🌴 Is Nascar Really Coming to Tulum?

🌴 Good morning, Insiders!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Riviera Maya. Whether you’re Irish by blood or just Irish for the day, may your Guinness be cold, your margarita be strong, and your SPF be higher than your tolerance.

Looking for a little luck o’ the Irish? Be sure to check the events calendar so you don’t miss out on the St. Patty’s Day fun!

In today’s email you will find:

Plus the Live Music Line Up for this week and our updated Events Calendar. All this and more brought to you with support from our Featured Sponsor Paradise Professional Services.

For the very best newsletter experience, choose the option above to Read Online.

— Michele Kinnon

Healthcare in Mexico can be excellent. It can also be expensive, especially in private hospitals in Playa del Carmen or Cancun.

Many expats assume they’re fine because they:
• Have IMSS
• Have a policy with international coverage
• Plan to “self-insure” and pay out of pocket

Sometimes that works. Sometimes it doesn’t.

Major surgeries, medical evacuations, and long hospital stays add up quickly. And policies vary widely in what they actually cover, especially after a certain age or with pre-existing conditions.

At Paradise Professional Services, Launa Brockman works specifically with expats navigating Mexican health insurance options — private national plans, international policies, and supplemental coverage.

She works to make sure you understand what you do and don’t have and what you actually need.

Your coverage may have changed since you bought your policy. You may even find out you have unnecessary overlaps in your policies costing you money.

Email Launa directly for a quick coverage check: [email protected]

It’s a five-minute conversation that could save you a lot of stress later.

📸 Congratulations to all the readers who correctly guessed that last week’s photo was taken at La Playa Beach Club at Xpu Ha. Lots of you spotted it correctly, but the first person to get it right was Halina M. who was very fast! Well done, amiga!

No guessing game this week—just an incredible video shared by my friend Oscar!
We see some beautiful things in the Puerto Aventuras marina—marine turtles, tarpon, stingrays and even the occassional eagle ray. But this is the first time anyone can remember a sailfish coming for a visit! What a magical moment!

👉 See the full video here

🌴 Free Entry Means Long Walks at Tulum’s Jaguar Park
Tulum residents say free Sunday access to Jaguar Park is falling short in practice. While locals can enter at no cost, internal electric transport has reportedly stopped operating on Sundays, and private vehicles are not allowed inside. That means long, exposed walks to reach the beaches, a challenge for families with children, older adults, and anyone with limited mobility. The park’s public beach access framework was expanded in late 2025, but residents argue that without reliable internal transportation, “free” doesn’t always mean accessible. Read more

🏁 NASCAR Is Coming to Tulum
Tulum is adding horsepower to its events calendar. The NASCAR Mexico Series will race into town April 25–26, 2026, for the Nations Tulum 100 and a local driver will be on the grid. Santiago Cruz of Quintana Roo was formally presented this week as a competitor in Mexico’s premier stock car championship. The series, operating since 2004, serves as the country’s top NASCAR-sanctioned division and a launchpad for emerging talent. Read more

🚨 Uber Crackdown Intensifies at Cancún Airport
Despite a federal court suspension that Uber says protects its drivers, ride-share pickups at Cancún International Airport remain risky. Drivers report ongoing National Guard enforcement, with fines reaching up to 50,000 pesos and vehicles being impounded. The federal government maintains that Uber does not hold the permits required to operate in airport zones, and Mexico’s Supreme Court has sided with that position. Read more

⚖️ Supreme Court Delays Ruling on Xcaret and Maya Cultural Rights
Mexico’s Supreme Court has postponed a closely watched decision on whether Xcaret can legally use Maya cultural symbols and imagery in its parks. The delay leaves both the tourism giant and Maya communities in limbo. At issue is where cultural promotion ends and commercial appropriation begins. Xcaret claims it operates within existing law and has reached agreements with representatives of the Gran Consejo Maya. The eventual ruling could reshape how indigenous heritage is used and monetized across Mexico’s tourism industry. Read more

🏗️ Regularizing the Riviera’s Irregular Settlements
Playa del Carmen has taken its first formal steps to legalize long-standing informal neighborhoods along the Juárez Avenue ejidal corridor, beginning with Alfa y Omega and San Judas Tadeo as well as El Sauce in Puerto Aventuras. About 1,000 lots will be “regularized” in this initial phase. Business leaders say the move could unlock infrastructure investment and provide families with property security while also strengthening investor confidence. Read more

