🚢 Taxes, Transito and Titanic Projects

TOGETHER WITH

☀️ Good morning! This week’s newsletter is packed with stories that could shape the future of the Riviera Maya and beyond. President Sheinbaum throws her weight behind a controversial property tax overhaul that has hotel owners up in arms. A historic pact is signed to protect the Great Maya Forest and a local tourism giant proposes what could be the project of the century for Mexico—and I’m not talking about the Maya Train.

We are also covering:

• Preventing mosquitos this rainy season

• Another restaurant leaves Puerto Aventuras

• Sr. Godzilla roars into Playa

• Playaing it Forward for Hekab Be

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Check our our beautiful Photo of the Week! Do you know we can grow these delicious fruits right here!

📸 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.

Transito to Take Back Licensing in Playa del Carmen
It looks like Playa del Carmen residents will once again obtain and renew their driver’s licenses directly through the Municipal Traffic Department. The city council has authorized Mayor Estefanía Mercado to sign an agreement with Imoveqroo, that would restore licensing services to Transito but the ink is far from dry on this deal.

Historic Pact for the Great Maya Forest
Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have signed the Calakmul Declaration, pledging to safeguard the Great Maya Forest—5.7 million hectares that make up the second-largest natural reserve in the Americas. The agreement links conservation with sustainable development, regenerative tourism, and ancestral wisdom. Could this cross-border alliance set a new standard for protecting nature in our region?

Xcaret’s Founder Pitches Interoceanic Canal for Mexico
Xcaret founder Miguel Quintana Pali has unveiled a jaw-dropping $218 billion plan to carve a 240-kilometer waterway through Oaxaca and Veracruz, linking the Pacific and Atlantic. If built, the “Interoceanic Canal of Mexico” could handle four times more ships than Panama and cut U.S. shipping routes by two days. A bold vision, a political gamble — and possibly the “project of the century.”

Property Tax Debate Continues in Playa del Carmen
President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed Mayor Estefanía Mercado’s call to revise outdated property tax rates for high value properties in municipalities like Playa del Carmen—framing change as a step toward correcting long-standing inequities. Hotel industry leaders are pushing back hard, warning that the recalculation, as currently proposed, could spike annual tax bills from hundreds of thousands to several million pesos, potentially forcing small businesses out.

ICYMI

In case you missed it, these were the most popular news stories featured in last week’s newsletter.

Yucatán Considers Time Zone Shift
Yucatán may move its clocks forward an hour to match Quintana Roo, giving travelers more daylight and simpler scheduling with Cancun and the Caribbean coast. Supporters see tourism and business gains but some are still skeptical.

Luxury Brands Redefine Riviera Maya Living
Six high-profile hotel brands are entering the residential real estate market bringing 416 ultra-luxury homes—priced from 15M pesos—along the Cancún–Riviera Maya corridor. Backed by booming tourism and new infrastructure, these projects could push high-end property values even higher.

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RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

Take a look at our featured Listing of the Week submitted by a member of our curated network of trusted Riviera Maya real estate brokers and agents.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect marina-front condo in PA, this new turnkey listing is a serious standout. This 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo sits right on the main marina and is just a short stroll from the beach, restaurants, and shops. No need for a car or golf cart. This sweet condo is close to it all!

Inside, you’ll find vaulted ceilings, a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and a spacious master suite with en suite bath. The furnished terrace—with access from both the bedroom and living room—is breezy, shaded, and the ideal spot for your morning coffee or sunset drinks. Bonus: hurricane shutters, AC, and pets are allowed.

The unit has a great rental history. It’s fully furnished, perfectly maintained and move-in ready. The owners are asking $250K USD. Whether you’re looking for a cozy vacation getaway or an investment property with potential to earn, this one checks all the boxes. Whatsapp +52 984 151 9763 to arrange a viewing.

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.

 🦟 Don’t Let Dengue Move In This Rainy Season

Rainy season in the Riviera Maya doesn’t just bring lush greenery. It also brings the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed. The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which spread dengue, only need a 1 cm. of standing water to lay eggs. That means even a bottle cap filled with rainwater can turn into a mosquito nursery right outside your door.

The good news? A little vigilance goes a long way in protecting your home, family, and neighbors. Reducing breeding grounds around your property is one of the most effective ways to cut down on mosquito populations and help stop the spread of dengue in our community.

Here’s what you can do:

• Cover all water storage containers inside and outside your home.

