🌴 Your Insider Update from the Riviera Maya - September 15

🇲🇽 ¡Viva México! Tomorrow we celebrate Mexican Independence Day in the country so many of us are fortunate to call home.

There are celebrations happening all across the Riviera Maya tonight, from official Gritos and free concerts to neighborhood fiestas, special dinners and live music. Check the Riviera Maya Events Calendar to see what’s happening near you and go join the fun!

Last week, you voted to bring back the Thursday Weekend Roundup. This week, I’m thinking a little further ahead.

Would you be interested in meeting other Riviera Maya Insider readers at an occasional in-person gathering during the high season?

Today’s newsletter and the Riviera Maya Events Calendar are brought to you with support from our Featured Sponsor Launa Brockman with Paradise Professional Services.

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— Michele Kinnon

📸 Congratulations to everyone who guessed that last week’s photo was taken at on the marina in Puerto Aventuras. Jill U. reading from Florida was the first to send me the right answer!

Where am I today? Reply back with your best guess. Be the first reader to guess correctly and look for your name in next week’s newsletter! If you are reading online, pop me a quick email!

🐾 Two Wild Cats, One Dangerous Stretch of Highway
An ocelot and a puma were reportedly killed within days of each other near Paamul. Years earlier, researchers tracked a female puma crossing this same section of Highway 307 twelve times, proving that the road divides an active wildlife corridor. How many more animals must die before effective crossings are installed? Learn more

🚕 Who Actually Sets Tulum’s Taxi Fares?
Tulum’s taxi union recently published a new 24-zone fare board, with some prices more than triple the rates authorized in 2019. Quintana Roo’s Mobility Institute says it never approved the new charges. The state is proposing taximeters, while the union is preparing an app that will display fares and colectivo schedules. Until either system is officially implemented, passengers remain caught between conflicting prices. Read more

🚆 Tren Maya Seeks Another 18.2 Billion Pesos
Mexico’s government is proposing another 18.18 billion pesos for the Tren Maya in 2027. Most would complete the freight system, which officials say is essential to future profitability. During one recent quarter, the railway earned 117 million pesos from services while costing 985 million pesos to operate. Freight service is expected to begin in January, but officials have not said when the railway could become financially self-sufficient. Learn more

🎣 Puerto Morelos Fishing Pier Fully Reopens
Nearly six years after Hurricane Zeta damaged it, Puerto Morelos has completed the $10.4 million-peso reconstruction of its historic fishing pier. The restored 114-meter structure once again provides safer access for local fishermen and boat operators while returning a familiar landmark to the town’s waterfront. Tourism-generated environmental fees funded the two-phase project. Read more

🎓 First Riviera Maya School to Offer the IB Diploma Program
Students in the Riviera Maya can now pursue the internationally recognized IB Diploma without leaving the region. Colegio Internacional Alemán Riviera Maya, located at Tulum Country Club near Akumal, has become the area’s first school authorized to offer the two-year program. The first class begins this school year and is expected to graduate in 2028. Read more

💰 Playa del Carmen Cuts Business License Fees by 50%
Playa del Carmen has cut business operating-license costs by 50 percent and is promising faster approvals. The city’s early Buen Fin program also offers discounts on overdue property taxes, permits, fines, Civil Protection requirements and other municipal obligations through Nov. 30. If you have been putting off opening or regularizing a business, this may be the time to act. Read more

If you’ve always wanted a place on Half Moon Bay in Akumal but assumed beachfront ownership was out of reach, take a look at this one.

This fully furnished studio at Playa Caribe is an affordable way to get into one of Akumal’s established beachfront buildings. Yes, it’s compact. But for a vacation property, do you really need much more when the Caribbean Sea, beach and oceanfront pool are just steps from your door?

Even better, this one is set up to earn its keep when you’re not using it. Playa Caribe has an onsite rental program that handles bookings and guest services, plus daily housekeeping, fiber optic internet, parking and reverse-osmosis drinking water. That makes it an incredibly easy property to own from afar. Use it when you want your Akumal fix. Rent it when you don’t.

For buyers looking for an affordable foothold on Half Moon Bay with built-in rental potential, this feels like a no-brainer.

👉 Beachfront for under 100K? I would absolutely take a closer look.

There’s a new commercial plaza in Playa del Carmen, this time in an area seeing considerable residential and commercial growth.

Plaza Punto Sur officially opened September 13 at Av. 38 and Av. 75, near the Plaza Las Américas commercial corridor. The project was developed with the participation of the Ejido Playa del Carmen and is designed to accommodate a mix of local, national and international businesses.

The new plaza has 11 commercial spaces, covered terraces, pedestrian areas and 65 parking spaces — always worth noting when we're talking about shopping in Playa. And apparently, they’re just getting started. Along with the official opening of the plaza, the green light was given for construction of Phase Two.

A complete tenant lineup hasn't been announced yet, but we'll be watching to see what moves in.

A familiar Riviera Maya property is getting a major new identity this month. Kimpton Tres Ríos Riviera Maya is scheduled to open September 22, taking over the former Hacienda Tres Ríos property north of Playa del Carmen.

The opening is significant beyond the Riviera Maya: the 355-room resort will be Kimpton’s first all-inclusive property, marking a major departure for the IHG-owned brand best known for upscale boutique hotels.