🏟️ Has Playa’s Sports Stadium Been Sold?
Rumors have been circulating about the Mario Villanueva Madrid Stadium being handed over to private interests. City officials say that’s simply not true. The stadium remains a public facility and continues to serve high-performance athletes, youth leagues, adaptive sports programs, and municipal training schools. Recent schedule adjustments which sparked the rumors are meant to improve safety and give athletes better training conditions, not restrict access. Read more

🌅 Equinox Access Limited at Key Yucatán Sites
If you were planning a sunrise equinox visit to Dzibilchaltún this year, you’ll need a backup plan. Reports indicate the site will not open early enough on March 20 to witness the sun rising through the Temple of the Seven Dolls — a tradition that has drawn visitors for years. Budget constraints within INAH appear to be the reason, with officials reportedly unwilling to cover overtime required for a 4 AM opening. Oxkintok, another site known for its equinox alignment, is also expected to remain closed. Read more

We are going to mix things up and have a little fun this week! Take a look at this beautiful villa, just listed for sale.

Once you have made your guess, click CONTINUE and you'll be directed to the actual listing to see if you guessed correctly.

Want to feature your listing in Riviera Maya Insider? Let’s chat!

If you hold dual citizenship with the United States and Mexico (or any other country), here’s your friendly but firm reminder: you must travel with both valid passports.

Under U.S. law, American citizens — including dual nationals — are required to enter and leave the United States using a valid U.S. passport. You cannot use your foreign passport to enter the U.S., and you are not eligible to apply for a U.S. visa or green card as a workaround. The U.S. State Department is clear on this: citizens must travel on their U.S. passport. Period.

At the same time, Mexico requires Mexican citizens to enter and exit Mexico using their Mexican passport. If you’re flying from Cancún to the U.S., you may need to show your Mexican passport at departure and your U.S. passport upon arrival.

To avoid delays or denied boarding:

• Make sure both passports are valid before you travel.
• Carry both with you, even if you think you won’t need one.
• Check expiration dates well in advance.

If you lose your U.S. passport abroad, you must apply in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate for a replacement or emergency passport.

Dual citizenship has its advantages. Just don’t let paperwork derail your trip.

The 2026 Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza will take place this year on March 20. On this day, the late afternoon sun begins to drop, triangular shadows form along the northern staircase of the Temple of Kukulcán, also known as El Castillo.

When the angles line up just right, those shadows connect with the carved serpent head at the base of the stairs, creating the illusion of a giant snake slowly slithering down the pyramid. The effect represents the feathered serpent deity Kukulkán returning to Earth.

The spectacle lasts only about 30 – 45 minutes, with peak visibility between 4 PM and 5 PM. The park will open at 9 AM and the crowds generally arrive hours before the spectacle. While March 20 is the main date, the phenomenon is generally visible between March 19 - 23, drawing thousands for the sunset spectacle.

If you’re thinking about going, a little strategy makes all the difference.

Arrive early. On March 20, the archaeological zone opens at 9 AM, and by late morning tour buses begin pouring in from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Mérida.

Bring water, sunscreen, a hat and patience. March afternoons in the Yucatán can be brutally hot, and shaded spots around the pyramid disappear quickly. If you really want to get into the spirit, wear white.

Stay nearby. Spending the night in nearby towns like Valladolid or Pisté lets you beat the day-trip crowds and enjoy the site at a more relaxed pace.

🐾 Meet Mama K, a gentle soul with a heart as big as her story. She and her litter of puppies were rescued by soldiers at a local army base, and from the moment she arrived, it was clear what an incredible mother she is. Patient, devoted, and endlessly kind, Mama K took wonderful care of her pups. Now that they’ve grown, it’s finally her turn to be the one cared for.

At six years old, Mama K has entered that lovely, easygoing stage of life where she’s happiest simply being close to her people. She has a calm, sweet temperament and loves nothing more than curling up beside you for a cuddle and soaking up affection. She’s the perfect companion for someone looking for a loyal, gentle dog who will quietly fill a home with warmth and love.

Mama K is spayed, fully vaccinated, parasite-free, and up to date on all her monthly preventatives, so she’s healthy and ready for her forever family.

