Traveling Without a Car in the Riviera Maya

TRAVELING WITHOUT A CAR IN THE RIVIERA MAYA

One of the best features of the Riviera Maya is the plethora of activities that you can find in the area. Whether it’s lounging on the beach, indulging in food and drink, exploring Mayan ruins or visiting the various parks in the area, there’s no shortage of things to do.  Continue reading

Enjoy Spring Break in the Caribbean – Visit the Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya has been a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, and especially from North America looking to have some fun in Spring Break. Sadly, there are so many concerns regarding if Mexico is safe to travel or not, that the influx of tourists has decreased in the last year or so.

For those lucky enough to live in the area, we are aware that this might sound quite scary… but still, the feeling around our community is that this shall pass and the government efforts to preserve the Riviera Maya as a safe area for tourists will succeed.

The 2018 Spring break is getting closer and closer and we are looking forward to seeing our dear friends and family from the US and Canada. A nice and affordable option is to get to Mexico on a cruise…directly to Cozumel.

Cozumel is a little island just off the coast of Playa del Carmen, and it is considered safe, unlike other areas in the Riviera Maya. So if you are thinking this might be an option, have a look at some of the deals we found!

4-Night Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans

(Carnival)

Start Spring Break at New Orleans and party all the way down to Cozumel!

Date: March 8/22, 2018

Price: Starting at $314 per person

If you want to enjoy an epic experience, this cruise will be unforgettable. Enjoy the French flair of  New Orleans and hop into this cruise to enjoy everything Cozumel has to offer: the pristine waters of the Caribbean, scuba diving and many more cool activities.

Cozumel is so amazing and so close to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, we are sure you will find yourself scrambling to see and do everything there is.

7 Nights Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

(Royal Caribbean)

Date: March 4, 2018

Price: Starting at $624 per person

Book a cruise at the Lone Star State and be in the hottest spots in the Caribbean

Even though Texas might not be considered the hub of Spring Break fun, South Padre Island is a popular destination for many wanting to enjoy the crazy nightlife and fun. There is also another option, to take a cruise and visit amazing destinations all over the Caribbean.

This Royal Caribbean Cruise will visit Cozumel, Georgetown in the Cayman Islands and Falmouth, Jamaica… a once in a lifetime trip to create amazing memories.

These amazing trips are so affordable and stress-free, we believe is a fun way to travel to Mexico and other areas in the Caribbean. Another advantage is that the cost includes transportation, accommodations, and meals, so you are more in control of your expenses.

We would love to hear about your plans for Spring Break, have you ever taken a Cruise?

 Happy traveling, from everyone at The Let’s retire in Mexico team

Campeche – The allure of a colonial port town

Campeche is one of those places you might never consider visiting, when thinking of a short trip from the Riviera Maya. However, it is such a charming and romantic destination, you’ll never regret taking the time to go!

This beautiful port city was founded in 1540 and was the most important port of the Peninsula during colonial times, similar in importance to Havana and Cartagena. The area developed to be an important city, and the locals built elegant mansions, impressive churches and the traditional barrios grew around the main square.

During Colonial times, Campeche was a producer of precious woods, natural dyes and the main port for the neighboring Yucatan State. This made it an ideal target for pirates, so the city had to build a wall and fortresses all around in order to protect the population from the constant attacks.

Campeche offers it visitors a beautiful mix of Ancient Mayan cities, nice colonial cobbled roads, and the view of the sea along the malecon (esplanade). There is also a good mix of the old and the new, as you can walk along downtown and feel like you are living in colonial times, and then visit the modern shopping mall or the convention center and enjoy modern amenities.

Campeche Attractions

Campeche City

Campeche is full of charm, with its magnificent colonial mansions, narrow streets and the presence of the colonial life all around the city. Walk along the malecon, visit the forts and the remains of the original wall that surrounded the city, or visit the museum of Colonial times; we are sure you will be amazed.

Archeological sites

Campeche has magnificent colonial sights, Edzna is near the city and was an important ceremonial center, with an active trade with other Mayan regions. Calakmul is a large archeological site, located in a National park of the same name, and it also has a museum displaying both the nature and the archeology of the site.

Museums

There are many museums in the city and surrounding areas occupying the former bastions of the wall that surrounded the city, so you can pick your favorites or visit every one. The Virgen de la Soledad Bastion has an interesting Mayan Architecture collection, and the San Carlos Bastion holds an interesting history collection.

