🐆 A Jaguar in Puerto Aventuras? What the Experts Are Saying

TOGETHER WITH

It’s Tuesday July 15 and in today’s newsletter we are covering:

• The Rare Jaguar Sighting in Puerto Aventuras

• The Bull Shark Festival in Playa

• Snakes of the Yucatan on World Snake Day

• Discover the Hidden Ancient Cities of the Yucatan

— Michele Kinnon

*This newsletter may be clipped for length by your email provider. For the best reading experience, scroll up and select the option to READ ONLINE. The typeface is larger and easier to read. The images are crisper. It’s a better reading experience. Trust me. 😄 

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our Photo of the Week was captured last week by Martin, a resident of Puerto Aventuras, while walking in the early morning along Bahia Chemuyil.

This rare and striking sighting of a wild jaguar in Puerto Aventuras has sparked both awe and concern, underscoring the ongoing conflict between urban development and wildlife conservation in the Riviera Maya. Local jaguar specialist Mario Buil has reviewed the area and made his recommendations for the community and the future of the animal.

📸 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

🚢 Is Puerto Morelos Set to Become Mexico’s Trade Gateway?

Puerto Morelos is gearing up for transformation. A new 130-hectare port complex—backed by over 1.2 billion pesos—aims to turn this quiet beach town into a Caribbean logistics hub. But not everyone’s convinced. The project could reshape Quintana Roo’s economy—but at what cost. Learn more.

🏖️ El Cuyo Beach Festival Returns!

Two weekends of sun, sand, and summer fun are coming to El Cuyo this July, with music, local vendors, and family activities along the coast. Find out what’s planned for this laid-back beach town’s biggest event of the season—and why it’s worth the trip. Click here for festival details and dates.

✈️ New Airports on the Horizon!

Mexico has announced plans to build five new airports in key destinations including San Miguel de Allende, Ensenada, and Quintana Roo’s mainland. Aimed at boosting tourism and industry, these projects could transform regional travel. Find out where—and when—you might fly into these new hubs.

🎣 Floating Dock Stirs Up Debate in Playa del Carmen

Local fishermen are pushing for a floating dock to protect their boats from storms—but not everyone’s on board. Environmentalists and tourism leaders warn it could harm beaches and marine life. See why this debate matters for the future of the coast.

🇲🇽 Thinking About Residency in Mexico?

New rules for 2025 could affect how much income or savings you’ll need to qualify for Mexican residency. Whether you're planning a move or just curious, click here for the latest requirements and what they mean for expats.

ICYMI LAST WEEK

🚢 Mainland Cruise Dock Back on the Table?

Grupo Xcaret’s Miguel Quintana is once again pushing for a cruise terminal on the mainland to ease pressure on Cozumel. With cruise tourism booming and new mega-ships on the horizon, will this long-delayed project finally get the green light? Read more.

🌱 Turning the Tide on Sargassum

A new Circular Economy Park in Quintana Roo will transform seaweed into bricks, shoes, pencils, charcoal and more—offering a smart solution to help monetize the seasonal sargassum invasion. Backed by a presidential decree, the project aims to protect beaches and boost green innovation. Learn more.

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EXPAT LIVING

Bull Shark Festival in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen celebrates its most iconic marine resident with the return of the Bull Shark Fest, a two-day environmental and cultural event spotlighting shark conservation and sustainable tourism. Organized by the Playa del Carmen Tourism Board and Ba’alche Proyecto Azul A.C., expect family-friendly activities, educational talks, and an interactive tourist passport experience designed to raise awareness about the bull shark’s importance as a guardian of the ecosystem.

📆 July 19 | Leona Vicario Park | 5 PM to 9 PM
Environmental workshops
Educational activities for children and teens
Eco-friendly and socially-focused local businesses

📆 July 20 | Sayab Planetarium | 5 PM to 9 PM
Screening of the short documentary “Bull Shark”
Conservation-focused youth activities
Photo exhibition featuring sharks of Playa del Carmen

Did you know?

🦈 Bull sharks can live in freshwater and have been found thousands of kilometers up rivers, including the Amazon and Mississippi.

