🚨 Property Tax Panic in Playa del Carmen

TOGETHER WITH

It’s Tuesday July 29 and yesterday Playa del Carmen celebrated 32 years as a municipality. During her address at the Teatro de la Ciudad Xaman Ha, Municipal President Estefanía Mercado said “Playa del Carmen is not a place where you are born, it is a place you choose with your heart.”

For all it’s faults and growing pains, I think this is true. After 20+ years, I am still proudly Playense. Happy Birthday Playa del Carmen!

In today’s newsletter we are covering:

• Drastic Property Tax Hikes for Playa del Carmen

• Puerto Aventuras Loosens its Access Policies

• Playa Residents Protest Mass Tree Removal

• The New Biometric CURP

— 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. 😄 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our Photo of the Week is one of mine, taken a few years ago here 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].

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 this week.

📈 Tax Revolt in Paradise?

Playa del Carmen’s business and legal communities are pushing back hard against a proposed property tax overhaul that could spike valuations by up to 900%. They’re calling the plan arbitrary, opaque, and economically reckless—especially as tourism slows and local businesses struggle. Get all the details here.

🛑 Puerto Aventuras Restaurants Push for Access Change

Beginning August 1, access to Puerto Aventuras will work a little differently—for better or worse and depending on who you ask. In addition to the existing QR code system, visitors now have another option to come in and enjoy the community. Read more here.

🌳 Tree Protest Erupts Over 10th Avenue Project

Tensions are rising in Playa del Carmen as residents protest the removal of over 160 trees for a controversial “modernization” plan. With political motives suspected and memories of the 5th Avenue fiasco still fresh, many are demanding a more sustainable, community-backed solution. Learn more.

🆔 Biometric CURP to Become Mandatory by 2026

Mexico is rolling out a new biometric ID system—and by February 2026, you’ll need it for almost everything, from banking to healthcare to school registration. The updated CURP will replace most official IDs, so now’s the time to get informed and ready. Read more.

🚧 Highway 307 Finally Repaired—But For How Long?

After nearly a decade of sinkholes and stalled promises, the stretch between Cancún and Playa del Carmen has been patched—again. But with a permanent bridge still just a plan on paper, is this really the fix commuters have been waiting for? Read more

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ICYMI LAST WEEK

These were the most popular news stories featured in last week’s newsletter.

🌿 Xcaret Limits Daily Visitors

Starting this month, Xcaret Park in Playa del Carmen is capping daily admissions to reduce overcrowding and enhance the visitor experience. Advance reservations are now essential. Discover why this move signals a shift toward sustainable, premium tourism—and how it could affect your next Riviera Maya vacation. Click here for full details.

🚢 Is Puerto Morelos Ready for a Deep-Water Port?

Quintana Roo officials are pushing forward plans for a deep-water industrial port in Puerto Morelos, despite years of expert warnings that the coastline can’t accommodate it without risking serious environmental damage. Why now? Who benefits? And what could this mean for the region’s future? Read more.

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

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EXPAT LIVING

🏠 Alarming Property Tax Changes Proposed for 2026

If you own property anywhere in the Municipality of Playa del Carmen you’ll want to pay attention. The municipal government has proposed a major overhaul to the cadastral value tables used to calculate your 2026 property taxes. In some areas, assessed land values could increase by 500–900%, potentially sending tax bills through the roof.

While officials say the goal is to align outdated valuations with market prices, business groups and property owners are pushing back, warning the jumps are anything but gradual. If you disagree with your new assessed value, you have until tomorrow, July 30 to file an official objection. What does this mean for your home, condo, or investment property? And how do you calculate your potential 2026 predial?

👉 Click here to read the full breakdown and find out how to take action.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

🇮🇹 A Taste of Italy Comes to the Beach

Get ready for an unforgettable night of summer flavors as Chef Umberto returns for another exclusive pop-up dinner—this time with an Italian twist! Join us Saturday, August 2 at KI Restaurant inside Ojo de Agua Beach Club for A Summer in Italy, a culinary journey packed with vibrant Mediterranean flair.

The evening begins at 6 PM with sunset vibes and warm hospitality before the first course is served at 7 PM. For just 700 pesos, you’ll enjoy a multi-course Italian feast featuring crudo di pesce, carpaccio di manzo, penne alla caprese, porchetta, panna cotta alle fragole, and more. Think seasonal salads, fresh herbs, and bold, simple flavors that let the ingredients shine.

Seats are extremely limited and this dinner will sell out—send a message now to reserve your spot at the table!

📍 KI Restaurant, Ojo de Agua Beach Club
📆 Saturday, August 2 | 6 PM arrival, 7 PM dinner
🎟️ 700 MXN | Reservations Required
📞 +1 831-419-5379 or 📧 [email protected] 

🌿 MaxiMarket Improves Grocery Options in Puerto Aventuras

Filling the space occupied by the old DelPrado shop, we welcome Maxi Market Healthy Foods to the central marina in Puerto Aventuras. Since the opening on July 26, residents have have reported back very favorably about this new convenient shopping option. The refreshed space is cool and clean and well-stocked with all kinds of specialty items and healthy treats. There’s a nice counter for sliced deli meats and cheese and produce selction will definitely hold you over between visits from the twice-weekly fruit and veg vendor at the gazebo.

The variety and quality of specialty items is much improved and the prices don’t seem out of whack. They have a great website where you can see the items offered and even place an order for delivery (free with purchase over 1000 mxn). Maxi Market feels like a great addition to the Puerto Aventuras community. Find them on the central marina next to Bendita Costilla.

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

🌴 Affordable Penthouse Living in Playa del Carmen

Looking to put down roots in Playa del Carmen without breaking the bank? This 2-bedroom, 2-bath penthouse offers an incredible value for working professionals or young families ready to make the move. Located just north of town in a peaceful neighborhood with easy highway access, it’s ideal for full-time living and a smart buy at this price point. The condo features built-in closets, tile floors, a laundry room with washer, and tons of natural light.

But the real bonus? Your own private rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen—perfect for weekend BBQs, lounging, or hosting friends under the stars. There’s also a balcony off the main living space, plus access to a community pool, palapa lounge, and playground—all within a secure, pet-friendly complex with elevator and parking.

👉️ Click here to view the full listing and book a showing with Sarah.

¿QUE PASA?

Guelaguetza in Cancun 2025
August 1 - 3 | Parque las Palapas in Cancun | Free Admission.

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

Moulin Rouge - The Musical
Saturday, August 2 | Teatro Alamos in Cancun | Curtain time 8PM. | Tickets via whatsapp https://wa.link/gpyjft or https://wa.link/s6tfl0.

National Bee Day Festival
August 9 | Casa de la Cultura de Cobá | beginning at 2PM.

ATP Challenger Tour Europcar Cancún Country Open
August 12 - 17 | Cancun Country Club | Information.

Reggae on the Rooftop
Thursday, August 14 | Presented by Run Away Realty at La Sirena Rooftop in Puerto Morelos | More info to come.

Aura Music Festival
August 14 - 17 | Parque de Museo de la Cultura Maya in Tulum | Various vendors, activities and concerts | Information.

Tulum Lobster Festival 2025
Friday, August 15 | Explanada of the Tulum Municipal Plaza | For more info: 984 116 8511.

Punta Allen Lobster Festival 2025
August 16 & 17 | Various events taking place in Punta Allen | For more info: 984 116 8511.

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

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

2025 Apapaxoa Gastocultural Festival
August 26 - 31 | Hotel Xcaret Arte in Playa del Carmen. Info and Tickets.

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].

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