There is also the San Jose Museum showcasing the pirates, weapons and boats that used to attack the city, as well as other artifacts from colonial times.

Traditional barrios & their churches

Campeche grew during the Spanish rule and formed different neighborhoods, each barrio has a main plaza and a church; and the houses would be built around these plazas. There are five traditional barrios in Campeche: San Francisco, Guadalupe, San Roman, Santa Ana y Santa Lucia.

Each of the churches in Campeche are worth a visit, but the San Francisco Church is the place where the first mass in the continent was held.

Haciendas

Haciendas were the heart of the colonial economy, as Campeche was an important producer of natural dyes, cotton products, honey, wax and salt. Over time Campeche developed big farms, and started producing dry meat, leather goods as well as sisal, the fiber that made the Peninsula one of the wealthiest areas in the world.

There are haciendas all over Campeche, some of them have become hotels, while others are used as tourist attractions. Do not miss Hacienda Blanca Flor now converted into a hotel, and located just in the outskirts of Campeche, the Hacienda Santa Cruz is also well preserved and has an active production of palm that is used to make hats.

Getting There

Campeche is one of the best destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, one of those under the radar places that will make you fall in love. It is located about 5 hours away from Cancun, and even less if you depart from other cities in the Riviera Maya.

To get there, you can go via Merida, with possible interesting stops in Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Izamal and obviously Merida. There is also the option to go down the coast and stop in Mahahual and Bacalar, and then cross the Peninsula with a stop in the archeological site of Uxmal.

Do not miss out on this amazing city and its surrounding areas, bring comfortable shoes, your camera and time to enjoy every attraction. Winter is the best month to visit, as the days are cool and there is a constant cold wind from the sea, so the long walks are more tolerable.

Let’s Retire in Mexico aims to be the best source of information about living in Mexico, please let us know if we are missing an important attraction or if you would like to know more about Campeche.

 

Snowbirds are Returning to Playa del Carmen

It’s that time of year when the snowbirds start to prepare for their return to Playa del Carmen once again. Leaving behind the cold winds, rain and snow and migrate south to the sunny beaches of Playa del Carmen for much fun and well deserved relaxation.

Since your visit last year Playa del Carmen has had some changes to the Fifth Avenue. You will be glad to know that more stores have been added to the La Quinta Alegria Shopping Plaza, and there are several others due to open shortly. Unfortunately, the Body Shop has closed and remains empty right now but we are excited to see what will open next.

If you remember, last year there was a large construction site just a few steps away from the La Quinta Alegria mall, where the famous Calle Corazon used to be. Now there is a modern five story plaza called “Calle Corazon Mall”, where you will find well known retail stores like H&M -which opened one of the largest fashion shops on Fifth Avenue, plus sunglasses, cosmetics and a new Starbucks, and there will be much more to come. Above the shopping area is the upscale Thompson Hotel with 2 rooftop restaurants that are open to the public, the Cinco and Catch Restaurant, here you can enjoy a fabulous meal and some of the best views of the city.

Hopefully some things in Playa del Carmen will not change as we as locals and snow birds enjoy the simpler things too and a big hit with both is Kava Kasa. You will be happy to know that they still have a great yoga lineup and their weekly local market has not changed, you will find your fresh produce there every Tuesday morning. Kava Kasa posts their monthly yoga schedule on their Kava Kasa Facebook page and any other changes that may happen.

You will be happy to know that your favorite bars have not changed and still have their amazing lineups to keep your evenings full of entertainment and happy hours.

If this is your first year coming to Playa del Carmen as a Snowbird, there is a great online community of Expats that are always happy to assist you whether you just can’t find the right ingredient or if you are looking for fun night out.

One of the forums that is very useful is Playa Info, where you can find general information posted from where to find pink lemonade to a lists of the best happy hours in town.

Another very helpful community is the Facebook group Expats & Locals in Playa del Carmen, in this community they cover everything you need to know for daily living in Playa del Carmen and are eager to meet new people, they even arrange nights out which is a great way to meet new people and expand your social group.

Welcome Snowbirds Old and New!

