🌴 Feliz Día de Reyes! Did You Find the Baby in Your Rosca?

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✨ Happy New Year and Feliz Día de los Reyes Magos, Insiders!

This is my first newsletter of the new year and I am really excited about what 2026 has in store for all of us. Today, I have the great pleasure of accompanying a group of generous local residents delivering gifts to children and families living in the village of Alfa y Omega. It’s a trip we make every year on Three Kings Day and something that seems to set my mind and heart up right for the new year.

Last week, I asked and you answered! Thank you to everyone who replied back to me and especially everyone who took the time to write a little testimonial for the website-in-progress. Shout-out to RMI readers who reached out from Canada, the U.S., Belize, the U.K. and of course Mexico!

Robert J., Marc D., Nancy B, Andrew L., Helene R., Susan B., Steve P., Rachel P., Luisa A., Derek M., Jason R., Thomas J., Pail L., Margie G., Emilie D., Claire B., Janine C., Brian O., Linda G., and Cris L.

In today’s Riviera Maya Insider you will find:

• What’s going on at the Cancun Airport

• An update about the controversial Visitax

• Tips for avoiding vacation rental scams

• What you need to register your car and change your plates

• A new restaurant opens in Puerto Aventuras

All this and more brought to you with support from Google Adsense, 1440, and PA-STAY Property Management.

— Michele Kinnon

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our beautiful Photo of the Week was taken at UNICO Beach Club in Puerto Morelos. You can follow them here @unicobeach and we recommend that you do!

📸 If you would like to see your photo featured here, follow and tag @rivieramayainsidermx on Instagram or send it to [email protected].

IN THE NEWS

News from the Riviera Maya and beyond. You don’t have to know everything—but you should know something. Here are a few stories that caught my eye in the news last week

🚨 Crash in Puerto Aventuras Injures 7 Local Teens
Saturday, in the very early hours of the morning, seven young teens—presumably out joyriding without their parents knowledge or consent—were involved in a terrible crash on Bahia Akumal inside the community of Puerto Aventuras. Thankfully, there were no fatalities but some of the children were badly hurt and hospitalized. Damages due to the crash have left parts of the community without water service. You can find the story reported in the local news but, out of respect for those involved, I am not linking to them from this newsletter. I personally know and care for some of the families affected, and my heart and prayers are very much with them as they navigate the days ahead.

👶 1st Baby of the New Year in Quintana Roo
Quintana Roo welcomed the new year with a very special arrival. The state’s first baby of 2026 was born exactly at midnight on January 1 at IMSS Clinic 17 in Cancún. The baby boy weighed 3.12 kilos, arrived without complications, and both he and his mother are reported to be in excellent health. For his mom, 28-year-old Diana Leidy Fernández Espíndola, the timing made the moment even more meaningful—ringing in the new year with new life.

🎶 Zamna Season Puts Tulum on the Global Stage
Tulum’s winter festival season is hitting new highs. Following a massive January 2 show by David Guetta, Zamna Tulum projects nearly 120,000 attendees across its 2025–2026 events—cementing the destination’s status as a global hub for electronic music. With visitors flying in from North America, Europe, and South America, organizers estimate an average spend of $500 USD per person per day, delivering a much-needed boost to the local Tulum economy.

🌊 Beach Restoration Plans Face Pushback
A growing coalition of citizens, scientists, and environmental groups is urging federal authorities to pause proposed beach restoration projects in northern Quintana Roo—at least until a new environmental impact study is completed. The concern? Officials are relying on a permit issued back in 2009, despite dramatic changes to the coastline, reef health, protected areas, and the rise of sargassum over the past 15 years. With sea turtles, reefs, and fragile dune systems at stake, critics say outdated approvals aren’t good enough.

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ICYMI

In case you missed it, these were the most popular new stories from last week’s newsletter.

🌿 The Death of a Beloved Yucatan Conservationist
Trailblazing environmentalist Joann M. Andrews has passed away in Mérida at the age of 96…

🎶 A Rising Voice Returns Home
At just 19, Puerto Aventuras–born baritone Enrique Pérez Mendoza is already making waves on the world’s great stages—and now he’s bringing that talent back to the Mexican Caribbean. January 7th, he headlines Romantic Opera Night in Cancún…

TRAVEL TALK IS POWERED BY. . .

🛫 What’s Up With Visitax in Quintana Roo?

As Quintana Roo heads into 2026, Visitax is still in effect—and still mandatory—but how it’s collected remains unresolved and poorly communicated to travelers.

Visitax is a state tax created back in 2021 and applies to foreign visitors entering Quintana Roo, with the exception of those arriving via the southern land border. Despite years of confusion (and misinformation) online, this fee is not optional—but ineffectively enforced so far.

