🛒 Is Costco Finally Coming to Playa del Carmen?

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🎂 Happy Birthday to US, Insiders! One year ago today, the Riviera Maya Insider touched down for the first time in email inboxes—all 5 of you that day 🤣. What started as a way to share a few local events and stories has grown into a full-blown community with thousands of readers, 96 issues published, and innumerable tacos consumed along the way!

Whether you’ve been here since Day One or just joined recently, thank you for being part of this adventure. You’ve shared story ideas and your best photos, sent tips, supported fundraisers, rescued dogs, helped local businesses, and made this newsletter what it is: a reflection of life on the Riviera Maya—real, beautiful, sometimes frustrating but never boring.

🌀Today also marks 20 years since Hurricane Wilma, one of the most powerful and destructive storms in Caribbean history, tore through the Riviera Maya. In October 2005, Wilma stalled over the region for three days, hammering the coast with Category 4 winds and torrential rain that caused flooding and catastrophic damage.

My family and I, like countless others, endured those endless days, the arduous cleanup and the long slow recovery that followed. Even now, two decades later, Wilma remains etched in our memories, a reminder of just how strong and united this community can be.

Now, let’s jump into this week’s news and events!

• Is Costco really coming to Playa?

• All eyes on a tropical disturbance in the Atlantic

• Mexico’s ruin sites may cost you double in 2026

• Activists call for a dolphin sanctuary in QRoo

• Tulum taxis to get digital dashcams

• $43 billion peso investment for Puerto Aventuras

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our beautiful Photo of the Week was submitted by my most trusted Mexican Caribbean travel expert, Lori Gold. This resort was named the “Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World” in 2024. Do you know where it is? Find this and follow all of Lori’s travels here at @explorwithlor.

📸 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.

🌀 Tropical Disturbance Update
A tropical wave in the Atlantic now has a 90% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within seven days and a 70% chance within the next two. Forecasters expect the system to move slowly westward this week, where warm Caribbean waters could help it strengthen into a tropical depression or storm (and possibly a hurricane) if conditions persist. Current models suggest it may track toward Jamaica, Hispaniola, eastern Cuba, or Central America. A shift toward Quintana Roo appears less likely due to drier air from cold fronts. Let’s keep an eye on this one.

🎟️ Tulum & Cobá Ruins Set for Major Price Hike in 2026
Planning to visit the Riviera Maya’s famous archaeological sites next year? Starting January 1, 2026, entrance fees for international visitors at Tulum, Cobá, and other top INAH sites will more than double, jumping from 100 to 209 pesos (about $11.50 USD). The increase is part of a nationwide effort to boost funding for preservation but it also adds to the region’s rising travel costs. Even a simple family day trip to the ruins could soon top $100 USD in entry fees alone.

🐬 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, whose deteriorating health has sparked outrage across Mexico. Nearly blind and reportedly confined to an unsanitary tank, Mincho has become a symbol of the country’s legacy of captive dolphin shows. Formal complaints have been filed with PROFEPA and activists are urging Governor Mara Lezama to establish the state’s first dolphin sanctuary.

🥩 Alberta Beef Hits Costco Mexico!
Canadian carnivores, take note! Alberta beef has officially arrived in Mexico! Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald helped cut the ribbon outside Mexico City last week, celebrating a major deal between JBS Canada and Costco Mexico that will ship 20,000 tonnes of premium Alberta cuts—from porterhouse to New York prime—to all 41 Costco stores across the country. For Canadians living or traveling in Mexico, you can now toss AAA-quality Alberta beef in your Costco cart, right alongside the maple syrup.

⛽ Fueling Controversy in Quintana Roo
It’s been a tough week for some local gas stations. Profeco and ASEA carried out surprise inspections across Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancún, uncovering pumps that weren’t dispensing full liters and stations operating without proper environmental licenses. In one case, drivers were shorted more than a liter per 20 liters purchased. Eight stations were temporarily shut down, and two refused inspection, now facing federal sanctions.

🚕 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. Backed by U.S. tech firms Flywheel and Nexar, the project aims to boost safety, transparency, and rapid response times. More than 130 drivers are already in training, with full deployment expected in early 2026.

