🏗️ See the 26 Real Estate Projects Under Investigation in Tulum

🇲🇽 Good morning, Insiders! This week’s newsletter is packed tighter than El Fogon on Saturday night! The region is recovering from President Sheinbaum’s visit. Tulum cracks down on dodgy real estate developments and Xcaret is gearing up for their annual folkart festival.

We are also covering:

• Mandatory lapel cameras for Quintana Roo police

• A 30-year plan is needed for Playa del Carmen

• More beach privatization woes in Playa del Carmen

• Joya opens a clinic in Puerto Aventuras

• An exciting update from Hekab Be

• A call for sea turtle volunteers in Akumal

• Horoscope for Libra

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our beautiful Photo of the Week features a spotted eagle ray, and was captured in Akumal by Diego Arestre. You can find more of Diego’s photography on Instagram @diegoarestre.

📸 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.

Tulum Issues Warning on Irregular Real Estate Projects
Authorities in Tulum flagged 26 real estate developments for operating without full legal authorization, some selling presales or even building before permits are in place. The list includes well-known names like Luna Sanctuary, Santuario Uh May, Uxcan Tulum Bamboo Villas, and Haciendas Cobá, among others. Local and state officials are urging the public to avoid transactions until legal status is confirmed, and they’re reminding buyers to check contracts carefully, confirm infrastructure commitments, and verify land details directly with SEDETUS and the municipality.

Quintana Roo Police to Wear Lapel Cameras
Starting this year, lapel cameras will become mandatory for police across all 11 municipalities in Quintana Roo. The program kicks off with transit and tourism officers, following Cancún’s lead where more than 700 cameras are already in use. The state will distribute another 450 units in 2025 to smaller municipalities like Puerto Morelos, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Lázaro Cárdenas (including Holbox), Bacalar, and Othón P. Blanco. Quintana Roo now joins other states using body-worn technology as part of wider efforts to modernize policing and improve citizen security.

Beach Privatization Disputes Continue in Playa del Carmen
Dick & Willys Beach Club is under fire for roping off its concession area and blocking beach access. Locals say the move violates Article 27 of the Constitution and the General Law of National Assets, which guarantee free public entry to all beaches. Similar disputes are ongoing in in Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Tulum and Cancún, where hotels and clubs are often accused of abusing their federal zone concession. Residents are calling on authorities to step in, warning that without enforcement, public beaches will become controlled by private entities.

Playa del Carmen Faces 30-Year Urban Plan
At her first Government Report, Mayor Estefanía Mercado called for a complete overhaul of Playa del Carmen’s Urban Development Program—last updated 18 years ago. She argued that short three-year planning cycles have left the city “like an airplane without a radar,” fueling traffic chaos, service gaps, and urban sprawl. The updated plan, now in public consultation, is set for approval in early 2026. It aims to protect natural resources, regulate growth across 11,000 hectares already earmarked for development, and prioritize parks, infrastructure, and livability.

Supreme Court Strikes Down Illegal Lighting Fees
Mexico’s Supreme Court has ruled that Quintana Roo deputies illegally forced residents to pay nearly 400 million pesos in public lighting charges. The justices found the formula—tacking 5% of CFE electricity bills onto municipal revenue—was unconstitutional, since only federal Congress can levy such taxes. Unlawful charges have affected 7 of 11 municipalities in the state. Despite years of injunctions and refunds, local deputies repeatedly re-approved the scheme.

Sheinbaum Rallies Support During Cancún Address
More than 27,000 people gathered at Cancún’s Tajamar Boardwalk as President Claudia Sheinbaum outlined her priorities for Quintana Roo. Governor Mara Lezama credited the 4T with unprecedented investment in infrastructure, education, health, and social programs. Sheinbaum highlighted national gains—millions lifted from poverty, a 135% increase in the minimum wage, and record federal spending on Bienestar programs. For Quintana Roo, she announced new support for women aged 60–64, a Rita Cetina scholarship, and the Salud Casa por Casa initiative among others.

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TRAVEL TALK

🌞 Fall Equinox at Chichén Itzá: The Serpent of Light

If you’ve ever wanted a front-row seat to living history, the fall equinox at Chichén Itzá is it. Twice a year—spring and fall—the sun lines up over the equator and the Temple of Kukulkán (El Castillo) puts on a show that’s equal parts astronomy and theater. Tonight, thousands will gather to watch the famous “serpent of light” As the sun drops, a 10-story shadow slithers down the pyramid’s steps and meets the carved serpent head at the base. The descent takes about 45 minutes in late afternoon, and yes, it really does look like a giant snake coming down from the heavens.

