Getting to Xenses is easy. It’s approx 15 minutes by car from the entrance of Playacar Phase II’s across from Centro Maya. You can also take the bike path which runs along the east side of the highway all the way to the inside of the park. Keep an eye for some of the local wildlife like the iguanas, who will quickly run under the pavement when they see you coming.
Once inside of Xenses you will find a variety of things to do, including zip lines and slides, a river of mud and a waterfall. One of the more intriguing things you will find is a bizarre looking village where everything looks off. The houses seem like they are completely crooked and the road appears to incline but in reality it is flat. The optical illusion that it creates is so believable that you will likely struggle to walk properly as your sense of balance is upset.
The timing for this new park couldn’t be better, as this year is the 25th anniversary of Experiences Xcaret. According to the Riviera Maya News the concept is to “offer a range of new experiences for visitors.” For those of you who have never been to Xcaret or to the Rivera Maya this is a great way to explore the environment of the peninsula in a manner which is challenging and fun.
Xenses Park can be found between Xplor and Xcaret and is currently operating from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Because it’s has just opened you can take advantage of there being less visitors, making your waiting times short. Admission for adults is $59, children under 5 years get in free and those aged 5 to 11 get in for half price.
To quote the developers: “Upon leaving Xenses, all your senses will be awakened. You will distinguish in more detail the world around you. You will be a Xensei.”
If you’d like more information about living in Playa del Carmen or are interested in purchasing property here, we invite you to visit our main website where you can search further. Please get in touch with one of our agents who will gladly assist you in any questions you might have.
The whale sharks have returned once again to Quintana Roo. Whale shark season runs from June to September, until the time has come for them to move to their next destination.
In the meantime, you have the chance to live one of the most stunning experiences in life, swimming next to them and being able to see them in their natural environment.
Whale sharks are the largest fish on the planet and with a life span of 70 – 100 years they can reach up to 40 feet long (12 meters) and weigh an average of 5 tons, though larger and heavier have been spotted.
Surprisingly for such a large mammal their mouths are filters feeders, meaning that they cannot bite or chew so their diet consists mostly of plankton which makes them completely harmless to humans.
In the Yucatan Peninsula you can take advantage of this annual gathering of the whale sharks at Holbox or at Isla Mujeres.
With a past record breaking number of 400 whale sharks arriving off the Yucatan Coast at one time, it’s one of the largest known gathering of whale sharks on record. You are almost guaranteed not to be disappointed.
The Island of Holbox is located on the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon.
This Island is well known for its fishing and rural qualities but every year for the few months the whale sharks appear the little fishing village is bursting with people wanting to welcome the whale sharks back.
It is good to consider that with the new toll way to Merida, you can get to Holbox in 1 hour and 30 minutes, for 90 pesos each way.
Isla Mujeres (Spanish for Island of Women) is approx. 13 kilometers off the Yucatan Peninsula coast with easy access to the Island from Cancun, which makes this island a great day trip for tourists.
Isla Mujeres is usually a quiet place, but with the whale sharks yearly visit this little island of under 13,000 inhabitants is booming during their short visit.
You can find many tour operators located around the tourist areas both in Holbox and Isla Mujeres (or even on-line).
They usually offer boat trips out to spot these amazing creatures or even to take you swimming with the whale sharks, the experienced tour guides and divers have been doing these tours for many years and will be able to give you the best advice when swimming with the largest fish on the earth.
Be sure to shop around to get the best price and value for your money!
Playa del Carmen is growing at an amazing rate. In 10 short years it has transformed from a small fishing village into a bustling city, with a growth driven by all the locals and expats returning and relocating to the area.
This is why I have decided that every few weeks I will choose a Playa del Carmen neighborhood and let you know what you can expect living in that area.
For our first neighborhood I have chosen the Zona Diamante, which is spread between the Grand Coral Resort and the Selvamar Residences, with easy access to the Cancun – Playa del Carmen highway.
It’s located just 15 minutes away from downtown Playa del Carmen, and is a fast growing area made up of several gated communities with condos, family homes and a condo hotel.
