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🌞 Good morning, Insiders! It’s certainly been an interesting week. With the collapse and takeover of CIBanco, the strange statewide fuel crisis and the failure of BBVA’s popular banking app, most of us are left scratching our heads and wondering—what’s next?

Also in this week’s newsletter:

• Mexico mourns the death of Pepe Soho

• The reality of Tulum’s Free Beach Project

• Xcaret facing claims of cultural appropriation

• My personal experience at Cancun Airport Immigration

• Michelin awards keys to 11 Quintana Roo Hotels

All this and more brought to you with help from Money.com and 1440 and a new advertiser, I Hate It Here.

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our beautiful Photo of the Week was taken by my friend Maria from the rooftop of her home in Puerto Aventuras. We sure do get some beautiful skies here!

📸 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.

📷️ Remembering Pepe Soho
 When you think of art that captures the soul of the Riviera Maya, few names shine like Pepe Soho. The visionary Mexican photographer and creator of Mystika Museum in Tulum passed away this week at just 52, leaving behind a legacy of breathtaking imagery and spiritual reflection. Through his lens, Soho transformed nature into prayer—turning jungles, cenotes, and star-filled skies into immersive experiences that touched thousands.

📱 Mass Outage Hits BBVA Mexico App
If you’ve been unable to access your BBVA banking app, you’re not alone. Thousands of users across Mexico have reported issues logging into the platform, blocking balance checks, transfers, and other transactions. When attempting to log in, users receive an error message indicating a system failure. The outage impacts a massive user base. BBVA México currently serves over 32 million clients, with more than 25 million using its mobile app.

🏖️ Tulum’s Free Beaches Are Anything But
After months of public pressure, Tulum’s beaches are now officially open to everyone—no entrance fees, no minimum consumption. Sounds like a win, right? Not so fast. Under the new Programa de Acceso Libre, visitors can’t bring umbrellas, coolers, or even snacks, leading many to question whether the beaches are truly free. Tulum’s leaders insist the restrictions protect the environment but residents have even been turned away for bringing drinks in reusable bottles or fruit for their kids.

⛽ Fuel Back on Track in Quintana Roo
After a brief wave of concern across the state, gasoline supply in Quintana Roo has been fully restored following a technical glitch that disrupted service at select Pemex stations in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal. By October 11, operations had bounced back to 96% capacity, thanks to coordination between Pemex and state authorities. The incident serves as a reminder of how vital infrastructure reliability is for a region that runs—quite literally—on smooth logistics and steady fuel.

🎭 Xcaret Accused of Cultural Appropriation
One of the Riviera Maya’s biggest attractions is under fire. A formal claim filed by the Gran Consejo Maya, with backing from Mexico’s copyright authority Indautor, accuses Xcaret Park of using sacred Maya symbols without authorization. The symbols appear in the park’s logo, shows, and major events like the Festival de Vida y Muerte. President Sheinbaum has now ordered a federal review into Xcaret’s use of Indigenous imagery.

ICYMI

These were the most popular new stories from last week’s newsletter.

🚲 Playa del Carmen Unveils 9 New Tourism Routes
Playa del Carmen is rolling out nine themed routes that highlight everything from wellness and pet-friendly travel to honey production and fishing…

🐆 Conservationists Slam Tren Maya Wildlife Crossings
Tren Maya officials may boast “571 wildlife crossings,” but conservationists argue many of the structures are nothing more than drainage culverts that act as “death traps” instead of safe passages…

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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.

🏦 What CIBanco Account Holders Need to Know Now

I know many of you are worried about what’s happening with CIBanco, especially those with savings accounts or fideicomisos tied to properties. After months of uncertainty, the bank’s license has now been officially revoked, and IPAB, the Bank Deposit Protection Institute and Mexico’s answer to the FDIC, has begun the process of returning insured funds to account holders.

While most of my friends and readers have already withdrawn all of the funds from their CIBanco accounts, I know that some of you may still have a small balance hanging in an open account. Here’s what you need to know about your money:

🔹 Your deposits are insured up to 400,000 UDIS — about 3.4 million pesos.
That protection covers most regular savings and checking accounts. If your balance is higher, the rest may need to be claimed later through the bank’s liquidation process. You will want to obtain legal representation for this process.