This spectacle is a a jaw-dropping example of the Maya’s precision with geometry and the cosmos. Around the grounds you’ll find a festive vibe with cleanses and blessings led by Maya priests, yoga and meditation circles, music and ceremonial dances. Many visitors wear white to “shake off the bad vibes” and soak up fresh energy from the new sun. Whether you’re here for history, curiosity, or a little spiritual reset, the equinox at Chichén Itzá is bucket-list material.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds, bring water and sun protection, and plan your timing so you’re in front of El Castillo well before sunset.

🎨 Feria Xcaret de Arte Popular Mexicano

The Riviera Maya’s cultural calendar is highlighted this week by the Feria Xcaret de Arte Popular Mexicano, held from September 25 to 28, 2025, at the Hacienda Henequenera inside Xcaret Park in Playa del Carmen. This annual fair celebrates Mexico’s rich artisan traditions, bringing together more than 140 creators from across the country to showcase their work. Visitors will find everything from finely woven textiles and carved wood to ceramics, jewelry, and leather goods, all made using time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

The fair is a unique a chance to connect with artisans, learn about their cultural heritage, and see firsthand how these beautiful pieces are made. Admission is 200 MXN, or free with a regular park ticket, and the fair runs daily from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM. If you’re planning to spend the day at Xcaret, the fair is a perfect complement to the park’s other cultural, natural, and culinary experiences.

What Visitors Can Expect

Beautiful artisan works to browse and buy: From jewelry, leather goods, glass, stone, metals, plant fibers, to hammocks and woven textiles.
Live demonstrations and workshops: Watch artisans at work, learn about their techniques and traditions.
Cultural performances and presentations: Enjoy runway shows, exhibitions, and possibly performances that bring the pieces and their stories to life.
Atmosphere: A place to soak up Mexican culture, color, tradition, great for photographers, families, culture lovers, collectors, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted art.

For locals and visitors alike, this annual fair is a chance to experience Mexico’s cultural richness in one immersive setting while supporting local artisans and taking home something truly authentic. Click here for more info.

Looking for reliable and affordable transportation for transfers from the Cancun Airport and tours around the Riviera Maya? Cancun Airport Transportation is our trusted service provider.

HOROSCOPE

As interpreted by El Famoso Don Beto de las Estrellas - astrologist, self-proclaimed iguana whisperer, and Playa’s 3rd-most accurate shaman (according to TripAdvisor)

♎️ Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Balance, harmony, and… indecision. Classic Libra. You’ll spend 45 minutes at El Fogon choosing between tacos al pastor and queso fundido, only to order frijole charros…again. The stars suggest embracing your natural charm to score an extra shot of mezcal (don’t worry, it works). Love is in the air, but so is the humidity. Choose wisely.

Venus is on your side, which means you’ll have no trouble making new friends at Zenzi… but you may forget all their names by sunrise. That’s fine. Libras thrive on second introductions. Your social calendar will fill up faster than Fah Bar on a Saturday night, but beware: your habit of saying yes to everything may leave you double-booked between a chakra cleansing and and a sound bath.

Financially, resist the urge to splurge on every dream catcher in Tulum. Your suitcase won’t fit them all, and customs definitely won’t care that Mercury was in retrograde. Instead, invest in sunscreen and bug spray. Your future self will thank you.

Travel tip from the cosmos: this cycle is perfect for “balancing” your days with equal parts margaritas and micheladas. Just don’t confuse balance with excess… even the stars can’t protect you from a hangover.

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.

⚕️ Joya Hospital Opens Clinic in Puerto Aventuras

A small but enthusiastic group turned out Friday evening to inaugurate the new Joya Hospital satelite location at the PA Hotel and Beach Club. Guests were treated to a tour of the facilities followed by a swanky cocktail reception on the terrace overlooking the beach. The clinic will provide basic medical services to the community and offer access to a dedicated ambulance 24-7.

But, perhaps the most interesting part of the event was the speech given by Arq. Roman Rivera Torres, founder and developer of Puerto Aventuras, who revealed some intriguing future plans. The transcript of this speech is below.

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!

Openings & Closings

La Jungla Says Goodbye (For Now) After eight years of serving up flavor, laughter, and countless shared moments, La Jungla de la Riviera in Playa del Carmen has announced it will close its doors. In a heartfelt message to their customers, the team shared that September 17 would mark their last day in operation, for now. While the decision to close wasn’t fully explained, the owners were clear this is not a final goodbye. La Jungla promises to return, though no timeline has been set.

Muses in Puerto Morelos is closed for remodelation. Sources report that the renovations should be completed in about a month. In the mean time, the Diving Bar Beach Club remains open serving both delicious food and cold drinks.