Prices in this area start under 100,000 USD, making this area perfect for all stages of life, whether you are looking for a starter home or the perfect place to retire.
Grand Coral
If you are looking for an investment property, Zona Diamante can fit those needs also. The Fives Luxury Condo Hotel is located right on the Xcalacoco beach, and is a great option for investment, especially if you’re looking to avoid all the hassle of managing a property yourself.
The Fives will look after all of the maintenance of your investment property and even find tenants to rent it.
Xcalacoco beach, which had been previously named as #5 in the top 25 beaches in the Riviera Maya, is the closest to all the communities located in the Zona Diamante.
It is still partly untouched, but offers a wide range of activities. Those who crave adventure can try their hand at jet-skiing, parasailing or even the ever popular jet powered hover boards.
For something slightly more relaxing, Xcalacoco beach offers scheduled fishing trips with seasoned fishermen who will take you to the best fishing spots, depending on the season.
If these activities are not for you, there is always the option for a relaxing massage on the beach where you can listen to the ocean rolling up and feel all the tension ease away. Or you can just sit back and enjoy a refreshing cocktail (or 2) at one of the beach clubs.
If you don’t feel like driving or taxiing into downtown Playa del Carmen to have a few sociable beverages or to enjoy a meal, Zona Diamante can accommodate you.
You can try one of the laid back restaurants and bars on Xcalacoco beach like Coco Cabanas which offers both European and Mexican cuisines and is well known for their pizzeria.
Another choice is the Petite Lafitte, which is a quaint bungalow resort that offers a range of seafood dishes.
The open front bar & grill allows you to sit back and enjoy your cocktail and meal while soaking in the sun, sand and sea.
For a more special evening out in Zona Diamante there is Le Reve Hotel & Spa, which is a beachfront boutique hotel that offers a gourmet menu and wine from their own cellar.
The menu includes a selection of cut meats, poultry and fish, along with freshly caught lobster from the Caribbean Sea.
When you have had enough of lounging around on the beach and at the beach clubs and are looking for a change you can visit the famous Nick Price Golf Club, located just 5 minutes away in the Grand Coral Resort, or try out the Mayakoba Golf Club, the El Camaleon, which was designed by golfing great Greg Norman.
It hosts many golf tournaments big and best known for the OHL Classic yearly tournament. It doesn’t matter if you are not a golf pro or have never even swung a golf club, because the Mayakoba has a state of the art Jim McLean Golf School.
With private lessons on offer your golf skills will improve in no time.
Parque Xenses: Dare your senses in this new theme park
A great thing about Riviera Maya is the amount of activities you can do; from a walk on the beach to a visit in some awesome archaeological site, this zone has everything you need if natural entertainment it’s your main deal. Another good thing about being in touch with such a natural environment is the incredible fun parks that exists, all of them with tons of different experiences, some of them wild, and some of them more chilled… and yeah, Xenses, the new Park in town has just delivered the news of it’s opening in next June. Get to know what is going to offer.
First thing first, what is Xenses? Is a half-day park with more than 15 activities in scenarios that will challenge your mind. Land, air and water experiences designed to revive your senses and, like the Xenses truly says, “Awaken those you didn’t know you had”. For real. Besides, its half-day mode gives you ideal time to return and enjoy the attractions of Cancun and all Riviera Maya if you’re still in the mood for more action. Xenses will also create some sensorial experiences using a lot of natural elements such as water and the same vegetation that exist in the area, all along with visual effects that will come in handy.
Xenses will be located a few kilometers from Xcaret Park with an extension over 40 hectares and will be built into an area called Rancho Xcaret, but be ready, creators expect to have about 1,500 to 3,000 people per day in their facilities.
Now that you´re sync, here’s what you need in order to have an awesome experience: For any visit, wear a swimsuit, water shoes, comfortable clothing, an extra change of clothes and a towel, believe us, you’ll need it. Use sunscreen and insect repellent, you don’t want to see any surprises when you arrive home. Along with your entrance, you get access to lockers, showers and free parking.
Who can come in? Everyone. The park is designed as a family tour; from little kids to older people who want to feel amazing and new experiences. Xenses will be ready in full summer: June 13th . And if you’re eager to the opening, we highly recommend you to plan a trip and get your things ready for business.