• Clean and refill pets’ water bowls daily with fresh bottled water.

• Change the water in vases regularly and make sure pots are draining well.

• Remove garden or patio items that collect water—even small ones.

• Keep water features moving to prevent stagnation.

• Rake and dispose of garden waste after every rain.

• Secure garbage bin lids tightly so rainwater can’t collect inside.

By staying proactive, you’re not only protecting yourself—you’re helping the whole community stay healthier this season.

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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!

⛵️ A Marina Landmark Shuts Its Doors

After 13 years as a cornerstone of the Puerto Aventuras dining scene, Pelican Point closed its doors last week. Opened in 2012 by chef-owner Guillermo Lotz, Pelican Point was the first restaurant in Puerto Aventuras to be considered “fine dining”. With its quiet location far from the chaos of the main commercial area, light nautical décor, soft lighting and views of the fishing boats, it quickly became one of the town’s most desirable dining options.

Lotz, well-known for his big personality and signature hospitality, had already developed a strong following across the highway at Tu Parador (now Mero Mero). His move inside the gates was celebrated by residents and regular visitors who flocked to Pelican Point for a stylish night out.

While many joked that you’d need to sell a kidney or your first born to pay for the privilege, for many guests, dinner at Pelican Point was their most anticipated night of the season. Diners became friends who returned to Pelican Point and Guillermo year after year for their for anniversary dinners or other special celebrations.

While reviews were certainly mixed over the years, it’s undeniable that the exit of Pelican Point is going to leave an empty space in more than just the dining scene. This is the fourth business inside Puerto Aventuras to close its doors since the beginning of the year—a worrying trend that has all the restaurant owners on edge and wondering who might be next.

What’s next for Guillermo? He’s undaunted! Word is he’s already working on a new place in the plaza next to Le Gas—and you can be sure we’ll be stopping in to see what this next chapter brings.

🍣 Sr. Godzilla Roars into Playa del Carmen

There’s a new player shaking up Playa’s dining scene, and it’s not subtle... Sr. Godzilla, the latest concept from the Sonora Grill Group, has just opened its doors on 5th Avenue at Calle 30, bringing an upscale twist to Asian street food with a rebellious streak.

The space itself feels like a playground for grown-ups: sizzling teppanyaki tables, a buzzing sushi bar, a chic main dining salon, and two terraces perfect for people-watching on La Quinta. The vibe is polished but playful—think Tokyo night market energy colliding with Playa’s tropical edge.

Sr. Godzilla throws tradition out the window in favor of bold, rule-shattering Asian street-food with upscale flair. From fiery teppanyaki shows to ricocheting flavors across sushi, ramen, tacos, and grilled meats, it's a multisensory feast that promises to shake up Playa del Carmen's culinary scene. Reserve on OpenTable.

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

Looking for a way to help the local Riviera Maya community? Let Riviera Maya Insider connect you with reputable charitable initiatives that are making a meaningful change in the region.

 🃏 Playing it Forward

Do you enjoy playing poker? A group of friendly expats gets together once a month to play Texas Hold 'Em, and each time, half of the winnings are donated to Hekab Be Activity Center! If you're interested in being added to the WhatsApp Group to get more details (and to register), whatsapp 984 151 9763 and I’ll connect you with the group so you can reserve your seat! This is a great way to make new friends and give back to the community. The next game is September 17 at Turtle Bay Cafe in Akumal.

¿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.

Art Exhibit "Between Jungles, Mangroves, Corals, and Paintbrushes"
August 1 - 30 | Puerto Morelos Cultural Center and Museum | Tues - Sun, 10 AM - 6 PM

Dog Beach Festival & Adoption Fair
August 23 | Plaza 28 de Julio | Playa del Carmen 4 PM - 10 PM | Free Admission

“Que Rico es Cancun” Gastronomic & Cultural Festival
August 23 & 24 | Parque las Palapas | Cancun | 4 PM | Free Admission

7th China Paper Balloon Festival
August 23 & 24 | Tahmek, Yucatan | Activities begin at 6 PM

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

Oasis Tour Live ‘25
September 12 & 13 | GNP Stadium in Mexico City

Chile en Nogada Gastronomic Festival
September 14 - 16 | Hotel Aldea Kuká | Isla Holbox

Texas Hold ´Em Fundraiser for Hekab Be
September 17 | Turtle Bay Cafe | Akumal | 12:30 PM | Register in advance via whatsapp +1 678 471 9572

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

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

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