💰Getting Ready for Buen Fin Madness in Mexico💰

😀 Bienvenidos to all our new INSIDERS!

Many of you were kind enough to SHARE last week’s newsletter with your friends and on Facebook and the DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA donations continue growing!

📣 Shout out to this week’s top referring INSIDERS Donna, Lydia, and Laura. Mil gracias for spreading the word and supporting the 2024 🎨 Akumal Arts Festival.

The first edition of the newsletter has been very well received. Thank you to everyone for all your replies and great suggestions. The more feedback and engagement I get from you, the better this newsletter will become.

If you have a topic you would like to see covered, let me know! Did you hear about an event that your fellow INSIDERS should know about? Share it with me!

And now, without further ado, let’s get into the news.

RIVIERA MAYA ROUNDUP

I sift through hundreds of local and regional news stories so you don’t have to! These are the headlines in this week’s Riviera Maya news that caught my attention.

🕯️ On October 31st, Tulum celebrated its second annual Walk of the Souls, a heartfelt event honoring departed loved ones. Participants, adorned in traditional attire and carrying candles, processed from the municipal cemetery to the main square, embracing the Mayan tradition of Janal Pixán.

🏨 The Tulum Hotel Association is urging the State Congress to repeal the controversial Visitax, a tourism tax implemented in 2021. They argue that the tax has negatively impacted visitor numbers and local businesses, and are advocating for its removal to boost tourism and economic growth in the region.

🏎️ Antonio Pérez Garibay, father of F1 driver Sergio 'Checo' Pérez, has announced that Cancún is on track to host its own Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2026. According to Pérez Garibay, the project is 70% complete. He is confident it will come to fruition and will not interfere with the existing Mexican GP in Mexico City.

✈️ Cancún International Airport has received approval to expand Terminal 4, aiming to double its size and enhance capacity. This project includes increasing aircraft positions and constructing a new 42-meter control tower, addressing the terminal's current capacity limits.

🏨 Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a strategic joint venture with Grupo Piñero, acquiring a 50% stake in the management of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts. This partnership will add 23 resorts, totaling over 12,000 rooms, to Hyatt's Inclusive Collection, significantly expanding its all-inclusive offerings.

🌊 A recent report reveals that nearly three-quarters of pillar coral colonies in the Mexican Caribbean show signs of poor health, raising alarms for reef conservationists. These vital reefs, which support diverse marine life, are under threat from disease and environmental stressors.

🏃‍♂️ Tulum will host the 2nd annual International Half Marathon on December 1st , inviting athletes from around the globe to experience its stunning coastal routes. The event features various categories, including 21K, 10K, 5K, and a 3K family walk.

🦈 The proposed expansion of the Ultramar dock on Constituyentes Avenue has raised environmental concerns among local stakeholders. Environmentalists and tourism operators fear that the development could harm Shark Point, a renowned site for bull shark diving, and Jardines Reef, both vital to Playa del Carmen's marine biodiversity and dive tourism industry.

✈️ Tulum Airport, nearly a year into operations, is preparing to launch additional flights to meet growing demand. This expansion is expected to significantly boost tourism in the region, positioning the airport as an increasingly important hub for travelers exploring the Riviera Maya.

🎓 Four students from the National Polytechnic Institute's Higher School of Engineering and Architecture have been selected to represent Mexico in the ALACERO Contest in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Their innovative project, "Bioparque Kukulcán," addresses the issue of sargassum on the coasts of Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, by converting the seaweed into biofuel and biofertilizer.

🚰 Over $1.5 billion has been pledged for drinking water infrastructure in Quintana Roo, aiming to address water access challenges and improve sustainability in the region. This investment will fund projects to expand supply networks, enhance water quality, and support the area’s growing population and tourism demands.

Did you find something interesting in the news that you think belongs in the Roundup? Reply to this email and send me the link!

¿QUE PASA RIVIERA MAYA?

Here is a selection of fun and interesting events coming up soon along the Riviera Maya and beyond!

November 10 - GFNY Gran Fondo 160 KM and 80 KM Cycling Race on Cozumel.

November 10 - 7th Annual “We Run Sirenis” 5K and 10K Race for Charity at The Grand Rirenis Resort Riviera Maya.

November 10 through November 16 - Akumal Arts Festival in Akumal.

November 16 & 17 - Feria de Queso de Bola at Parque las Palapas in Cancun.

November 16 & 17 - 2024 Mexican Triathlon Championship at Xel Ha Park in Tulum.

November 24 - 2024 Ironman Cozumel Latin American Championship on Cozumel.

