Living in Mexico, Your lifesavers in the Riviera Maya!

Living in Mexico is an amazing opportunity for retirees, since a modest pension in your country of origin can stretch much more if you decide to move south of the border. As the dollar keeps strong against the peso, more and more people are looking to settle and enjoy retirement in this beautiful country.

There are over a million North American retirees living in Mexico full time, and an estimated 50,000 snowbirds that spend part of the year in the country. These numbers keep rising, as the pension system is failing and health insurance prices skyrocket.

The Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations for retirees from all over the world. Some of the reasons that make it such a popular destination are the closeness to North America and the available direct flights to Cancun from almost every main airport.

Once that you have settled in your new life, there are a couple of things that can make your life much easier. Keep in mind that transitioning to your new life is always to have challenges, but a positive attitude and a good sense of humor is the best tool to deal with them.

1.  Get your INAPAM card

If you are a permanent resident in Mexico, you can get your INAPAM Card and get discounts in services, property taxes, museums and cultural events. Your INAPAM card also will allow you to get discounts on buses and airlines tickets; just keep in mind that the number of discounted tickets is limited, so it is important to buy them in advance.

To get your INAPAM Card as a foreigner you will need to present:

  • Either your Migratory Form (FM2, FM3), Carta de Naturalización, Temporary Resident Permit or your passport to verify your identity and age.
  • A bill not older than three months of water, electricity or landline (TELMEX, AXTEL, TELNOR, IZZI, ETC) with your name and Mexican address.
  • 2 “Infantil” size photos.

The modules available in the Riviera Maya are open from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 PM and their locations are listed below.

Isla Mujeres

Address:  Av. Jesús Martínez Ross # 001, Isla Mujeres, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 998 274 04 22

Benito Juárez (CANCUN)

Address:  Región 94 Mz.76 Lt.3, C.P.77500, Benito Juarez, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 998 888 89 21 y 888 89 22

Cozumel

Address: Calle 50 Bis between 3 and 5 Sur, col. Adolfo López Mateos, Cozumel, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 987 872 56 61

Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen & Puerto Aventuras)

Address: Av. 40 Corner with calle 28, Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 984 127 99 12

Tulum

Address: Calle Alfa Sur between avenida Tulum and Sol Poniente, Centro, Tulum, Q. Roo

Phone Number: 01 983 130 40 55 y 103 22 23

2. Enjoy your local status

Being a local has its perks, most attractions and archeological sites have special prices for locals. It is important to have a photo ID such as your driver license or Migratory Card. If you are resident of Playa del Carmen, there are special discounts at local beach clubs such as Lido, Senzi or Piola; ask for your local discount!

3. Meet your crowd

Living as an expat is much more doable if you make friends, not only you get a support system but also benefit from their experience living in Mexico. There are many activities that can allow you to meet new friends: The Rotary Club, helping in Animal associations such as Coco’s Cat Rescue, joining local Thanksgiving dinners, etc.

So, what do you think? Can you share with us what would be your lifesaver as a retiree living in the Mayan Riviera? We would love to hear your thoughts and comments! Let’s Retire in Mexico looks to share relevant information with retirees living in Mexico, either full time or part time.

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Xcalacoco Beach

Beach #5 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Xcalacoco Beach

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are the most popular destinations in Mexico, with more than 2 million tourists every year. There are so many things to do in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean, from adventure to relaxation, tasty Mexican food, colorful fiestas and gorgeous beaches.

Even with the growing popularity of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, there are many secluded beaches waiting for adventurous souls to find them. If you want to escape the crowds and the noise of the popular beaches, traveling a little bit further will reward you with a paradisiac beach.

Xcalacoco Beach: General Information

If you want to enjoy this beautiful paradise, the access is free! So, bring your towel, sunscreen and favorite beverage. If you’d rather have a comfortable chair and cold drinks being served to you, there are also some beach clubs in the area.

