The Summer of 2015 saw the arrival of a new addition to downtown Playa del Carmen´s 5th Avenue shopping experience. Located on 14th Avenue, halfway from the reigning mall Quinta Alegria on Constituyentes and Juarez Avenue, you will find Calle Corazon. It is a work in progress which is slowly rolling out a vast array of internationally renowned shops.
Some of the names include Steve Maddison, Hollister, Swarovski, Michael Kors, Puma and the highly anticipated H&M store, which is among the first to open. With professional footballer-turned-model David Beckam featured as one of H&M´s models it´s likely to draw many people to their fashionable yet afffordable catalogue of men and women´s clothing.
This is a project that has been two years in the making. The opening was preceded by the closure of a street on October of 2013 that gave that area of Playa del Carmen a touch of uniqueness. Its´ chic palapas made way for the new and ambitious project, causing local playenses to say goodbye to a beloved street. For many years the small and romantically lit street offered a unique place for strolling, but the old has given way to the new. The opening heralds a new, modern place that is sure to attract thousands of tourists.
Calle Corazon also plans to build a hotel featuring 90 rooms, a restaurant, pool, roof top garden, bar and a gym. You can see that this is a big and ambitious project that offers new spaces for the immense tourist population that passes through Playa del Carmen every year. The hotel will surely be a great addition to an already busy 5th Avenue.
According to the president of the Business Coordinating Council in the Riviera Maya the Calle Corazon project ¨will always be important because it speaks of the success of the Riviera Maya”.
This new project is bringing new and exciting opportunities to a growing city that many expats have come to call home. The new plaza will bring lots of new job opportunities for both local and foreigners and create a new open space for travelers and residents to shop, hang out, or simply pass the time.
Top Mexico Real Estate is your source for information about life and culture in Mexico. Let us show you what is like here, and what you will be enjoying when you begin your adventure as a property owner in the paradise of the Mayan Riviera.
Friday October 9, 2015 saw the grand opening La Memorable, a new food market located next to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Located on the corner of 1st avenue and 26th, this is the third food market to open in Playa del Carmen and this night was dedicated to giving the residents of Playa a taste of what they have to offer. With a DJ and live band providing the soundtrack to an evening that gradually built in attendance, guests eventually filled the market and enjoyed the free samplings of wine and food. Juggling clowns and various street performers added to the entertainment ambience.
Below you will see a photo gallery that not only captures the evening’s action but also also serves as an intro to the many shops that you will find when you arrive and explore for yourself.
Upon first entering the food market you will come across the Gonzalez artisanal beer bar. There is only Mexican beer sold here, with seventeen on tap and 21 different bottled beers. The prices for beer begins at 35 pesos and goes up to 100 pesos. If beer is not your drink of choice then there´s a full alcohol bar available as well. The bar´s location makes it an ideal place to sit and watch the people on the street but also is a good place to expand your palate of beers.
If you are a wine lover then head over to the Ensenada wine bar. It only features Mexican wines. and is the perfect place for business meetings or enjoying a drink after a day of work. Prices are very reasonable at about 90-140 pesos a glass, with bottles selling for between 300-1000. If you’re interested in something a little different, try picking up a bottle from the Paladar De Mezcal store. There is not a lot of mezcal sold in Playa, so grab some for yourself or as a souvenir. They have a great selection that includes flavors such as mango and tamarind, and you can also order from their special cocktail menu.
If you’re hungry and looking for something to eat head over to the Oye Carino seafood restaurant, a place where you can select your own fish for your meal or just have fish tacos. If you prefer a traditional Mexican taqueria then head to the back of the market where you will find Taco Taco, featuring a wide array of Mexican tacos.
For dessert try the El Socio candy store, perfect for the kids and people with a sweet tooth, then wind things off with a trip to Sabor Illegal, the place to go for specialty cigars from Cuba and all over.
See for yourself why this was a such big attraction to the residents of Playa. La Memorable is now open so drop by and enjoy for yourself!
Top Mexico Real Estate is your source for information about life and culture in Mexico. Let us show you what is like here, and what you will be enjoying when you begin your adventure as a property owner in the paradise of the Mayan Riviera.
It’s that time of the week again when you start planning your next weekend getaway. The Riviera Maya is so vast that living in Playa del Carmen doesn’t really give you a great idea of everything there is to see. So this week, we are running away to the Magical Town of Bacalar! Are your bags pack? Let’s go!