🔹 The IPAB Payment Portal is now active at gob.mx/ipa. CIBanco account holders with a balance may submit a payment request (solicitud de pago) online. You’ll need your official ID, your most recent CIBanco account statement, and another Mexican bank account (CLABE) where IPAB can deposit your funds.

🔹 Once your claim is verified, IPAB will transfer your funds. Be patient. This could take from 90 days to 3 months. It is important that you check with your recieving bank to confirm how the funds will be handled once transferred and if they will be available to you immediately.

On Monday, the first day the web portal was made available, the system was overloaded and many people were unable to register. So, if you did not get into the system yesterday, try again today.

Pro Tip: The IPAB web portal will require you to submit a “second” last name to register. If you do not have one, input XXXX in that space and the system will accept it.

This process will take time, and I know it’s frustrating, but the good news is your insured funds are safe under Mexican law.

👉️ Read the full article and learn more.

Does your car insurance cover what really matters?

Not all car insurance is created equal. Minimum liability coverage may keep you legal on the road, but it often won’t be enough to cover the full cost of an accident. Without proper limits, you could be left paying thousands out of pocket. The right policy ensures you and your finances are protected. Check out Money’s car insurance tool to find the coverage you actually need.

COMPARE PLANS

✈️ Update: Immigration Lines at Cancun Airport

Last week I wrote about the confusing and ever-changing immigration procedures at Cancun International Airport—particularly for foreign residents returning to Mexico.

Well, here’s some good news. On my own recent trip, I presented my permanent resident card to the INM official at the checkpoint and was immediately directed to the line for Mexican citizens. Several readers have since shared similar experiences, saying they were allowed to use that line without issue.

BUT… while it appears that residents with valid temporary or permanent cards are once again being permitted to clear immigration using the “Mexicanos” lane, this is the sign I found posted before you reach the IMN officials.

As we know, there has been no official policy change announced by INM. There is no written documentation that puts residents in the fast lane. My best guess? These signs give them the opportunity to gatekeep the priviledged access depending on the day and the officer’s mood. So, while this seems to be a shift in a positive direction, your travel experience may vary.

If you’re flying back through Cancun soon, present your physical residency card to the IMN officer directing traffic and ask, “¿Residente?”. Then smile and cross your fingers!

TRAVEL TALK

🏨 Quintana Roo Hotels Shine in 2025 Michelin Key Awards

The 2025 Michelin Key Awards—the hospitality counterpart to the iconic Michelin Stars—were unveiled this month in Paris, recognizing 2,457 of the world’s best hotels. The program celebrates exceptional stays that excel in design, service, experience, and authenticity.

This year, 195 hotels across Mexico earned Michelin Keys, spanning destinations from Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende to Mérida, Los Cabos, and Quintana Roo.

🔑 Quintana Roo’s 11 Michelin Key Hotels
The state now boasts one hotel with three Keys, five with two Keys, and five with one Key—a tangible testament to the region’s range of high-end, sustainable, and design-forward accommodations.

🔑🔑🔑 Hotel Esencia – Xpu-Ha

🔑🔑 Banyan Tree Mayakoba – Playa del Carmen
🔑🔑 Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection – Playa del Carmen
🔑🔑 Palmaïa – The House of AïA – Playa del Carmen
🔑🔑 Rosewood Mayakoba – Playa del Carmen
🔑🔑 Wakax Hacienda – Cenote & Boutique Hotel – Tulum

🔑 Be Tulum Beach & Spa Resort – Tulum
🔑 MILAM – Tulum
🔑 Boca de Agua – Bacalar
🔑 Our Hábitas Bacalar – Bacalar
🔑 Casa Hormiga – Bacalar

Bacalar’s trio of honorees—Boca de Agua, Our Hábitas, and Casa Hormiga—each retained their Michelin Keys for a second consecutive year, recognized for their eco-conscious architecture, connection with nature, and thoughtful hospitality.

Also noteworthy, Wakax Hacienda in Tulum was upgraded from One Key to Two Keys, highlighting its growing reputation for immersive design and authentic local experience.

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!

🍽️ Playa Spice Extended Through October 31!

