🚚 What's Going on With Amazon Deliveries in Mexico?

🌴 It’s Tuesday May 20 and we are freshly back from our whirlwind tour of the NE United States. I traveled “home” for my 40th high school reunion and along the way we visited with some dear friends and family. A fun trip and a much needed change of scenery—but I’m glad to be back.

Sadly, I returned home to a lot of loss and grief. Too much. Some of it is very close and private but I would not feel right if I did not share the passing of the great Cristina Potter. She is featured in my Notes on Napkins section this week.

In this week’s newsletter you will also find:

• Dr Simi bringing affordable veterinary care to Mexico

• Sting wows crowds in Tulum

• Two naval cadets dead after Mexican training ship crashes in NYC

• A new restaurant opening in Puerto Aventuras

— Michele Kinnon

*This newsletter may be (will be) clipped for length by your email provider. For the best reading experience, scroll up and select the option to READ ONLINE. It’s a better reading experience. Trust me. 😄 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 This colorful Monarch Butterfly was captured by local photographer and nature lover, Paamul Jack. We are pleased to feature it as our Photo of the Week. You can find more beautiful photos from Paamul Jack here on Facebook.

📸 If you would like to see YOUR photo featured here, follow and tag @rivieramayainsidermx on Instagram.

RIVIERA MAYA ROUNDUP

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.

🚢 A tragic accident involving Mexico’s naval training ship Cuauhtémoc claimed the lives of two young cadets after a collision with the Brooklyn Bridge. As investigations unfold, tributes pour in from across Mexico for América Sánchez and Adal Marcos. Read what we know so far about the crash, response, and national mourning.

🛶 More than 360 rowers crossed 33 kilometers of open sea in this year’s Travesía Sagrada Maya, honoring Ixchel and reviving a 500-year-old pilgrimage from Xcaret to Cozumel. With sacred rituals, chants, and a vibrant Mayan market, the 2025 crossing was a powerful tribute to tradition and cultural resilience.

📹 Famous YouTuber, MrBeast, has responded to the recent backlash over his video filmed at several Maya archaeological sites, denying any wrongdoing and calling reports of a lawsuit “completely false.” He insists all permits were followed, archaeologists were on site, and his team even funded local water projects. Read his full statement here.

🎶 Sting lit up the jungle on Saturday night with a free concert for 22,000 fans at the first-ever Mexican Caribbean Music Fest. The event, presented at Zamna Park, gave Tulum a cultural boost, spiked hotel bookings along the Riviera Maya, and showed why the Quintana Roo government is betting big on concert tourism.

🌊 A record-breaking 31-million-ton sargassum bloom is heading for Florida and the Caribbean, threatening ecosystems and tourism across Quintana Roo and beyond. Fueled by climate change and agricultural runoff, this year's invasion is already 40% larger than 2022’s. Learn what’s behind the surge and how local leaders are responding.

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.

Sign up now!

ICYMI

In case you missed it, these are the most popular news stories from last week.

⚕️ Quintana Roo’s medical tourism sector is booming, with patients reportedly saving 40–70% on procedures while enjoying the Mexican Caribbean. Clinics in Cancún and Playa del Carmen report rapid growth, with bundled vacation-treatment packages fueling demand. Read more.

🏠 Quintana Roo has blacklisted 13 unauthorized real estate projects in Cancún for lacking permits and basic services. SEDETUS warns buyers of potential legal risks and offers free legal guidance. Full details and the list of developments here.

EXPAT LIVING

🐾 Simi Pet Care Is Coming—Affordable Vet Services in the Works

⚕️ Farmacias Similares, known across Mexico for their low-cost healthcare and that famously friendly mascot, Dr Simi, is now turning its attention to our four-legged family members. The brand has announced plans to launch Simi Pet Care, an affordable veterinary service aimed at offering accessible care for dogs, cats, and other pets.

While they haven’t released exact dates or confirmed locations yet, the idea is to roll out these vet clinics inside select Farmacias Similares branches across the country. Think of it as bringing the same low-cost, no-fuss healthcare model they’ve perfected for humans—now for pets.

Pricing hasn’t been finalized, but early estimates suggest general consultations could run between $100 and $250 pesos, with vaccinations and deworming starting around $70 pesos. Medications are expected to be generic and budget-friendly, in true Simi fashion.