How to get there
Bacalar is located approximately a three-hour drive south of Playa del Carmen (four if you’re coming from Cancun). The best way to reach this beautiful town is by renting a car and driving. This allows you to move around Bacalar easily without having to rely on public transport within the town.
Once you have your car, head onto the Federal Highway 307 heading south and following the signs that read “Chetumal”. Once you have passed Felipe Carillo Puerto (where you should definitely stop for breakfast at the market), be on the lookout for signs that read Bacalar. There is no “taking wrong turns” as it is fairly easy and straightforward.
If you are not into driving and would rather be taken, you can take an ADO Bus from the Playa del Carmen terminal, which will take you to the town. It takes approximately 4 hours and costs $240 mxn one-way.
Where to stay
Bacalar is quite a small town, sitting on the edge of a lagoon. Accommodation varies in quality and price, as in any other place on Earth. However, to get the great experience of waking up to the beautiful colors of the lagoon, a hotel by the water’s edge is ideal. You can choose from more rustic, eco-friendly hotels to more modern ones. Don’t expect to find 5-star resorts, as most hotels here are locally owned and have seen better days, but are still charming and comfortable.
You should also consider a hotel that has hammocks hanging over the shore! Nothing beats getting up in the morning, enjoying breakfast and just relaxing on a hammock counting the colors in the lagoon.
What to do
Bacalar may be small, but there are plenty of things to do there. Other than just relaxing by the lagoon (which you should definitely put on your list as a priority), you could take a tour to cross the lagoon and possibly see some local wildlife. The lagoon is the second largest fresh water lake in the country, so it’s not something to be overlooked.
For the adventurous bunch, visiting (and eating) the Cenote Azul is a must! This waterhole is 90 meters deep and of an intense navy blue. Nothing can really be seen downwards because of its depth and small amount of light it receives, but there are friendly fish on the surface, an upside down boat to hang around in, and a restaurant serving delicious Yucatan food.
Take a tour to San Felipe Fort. Located in the heart of Bacalar, this small fort has a lot of history. Initially built to fight off pirates, who would come to the town to steal corn, the fort stood up there for years and is now an iconic landmark of the town. You can’t leave without visiting – costs are quite accessible and tours are available all day long.
Bacalar is not by the ocean, so if you are really looking forward to spending a day at the beach, you should drive down to Mahahual to spend the day. This beautiful town is located approximately a two-hour drive from Bacalar and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
Shopping and eating
As mentioned before, Bacalar is a small town, ran mainly by locals. Restaurants are found throughout with local Mexican and Yucatan food (don’t expect menus in English!). But hey, you are in a country whose cuisine is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, so you surely want to eat some of that deliciousness!
Shopping in Bacalar is quite limited – for the same reason. However, the road to Bacalar will present you with many options for buying tropical fruits, hammocks, carved wooden souvenirs, and much more.
Recommendations
Bacalar is a must see in the Riviera Maya – so make sure you don’t leave without visiting! We recommend a long weekend so you can runaway for a day trip to Mahahual (although that can be a weekend getaway on its own).
Bring cash! Bacalar is a small town and some places might not take credit cards – especially foreign ones. So make sure you have some cash handy to pay any souvenirs, cenote visits, tours, amongst others.
Among other activities you can do in Bacalar is take a stroll through Downtown, the plaza that is directly across from San Felipe Fort, and take in the gorgeous and colorful Caribbean houses. There are also Mayan ruins near Bacalar that you can visit such as Chacchoben.
We recommend you take a translation app or study up your Spanish before visiting. Although most tour guides speak broken English, if you plan on visiting local restaurants or shops, you might find yourself lost in translation.
One weekend comes after the next, and if you’re in search for amazing adventures, check back next week for a new weekend getaway destination!
Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned real estate company based in Playa del Carmen. With a focus market of Americans and Canadians, our Top Buyer Representatives are happy to help you relocate to paradise and help you find your paradise home.
If you are living on Mexico then you know the organic food movement has been going strong for quite a few years, there is a strong desire in people to go back to basics when it comes to their nourishment. If you visit the local supermarkets, there is a lack of organic produce which is pushing locals living in Mexico to look for new ways to produce their own organic food.
Organic farming integrates cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers are not allowed, although certain organically approved pesticides may be used under limited conditions. In general, organic foods are also not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.
