are a variety of grocery stores to choose from and yes, there is a Walmart. Shopping is actually a great resource to find other expats roaming the aisles. Don’t be afraid to go up and nonchalantly introduce yourself as being new to the community.
When cruising up and down the streets of Playa del Carmen, walk into places like salons or barber shops and get a feel for the stylist. Check out several medical and dental offices and speak with the physician and dentist. It is always a good idea to establish a local doctor. Ask about their fee schedules and hours. Doing this is the norm in Mexico and is expected. Especially in a place like Playa, where there is an extremely large expat community that also had to adapt to a new lifestyle.
Some of the most likely places to meet people are the local cafes, restaurants and bar & grills. Even if you don’t indulge in adult spirits, just order up your favorite beverage and strike up a conversation with other North Americans. We have found that these types of establishments are an easy way to develop friends and/or casual acquaintances. You can also get online and find out where many of the North Americans or expats frequent. Another good way to get to know people is by joining a church. There are several around Playa del Carmen that worship in English.
If you participated with an organization like the Kiwanis, Rotary or other international clubs back in the states, then there are probably extensions of them here in Mexico as well. The ‘Seaside Rotary Club’ is a very active association and could be another way of meeting other transplants. Meeting people is the quickest way to get acclimated to the area and have it start to feel like you are part of the community. You might want to consider joining an expat lunch or dinner club. Go online and search social media sites like Facebook or Twitter for more information.
Getting to know the town of Playa del Carmen and its people really isn’t any different than doing the same thing back in the United States. The Mexican people are very friendly and willing to help in any way they can. It will be a little awkward in the beginning. You might at one time or another second guess your reasons for moving abroad. But when things do start to fall in place and you adapt to your new surroundings, you will wonder why you didn’t do this sooner. Choosing a new lifestyle is always a good idea!
Besides the glorious beaches and the world renowned archaeological site, Tulum has yet another attraction you should visit: the astonishing Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an, a magical place that you must visit if you’re in the Riviera Maya. If you’re interested in eco-tourism, you consider yourself a conscious traveler and you care about the environment, then visiting Sian Ka’an is for you.
This Biosphere is one of the many natural beauties that our planet has for us to enjoy; here you will find thousands of species of flora and fauna, both terrestrial and marine, some of which are unique of this environment. Sian Ka’an is home of thousands of animals that found comfort and easily have fitted in this magnificent place.
It’s important to highlight the fact that Sian Ka’an was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 by the UNESCO. This title is only given to sites with highly natural or cultural value for the general heritage for the humanity. For this, and many others reasons, this is one of the most protected areas in the Mexican Caribbean. Sian Ka’an Biosphere covers 10% of the State of Quintana Roo, with a total size of 150,000 hectares.
Also, Sian Ka’an is part of the program “Man and Biosphere” (MAB), this Project is dedicated to improve the relation between people and their environment.
If you’re into nature and you like to be surrounded by its beauty, then the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an is the perfect place for you. Enjoy a peaceful getaway and go camping while you coexist with nature. There are different activities available, like taking a boat ride to discover the amazing crystal-clear waters. If you like snorkeling, book a tour to the reef for an amazing adventure. It’s said that the coral reef is made out of 84 different species of coral… I bet you want to see that yourself! To finish an amazing journey, sit and relax in one of the few boutique hotels or camping sites to admire the sunset or gaze at the starry night; the perfect way to end the day!
Some recommendations
The best way to get to the reserve is by car or motorbike. Public transportation is scarce, and finding a taxi to go back to Tulum can be a challenge, so don’t risk getting stranded there.
Plan ahead and carry everything that you will need to make your trip prosperous. Include a mosquito repellent, enough water, food and snacks, and of course, a camera so you can keep all the memories from this fantastic paradise… and it’s even better if you have a waterproof camera!
Be conscious and respect the environment. The unique and incomparable biodiversity found here must be kept clean and every visitor must respect the environment. If coming here is in your plans, help us to conserve this World Heritage site!
Be careful. Even when the road has a good share of traffic, the beaches at the reserve are almost empty. Swim carefully and avoid risks; if you find yourself in trouble, finding help can take some time.
Some areas of the lagoon are known for being home of crocodiles. If you book a tour through the lagoon, make sure to double check with your guide if it’s safe to swim before jumping out of the boat!
Live an eco-sustainable experience and have fun in a different and unique way in the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an!