The state has acknowledged that Visitax collection has fallen short of expectations. A proposal to have hotels collect the tax was emphatically rejected by the hotel sector, which argued it is not their role to act as tax collectors and that it could create conflicts with guests. With no agreement in place, the government has reopened discussions between the Ministry of Tourism and Sefiplan, but no new system has been finalized.

For now, Visitax may be paid online, via the official website or at the Cancun International Airport, where enforcement has increased.

The current cost is 271 Mexican pesos per person (about USD $15, depending on exchange rates) and the official payment site is https://www.visitax.gob.mx/

Avoid third-party websites that often appear in search engine results and charge inflated “service fees.” The official site charges only the legal amount. After payment, you’ll receive a QR code. Save a screenshot to your photos as it may be requested at the airport. Paying it online from your hotel, resort or vacation rental, before your return flight, remains the safest and simplest option.

😎 Tips for Avoiding Vacation Rental Scams

Unfortunately, it’s that time of year again…lots of people looking for last minute accommodations at a time when inventory is low. The perfect time for scammers to prey on the desperation of people scrambling for a rental during high season.

We have already received several reports of people arriving only to find that the place that they reserved and PAID for does not exist and the “agent” they booked through is in the wind. What can you do to avoid this? First and foremost, you should reserve through a reputable propery management and vacation rental company like our local sponsor, PA-STAY. Additionally, we have compiled a list of tips and things to be wary of to make your next vacation booking safely.

👉️ Find our 10 tips for safely booking your vacation rental!

🌴 Are you looking for some relief from the cold but certain you’re too late find a nice place that can accommodate you and your family? Think again and take a look at Hacienda Paraiso! This gorgeous villa on the golf course in Puerto Aventuras sleeps 9 people and could be the perfect place to enjoy some warm and relaxing vacation time. The villa is available now through January 14.

👉️ Check out the full listing here and contact Amy Hughes to reserve.

✈️ Cancun Airport is Making Changes in 2026

If you’re planning on traveling into or out of the Cancun International Airport in 2026, here’s something you’ll want to keep on your radar.

Terminal 1 is officially making a comeback. The long-dormant terminal is in the final stretch of a full reconstruction and expansion, with airport operator ASUR targeting a reopening around the end of Q2. Once it’s back online, it will add badly needed capacity to an airport that’s been running hot for years.

At the same time, Terminal 4’s second expansion phase is nearly complete, adding more gates and improving aircraft movement on the airfield. The goal is to spread passengers out more evenly and reduce the choke points we’ve all felt at check-in, immigration, and baggage claim.

Why now? Demand keeps climbing. Cancun traffic was up roughly 16% through late 2025 and Mexico is bracing for a massive travel surge around the 2026 World Cup.

What does this mean for you? Double-check your terminal every time. If you’re loyal to one airline for years, their terminal assignment could change. Once completed, the expansion should benefit all travelers offering more space, better flow, and a smoother airport experience once the dust settles.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

Fun for foodies of all kinds! Here are some of the delicious gastronomic offerings that caught our eye and tempted our palate this week!

🍝 NEW! Ristorante Isabella in Puerto Aventuras

Last week, Jim and I made a rare trip down to the marina to check out Ristorante Isabella, a new restaurant that has taken over the space previously occupied by Casa Sofia. Isabella is run by Alejandra del Castillo and Luca Niero, a chef who brings serious restaurant chops to the table after many successful years operating a well-loved spot in Holbox. This new endeavor, named after their beautiful daughter, feels warm and inviting—like coming home. You sense that the moment you sit down.

With our wine, Ale brought over a basket of warm, dense, house-made sourdough bread, served with a spicy “chutney” of apple, caramelized onion, and a touch of habanero. Absolutely delicious.

Now, if you’re thinking, “Oh great—just what we need, another Italian restaurant in PA,” you may end up eating your words. While the menu is Italian, it leans Mediterranean and features dishes you don’t see elsewhere locally: shrimp sourced from Contoy, yellowfin tuna “spaghetti,” beetroot tartare, and Catalan-style lobster. I could go on, but honestly—you need to try it for yourself.

Beyond the excellent seafood, pasta is the star here. It’s handmade by Chef Luca and produced in small batches. Choosing was no easy task, but I settled on the tagliatelle with lemon and shrimp—bright, toothsome, and perfectly cooked. Jim opted for the fettuccine Bolognese, a lighter version than we usually find, but still very enjoyable. Ale topped off the evening by bringing us a complimentary slice of homemade tiramisu—the perfect ending.