Moce Yax Cuxtal is a local NGO that has been working in the Riviera for many years, protecting Native Trees, creating beautiful organic gardens for businesses and individuals and educating people to produce their own food at home. The goal of Moce Yax Cuxtal is to promote the creation of urban gardens where families can get their fruits and vegetables, thus contributing to the decrease in spending and environmental impact.
Guadalupe de la Rosa, president of Moce Yax Cuxtal and workshop facilitator, is offering an aromatic herbs workshop, which will allow you to grow and reproduce herbs like rosemary, basil, mint, cilantro and lemongrass. The workshop will also include tips on organic pest control, drying and conserving your herbs and so much more.
The workshop will be taught on Saturdays in September from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at their garden, located on 35th Avenue between 28th and 30th in Gonzalo Guerrero. These and other courses are offered year-round, so feel free to contact the Moce Yax Cuxtal members and ask for more information.
If you care for the planet we are sure you would also love Holistika, a sustainable development in the Mayan Riviera. Holistika is located in the beautiful town of Tulum, a few blocks away from the beach and surrounded by mangrove and the jungle.
Now if you have any question of this or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed in Playa Del Carmen, The Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our TOP MEXICO EXPERT SALES TEAM and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.
Most families who have a condo in Playa del Carmen come to enjoy the sun and the beach. Having a rainy day can be bothersome for most expats, but for kids can be extremely difficult to miss out the fun at the beach.
Visit the Xel-ha archeological site: If the rain is not too intense, this archeological site is ideal for a family adventure. Located 44 km south of Playa del Carmen and 9 km north of the archaeological site of Tulum, on the main highway Cancun-Tulum, this is an ideal area to explore with children, climbing up most buildings is allowed and the site is not heavily visited or too big for the kids to get tired.
Please note this is not the park but the archeological zone, located on the right side of the road when you are driving towards Tulum, there is an entrance fee is only 43 pesos ($3 USD) and it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. everyday.
If you want you could challenge your kids and organize a rally, taking photographs of different elements or let them do their own findings. You could also hide tokens or candy chocolate coins and let your kids enjoy their own Indiana Jones adventure.
Enjoy aGame day: A quick visit to your local supermarket will allow you to get enough classic games for several days of fun. The supermarket will have cards and other games like monopoly, operation or scrabble and don’t forget to grab some game day snacks. Go to your condos club house and enjoy hours of family fun in the game room.
Arrange a cooking class: Most condos have a concierge, ask your concierge if it is possible to arrange a cooking class for the whole family, either a family favorite such as pizza or a local recipe with lots of mashing like guacamole and chips. See your kids smiling happy faces as they devourer their master piece.
Visit the local movie theater: Let the kids choose a movie and enjoy some buttery popcorn, both local shopping malls have a good sized movie theater and offer a coffee shop for tired parents.
Take the kids to a Play Zone: They are located in the shopping mall, let your kids have some pesos and let them play ancient videogames. Most of the games are so old they might be a novelty for your children.
Or think ahead and bring your own game system: Mexico customs will let you bring a used gaming system in without any hassle. Have a relaxed evening, your kids can play video games and you can indulge in a quiet glass of wine on the balcony.
We hope you enjoy your time in your beautiful Playa del Carmen condo, but the reality is that during low season (hurricane season) rain can happen and it can last for days. If you are traveling with children it is wise to plan ahead and have a few tricks up your sleeve.
Now if you have any question of this or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed in Playa Del Carmen, The Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our TOP MEXICO EXPERT SALES TEAM and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.
We all know that part of being an expert expat is to engage in the country’s culture and traditions. Luckily, you’ve chosen a country that lacks nothing in those areas. Mexico is a country rich in culture, heritage, gastronomy and traditions, and if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that September 15th is Mexican Independence Day celebration.
Although Mexico is going through some political and economical rough patches, the spirit of the Mexicans is hard to shoot down. Many citizens will engage in el Grito in the traditional way (by watching the President give the speech on television), others will engage in the fun live with tequila in hand yelling the cry of independence from Spain.
Traditionally, Mexicans will prepare chiles en nogada, pozole and nopales, amongst other Mexican delicacies that will leave you drooling and wanting more. If you can’t wait to be a real Mexicano, here are some places where to celebrate Mexiacn Independence Day with your fellow Mexican friends…and make sure you clear your throat, because you’ll be screaming “Viva Mexico!” all night long.
