⚽️ Did the 2026 World Cup Open the Door for Uber in Mexico?

In partnership with

Last week, we “celebrated” 20 years since Hurricane Wilma tore through the Riviera Maya. This week, we watch helplessly as Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc on Jamaica and Cuba. We are keeping all of our Caribbean brothers and sisters in our thoughts and hoping they all make it safely through.

In today’s Riviera Maya Insider:

• It’s official. Costco is coming to Playa!

• Wood-fired goodness at Santo Bohemio

• The flavors of Janal Pixan

• An affordable condo in the center of Playa

• Horoscope for Scorpios

All this and more brought to you with help from 1440, I Hate It Here and AG1 Next Gen.

Support your immune health with one easy scoop.

With kids back in school, large family gatherings and crazy holiday travel, this time of year, it's more important than ever to be proactive about supporting your immune health.

That’s where AG1 comes in.

AG1 is the Daily Health Drink that contains your daily dose of essential nutrients to support your body’s immune defense and keep you resilient throughout the year.”

Just one scoop every day and you’ll get over 75 ingredients including Vitamin C, Zinc, Antioxidants, and pre/probiotics.

Click HERE to get a FREE AG1 Welcome Kit including an AG1 flavor sample pack, canister and shaker bottle with your first subscription.

Get a FREE AG1 Welcome Kit!

_{*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.}

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our beautiful Photo of the Week was shamelessly stolen from my friend Amy’s Facebook photo album. Amy is one half of PA-STAY, a comprehensive property management and rental services company based in Puerto Aventuras.

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

The free newsletter making HR less lonely

The best HR advice comes from those in the trenches. That’s what this is: real-world HR insights delivered in a newsletter from Hebba Youssef, a Chief People Officer who’s been there. Practical, real strategies with a dash of humor. Because HR shouldn’t be thankless—and you shouldn’t be alone in it.

Sign Up Free

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.

🚖 Uber Wins Court Approval to Operate at Mexican Airports
A federal judge has granted a permanent suspension allowing Uber to legally pick up and drop off passengers at all airports in Mexico, including Cancún, Cozumel, and Mexico City. The ruling protects drivers from detention or fines and ensures tourists can use the app freely, marking a major win for digital mobility ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Uber says the decision reinforces the legality of app-based transport in federal zones and enhances safety and convenience for arriving visitors.

🌀 Hurricane Melissa Reaches Cat. 5 — No Risk to Qroo
Hurricane Melissa has exploded into a Category 5 monster storm, battering Jamaica with 160 mph winds, torrential rain, and storm surges of up to 13 feet. The National Hurricane Center warns of catastrophic flooding and landslides as Melissa crawls across Jamaica and Cuba, dumping as much as 40 inches of rain in some areas.

🛒 Costco Confirms Playa del Carmen Expansion
It’s official—Costco is coming to Playa del Carmen! The retail giant has confirmed plans to open a new warehouse in the Riviera Maya as part of its expansion across Mexico. While the exact site and opening date haven’t been announced, excitement is already high among locals.

🐒 Puerto Aventuras Declared “Red Zone” After Wildlife Deaths
PROFEPA has tagged Puerto Aventuras as a “Red Zone” following a disturbing rise in wildlife electrocutions and road deaths. In the past six months alone, three monkeys have been killed on power lines, along with porcupines, raccoons, snakes, squirrels and birds. Residents also report frequent animal fatalities from speeding drivers where even pets aren’t spared. The community is calling for immediate action.

🏗️ New Playa del Carmen Arch Sparks Debate
Playa del Carmen has unveiled its new Northern Access Arch, a 40-million-peso landmark fitted with facial recognition, RFID, and license plate scanners linked to C4 and C5 centers, is being promoted as a symbol of identity and security. Privacy advocates have raised alarms over biometric data collection, citing a lack of oversight or transparency. For now, the arch divides opinion as much as it lights up the highway.

💰 Possible Account Freezes for BBVA and Banamex Clients
Heads up, Mexico-based readers: the Tax Administration Service (SAT) has issued a new alert for BBVA and Banamex customers who are behind on their tax obligations. The agency warns that bank accounts could be frozen or seized if taxpayers fail to file returns, ignore notifications, or have unpaid tax debts that have already been legally finalized. Taxpayers are urged to stay current on filings, respond to notices promptly, and settle outstanding balances before enforcement kicks in.

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

Join for free today!

ICYMI

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

🐬 An Urgent Call for a Dolphin Sanctuary in Quintana Roo
Animal advocates are sounding the alarm over Mincho, a dolphin held by Dolphinaris at Barceló Maya. Formal complaints have been filed with PROFEPA and activists are urging Governor Mara Lezama to establish the state’s first dolphin sanctuary.

🚕 Tulum’s Taxis Go Digital
Tulum’s Tiburones del Caribe taxi union is rolling out AI-powered dashcams that record every ride and stream live footage to Quintana Roo’s C2 and C5 security centers. More than 130 drivers are already in training, with full deployment expected in early 2026.