Have you ever thought about the benefits of living just a few steps from the sea? If you don’t, then you should think about getting out more into the Mexican Caribbean sun and start receiving some natural treatment that you won’t be having in any other place. Is this for real? You better believe it, there’s no healthier way of living than enjoying a full day out in a sandy white beach in the Riviera Maya.
Besides that the already known fact that you can be at any paradisiacal place in a few minutes, living of by the coast brings you a different kind of air and the quality of it, makes it just perfect for any person with some kind of respiratory system issue: asthma, bronchitis, sinus pressure, coughing… you name it and you’ll be cured in such a snap. But what are those other benefits? Here are three good reasons to retire in the Caribbean and improve your health:
1- The air
There is no better smell than fresh air, and this ocean-air property contains negatively charged hydrogen ions that help absorb oxygen and balance our serotonin levels, resulting in more energy and diminished depression. Living by the sea will also get you an extra pack of vitamin D, nor to say that getting some sunshine every day is good for your health and skin. This vitamin improves autoimmune protection, increases endorphins, lower the risk of cancer and enhances bone health.
2- The sun and sea
Swimming in the ocean will also make you feel better; there is no greater healer than salt water, and getting a sweet dive will sure enhance the immune system to the fullest and start hydrating your skin and boost your circulation. Seawater that is rich in magnesium also has been shown to relax muscles and helps induce sleep… plus, swimming is one of the greatest forms of exercise… so, what will you prefer? Getting fit on a small pool or in an awesome beach at any Riviera Maya’s place?
3- Stress free zone
Aren’t you here for relaxation? Stress is a major cause of illness in our society. The ocean has a way of deeply relaxing us and bringing us back to earth. Sitting in the sand while you watch and listen to waves crashing, gives us a sense of bliss and peace. We let go of shoulder tension and look life in a different way. Being here can also help us meditate: one of the easiest guided meditations involve ocean waves, don’t you think? This is highly inspiring for any kind of meditation and psychological healing… it’s like having your own personal therapist, but in a form of a beautiful Caribbean wave.
The 13th edition of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is back this November 26th to the 28th in Playa del Carmen at the famous Mamitas Beach Club. Are you ready to have your senses flooded with the soothing and rhythmic vibes of jazz music? There’s nothing quite like mixing amazing instrumental talent, powerful voices and the gorgeous Caribbean ocean and, like in previous years, the event is completely free!.
Since 2002 this event has touched the lives of locals and tourists alike with their star line-ups, their great atmosphere and the mixture of different jazz rhythms. Since its invention, jazz has been the music of the people, and one that – through beat, rhythm and creativity – everyone has come to love. The festival´s sound mixes other genres such as hip hop, blues, r&b, soul and the occasional cumbia session to create a vibrant and diverse representation of the genre.
Herbie Hancock and John Scofield are among the top grossing artists to have graced the stages of the festival in previous years. Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as Celso Piña, have also been special guests in the festival, allowing music-loving audiences to drown in a sea of great music in great company. This year the artists are on par with these giants of the different genres.
The three-day festival will see the grandness of Shela E., Zappa Plays Zappa and Gino Vanelli and many others whos fame and ear for music is sure to attract hundreds upon hundreds of music lovers to the beautiful beach in the company of their friends and family.
Because it’s free and likely to be busy here are some recommendations to take into consideration when attending the festival:
Get there early
Although the festival doesn’t attract quite as much people as Arena or the BPM, it attracts crowds of hundreds of people ready to enjoy a night out listening to the fine tunes of jazz. It’s highly recommended that you arrive early in order to find a nice place on the beach to sit and enjoy the music. Additionally, if you’re driving, be aware that you will most likely not find any parking nearby Mamitas Beach Club, so be prepared to park further away.
Bring a light sweater and a towel
The festival offers no seats or anything. The stage is mounted on the beach and the sand is your chair. Come prepared with a towel or anything similar to put down on the beach and sit on. Additionally, even though the Riviera Maya is known for its eternal summer-like weather, it’s wintertime and nights can be chilly. Bring a light sweater or a wrap, as sitting still on the beach at night with the breeze from the ocean can make the weather a little cool.