If your home is missing a devoted cuddle buddy who will return your love tenfold, Mama K may be exactly who you’ve been waiting for. To learn more or meet her, send an email to [email protected].

Here are just handful of upcoming events that you will not want to miss and might need to plan and purchase tickets for in advance. This is just just a small selection, curated from our main list, which you can access by clicking HERE or on the link below.

March 17 | St. Patrick’s Day Rock Party at Caché (Playa del Carmen)
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day poolside at Caché Hotel Boutique with a live band marathon starting at 2:00 PM. Enjoy free entry, rock performances by Lazy Dynamite, Andromeda, and Crist Project, plus drinks and festive vibes all afternoon. Wear your green and bring your bathing suit. Reservations: 984 544 2228.

March 17 | St. Patrick’s Day Party at La Sirena (Puerto Morelos)
La Sirena’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration returns with homemade corned beef, green beer, live music, and plenty of festive fun in the heart of Puerto Morelos. The party runs from 2 PM to 10 PM with Name That Tune, Alan’s Piano Bar, and GatorTail playing live into evening. Free entry. Reservations: 998 293 2671.

March 17 | St. Patrick’s Day at Munchy’s (Puerto Aventuras)
Munchy’s Sports Bar is going all in for St. Patrick’s Day with live Irish & Celtic music by Under the Influence from 2:30 PM – 5 PM, plus happy hour all day. Enjoy a special themed menu featuring Irish burgers, shepherd’s pie, pot of gold fries, shamrocked margaritas, Irish mules, and green beer. Festive vibes, great food, and plenty of cheer. Reservations recommended 984 178 8553.

March 17 | St. Patrick’s Day at La Vagabunda de la 38 (Playa del Carmen)
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from 6 PM to 10 PM with live rock by Crazy Toy at La Vagabunda on 38th Street and Flamingo. Enjoy Guinness, green beer, and a special themed menu in a festive Irish-inspired atmosphere. A lively night of music, drinks, and shamrock spirit in the heart of Playa.

March 19 – 22 | Ekinoxio Performing Arts Festival (Playa del Carmen, Tulum)
The 12th edition of Ekinoxio brings four days of independent theater, puppetry, dance, performance art, music, and circus shows to cultural spaces across Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Entry is by conscious donation, supporting local artists and independent cultural spaces. More info here

March 20 | Benefit Concert – Centro de Atención Integral (Playa del Carmen)
Join CEAI as they celebrate 18 years of inclusion and hope with a special benefit concert and silent auction supporting people with disabilities. Event begins at 6 PM at Zitla Playa. More info here

March 20 | La Balada de las Diosas – Symphonic Tribute (Cancún)
When the ocarina sounds, the goddesses awaken. Experience an epic symphonic tribute inspired by The Legend of Zelda, featuring more than 30 musicians on stage at Auditorio STOA Cancún. Show starts at 8:00 PM. More info here

March 20 – 29 | 2nd International Theatre Festival (Playa del Carmen)
Ten days of free theatre, workshops, and cultural programming across Teatro de la Ciudad, Centro Cultural, the Municipal Art School, and the Art Gallery. Featuring 10 stage productions with international artists from Japan, Indonesia, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, plus post-show talks, workshops and exhibitions. More info here

March 21 | Primavera Sunset Festival – Off the Vine (Playa del Carmen)
Welcome spring with an evening of wine, great food, and DJ vibes at Off the Vine Playacar. This sunset festival brings together curated wines, delicious bites, and a lively crowd to kick off the season in style. Starts at 5 PM. Tickets at offthevine.mx.

March 21 | Caribe Suena 2026 – Music Festival (Playa del Carmen)
The Riviera Maya’s first major alternative festival brings Inspector, Kinky, Genitallica, Antidoping, Ganja, and more to one stage at Gran Palapa Park in Playa del Carmen. A full day of music, culture, and Caribbean energy. Tickets onsale here

March 25 | Bingo Loco Beach Party (Puerto Morelos)
A four-hour beachside bingo fundraiser at My Paradise Beach Club and hosted by Runaway Realty featuring Caribbean food, dancing, prizes, and live reggae by Nimrod Tydalwave all supporting local children in Puerto Morelos. 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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