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

🌴 Affordable Condo in Playa’s Centro

Looking to live close to the action without blowing your budget? This 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo in Margaritas I checks all the right boxes—great location, low monthly costs, and space to personalize. Located in Playa del Carmen’s vibrant and desirable Colonia Hollywood, you’re just a few blocks from the beach and steps from grocery stores, restaurants, and nightlife.

The Margaritas I complex doesn’t have a pool, which keeps the HOA fees super low, making this a smart choice for a retired couple who want to live close to everything but stay on a manageable budget. This garden level condo is bright and functional with an open layout. The two bedrooms open to a private patio which, with just a little imagination, could be transformed into a gorgeous outdoor living space.

This condo comes equipped but unfurnished but you can be in the door and have it fully decorated and easily still stay sub 200K. Click here to see the full listing.

Insider Info: If you are an investor looking for uproperties to revamp, refresh and resell or rent out, let me know. I have a line on a another 10 units like this that you can snap up for a song and build your rental portfolio. Just reply to this email for more info.

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.

💵 Are Expats in Quintana Roo Taxed on Foreign Income?

If you’re living your best beach life in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cozumel, tax season might not be top of mind—but it should be. Whether Mexico can tax your foreign pension, rental income, or investments depends on your tax residency status.

Spend 183 days or more in Mexico or establish your “center of vital interests” here, and SAT considers you a Mexican tax resident, meaning you must report global income. Non-residents, however, are only taxed on income earned inside Mexico.

The good news? Tax treaties with the U.S., Canada, and other countries prevent double taxation, and most part-time Riviera Maya residents owe little or nothing on income already taxed abroad.

👉️ Read more here.

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!

🍳 Santo Bohemio Brings Wood-Fired Flavor to Playa

Big thanks to Sanat Patel of India Jones for the tip on Playa’s newest dining gem — Santo Bohemio on Calle 23 in the Ejido. Owned by Celine and Ronny of Chez Celine and helmed by Chef Rod Balbiani Santos from Uruguay, this spot delivers seasonal, wood-fired cuisine with a cozy, bohemian vibe.

Inspired by Santos Fuegos on Holbox, Santo Bohemio was built from the ground up around the fire itself. At the heart of the kitchen is a two-meter criollo-style oven, crafted with care by an expert from Argentina, is designed for cooking at multiple temperatures — searing some dishes in seconds while others roast low and slow, all at once. The result? Perfectly balanced flavors and a rustic warmth that defines every bite.

The menu is handwritten on a blackboard and presented tableside and dishes change regularly depending on what’s fresh and in season. Enjoy dinner Tuesday–Saturday (5–11 PM) or brunch on Sundays (10 AM–4 PM) with a bottomless drinks special for 590 MXN. A must-try for Playa foodies!

🌽 5 Flavors to Savor During Janal Pixán

As the Riviera Maya prepares for Janal Pixán—the Maya celebration that honors the return of ancestral souls—kitchens across the Yucatán come alive with the scents of achiote, banana leaves, and roasted corn masa. Translating to “food of the souls,” Janal Pixán runs from October 31 to November 2 and centers on food as both offering and remembrance. Each dish placed on the altar carries meaning, flavor, and memory.

🔥 Mucbipollo (Pib) – The undisputed star of the season, this oversized tamale symbolizes life, death, and renewal. Made with corn masa, chicken or pork, tomatoes, onions, espelón beans, and achiote, it’s wrapped in banana leaves and traditionally cooked underground, giving it a smoky, earthy flavor. The word pib means “to bury,” and its ritual preparation mirrors the souls’ journey between worlds.

🍫 Chokoj ha’ – Ancient Maya hot chocolate, made with water instead of milk, was once reserved for ceremonies and funerals. Rich with roasted cacao, cinnamon, and spice, it represents hospitality and divine connection—a drink meant to warm both body and spirit.

🌾 Tan Chucúa – A thick, comforting blend of corn masa, chocolate, and anise, similar to a chocolate atole. This once-exclusive drink for Maya nobles is now a beloved tradition shared at family altars and gatherings during the cool November nights.

🍯 Balché – A mildly fermented beverage made from tree bark, honey, and cinnamon. Once used in sacred rituals, Balché today represents a symbolic bridge between the earthly and spiritual realms.

🍊 Xec – A refreshing mix of jícama, grapefruit, mandarin, and orange with lime, salt, and cilantro. This vibrant fruit salad provides balance amid the richness of other offerings.

Each flavor tells a story of faith, memory, and connection—reminding us that during Janal Pixán, food doesn’t just nourish the living, it feeds the soul.