Mexican Restaurants
Well, this was an obvious one! Traditional Mexican restaurants throughout the Riviera Maya are ready to serve some gourmet, top of the line, and absolutely delicious Mexican dishes to anyone visiting them. With the amount of restaurants available throughout Playa del Carmen, you are sure to find somewhere to try a delicious pozole accompanied by a tequila shot. You can either choose one of the many options down 5th Avenue (although you should probably have a reservation), or try your luck at the smaller, more local restaurants off the touristy path.
Stroll through Playa’s Main Plaza
If you’re just out going for a walk, make sure you walk by the main square, Plaza 28 de Julio, where the City Hall is lit up in green, white and red, as well as decorated with sculptures made of lights. If you want to live the full experience, hang around. At 11 the Municipal President, Mauricio Gongora, will come out to the balcony and give the traditional Grito speech…after everyone screams “Viva Mexico!” three times, fireworks will go off, Gongora will ring a bell and everyone will celebrate in unison. To top it off, popular norteño band, Los Tigres del Norte, will be performing completely free! There will also be stalls with food and drinks to go around. Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with other,.
Celebrate in Xoximilco (or any Xcaret park!)
Xcaret parks go all out when it’s about celebrating traditions (seriously, look into attending the park for Day of the Dead!). The Independence Day celebration is no exception to this rule, and Xoximilco, their newest park, is where the party will be. Tequila, beer, traditional Mexican food, mariachis, music, dancing, and El Grito…need I say more?
We’re sure Bahía Príncipe won’t be the only resort celebrating Independence Day, but it sure knows how to throw a party. The hotel is already quite traditional, built as a hacienda, and their full-day program involves exhibition, dances, performances, food, drinks, and the traditional Grito accompanied by a fireworks display. If you’re already a guest at the hotel, no need to go out to find anything else, you will find it all within!
12th Street
Mexicans love any good reason to celebrate, even if it’s on a Tuesday (Wednesday might be a slow business day). If you’re eager to keep drinking tequila, beer and other traditional Mexican drinks after giving el Grito, head over to 12th street and hop into any of the many clubs and bars available. They will be playing traditional Mexican music while all tourists and locals keep screaming the words we all love to hear.
If all else fails, you can always head over to Pozoles Doña Olga the next day (or any day of the year) for a delicious pozole made by true Mexican hands. Are you ready to give El Grito de Dolores? We sure are! Don’t forget to dress up in traditional Mexican colors and to be ready to see Mexicans celebrate like there is no tomorrow.
Top Mexico Real Estate is a proud American-owned real estate company, leader in its field in the Riviera Maya. If you are looking to become one true Mexican during these festive dates, make sure you check out our array of real estate options. If you have any questions, please contact one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives who will gladly guide you through the process of becoming a homeowner in Mexico.
Thanks to misplaced advertising and a lack of general knowledge, many people around the world believe that the Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on May 5th, or more commonly known as Cinco de Mayo. However, the battle for independence actually started on the 16th of September of 1810 and has been celebrated on that date ever since. It ended on September 27th of 1821, but El Grito is given on the 16th. Let’s rewind a couple of centuries and start at the beginning.
As many know, Mexico was under Spanish ruling for 300 years after Hernán Cortés and his men invaded the lands, ridding themselves of the ancient colonies and building cities that resembled Spain. For years and years, Indians, creoles and mestizos were regarded as nobodies and were never appointed to any important colonial positions, unable to do anything about their status.
After Spain was invaded by Napoleon, Mexicans found strength and belief in making themselves an independent land once again. Armies of Mexican rebels started to arm and rise against the Spanish government that had cast a shadow over their land for centuries.
Mestizos and Indians throughout the country planned conspiracies to bring down the Spanish government; one by one, however, were discovered and the leaders harshly punished. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a progressive priest, along with Royal Army officer Ignacio Allende, had planned to start the insurrection against Spain on October 2nd, 1810.
However, as Spanish officials started rounding up those who were to stand against them, Hidalgo heard they were soon coming for him. Instead of going into hiding or surrendering, he took to the town of Dolores on the morning of September 16th and announced that he was going to take up arms against Spain. He issued a famous speech that is still repeated today by every President, and it has come to be known as El Grito (the cry). It took very little convincing and soon he had an army with which to march into Mexico City.