Bring food, snacks and wine
The beach is public and you are allowed to bring as anything you like. There is quite nothing as chill as enjoying a nice glass of wine to the sound of music. Although food and drinks are sold at Mamitas Beach Club, and some people go around selling food and drinks, it’s best to bring it from home in order to save money. Pack yourself a nice picnic basket with snacks or food and a bottle of wine – or if you prefer, beer. There is nothing like a beautiful evening with friends, family or that special person, in the form of a picnic.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride
Music takes you to different places, and jazz is no exception. So sit back, relax and enjoy the concert. Take it easy and enjoy the night with the people you love. Usually during the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival people are just chilling, not intensely jumping around and creating tight crowds. Luckily, jazz gives space for sitting and relaxing, which is what most people do.
World-class drummers, distinctive voices, family legacy superstars, and much more are waiting for you at the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival this year. Don’t miss out on this amazing (and free) experience that provides the perfect place for a relaxing weekend with your friends. You can follow the hashtags #RMJazz and #RMJazz2015 on Twitter and Instagram during the festival to learn about everything that is happening.
Top Mexico Real Estate is the number one website for real estate in the Riviera Maya, catering to American and Canadian people looking to relocate, vacation or retire in the beautiful Caribbean coast of Mexico. If you’re looking to rent or purchase a property, contact one of our Top Buyer Representatives for further information about everything we offer. We are also your top news outlet for cultural events throughout the Riviera Maya, such as the RMJF.
Beach #9 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Xpu-Ha Beach
Xpu-Ha Beach: General Information
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya, Xpu-Ha beach is a little known gem on the Mexican Caribbean. Located only 15 miles south of Playa del Carmen, Xpu-Ha beach awaits for those looking for a quiet beach to enjoy.
If you want to do more than a day trip to Xpu-Ha, there are plenty of hotels and restaurants in the area. Hotel Esencia, Barcelo Maya Xpu-Ha palace and Catalonia Royal Tulum, among others and Club La Playa Xpu-Ha offers delicious food and live music on the weekends.
Xpu-Ha Beach: Getting there
Xpu- Ha is located between Puerto Aventuras and Akumal, approximately 54 miles south of the Cancun International Airport and 21 miles north of Tulum. There are not road signs, so you have to look for the La Playa Xpu-Ha Beach club to know you have arrived at your destination.
By Car: If you are leaving from Cancun, head south on the 307 Federal Highway and drive for about an hour, from Playa del Carmen it will take you 30 minutes to get there. You will see signs for the big hotels like Esencia and Catalonia, but a good idea is to go to La Playa Xpu-Ha; as you can have a drink, lounge in the chairs and enjoy the beach.
By Van: If you are on a budget, Colectivos are a good way to get to Akumal. These white vans fit 10-14 passengers, and cover the route between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. To stop them wave your hand and tell the driver where you want to go, make sure to ask for the price to your destination. The fare from Playa del Carmen to Xpu-Ha costs approximately $2 US.
Xpu-Ha Beach: Things to do
Do not be deceived by the small size of this destination, there is plenty of things to do in Xpu-Ha. Here is a list of things you can do at Xpu-Ha Beach.
Relax: Because enjoying the beach and a cold drink might not been enough; why not take advantage of the beautiful view and have one of the local masseuses give you a relaxing massage on the beach?
Diving: It doesn’t matter if you have never dived in your life or if you are an expert, these pristine waters will be the best place to practice this sport. Xpu-Ha is the home of Bahia Divers, one of the best rated diving company’s in the Riviera Maya.
Ride: What better way to get around the Riviera Maya than on a Harley Davidson motorcycle? That is possible, if you visit Harley Adventures, this local business rents motorcycles to tourists. So take in the sights on your hog and enjoy the Caribbean breeze.
Fly: Stay fit and learn how to kiteboarding. Kiteboarding is a different way to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Xpu-Ha. Morph Kiteboarding offers individual, group or refresher classes for everyone interested in flying on the waves of the ocean.