Related: Xcalacoco Beach – A Quiet Paradise Just North of Town

The beaches have powdery white sand and beautiful turquoise to azure colored water, there are also some rocks that make the coast so much more interesting. If you are into relaxation, please try one of the message stands on the beach, it is an incredible experience.

 photo Xcalacoco Beach 1_zpsoyct0ddv.jpg

Xcalacoco Beach: Getting There

Driving: From the Federal Highway look for the traffic light with the Coca Cola sign, and turn right (east) driving towards the beach or follow the signs for Petit Lafitte.

Keep in mind that there is not a parking lot, if you are going to the public beach in your car you might have to park on the road or pay one of the beach bars to park there. Some places will let you park for free if you eat there, always ask!

Xcalacoco Beach: Things To Do

  • Xcalacoco Beach has a rocky shore and is an ideal place to snorkel.
  • If you love water sports, you can go paddle boarding, kayaking or even sailboarding.
  • Having a massage on the beach is a heavenly experience
  • Just relax and enjoy the beautiful view.

 photo Xcalacoco 2_zpsgny8k8xp.jpg

Xcalacoco Beach: Recommendations

  • There are areas on the beach that have rocks, so bringing a pair of water shoes is a good idea.
  • There are no public restrooms in the area, plan accordingly.
  • You won’t find trash cans at Xcalacoco beach; bring your own bags to put trash in.
  • Do not forget to bring your biodegradable suntan lotion and insect repellent, harsh chemicals harm the coral reef and the local fauna.

Xcalacoco is one of our favorite beaches in the Riviera Maya, enjoy this beautiful place and let us know about your experience at Xcalacoco Beach. If you are interested in purchasing a beachfront property on Xcalacoco Beach there are several breathtaking options like The Fives a gorgeous condo-hotel.

We hope you enjoy Xcalacoco 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!

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Cirque du Soleil Tumbles Into The Mayan Riviera

Cirque du Soleil has delivered entertainment and enchantment to crowds all over the world since its foundation in 1984. This Canadian Troupe has grown so much in the last 30 years, with about 4,000 employees worldwide and many set or touring shows at any time in several countries.

The Mayan Riviera is celebrating the start of their new exclusive show, JOYÀ. This new and innovative show has been designed exclusively for the public visiting the Riviera Maya and it is inspired by the Mexican nature and natural beauty.

Grupo Vidanta and Cirque du Soleil are working together for this project, developing the concept, the space and everything else from scratch. It has taken 4 years of hard work and the first show is starting on November 8th, near the Grand Mayan Resort.

Joya Building

JOYÀ is an innovative concept, the first permanent production for Cirque du Soleil outside of Las Vegas and Orlando. The venue, the Vidanta Theater is an intimate space for only 600 spectators; a big difference from other shows that can have up to 2,500 visitors; and guests will enjoy the show and a gourmet dinner with champagne.

Joya

So, what is JOYÀ?

JOYÀ follows the adventures of a rebellious teenage girl whisked away to a mysterious jungle in her grandfather’s fantastical world. Surrounded by a strange band of half-human, half-animal assistants, the extravagant naturalist is on a relentless quest for the meaning of life.

When the reluctant Joyà finds herself in this strange land where logic has no bearing, she must face a series of outlandish challenges that her mischievous grandfather has secretly set out for her. Is she ready to take over the quest her granddad inherited from his own ancestors?

Inspired by the fabulous migratory journey of the monarch butterfly in which life is passed from one generation to the next to ensure the survival of the species, this show reveals a world inhabited by entrancing characters that work hand in hand to perpetuate the love of life.

Cirque de Soleil

JOYÀ – A thrilling, whimsical show in which joy, courage and friendship conquer all!

How do I get my Tickets?
The tickets are already available online, and they will be also for sale in different hotels in the area. The prices range from $85 to $225 and the 70-minute show will be performed eight times a week, with two daily shows on high season.

Do not wait any longer, reserve your tickets at www.cirquedusoleil.com

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!