It was not long before he and his army found themselves at the doorstep of the city, but he mysteriously retreated and left the army in the hands of Allende. In 1811, they were both capture and killed. It looked as if hope had died with them, but the passion and anger within the armies that had risen was not over yet, and new leaders stood up in the fight for independence. José María Morelos fought until his death in 1815, and Vicente Guerrero took his place, continuing to fight until 1821.
On September 27th, 1821, Agustín de Iturbide, a royal officer, granted the liberation of Mexico, thus signing over the independence. Funnily, in Mexico they celebrate the beginning, when Hidalgo rose, rather than the actual signing of independence.
Every year, Mexicans around the world gather in celebration to hear and give the cry, el Grito, in a very traditional manner. Everyone dresses in green, white and red, representing the colors of the flag. Amongst the typical dishes to be made and eaten are chiles en nogada and pozole, all accompanied by tequila and beers. Families and friends gather around the television on September 15th at 11pm precisely to hear the President in turn give El Grito.
“¡Vivan los héroes que nos dieron patria! ¡Viva Hidalgo! ¡Viva Morelos! ¡Viva Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez! ¡Viva Allende! ¡Viva Aldama y Matamoros! ¡Viva la Independencia Nacional! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!” goes the cry, followed the ringing of the bell to commemorate the day. Everyone repeats “viva” after each phrase.
Music, dancing, traditional food, and plenty of partying go around throughout the night. September 16th is celebrated with parades throughout the streets with the military, never allowing anyone to forget the lives lost for a free and sovereign state.
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.
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.
Are you looking forward to packing up for the weekend and heading off on an adventure? Head over to Cozumel! This beautiful Caribbean island is full of wonder, life, and amazing things to discover. While it can get quite packed with tourist during high season, it is still enjoyable…especially if you know where to go!
How to get there
Transport between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel is reliable, affordable and fun! There are three ferry companies that navigate between the ports: Ultramar, Mexico Waterjets, and now a government-run company. Services run from 5am to 10pm from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, and from 6am to 11pm from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.
Expect to pay approximately $10 usd for a one-way trip.
Where to stay
Cozumel offers beautiful bed and breakfasts, hostels and elegant hotels either very close to the beach, or just on it. Prices range depending on what you are searching for and the season you visit. For example, during the Divers Week in Cozumel (usually during summer) you can find some beautiful 5-star resorts with discounts as many people travel just to go scuba diving. Cozumel real estate also offers options as many owners rent out their property to vacationers.
What to do
Cozumel is one of the favorite diving spots around the world. Because the gorgeous Mesoamerican Reef passes right by, there is an array of marine species to observe. If you’re not into diving, you should at least go on one of the many snorkeling tours. You are certainly going to be surprised by the amazing underwater world.
There is a secluded snorkeling area known as El Cielo (The Sky). It was named like this due to the outstanding number of starfish that lay on the white sand banks. Unfortunately, many of these starfish are gone due to overfishing and overpopulation of visitors, but you can still manage to see a few more than you would normally.
For those looking for an adventure, renting a cheap car at any of the rental agencies to go around Cozumel should be fairly easy. WARNING: at night certain roads are blocked and very largely signaled, so stay away from these roads.
You can visit Isla Pasión, a small island off the coast of Cozumel. Offering breathtaking views, this private island does not have any hotels or restaurants, and it can only be visited via authorized tour operators during the day. There are no overnight stays at Passion Island.
Shopping and eating
Cozumel’s boulevard is quite popular, lined with stores, bars, restaurants, supermarkets and hotels. Shopping options are endless as vendors offering all types of souvenirs and unique items. If you wonder off the main boulevard street you are sure to find local indigenous women selling small hand made turtles and other quirky things.
If you are looking to enjoy delicious meals in Cozumel, your taste buds are in for a party! Cozumel is lined with cute and cozy seafood restaurants, beach clubs serving everything from shrimp ceviche to octopus tacos, and much more. For those craving a typical American meal (hamburgers, and such), you will find a Hard Rock Café and other similar restaurants throughout the island.
Recommendations
Cozumel is a gorgeous island with many things you can do. Even if you plan a strict itinerary, you are sure to wonder off eventually and find something new or different to do. So we recommend bringing cash – especially Mexican pesos, as prices tend to change from USD to the local currency.