Xpu-Ha is such a beautiful destination, it will take your breath away! This beautiful beach is ideal for a day trip, as you can enjoy all the fun activities, delicious food and get in a bit of relaxation.
We hope you enjoy Xpu-Ha beach. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday and watch all of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya Videos! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out all the options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!
Beach #11 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Puerto Morelos Beach
The Riviera Maya is a stretch of 80 miles of pristine beaches located just a few miles south of the hustle and bustle of Cancun. This area attracts around 10 million visitors each year and offers luxurious hotels and resorts, as well as a number of theme parks, clubs, shopping malls, and other attractions.
Puerto Morelos is located about 10 miles south of Cancun and about 20 miles north of the beautiful Playa del Carmen and it is one of the best kept secrets and one of the top 25 beaches in the Riviera Maya. Walking on its square and around the town will let you feel the vibe of this small fishing village.
Puerto Morelos: General Information
If you want to stay away from the Cancun crowds, do not forget to visit Puerto Morelos! You can not only enjoy the quiet atmosphere, but also visit the Mesoamerican Reef; which is located only a few meters from the beach.
The main roads have a wide offering on small restaurants, cafes and boutiques; no huge chains or massive hotels. The locals and hotels in the area want to keep it that way, by having strict building restrictions and working together to preserve the little town feeling.
Puerto Morelos: Getting There
By Car:
From Cancun: Get the 307 Federal highway southbound (towards Tulum) and stay on this road for about 10 miles. Once you get to Puerto Morelos you need to take the exit and turn left under the overpass.
By Bus:
You can take the bus straight from the Cancun International Airport; the cost is around $6 USD for a one way ticket. This bus does not go to the town center, but it does go to the highway turnoff into town just 2 kilometers away from the square. From there you can grab a 20 peso taxi or a collectivo to the downtown beach area.
Puerto Morelos: Things To Do
Snorkeling:
Enjoy the beautiful Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef in the world. There is plenty of local providers offering tours just off the main plaza, for only $25 USD your get the boat ride and all the needed equipment.
Diving:
Enjoy all sorts of diving adventures: there is the reef, caverns and cenotes in the area; ideal for every level and age. Dive Shops are available directly in Puerto Morelos.
Sport Fishing:
The waters off the Puerto Morelos coast have a wide variety of marine species: Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Barracuda, Grouper, Snapper, Snook, Pompano, and more…
Ruta de los Cenotes:
This is a wonderful way to visit many cenotes in a day for a reasonable price. Local run cenotes are open for visitors; enjoy the cool transparent water and the amazing caves, a life changing experience!
Alma Libre Bookstore:
Alma Libre is the Riviera Maya’s best English language new and used bookstore. In this book store you can find regional guide books and maps, as well as books about the indigenous culture, flora and fauna of the region.
Crococun:
This is ideal for families, a guided tour to learn more about crocodiles and other native species. Seeing the spider monkeys in the wild is amazing, the kids will love it!
We hope you enjoy your visit to Puerto Morelos and the beautiful beach. 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 out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!
Top Mexico Real Estate is a local American-Owned company that specializes in helping foreigners become homeowners in Mexico. If you are looking for a second home or to retire in paradise, please feel free to contact any of our Top Buyers’ Representatives! Browse our beautiful properties; we are sure you will find your dream home.
Beach #14 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: The Reef Beach
Many of the amazing resorts along the Riviera Maya have beautiful and breathtaking beaches. Unfortunately, although the beaches are public, accesses tend to be private, so it is hard to reach them unless you are a guest of the hotel. However, many of these big resorts want to give everyone – not just their guests – the beach resort experience they can offer.
That is why you will find day passes and night passes at most big resorts down the coast of the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. And The Reef Playacar is no exception. The Playacar neighborhood is located in the south end of Playa del Carmen and hosts some of the most beautiful beaches you can find in the Riviera Maya.
Because Playacar is a private community, you need to address that you are visiting The Reef Resort and that you are going for a Day Pass so they let you through. The Day Pass has a cost of $53 USD per person and gives you full access to the hotel’s facilities – including, but not limited to – the pool and beach club. Meals and drinks are included throughout the day (9am to 6pm). If you are looking to enjoy an experience worth hundreds of dollars for a much lower price, then The Reef Playacar Day Pass is the resort to go to.
