Whale Sharks: Swimming With the Gentle Giants of the Sea

As if the Riviera Maya didn’t offer enough to do and see, there is one special phenomenon that takes place every year. Whale sharks – the single largest sharks in the world – make their migration through the Mexican Caribbean every summer during their mating season. From June through the end of August, you can experience a close encounter with these gentle giants of the sea. Don’t worry, they are completely harmless and feed only from plankton. Many tour operators take advantage of the summer season to bring people like you close to these school-bus-sized animals. You will find them in their natural environment in an activity you should not miss out on.

Swimming with whale sharks

A whale shark can weigh as much as 10,000 pounds and can measure up to 40 feet long. Even though the enormity of the whale sharks can be daunting, they usually just roam around the ocean looking for plankton, fish eggs and krill to eat. Humans and other animals are not their main concern, as they are not part of their diet. However, due to their unnaturally huge size, keeping a safe distance from them is essential. You want to avoid being hit by a heavy fin.

Where can you swim with whale sharks?

The best place to find the whale sharks in the Riviera Maya is around Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox. During this migratory season it is possible to spot as many as 40 whale sharks at the same time smoothly cruising through the ocean. While snorkeling from above may make them sometimes seem very tiny from afar, once they come up close and personal you can really entertain the idea of how big they actually are. They primarily swim through the northeastern shores of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Swimming with whale sharks

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and represent a healthy marine ecosystem. Their life expectancy is around 100 years old, although some have been reported to live up to 150. Interestingly, female whale sharks can have about 300 pups per litter. This is an opportunity not to be missed when visiting your vacation home in the Riviera Maya – be it Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. Many tours will take you to see them with experts on the subject explaining everything about them to you.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

When you plan your next vacation to paradise, or if you are visiting during the remaining time of August, make sure to factor this amazing natural wonder into your trip. Trust us – it makes for one amazing life experience to tell people back home. Whale sharks are the gentle giants of the sea for a reason. Swimming alongside them is one of the most thrilling activities to engage in. It also makes for a sweet pro-tip to tell those renters who book your vacation rental during the summer months.

If you are looking to invest in the Riviera Maya, make sure to send your inquiries our way. Our expert Buyer’s Representatives can hook you up with the best real estate in the region. You can have your perfect paradise home right next to the whale sharks.

Halloween in Playa del Carmen… a great party by the sea!

Halloween is almost here! Once a North American tradition, Halloween is growing increasingly popular in Mexico. If you live or are visiting Playa del Carmen, you can join the people that goes out on this night and enjoy an amazing blend of traditions in Playa del Carmen.

In Mexico, there has been a long tradition of celebrating the Day of the Dead. This day commemorates the people that has left before us, and people make shrines to celebrate the memories of loved ones that are no longer with us.

However, many also join and celebrate the fun of trick or treating… and it is common to celebrate both. If you are in the area, you cannot miss celebrating Halloween Playa style! Get that costume ready and join the crowds trick and treating on 5th avenue.

Celebrating Halloween in Playa del Carmen:  Things to do

1.  Trick or treating

Every year, hundreds of visitors and locals go on 5th Avenue wearing costumes, dressed as Catrina Skeletons or even as an Xtabay. Playa del Carmen is the ideal place to see traditions merge and become something different, come and see and enjoy the party.

Don’t forget to bring enough candy to share with the hundreds of local and visiting children, trick or treating on 5th Avenue.

2.  Have an authentic Day of the Dead experience

If you want to learn more about the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead, Xcaret has an amazing festival every year. The festival has theater, music, performances and art… and everything is about the Mexican traditions to celebrate the day of the dead.

You can purchase your tickets and receive more information here. If you are planning to visit Xcaret, your ticket includes the pass for the Day of the Dead celebration.

3.  See the Mayan Day of the Dead celebrations

Celebrating the dead is a Mexican celebration with deep roots in the native cultures of Mexico, but the Mayans have their own way to commemorate the dead: Hanal Pixan. If you want to learn more about this amazing tradition in an authentic Mayan Village, Alltournative organizes a tour every year, which takes visitors to an authentic Mayan village and allows you to participate in the Day of the Dead traditions. The tour that includes:

  • Round trip transportation
  • A guided visit through the process of decoration of shrines and the celebration of Hanal Pixan
  • Traditional Mayan food

If you want to learn more about this exciting adventure, please click here!

4.  Go party!

After all the fun and adventures, you can also do what people love to do in Playa: Party! You can organize your own bar crawl, or visit one of the local clubs and enjoy the special events organized for the day.