The resort sits within the 326-acre Tres Ríos nature park, home to mangroves, cenotes and three freshwater rivers. The reimagined property will feature multiple restaurants and bars, several pools, a spa and extensive programming, while incorporating the surrounding natural environment into the guest experience.

For those who remember Hacienda Tres Ríos, this is considerably more than a name change. It represents a major repositioning of the property and another international luxury brand placing a sizable bet on the Riviera Maya.

Most of us think of Buen Fin as Mexico’s answer to Black Friday, a weekend of big discounts in November. But here in Playa del Carmen the municipality is getting an early start.

From September 7 through November 30, the Ayuntamiento is offering a Maratón de Descuentos on a wide range of municipal fees, fines and penalties. Depending on the service, discounts may apply to licensing, overdue charges, interest and other outstanding municipal obligations. That includes past-due predial, where property owners may be able to reduce the fines and penalties attached to unpaid property taxes.

So, if you have municipal business you’ve been putting off, this is a very good time to sort it out. Scan the QR code in the graphic for the complete list of participating services, requirements and applicable discounts.

And for new arrivals: the traditional Buen Fin retail event runs November 13–17 this year. Think of it as Mexico’s answer to Black Friday, with discounts on everything from appliances and furniture to clothing and services. Mexican banks often pile on additional incentives, including cashback and meses sin intereses for qualifying cardholders.

A good time to clear up old business and maybe save on something new.

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Latitude 20° launched its new British Indian Curry menu on Saturday, September 12, bringing proper curry-house comfort food to Puerto Aventuras.

Choose chicken or shrimp, then decide how brave you’re feeling. The lineup starts with a mellow, creamy Korma and Britain’s favorite, Tikka Masala. From there, the heat climbs through the richly spiced Bhuna and lively Jalfrezi to the bolder Madras. At the top of the scale is Vindaloo: hot, tangy and deserving of the menu’s warning to “approach with respect.”

Every curry is cooked fresh to order and served with basmati rice. Chicken curries are 230 pesos and shrimp 260 pesos. Add freshly baked plain or garlic naan for 50 or 60 pesos respectively.

Another Playa favorite is closing its doors, and this one hurts. Viaje de Sabores, the little restaurant on Constituyentes that took diners around the world one menu at a time, has announced its closure. What began as a small counter with just a few tables grew into something truly original: a restaurant featuring a different country, cuisine and story each week.

Chef-Owner Vincent Ouellet says the decision was made with their heads rather than their hearts. Like too many local businesses right now, they’ve had to face the realities of an extraordinarily difficult tourism downturn.

Everything from the restaurant is now being sold, including kitchen equipment, furniture, décor, inventory and products. An Open House Sale will be held September 15 and 16 from 8 AM–4 PM, with remaining items available afterward by appointment.

Mostly, though, this is a moment to say thank you. Restaurants like Viaje de Sabores are what make Playa interesting. They take chances, give us something different and become part of the fabric of the community. I’m very sorry to see this one go.

Calypso is our little wirey-haired queen. She was rescued with her 3 babies, Calle, Callie and Carmen. All the babies have families of their own now and it is Calypso's turn. Calypso is 5 years old and weighs 17kg. She is a fun loving dog who enjoys the company of other dogs and people. She is an easy girl and wants to share her love with you. She is spayed, up to date on all vaccinations and parasite free. She has received all monthly preventatives. If. you would like to know more about Calypso, email to [email protected]

Below are a few standout events coming up in the next week. Some may even require rservations in advance. This is just a small selection curated from the full calendar. Browse the complete list by clicking HERE.

Paamul Fish & Spritz Market September 16 | Paamul Restaurant | Paamul | 10 AM–3 PM - Paamul’s new seaside market pairs a special ceviche menu from Head Chef Brenda Ortega with creative spritz cocktails by Head Mixologist Elenita Montejo. A small collection of sustainable and coastal-inspired local brands will also take part.

World Wellness Weekend 2026 September 18–20 | Various locations | Quintana Roo - More than 50 hotels, spas and wellness centers will offer free activities ranging from yoga and fitness classes to meditation, nutrition and relaxation. Use the event’s online map to find activities and reserve directly with participating venues.

Apapaxoa Festival GastroCultural Xcaret 2026 September 18–23 | Grupo Xcaret properties | Riviera Maya | Times vary - More than 50 internationally recognized chefs and creators come together for six days of collaborative dinners, brunches, tastings, workshops, mixology, art and music. Activities and dining experiences are individually ticketed.

Noche Mexicana by Emprende Akumal September 19 | Parque Central and Parque de la Serpiente | Akumal | From 6 PM - The fifth edition of this community celebration brings together traditional food, live music, special performances, family activities and local entrepreneurs. Admission is free.

Concept Night with Brigado Crew and Rocío Portillo September 19 | Martina Beach Club | Playa del Carmen | From 9 PM - Argentine electronic acts Brigado Crew and Rocío Portillo headline a late-night beach party with additional guest DJs. Admission is free with advance registration and a minimum purchase of $350 MXN.

Tulum Yoga Music Fest & Conference Week September 21–27 | Various venues | Tulum - A full week of yoga, conscious music, talks, workshops and holistic healing begins with pop-ups across La Veleta, Centro and Aldea Zama before the main weekend festival at Oasis Tulum.

Did you know you can also submit your own event to appear on the calendar? Give it a try! The more people who use it, the better it gets.

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