The Reef Beach: Getting There
As mentioned above, the Reef Beach is located within the private community of Playacar, which is located in the south end of Playa del Carmen. There are two entrances to Playacar; one on the Federal Highway 309, the other one is on 10th Avenue.
Driving: To reach the 10th Avenue entrance from Cancun, you need to take the Federal Highway 309 towards Playa del Carmen. Upon arriving in Playa del Carmen, you will pass the overpass bridge until reaching a stoplight where you will see Centro Maya to the right, and Sam’s Club to the left. At the stoplight make a U-turn and drive to the outside lanes. Take a right at the Holiday Inn hotel (Diagonal Aeropuerto Street) and drive down that road all the way until the end, where you will reach 10th Avenue South. Take a right; that is the entrance to Playacar. Once you have gone through security, drive straight for about 4 minutes and find The Reef Resort on your left.
If you want to reach the entrance on Federal Highway, drive past the stoplight and take the next U-turn. Incorporate into the outside lanes. You will find the entrance right before the Hospiten hospital.
Taking a Taxi: A taxi from Cancun will charge you around $800 mxn to drive you to Playacar, but there are other options to reaching the Reef Resort. If you are staying in another hotel in Playa del Carmen, they will charge you between $30 and $80 mxn – depending where you are at.
Public transportation:
Colectivos: If you are coming from the north, you need to take a colectivo heading to Tulum and have it drop you off at Centro Maya. Carefully cross the federal highway to the entrance of Playacar. If you are coming from the south, a colectivo towards Playa del Carmen will drop you right near Hospiten. There is no public transport within Playacar, so if you are taking a colectivo you will need to either walk, or take a taxi to reach your destination.
Buses: There are no buses that drive you to Playacar, so this time, taking a bus will not be an option. The easiest way to reach is by taxi.
The Reef Beach: Things To Do
As with every big resort, The Reef Playacar, has an array of family-fun activities to offer. With your day pass you are allowed to make use of all the hotel’s facilities and activities (some with extra cost).
Swim in their amazing pools and enjoy the meals and drinks included the wonderful service.
Lay on the beach beds with a beer in hand enjoying the wonderful blue ocean.
Rent one of the activities offered such as kayaking, snorkeling, and more.
Walk around the hotel looking for their many activities: restaurants, aquatic sports, entertainment, pools, relaxing, and so on.
Enjoy a wonderful meal on the beach, or by the pool, already included in your day pass.
Once it is 6pm and you are ready to leave the hotel, you can enjoy Playacar’s shopping malls with souvenirs and cafés.
The Reef Beach: Recommendations
You will be in one of the high-end tourist destinations of Playa del Carmen. Things within Playacar (specially the resorts) are expensive. There isn’t a lack of services; you will find everything you need both inside and outside the resort. However, here are some recommendations:
Everywhere you go, always take money. Whether you are inside the hotel wanting to rent out an extra activity, or walking around Playacar wanting to take home a souvenir, you will need the extra cash.
Bring sunscreen! If you forget to bring sunscreen you will find yourself needing to purchase one within the hotel. That will not be cheap.
Although there are many activities to do within the hotel, bring a book, iPod, kindle, or whatnot. Laying by the pool for a couple of hours may result boring if you don’t have anything to entertain you.
Enjoy the food and drinks included in your day pass. You are paying $53 USD per person, make the most of it.
The most important thing, like we always say, is having fun and enjoying your day at the beach. The Riviera Maya is bathed with many beautiful white sand beaches, each special on its own – so go ahead and make the most of your day at the Reef Beach! And if you love it so much, you can always come back and make a reservation for a romantic dinner on the beach!
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 out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!
Top Mexico Real Estate is the number one website in real estate in the Riviera Maya and throughout Mexico. We help foreigners find the home of their dreams in the Mexican Caribbean. If you are looking to invest in a vacation, retirement, or full-time property, check out the options we have for you by browsing through our website or contacting one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives. They will gladly walk you through the purchasing process and help you become a homeowner in Mexico.