TRAVEL TALK

🎭 Festival de Vida y Muerte at Xcaret

Experience one of Mexico’s most iconic celebrations of remembrance at Xcaret’s 19th Annual Festival de Tradiciones de Vida y Muerte, happening October 30 – November 2. This year, the spotlight shines on the vibrant state of Michoacán, whose artistry, cuisine, and folklore will fill the park with color, flavor, and soul.

Visitors can explore beautifully crafted altars, taste regional dishes like corundas and uchepos, and admire handmade crafts that reflect Michoacán’s Purépecha heritage. The program also features plays, concerts, and dance performances by nationally recognized artists—each celebrating Mexico’s deep connection between the living and the departed.

The festival unfolds daily from 4PM and continues into the night, with the entire park transformed into a multi-sensory journey of music, light, and devotion. Guests can enjoy Xcaret’s regular attractions, then stay for the evening’s candlelit parades, theatrical shows, and moving tributes that blend pre-Hispanic traditions with Catholic influences—a union so meaningful it’s been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

🎟️ Tickets & Admission
Residents of Michoacan, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo with valid ID may purchase festival-only tickets for 825 MXN. Festival passes for visitors start at 2,180 MXN and go up, depending on access level. Tickets can be purchased directly at festivaldevidaymuerte.com or at Xcaret Park’s official sales points across the Riviera Maya. This event does tend to sell out so it’s best to reserve in advance!

🚆 Big Discounts Offered on the Tren Maya

Travelling around the Yucatán Peninsula just got an even sweeter deal. Starting in November, passengers who buy a one-way ticket on the Tren Maya will get their return trip free of charge—a 100% discount on their return journey. The initiative aims to boost ridership during high season and follows a summer promotion that grew the number of passengers by 80%.

The offer covers the full network, including popular routes such as Cancún–Playa del Carmen, and is valid when the outbound ticket is purchased ahead of time at station counters (not online). Tickets for the Tren Maya typically start around 100 MXN for local fares, with tourist class prices starting around 600 MXN or more depending on destination and class.

For travellers, this means savings on rail transport and the chance to explore the region easily, whether you’re hopping between beach towns or heading deeper into the jungle. We’ll be keeping an eye out for a full list of participating stations, valid ticket classes, and how to claim your free return when the promotion launches this November.

¿QUE PASA?

‘Entre Dos Mundos’
October 29 - November 2 | La Sirena | Puerto Morelos | 7 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

La Sirena Halloween Party & Costume Contest
October 31 | La Sirena | Puerto Morelos | 8 PM

Janal Pixan ‘Pixano'ob, Sáasilo'ob. Finados, Seres de Luz’
October 31 - November 3 | Various Locations | Playa del Carmen

Club Jaguar International Beach Volleyball Festival
October 31 - November 2 | Playa Fundadores | Playa del Carmen

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

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

Nauti Burro Halloween Party & Costume Contest
October 31 | Nauti Burro Puerto Aventuras | 7 PM

Gran Altar Puerto Aventuras
November 1 | La Lomita | Puerto Aventuras | 5 PM

Feria Trendy Market
November 1 | Bandstand Area | Puerto Aventuras

Janal Pixan ‘Mar de Almas- Tradicion Que da Vida’
November 1 & 2 | Muelle de Pescadores | Puerto Morelos

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

Buen Fin 2025
November 13 - 17 | Locations Nationwide and Online

Expomoto Motocycle Expo
November 14 & 15 | Wyndham Garden Hotel | Playa del Carmen

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.

HOROSCOPE

As interpreted by El Famoso Don Beto de las Estrellas — astrologist, part-time cenote whisperer, and Playa’s only certified tequila medium.

♏️ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Mysterious, magnetic, and slightly terrifying after two margaritas — welcome to Scorpio season. You’re radiating power, passion, and a faint whiff of Copal incense. The stars say it’s time to stop lurking in the shadows and strut your scorpion self out on the town, where you’ll hypnotize everyone within range of your smoldering stare.

Emotionally, you’re riding a rollercoaster smoother than the ferry to Cozumel (on a good day). One minute you’re deep in conversation about your “soul’s alignment,” the next you’re blocking someone for mispronouncing Xcacel. Try not to sting — it’s exhausting for everyone, including you.

Finances? You might feel tempted to buy that obsidian dagger “for protection” at the artisan market, but maybe protect your bank account instead. Your true power isn’t in the crystals, it’s in your ability to manifest happy hour before sunset.

Cosmic travel tip: water is your element, but don’t get all broody staring into the Caribbean waves. Book that snorkel trip, dip into a cenote, or take a spontaneous weekend in Bacalar. Transformation awaits — just wear sunscreen while you reinvent yourself.

JOIN THE INSIDERS!

Did you find us on Facebook? Did a friend forward this newsletter to you? Subscribe to get the best of the Riviera Maya delivered to your inbox every week for FREE!

FTC Partner Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our work and keeps this valuable content free for readers. We only recommend products and we use and love. We will always tell you if you are entering a sponsored or partner section. Thank you for your support!