Maya Theme Park in Cancun to Open in 2017

Museo Maya Cancun

A new theme park will soon be added to Cancun next year, dedicated to exploring the world of the Mayans. The ‘Parque Maya’ is a private investment planned to be ready for winter of 2017 with the intention of promoting cultural tourism in the city. Cancun and the Riviera Maya have already had tremendous success with the Xcaret adventure parks, which were named among the world’s best theme parks earlier this year and recently saw the opening of Xenses, a new park on the same grounds, but this new park will be dedicated to promote the cultural tourism in the area.

August 15 will see the laying of the first stone, while work will be expected to take 12 months in order to bring this project to life. “The concept behind it is of the Mayan universe” said Francisco Córdova Lira, an investor of the Park. “We already have all the permissions and licenses to carry out the Park.” He stated that they are currently in the phase of accreditation for a bank loan, although some investments have already been made.

The plan for the park is to have three zones that are united together, including El Rey, archeological ruins that few currently visit but will now be promoted, and the Mayan Museum which opened to the public in 2012. The Park will be located facing the Museum and is designed for visiting families to learn about the Mayan culture and also have fun at the same time. There will be zip lines, rope bridges, along with replicas of relics and Mayan architecture. They will be distributed among the three worlds that make up the Mayan universe.

Getting to this point has come at an investment of approximately 50 million pesos. The development project was submitted twice to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), but due to the lack of appropriate permissions it was put on hold, but will now see the beginning of the construction.

The investors believe that the concept will appeal to tourists, since the Cancun hotel zone will be providing more places of recreation and culture. Given the tremendous success that Xcaret and other adventure park have had in recent years, along with the continued boom in tourism for Cancun and the Riviera Maya in general, the opening is likely to be a big success.

If you’d like more information about 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.

And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…

we make it happen!

Tulum Wins More Accolades for Its World Class Beach

Playa Paraíso Tulum

Tulum Wins More Accolades for Its World Class Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate

We Make It Happen!

Live it Tour

Weekend Getaway: Puerto Morelos

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.

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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.

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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.

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

Rainy Day in Playa del Carmen Got You Down?

Rainy day in Playa del Carmen got you down? Are you setting in your Playa del Carmen condo starring out the window watching the rain come down wishing you could go to the beach? Fear not there are many things you could do in the rain. One of the most popular destinations for rainy days is an underground tour at Rio Secreto. This natural reserve is located 15 minutes south from downtown Playa del Carmen and it is a fantastic adventure for anyone wanting to learn more about the Mayan Riviera.

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Rio secreto offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit one of the thousands of underground rivers that lay under the Yucatan Peninsula. What makes Rio Secreto different is the fact that the routes used for tours have semi-flooded caves, while the vast majority of the caves of the peninsula are flooded.

Exploring a semi-flooded cave means that you will not need to be a certified cave diver to see the stalactites and stalagmites, and discover the secrets of its petrified coral reef. You can walk and swim the underground river and discover more about the geological and cultural history of the Yucatan.

Rio Secreto is a place surrounded by jungle, as they pride themselves on being a natural reserve; the only in its kind in the Peninsula. Once you get to the entrance there will be a van to take you inside of the reserve, this is a 15 minutes ride on a bumpy road. A lot of people complain about the road, but opting for the dirt road allows rainwater to replenish the underground rivers, the only source of fresh water for Playa del Carmen.

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Once you get to the base, you will be provided with a wetsuit, life jacket, helmet with a special lamp and water shoes. It is important to follow the guide’s instruction like, leave your belongings a locker, and make sure to visit the restroom and use the shower to wash any chemicals that might be on your body and in your hair.

There will be a short walk through the jungle where you will arrive at the caves entrance. Mayans consider caves and sinkholes to be a passage into the underground world or “Xibalba”, so a Mayan shaman performs a ceremony to cleanse the visitors before entering this place.

Inside you will be in a labyrinth full of geological formations, thousands of stalactites and stalagmites as well as pristine water. The cave is very fragile and it is important to keep your hands away from the formations, as any misstep can cause damage.

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After about an hour and a half you emerge on the other side, tired and hungry. A buffet full of Mayan food is ready for you to enjoy.

So if you are starring out your Playa del Carmen condo window wondering what to do remember Rio secreto is a wonderful activity on rainy day! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

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.

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen!

World Travel Awards 2015: The Best of Tourism in Mexico

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

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

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

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

World Travel Awards: Mexico Winners

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

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

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

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Calle Corazon: Out With the Old, In With the New

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!