🦈 They give birth in coastal lagoons and estuaries, making Quintana Roo’s shoreline critical for their reproduction.

🦈 They’re one of the few sharks known to regulate their own salt levels, a trait that allows them to move between ocean and river environments.

🦈 Females are typically larger than males, and can grow over 3.5 meters (11.5 feet).

🦈 Despite their reputation, attacks on humans are rare, and they play a vital role in keeping marine ecosystems in balance.

Understanding the Snakes of the Yucatan

In ancient Mexico, snakes were revered as symbols of wisdom, rain, and fertility. Today, many people still view them with suspicion and fear. But should they? Of the 51 snake species and subspecies found on the Yucatán Peninsula, only five are truly dangerous to humans. Most are harmless—and essential to keeping rodent and pest populations in check. Yet countless boas, rat snakes, and milk snakes are still killed out of fear and confusion.

In honor of World Snake Day (July 16), we’re breaking down how to tell the difference between dangerous and harmless snakes, why killing snakes disrupts local ecosystems, and how we can all coexist more peacefully with these misunderstood creatures. Learn why snakes are vital to the Yucatán’s ecological balance—and which species you should avoid.

This is a paid ad. Our advertisers help keep content free for readers and not stuck behind a paywall. If you would like to advertise in the Riviera Maya Insider click HERE for our rate sheet.

TRAVEL TALK

Off the Beaten Path: Yucatán’s Hidden Ancient Cities

Lots of people are escaping the beach these days in search of other adventures away from our sargassum soaked shores. Tourism numbers are historically lower this time of year and it’s a great time to check out some of the archaeological sites that the Yucatan peninsula has to offer.

Everyone has heard of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal—but beyond the view of most tour providers lie ancient cities that are quieter, wilder, and just as fascinating. Here are five lesser-known archaeological zones in Yucatán that are worth a detour.

Chacmultún - Near Tekax, this site is known for its pink-tinged stone structures, built atop hills to dominate the Puuc region’s forested landscape. "Chacmultún" means “mounds of red stone,” and its elevated palaces and columned halls are beautifully preserved.

Aké - Located about 35 km east of Mérida, Aké features massive platforms and stone-paved roads (sacbéob) connecting ceremonial structures. The name means “place of reeds,” and the site is notable for its unusual megalithic style and integration with a 19th-century henequén hacienda.

Xlapak - Tucked along the Puuc Route, Xlapak offers finely detailed buildings amid the jungle. It’s smaller than nearby Labná or Sayil, but its “Palace” with ornate masks of the rain god Chaac is one of the Puuc region’s most iconic structures.

Kulubá - This remote site in eastern Yucatán blends architectural elements from both the Puuc and Toltec styles. Its restoration has only recently begun, so you can still see it in its overgrown, semi-wild state—a dream for adventurous travelers.

Oxkintok - Just west of Mérida, Oxkintok (pictured above) is one of the region’s oldest cities, inhabited for nearly a thousand years. It’s known for the Tzat Tun Tzat—a mysterious labyrinth-like structure—and impressive inscriptions that give rare glimpses into pre-Hispanic politics.

All five sites are open to the public and managed by INAH. These ruins don’t see tons of crowds. In fact, during the summer, you might even have them all to yourself. Pair a tour of these ruins with a visit to some of the cenotes hidden cenotes and you have the makings of a perfect weekend adventure!

NOTES ON NAPKINS

Last Chance For Early Bird Pricing!

Join our friend Gerson from Wine O’Clock for an unforgettable journey to Mexico’s premier wine region. From September 25 to 30, the Baja Wine Experience will take you deep into the heart of Valle de Guadalupe, where boutique wineries and vineyard dinners await.

This isn’t your average wine tour. Guided by sommeliers Gerson Soriano and Mauro García, you'll go behind the scenes with winemakers and vineyard owners themselves—sampling wine straight from the barrels and tasting vintage gems pulled from private cellars. You’ll enjoy gourmet breakfasts, lunches, and a traditional BBQ welcome feast, all paired with exceptional wine and conversation. Sleep in cozy accommodations nestled among the vines and start your mornings with coffee overlooking the vineyards.