🏎️ Mexico City Prepares for F1’s Biggest Party of the Year
Engines are roaring once again as Formula 1 returns to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, celebrating 10 years since its return to the circuit. From October 24–26, fans will experience three days of world-class racing, culture, and energy unlike any other stop on the F1 calendar. Max Verstappen will be chasing another win with rising stars Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris looking to challenge his dominance on this track. With 100,000+ fans and a festival-like atmosphere, Mexico is ready for the ultimate F1ESTA.

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ICYMI

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

🏖️ Tulum’s Free Beaches Are Anything But
After months of public pressure, Tulum’s beaches are now officially open to everyone. However, 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.

📷️ 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.

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.

🛒 Is Costco Finally Coming to Playa del Carmen?

Things just got interesting for shoppers in the Riviera Maya. Costco’s CFO, Mauricio Talayero, confirmed the warehouse-club giant is actively evaluating new store locations in the Yucatán Peninsula, including Playa del Carmen. Mexico is currently the company’s third-largest market with 41 locations across the country.

So what exactly does Costco look for before it drops anchor? Though the company doesn’t publish a full playbook, site-selection guidelines suggest a few key requirements:

• A 5-mile trade-area with a full-time population of at least 200,000.

• A minimum median household income (some sources suggest around $75,000 in the context of the U.S. market).

• A large, free-standing site (±150,000 ft²) with ample parking

• Strong logistics and supply-chain infrastructure

Playa del Carmen ticks a lot of these boxes. The city continues to grow rapidly, boasts a strong tourism and expat base, both of which appear to align with Costco’s membership model, and has large commercial parcels available for a big-box retail store.

We don't know yet when (or if) Costco will officially commit to this location. But a “YES” from them would be a major retail milestone for the region and convenient for locals and small business owners who have, for years, made the long drive to the Cancun store.

So, stay tuned. If you’ve been dreaming of of the day when free samples and the famed roscas from the Costco bakery are just down the street, your dreams may just come true. Playa may finally be poised to deliver what Costco corporate demands.

⛵️ Puerto Aventuras Eyes Expansion: Growth on Shaky Ground?

The Fideicomiso of Puerto Aventuras recently announced a 4.3 billion-peso private investment to expand the community over the next five years, adding 140 new residential units, 110 hotel keys, and “enhanced infrastructure” meant to boost livability and tourism. It’s an ambitious plan, and on paper, it sounds promising.

But on the ground, some residents are skeptical. Puerto Aventuras already struggles with aging infrastructure, streets in disrepair, and chronic interruptions in water and electricity service. Parking is limited even during low season, and beach access and recreational spaces barely accommodate the existing community, let alone the demands of the discerning tourists they are trying to attract.

While the Fideicomiso emphasizes sustainability and community spirit, many locals question whether current systems can support more growth without first addressing basic needs. Can Puerto Aventuras truly expand its tourism appeal without compromising the quality of life that drew residents here in the first place?

👉️ Read the announcement in English 👉️Read the announcement in Spanish

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!

🍖 4th Annual Grill Festival in Puerto Morelos

Get excited, grill lovers! The Festival Parrilleros del Caribe returns to Puerto Morelos on October 25–26 from 2 PM until 10 PM, blending smoky flavor with community spirit. Now in its fourth year, the event features 28 stands of food to sample, live music, contests and hands-on master classes from top chefs including Jesús “Rojo” García, Lucho Rodríguez, and Argentina’s Leo Peri. Guests can also enjoy wine and craft beer pairings. Entry is just 100 pesos per day (kids under 12 free), with food and beverage for purchase. Proceeds benefit the local DIF program.

🔥 Cancún Master Grill Brings the Heat

This weekend, Cancun hosts the Master Grill Festival on October 25–26 at the Andrés Quintana Roo Stadium—home of Cancún Futbol Club. This event blends food, culture, and sport with 26 food stands, Michelin-recognized chefs, and live music from local bands like Juanito Blues and La Simetría del Agua. Guests can enjoy tastings, barbecue contests, and exclusive grilling workshops with masters Manuel Ham and Ulises Navarro. Plus, don’t miss the Cancún FC vs. Correcaminos match on Saturday night. This family-friendly event is free with food and beverages available for purchase.

🌶️ 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.

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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

Cancun Master Grill
October 25 & 26 | Estadio Olímpico Andrés Quintana Roo | Cancun

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

Janal Pixan in Playa del Carmen
October 31 - November 3 | Various Locations & Times

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

30th Annual 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 | More Info soon

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

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

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.

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.

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