We’re already looking forward to going back to try more dishes, and with such reasonable prices (even the lobster!), we won’t be waiting long. At the moment, Isabella is cash-only, but they do plan to accept cards soon—so it’s worth checking before you go. Want a sneak peak at the menu? Reply to this email and I’ll shoot it out to you!

📍Ristorante Isabella is located on the main comercial marina in Puerto Aventuras. Reservation via whatsapp ‪+52 984 876 3530‬.

EXPAT LIVING

Sharing local insights, practical tips, and community stories to help you feel at home in Mexico, no matter how long you’ve been here.

🫔 Closing Out the Holiday Season In Mexico

Today is Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) in Mexico. If you have been invited to a party to celebrate with friends or co-workers you should feel quite honored. If you found the baby Jesus hiding in your piece of the Rosca de Reyes, you are in for a big surprise! It’s your turn to host the party for Día de la Candelária and tamales are on the menu!

But Candelaria is about a lot more than feeding your friends (though that part is excellent). It’s one of those beautifully layered Mexican traditions where Catholic ritual, Indigenous agriculture, and community life all collide in the best possible way. The holiday marks 40 days after Christmas, commemorating the presentation of the baby Jesus at the temple, but in Mexico it also carries deep pre-Hispanic roots tied to corn, fertility, and the agricultural calendar.

👉️ Find out more about Día de la Candelaria in Mexico

🚗 2026 License Plate Exchange: What Changed and What You Actually Need

If you’ve been holding off on renewing your vehicle registration or doing the 2026 plate exchange because of all the confusion around the mysterious REC, here’s the good news: that requirement is officially off the table.

After public pushback and overcrowded offices, the State of Quintana Roo has simplified the process. As of January 2026, you only need your CURP to complete the license plate exchange. You do not need an RFC, a Tax Status Certificate from SAT, or registration in the State Taxpayer Registry (REC). There are also no penalties now or later tied to REC enrollment for vehicle owners.

To complete the process, you’ll need your CURP, a valid ID, your current plates and registration card, and proof of payment of the applicable fees. If you don’t know your CURP or need help retrieving it, SATQ offices have support modules on site.

Costs for 2026:
Cars & Vans: 1,527 MXN + 141 MXN
Motorcycles: 509 MXN + 141 MXN
Trailers: 707 MXN + 141 MXN

Drivers who complete the process on time qualify for a 100% subsidy on registration fees. The 2026 plate exchange runs through March 31, and plates are currently being issued immediately. Online payments can be made through the official SATQ portal.

👉️ Read more about the vehicle registration and plate exchance process for this year

ADOPTABLE DOG OF THE WEEK

Riviera Maya Insider is working together with Playa Animal Rescue to help amazing dogs find forever homes. Each week, we will feature a pup who is ready for adoption and eager to join your family.

🐾 Our little Nixie is 2 years old and is a bundle of sweetness. She is not the most confident girl in the world, but she works on that everyday and is making great progress. All she needs now is a family to help her make the last step to being a loving member of her very own pack.

Nixie is spayed, up to date on her vaccinations, parasite free and receives all her monthly preventatives. She knows how to sit nicely for treats and how to walk on leash. If you would like to know more about Nixie, please send an email to [email protected].

💵 Want to help, but can’t adopt? There are plenty of opportunities to support Nixie and other pets awaiting their forever home. PAR also needs sponsors and volunteers to help with dog walking and charm school. Find out how you can help!

¿QUE PASA?  

Here are just handful of upcoming events, curated from our main list, that you will not want to miss and might need to purchase tickets for in advance.

January 6 – Puerto Morelos 10th Anniversary (Puerto Morelos)
Puerto Morelos celebrates its 10th anniversary with a high-energy salsa concert by legendary Grupo Niche. Expect classic hits, dancing, and a big community celebration at the Parque de Béisbol “Pescadores” at 10 PM.

January 6 | Día de Reyes Lucha Libre Show (Tulum)
Celebrate Three Kings Day with a free Lucha Libre spectacular featuring national, international, and local wrestling stars. Family-friendly fun with high-flying action and classic lucha energy. The event will take place at the Double Dome Sports Unit beginning at 5 PM.

Wednesday, January 7 | Romantic Opera Night (Cancún)
Enjoy an elegant evening of symphonic and operatic performances by local baritone Enrique Peréz Mendoza, international guests and the Orquesta Clásica de Cancún. Held at the Teatro de la Ciudad. Tickets available here

January 10 | Iguana Comedy (Tulum)
Iguana Comedy presents Oumer Isha’s “Running Outta Time” Stand Up Comedy tour at Batey in Tulum. More info here

To access the full list of Riviera Maya events and happenings and the Live Music Lineup for this week, click on the links below!

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