The experience also includes a farewell dinner under the stars, a delicious street food tour in Ensenada, and seamless transportation throughout the trip. It’s a full-bodied blend of luxury, authenticity, and insider access that no agency can match.

📍 Valle de Guadalupe, BC
📅 September 25–30, 2025
💫 Limited spots — early bird pricing ends July 15

To reserve your space or ask about flexible payment options, contact +52 662 364 6237. This is your front-row seat to the world of Mexican wine—don't miss it!

¿QUE PASA?

July 15 | Molotov live in concert at 9PM in the Plaza 28 de Julio in Playa del Carmen. Free Admission.

July 18 - 20 | “De la Calle a la Cancha” State Street Soccer Championship - Parque 28 de Julio in Playa del Carmen. For more info, Whatsapp 984 211 2558 | Saju Mendoza.

July 19 & 20 | Playa del Carmen Bull Shark Festival 2025 in Parque Leona Vicario and SAYAB Planetarium. (Read more above)

July 20 | Trendy Market Artisans Fair at the bandstand in Puerto Aventuras | 6PM - 10PM. Free Admission. Vendors welcome. Whatsapp 984 188 3492 for more info.

July 24 | Tequila Tasting at La Fragata Beach Club in Playa del Carmen | Starts at 6:30 PM | 950 MXN per person | Whatsapp 984 202 3483 for more info and reservations.

July 25 - 27 | El Cuyo Beach Festival 2025 | Various activities and events all weekend.

July 26 | “Black and Beyond America - The Play” | A theatrical performance at Buzo’s in Playa del Carmen | 7PM - 11:30PM. Tickets online or at the door.

August 1 - 3 | El Cuyo Beach Festival 2025 | Various activities and events all weekend.

August 15 - 17 | Xul Ha Summer Fest 2025 | Various sporting competitions and artistic events in the village of Xul Ha south of Bacalar. | Information and Registration.

August 16 | Trendy Market Artisans Fair at the bandstand in Puerto Aventuras | 6PM - 10PM. Free Admission. Vendors welcome. Whatsapp 984 188 3492 for more info.

September 12 & 13 | Oasis Tour Live ‘25 | GNP Stadium in Mexico City.

September 25 - 28 | 2nd Annual Xcaret Folk Art Fair | On the grounds of Xcaret Park in Playa del Carmen | Details to come.

Do you have information about an upcoming event that you would like to see shared on Riviera Maya Insider? Let us know by replying to this email or sending it to [email protected].

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

Your Help is Needed at Hekab Be in Akumal!

Hekab Be Activity & Learning Center has been serving the families of the Akumal pueblo since 1998, providing after-school and summer school programming for the children of Akumal. Hekab Be gets no funding from the government. It is completely donor-supported and managed by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States.

With a fresh infusion of paint, repairs and supplies, they have turned the page on the staffing issues that had been hindering program’s success. The Board of Directors has quickly gotten the facility cleaned up and hired a new Director, Dana Lopez, who will be ready to launch the Summer Camp session that begins on July 21st. 

Unfortunately, many items essential for the summer program are still missing or irreparably damaged—bikes, bicycle helmets, roller skates, binoculars, life vests and water shoes are among the items needed. For years, Hekab Be has been one of my favorite charitable organizations and of course, I asked how we could help.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

My friend Kelly has asked me if we can help them secure bicycles. Their goal is 20 bicycles—a combination of boys and girls for a variety of ages from 4 to 14. The bicycles do not need to be brand new. Used bikes in good condition are just fine. If you have a bike to donate or would like to purchase a bike for Hekab Be, I would he happy to pick it up and deliver it to Akumal. Just reply back to this email and I will make it happen.

I want to thank the individuals and local business owners who have already stepped up to donate bikes and money for the Hekab Be summer program. Thank you, Gracias and Yum bo’otik to:

Rosie & Mark Eifler
PA-Stay Property Management
Emily Zolden & Ben Amara 
BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors
Pilates Reformer PA 
Puerto Aventuras Living
Pam Somers

Thank you all for your generosity!

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