By popular demand and because the initiative has shown positive effects for participating local restaurants, the Municipal Government and the Secretary of Tourism has extended the Playa Spice program through October 31st. So, if you weren’t able to take advantage of all the savings at your favorite Playa del Carmen eateries, you still have a chance! You can find all the offerings here on the LetsPlaya IG account.

🍴 KKIS Restaurant Week: October 13 - 18

Some of your favorite Playa del Carmen restaurants are coming together to support education! Each night between October 13–19, several local restaurants will offer special menus (dinner or lunch) as part of KKIS Restaurant Week. When you dine, a portion of proceeds helps fund education in our community. So, you get to try delicious food in good company and feel great doing it.

What is KKIS?
KKIS (Keeping Kids in School) is a local nonprofit dedicated to removing financial barriers to education, through scholarships, school supplies, mentorship, and English conversation programs. In the Riviera Maya, public high school still carries significant costs—uniforms, exams, books—and many promising students risk dropping out. KKIS helps ensure they stay in school and graduate.

Tell your friends, invite your family and let’s all eat for a great cause next week.

Spots are limited, reservations are required and tables will fill up fast. Find the full list of participating restaurants and make your reservations online at kkisproject.org/restaurantweek.

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

Looking for a way to make a meaningful contribution to the Riviera Maya community? Let us connect you with reputable, legitimate charitable organizations who need help from people like you.

💻 Chromebooks for Akumal Students

This month Riviera Maya Insider is helping Hekab Be Activity Center raise funds and collect Chromebooks so teachers can begin offering computer skills classes and support their new high school tutoring and enhancement program.

Many people don’t realize that the high school in Akumal pueblo isn’t accredited, and students only receive about 2.5 hours of class per day. While high school is mandatory in Mexico, only about 45% of students nationwide graduate, and that number is likely even lower here in Quintana Roo, where many families rely on tourism income and kids often have to help support their households.

Hekab Be is stepping in to fill that gap with a daily high school support program from 1:00–2:30 PM, offering individualized help and learning modules not available in the public system. This pilot program will start with just 15 students, giving them the chance to stay in school and even prepare for university.

To make this happen, we urgently need Chromebooks — either used (in good working condition) or refurbished units from Amazon.

There are a couple of ways you can help:

💻 Donate a used Chromebook — Drop it off at Hekab Be in Akumal (Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM, Sat 8 AM–1 PM).

💻 Order a refurbished Chromebook on Amazon — Bring it in your suitcase and I’ll gladly pick it up and deliver it for you from anywhere in Puerto Aventuras or Playa del Carmen.

💻 Make a monetary donation — via PayPal (@HekabBeBiblioteca) or online HERE.

Every donation, big or small, makes a difference for these kids. Thank you for helping us give the students of Akumal Pueblo the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.

¿QUE PASA?

Your go-to roundup of local events, festivals, and happenings—so you’ll always know what’s going on and where to be in the Riviera Maya.

KKiS Restaurant Week
October 13 - 18 | Various Restaurants in Playa del Carmen | Info and Reservations

Caifanes in Concert
October 18 | Plaza de Toros | Cancun | 9 PM

Cozumel’s 17th Annual Island Bird Festival
October 22 - 26 | Cozumel | More Info

23rd Annual Marine Turtle Festival
October 24 - 26 | Various Locations in Akumal & Tulum | More Info

4th Annual Festival Parrillero del Caribe
October 25 & 26 | La Ventana del Mar | Puerto Morelos | 2 PM - 10 PM | Tickets

4th Annual Seaside Rotary Halloween Dog Parade
October 26 | Central Park Plaza | Puerto Aventuras | Starts at 3 PM

Latitude 20° “Boos and Booze” Halloween Party
October 30 | Restaurant Latitude 20° | Puerto Aventuras | 6 PM

19th Festival de Tradiciones de Vida y Muerte
October 30 - November 2 | Xcaret Park | Playa del Carmen

Halloween Golf Cart Parade 
October 31 | Puerto Aventuras Driving Range | 3:30 PM

30th Annual Halloween Party & Haunted House
October 31 | Colegio Puerto Aventuras | 6 PM

Gran Altar Puerto Aventuras
November 1 | La Lomita | Puerto Aventuras | More Info soon

Inframundo 5K - 10K Race
November 2 | Mario Villanueva Stadium | Playa del Carmen | 7 AM Start

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.

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