November 28 - Thanksgiving Dinners and Events will be published in the upcoming weeks.

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!

That means a little bit of everything!
Interesting articles about Mexican history, culture, art, food and more!

Buen Fin: Finding the Best Deals Without Getting Ripped Off
Get ready, shoppers! Buen Fin, Mexico’s answer to Black Friday, is back for another season of unbeatable deals and exciting offers. Originally created to boost the economy, Buen Fin has become a must-watch event, where shoppers across the country score everything from electronics to travel packages at deep discounts.

This year, Buen Fin runs from Friday, November 15 through Monday, November 18, 2024. With a little planning, you can make the most of these four days of savings, whether you're shopping online, at major retailers, or supporting local businesses along the Riviera Maya. Read my article about Buen Fin here.

Witchcraft, Sorcerers, and Magic: Mexico’s Mystical Underworld
In Mexico, the world of witchcraft and magic pulses beneath the surface, where curanderos (healers), brujos (sorcerers), and markets dedicated to the mystical attract locals and travelers alike. This article, written by my friend Jeanine Kitchel dives into the rich history and present-day reality of Mexico’s spiritual practices, exploring the curative herbs, protective amulets, and supernatural services on offer.

Learn how ancient beliefs endure in modern life, and meet the people who keep these traditions alive in Mexico’s vibrant, enigmatic world of the occult. Discover more in the full article.

Mexico’s Judicial Reform: A Game-Changer for Legal Protections?
Mexico recently adopted sweeping new judicial reforms, sparking a mix of support and controversy. This landmark legislation aims to overhaul the justice system, impacting everything from due process to individual rights. But what does it mean for those living in or connected to Mexico?

This article dives into the core of these changes, explaining the legal protections at risk, the potential benefits, and the broader implications. Whether you’re a resident, a business owner or just invested in Mexico’s future, this is a must-read. Check out the full article here.

EXPAT LIVING

Insider insights and tips for better living and leisure on the Riviera Maya. Information from expats for expats and anyone planning their dream life in Mexico.

⚡️ Managing the Electricity Supply at Your Home in Mexico.
Keeping the lights on in Mexico involves understanding the basics of local power supply and working with the state-run electricity provider, CFE. This guide covers essential tips for setting up service, managing bills, and handling outages.

You will also find ways to save on electricity costs, from choosing efficient appliances to taking advantage of Mexico’s solar energy options. Whether you're a resident or a newcomer, this article offers practical advice for a smooth experience. Learn more here.

🌞 Solar Power in Mexico … coming soon.
We just installed solar panels at our condo here in Puerto Aventuras. We are eagerly awaiting our next CFE bill to see what kind of impact they will make. Stay tuned for an article about our experience choosing a solar provider, the system we installed and how we negotiated the installation with our HOA and fellow condo owners.

Riviera Maya Real Estate

🗝️ Are you thinking about purchasing real estate along the Riviera Maya? Are you an investor looking for vacation rental properties with great ROI? Maybe you’re dreaming about finally escaping the rat race and retiring on the beach.

Reply to this email and we can help you start your search the right way, working with fully licensed and certified REALTORs and reputable attorneys.

Featured Listing

Casa Victoria in Puerto Aventuras 
I’ve been eyeing this beauty since it first came on the market. Located at at the end of a quiet cul de sac and overlooking the golf course in Puerto Aventuras this is the perfect family home. The interior is bright and airy and no expense has been spared on the finishes. The backyard is a garden oasis perfect for entertaining or just relaxing in the infinity edge pool. Marieke and I agree, this one is gorgeous and priced to sell. Asking price and listing details here

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

After a brief hiatus, the 🎨 Akumal Arts Festival is being revived this year and the organizers need support from the Riviera Maya community to make it happen! The artists will be in residence from November 10 to 16, creating stunning new murals on the iconic Akumal Bridge.

The organizers have set a goal of 8000 USD to buy paints, brushes, and other materials that the artists will need to bring their creations to life.

How can you help?

All you have to do is refer this newsletter to friends who you think would enjoy or benefit from it. For every one of your friends who subscribe to our mailing list, we will donate 1 USD to that charity. 💌 

Get 10 of your friends to subscribe and I’ll send 10 US Dollars. Refer 100 new subscribers and the 🎨 Akumal Arts Festival will receive 100 dollars.

It costs nothing to SHARE the newsletter and gives you, the INSIDERS a way to Do Good Riviera Maya. 💪

This fundraising promotion will run through November 10 so don’t wait!
Share this newsletter with your friends today!

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