Our friends at India Jones want you to know that they are back from vacation and ready to welcome you. India Jones is one of participating restaurants in Playa Spice so be sure to stop in and find out what they have on offer.

🍷 Festival of Wine & Tapas at Off the Vine

Off the Vine Playacar is setting the stage for an evening of flavors, music, and good company with their Festival of Wine & Tapas. Enjoy a curated tasting of premium wines paired with gourmet tapas designed to complement every sip. The atmosphere will be elevated with a live DJ, making this a fun night out in style.

📍 Off the Vine Playacar | Playa del Carmen
📅 Saturday, September 27 | 7:00 PM
🎟️ 600 MXN per person | offthevine.mx | Info: 984 125 7774

Seating is limited and Ricardo’s special events often sell out quickly, so reserve early to secure your spot. We already have our tickets!

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

Looking for a way to give back or get involved in your community? There is always some GOOD to do! Let us connect you with reputable non-profit organizations and charities working in the Riviera Maya.

🐢 Turtle Nesting Stewards Needed in Akumal

SAVE Akumal is looking for volunteers to patrol a turtle nesting area in Akumal from September to November. If you have some time to spare, free training is provided.

The missions are varied but include:
•⁠ ⁠Monitoring nests
•⁠ ⁠Keeping raccoons away
•⁠ ⁠Collecting hatchlings to safely release them
•⁠ ⁠Recording data on nesting turtles
•⁠ ⁠Relocating nests if needed

It’s demanding work but incredibly rewarding. Night patrols run from 7:30 PM to midnight and 1 AM to 6 AM. You can be placed according to your availability. If you would like to take part, contact Paola via WhatsApp +52 55 3482 9177 for more information.

📚 Hekab Be Expands to Meet Community Needs

Thanks to the incredible support of friends like you, Hekab Be’s summer program was a huge success—with 76 children enrolled, a 50% increase over past years. For the first time, summer school ran five weeks instead of three, giving students the chance to explore math, English, art, crafts, yoga, tai chi, science, Mayan history, and even weekly field trips. Each child left with a new backpack and supplies, and parents gave the program a 100% satisfaction rating.

Building on this momentum, Hekab Be is now expanding its year-round offerings. After-school care has grown, with age-specific instruction rooted in High Scope methods. New programs include early stimulation classes for toddlers and mothers, adult English lessons, and—most critically—a pilot high school program to support local teens with supplementary classes that public schools in Akumal can’t provide. All instruction remains free of charge. Your continued generosity makes this work possible.

♠️ Playing It Foward for Hekab Be

Poker enthusiasts, mark your calendar for Thursday, September 25! There’s a special Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament happening to raise funds for Hekab Be Activity & Learning Center and you’re invited to join in the fun.

The event will be hosted by Restaurant Latitude 20° in Puerto Aventuras. Check-in starts at 12:30 PM, and the tournament kicks off at 1 PM sharp. Spaces are limited to just 10 players and you must register in advance. To sweeten the deal, Latitude 20° is offering all tournament participants 2×1 Happy Hour pricing on all drinks! To register to play, whatsapp +1 678 471 9572.

¿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.

2nd Annual Xcaret Folk Art Fair
September 25 - 28 | Xcaret Park | Playa del Carmen

Texas Hold ´Em Fundraiser for Hekab Be
September 25 | Latitude 20° | Puerto Aventuras | 12:30 PM | Register in advance via whatsapp +1 678 471 9572

Marc Anthony LIVE in Concert
September 25 | Estadio Kukulcan | Merida, YUC | 8 PM

Copa de Verano Polo Tournament
September 27 | El Rey Polo Club | Puerto Morelos | Starting at 2 PM

AsTri Cozumel 2025 Triathlon
September 27 | Cozumel | Info & Registration

Tulum Parrillero Fest
September 27 & 28 | Explananda of the Tulum Municipal Palace | 4PM - 10 PM

Merida Restaurant Week 2025
September 29 - October 5 | Over 100 Locations in Merida

Playa del Carmen Jazz Festival 2025
October 3 - 5 | Teatro de la Ciudad, Xaman Ha | Playa del Carmen

The Jam Band in Concert Led Zeppelin Tribute
October 11 | Teatro de la Ciudad ‘Xaman Ha’ | Playa del Carmen | Show times at 3 PM and 8 PM.

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

Cozumel’s 17th Annual Island Bird Festival
October 24 - 26 | Cozumel

4th Annual Festival Parrillero del Caribe
October 25 & 26 | Town Center, Portside | Puerto Morelos | Time TBA

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

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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