You cannot miss the fun on 12th Street with all the clubs and the best place to see and be seen in Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen is a community with a rich culture, people from all over the world come to reside here and brings with them their own traditions. The merge of different cultures allows for a diverse and vibrant community, willing to enjoy and share with people from other places.

There are many options to enjoy an amazing Halloween and Day of the Dead, feel part of this amazing culture or feel at home with your own celebrations. Playa del Carmen is an amazing place to live and at Top Mexico Real Estate, we specialize in helping foreigners find their home in Mexico.

We would love to hear about your plans for Halloween, or if we are missing an awesome event… Please let us know!

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!

Xenses Park in Mexico’s Riviera Maya

Welcome to Xenses

Last month the Xenses Park in Mexico’s Riviera Maya opened to the public, becoming the sixth adventure park to open inside the Xcaret development grounds. Recently I wrote about how Xcaret in Cancun and the Riviera Maya were recognized as the best international theme park and the best water park, winning the 2016 Travvy Award held in New York City.  This new addition is a 23-hectare property and was made possible with an investment of $25.5 million.

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.

And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…

we make it happen!

TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE

It’s Whale Shark Season!

Foto: internetFoto: Internet

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.

Related: 10 Interesting Facts About Whale Sharks

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.

Related: 10 Things to Do in Merida

Foto: Internet

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!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate

We make it happen!

Questionnaire TMRE

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.

 photo boy-looking-out-window-in-the-rain_zpsizpguoi0.jpg

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.

 photo img079_zpsjcsf7p7e.jpg

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.

 photo rio-secreto_zpsg5uamajv.jpg

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!

Xoximilco: Experience the Mexican Fiesta!

If you are ever in Mexico City, you have to visit Xochimilco. This magical town is located south of the downtown area, and it is one of the most traditional tourist destinations in the country.

Xochimilco was established in the pre-Hispanic period and it covers an area of 125 km2 (48 sq. miles). This destination is best known for its canals, and its artificial islands called chinampas; where tourists can ride on colorful gondola-like boats called “trajineras”.

 photo Xoximilco 2_zpspttwsytk.jpg

Think of color, food, music and fiesta; all rolled in with some tequila or cervezas. The trajineras offer a ride through the different neighborhoods and attractions while offering traditional Mexican dishes, drinks and mariachis serenade you with romantic or lively songs.

Xoximilco: A Cool Alternative in the Riviera Maya

If this sounds like a fun experience that you can not miss, but you don’t have any plan in the near future to visit Mexico city; there is an alternative right here in the Riviera Maya… Xoximilco. This amazing park is part of the Xcaret group and it offers visitors in the Riviera Maya the opportunity to experience a fiesta in a trajinera.

Each of the boats in Xoximilco is decorated to celebrate the traditions of different Mexican states, including elements of their history, culture and traditional food. This is a fun opportunity to learn more about Mexico and its culture.

Xoximilco: What is Included?

Each trajinera has a long party table and can hold up to 20 people, allowing you to have fun with family and friends. It is easy to enjoy yourself when all the food, drinks and activities are included:
Main Attractions

  • Live music including mariachi, marimba and bolero.
  • Mexican cuisine and typical desserts.
  • Three-course tasting dinner with the best Mexican dishes.
  • Open bar with tequila, beers and traditional non-alcoholic drinks (fruit juices).
  • Night tour in the trajinera throughout the channels.
  • Transportation 

 photo Xoximilco-cancun-01_zpslumoo8si.jpg

Xoximilco: Before You Go

  • Xoximilco is a great place for those that like to party, a festive attitude will make the experience so much better. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, be prepared to be seated next to strangers as each boat can hold 20 people. This is a great opportunity to meet other travelers.
  • Remember this is a tour through canals and there are many insects in this area. Bring your eco-friendly and biodegradable insect repellent, and if possible wear long pants and a long sleeved top.
  • Kids under the age of 4 enter for free, but the park recommends this tour for kids 5 years of age or older. This is a 3 hour long night tour in a noisy environment, keep this in mind when deciding whether to bring the kids or not. All children need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

 photo xoximilco-fiesta_zpsjrbwsi4n.jpg

This is an ideal activity for big groups, family reunions and celebrations. Embrace the fiesta and visit Xoximilco, it is so much fun!

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned real estate company based in Playa del Carmen, in the heart of the Riviera Maya. We specialize in helping foreigners become homeowners in Mexico in a safe and legal manner.

You can start your Mexican dream by visiting our website and learning everything you need to know about living, retiring or investing in Mexico. Contact our expert sales representatives and let us help you find the home of your dreams.

Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!