You have planned everything and are feeling more and more ready for your trip to the wonderful Riviera Maya. If you are planning a discovery trip you have booking your flight and hotel and you start to wonder what about transportation? Should I take a taxis or bus or should I rent a car? Maybe you are planning to move into your beautiful, new real estate property and you have packed everything up and you find yourself wondering how will I get around? Should I use public transportation or should I bring my car with me or should I invest in one when I get there.
The answer to those questions are always going to be different, depending on the objective of your trip, the places you are planning to visit and the length of your stay. In a previous article I talked about how to get around using a taxi or public transportation. Let’s discuss owning or rent a car and driving in the Riviera Maya.
In general, the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula are very safe, the roads are in good condition and there are clearly marked road signs along the way. There are a few check-points in the outskirts of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, mainly the police are trying to deter people from smuggling drugs or other forbidden articles; they might ask for your documents, they may ask to check your trunk and then send you on your way.
2. Do I need to get a special driver’s license?
No, if you are a tourist just make sure your driver’s license from your home country is valid. If you want to be extra-cautious you can get an International Driver’s Permit, but it is not required.
3. What do I do if I get stopped by the police?
Above all, keep calm; have your documents ready such as your driver’s license, ID, Tarjeta de Circulación* and proof of insurance (*circulation permit for the car, if your car is rented this documents should be in the glove compartment).
4. Is it safe to get my car into Mexico?
That depends, many people have done it and had no trouble at all and some have shared horror stories. There is some crime on the northern border of Mexico, if you are coming from the U.S. or Canada, it might be safer to ship your car and less of a hassle then driving your car across a foreign country.
My friend recently drove a newer car with American plates from the U.S. all the way to Riviera Maya without any problems. They said that they always felt safe and never saw any signs of violence or danger during their drive.
If you are considering bringing your car, you need to consider the following:
If I get stopped by the police do I know my rights? Do I speak enough Spanish to understand and be understood by the police?
Am I planning to drive all the way back to my home country?
A foreign car cannot be sold to a Mexican citizen, if you are planning to sell it and fly back home you might have to leave your car, unless you find another foreigner willing to buy it from you.
Is this car a popular brand or style in Mexico? Can I find a garage, parts or services for it?
Am I planning to stay for longer than six months? Am I going to drive to the border to renew the 6 month permit for my car?
5. What do I have to keep in mind while driving in the Riviera Maya?
Driving tests in Mexico are not as strict as in other countries. I got my Playa del Carmen driver’s license by taking a 3 hour theory class, passing a theory test and a driving test that was basically driving around the block once.
Once in the Riviera Maya you need to keep the following in mind:
There are a lot of people that ignores the most basic driving laws, be extra cautious when driving in cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. There will be people trying to overtake you on the left lane, people trying to make a right or left turn from the center lane, people ignoring your indicators when you want to park, etc.
The Mayan Riviera gets millions of visitors every year, and they are unfamiliar with the roads. As a rule of thumb, if you see a car with red digits you’ll know it’s a rental, give that person extra space to maneuver and figure out where they want to go.
Cancun and Playa have lots of one way roads, keep your eyes open for signs or incoming traffic. Do not trust your GPS, sometimes it will try to send you on a one way street!
Taxi drivers are the worst, they drive like maniacs, stay away from them!
There are a lot of people traveling on bikes, mopeds and motorcycles: keep your eyes open as they ignore all the rules: they might try to overtake you from your left, move forward when the traffic is stationary going in between the cars and so many other maneuvers. Be careful!
Keep your eyes open for TOPES (speed bumps), they lurk everywhere and can damage your car. Sometimes they are unmarked and can seem to come out of nowhere. You can find them in the cities, in the little towns and even on the main road that connects Cancun and Tulum (Highway 307).
Here at Top Mexico Real Estate we aim to provide you with the best information about living in Mexico. If you are considering buying a property, we have the perfect home in paradise waiting for you!
We are a local American-Owned company, and we have helped thousands of foreigners become homeowners in Mexico. If you would like to make your dream of having a home in Mexico a realty, please contact us!
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