Do some research on scuba diving shops before going to Cozumel. The options are endless as it is one of the most popular activities to do, but that doesn’t mean every shop around has great quality or service. Check online before to see what other tourists are saying about the dive shops and find one that suits your budget and what you want to do! If you’re an avid diver and own equipment, we recommend you bring it with you. It’s worth the hassle of carrying it around, as you will save plenty of money from renting out equipment at the shops.
Eat seafood, talk to locals, engage in fun and unusual activities, and enjoy your weekend getaway in the gorgeous island of Cozumel!
Craving for more Weekend Getaway ideas? Check back next week for another one!
Top Mexico Real Estate is a real estate company based in Playa del Carmen, catering to thousands of Americans and Canadians who are searching for the perfect paradise home. If you are planning on relocating to Mexico, feel free to contact one of our Top Buyer Representatives, who will gladly guide you through the process of becoming a homeowner in Mexico!
Living in Mexico and looking for the perfect place to escape to for the weekend? Have we got the perfect place where you could spend your weekend: Isla Mujeres! The gorgeous island off the coast of Cancun is home to over 12,000 people who can enjoy views of Cancun when the skies are clear. This small Caribbean island has much to offer to tourists who dare go on a getaway weekend to enjoy a new side of paradise.
How to Get There
Getting to Isla Mujeres is quite easy. Ferries leave from Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam or Gran Puerto, all located in the Benito Juarez municipality. Ferries depart to and from Isla Mujeres every half an hour from 5 AM to 12 AM from Gran Puerto through Ultramar, but make sure you check schedules prior to your trip so you don’t get stranded on the island for an extra night! The other two companies run at different times, usually once an hour.
You can expect to pay $70 mxn for a one-way ticket, and if you want to cross with a car, moped, bike, or van, you can do so departing from Punta Sam and at an extra cost of $82 to $256 pesos.
Where to Stay
Isla Mujeres is lined with hundreds of gorgeous beach town hotels – from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Additionally, the real estate options are gorgeous and many home owners rent their properties by the day, week or month. Because the island is so small, staying in a condo or hotel in the center is perfect as you can walk or go by golf cart to the beach. If you would rather stay by the beach, the options are endless, also depending on which side of the island you want to stay at. The north part is where the arenales (sand banks) are, creating a beautiful view of white sand and crystal clear blue waters.
What to Do
The options of what to do in Isla Mujeres are endless. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the most common activities – you can’t say you went to Isla Mujeres without dipping a toe in the ocean! Amongst the most popular things to do is swimming with the great whale sharks (although this can only be done during Whale Shark Season) and visiting the underwater museum. You can also visit the natural reef park Garrafón, take a tour to visit the best snorkeling spots, go fishing, and much more.
As soon as you step off the ferry, dozens of people will approach you selling their tours. The best thing to do is rent a golf cart to be able to move around the island and discover its amazing nature.
Shopping and Eating
There really is no tourist experience without some shopping and fine dining! Isla Mujeres has a great boulevard by the beach offering an array of shopping options. Most shops offer beautiful Mexican crafts such as sarapes, clay art, carved good, paintings, hammocks, typical dresses, shoes, and others. You will also find dive shops, restaurants and jewelry shops.
As to eating, the top recommended places are Mango Café for delicious breakfast, tea and coffee. Lunch can be had at Q’Bravo where enchiladas suizas and guacamole are recommended highly. Additionally, most (note: not all) restaurants in Isla Mujeres are affordable, as is everything in general, compared to Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
Recommendations
Isla Mujeres is small but has a lot to offer, so plan out your weekend getaway before getting there so you’re not trying to see it all and end up seeing nothing. Snorkeling and scuba diving tours usually take up quite some time from your day, so if you’re wanting to also explore the island, find the hidden gems, visit the parks and see the local life, you need to organize your times.
Bring money! Although it is more affordable than other places on the Riviera Maya, it is still a highly touristic destination and money will be spent. Whether you’re paying for tours, beers, meals, or just shopping, it’s always better to have money.
Most importantly, remember to be open-minded, enjoy the local laid-back lifestyle and make new friends!
Tune back for another great Weekend Getaway trip next week!
Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned company in Playa del Carmen catering to thousands of Americans and Canadians wanting to own property in paradise. Feel free to contact one of our Top Buyer Representatives if you’re interested in purchasing a vacation, retirement or permanent home in Mexico! If you fell in love with the area there are many Isla Mujeres real estate options to choose from.
See for yourself why this was a such big attraction to the residents of Playa. La Memorable is now open so drop by and enjoy for yourself!