If they follow through, Simi Pet Care could be a game-changer for pet owners looking for basic, affordable vet care without the steep price tag that often comes with private clinics.

So, what do you think—good idea or not? Would you take your pet to a Simi vet? Let me know what you think in the poll below and pop me a reply to this email with any personal thoughts you would like to share. I have a feeling this is going to be a controversial topic.

📦 Is Amazon… ghosting Mexico?

🚚 If you’ve suddenly had trouble placing an Amazon order in Mexico, you’re not alone. More and more longtime users are getting hit with “this item cannot be shipped to your address” errors—even when it’s an item they’ve ordered before. Some have been told that Amazon is only fulfilling orders to Mexico City, though no official announcement has been made.

What’s going on?

It’s a mix of tighter customs enforcement, updated tax rules, and new import tariffs. Mexico now requires an RFC or CURP for all orders—yes, even from Amazon U.S.—and if that info’s missing or doesn’t match, your shipment may be blocked. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) delays aren’t helping either, with some sellers seeing wait times up to 75 days.

So, if your usual Amazon cart isn’t making it to your door, it might be time to explore other options. Find out what’s changing with Amazon, see the RFC and CURP requirements, and find out where else you can shop online when Amazon lets you down. I’ve also included a handy chart comparing Amazon U.S. vs. Amazon Mexico—including delivery tips, Prime perks, and how to avoid shipping surprises.

Read the full guide to what’s happening with Amazon in Mexico—and what you can do about it.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

🕊️ Remembering Cristina Potters

👩‍🍳 The food world lost a giant this month. Cristina Potters—writer, teacher, storyteller, and champion of Mexican cuisine—passed away on the feast day of San Pascual, patron saint of cooks. Fitting, really. Cristina’s life was rooted in tradition and flavor, and she shared it all with love, purpose, and wit.

Cristina and I first connected online in the early blogging days—2006 or 2007—when we were still writing for our readers and not the Google algorhythms. Her blog Mexico Cooks! quickly became one of the most respected sources for regional Mexican food, especially the rich culinary traditions of Michoacán. We all wanted to be a little more like Cristina: smart, generous, sharp as a tack, and funny as f@ck.

She wasn’t just a writer. She was a force of nature. Cristina walked the fields with mezcaleros, stood beside cocineras tradicionales, and preserved the stories that made each dish matter. She gave voice to the people behind the food. And she did it with humility, humor, and heart.

Messages have poured in from chefs, artisans, mezcal makers, and institutions across Mexico and beyond. Uasïsï Mezcal, whose story Cristina helped bring to the world, put it beautifully: “She walked among agaves, listened to the master mezcaleros, and soaked up every detail… that was who she was: curious, brave, brilliant, full of laughter and heart.”

She was all of that—and more. Cristina, thank you for your legacy, your lessons, and your guidance. You made Mexico more beautiful for so many of us.

🕊️ Rest in peace, Cristina. Heaven just got a lot more delicious.

🥩 Something New is Sizzling on the Puerto Aventuras Marina!

🔥 A Brazilian steakhouse is opening in Puerto Aventuras, and it’s bringing serious flavor to the marina! Brasa Nova opens its doors tonight, Tuesday May 20, serving up a full Rodizio Brasileiro experience—that’s “all-you-can-eat” dining with a twist—the waiters bring endless skewers of perfectly grilled meats right to your table, slicing each cut fresh onto your plate.

Owner Eduardo Tager, a Riviera Maya resident for the past four years, says Brasa Nova will feature over 20 cuts of meat—including their house specialty, Picanha, a prized Brazilian cut known for its tenderness and rich flavor. 

If meat isn't really your thing, their endless salad bar will be worth a visit on its own—loaded with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Truly something for everyone!

Prices are straightforward: 595 MXN for adults, 300 MXN for salad bar only, and 250 MXN for kids ages 6–12. Drinks are additional. PA residentsd are offered at 15% discount if paying with cash! The restaurant will be open for both lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 1PM until 11PM.

Bonus? They’ve got a full bar and will be offering Happy Hour specials. Executive Chef Erick Mora is leading the kitchen, and Eduardo hopes guests will feel right at home—“mucho confort, que se sienta en casa.”

You’ll find Brasa Nova on the main marina in Puerto Aventuras, next to Casa Sofia. Come hungry. Leave happy. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Whatsapp 984 254 9903 for reservations.

If you would like a sneak peak at the menu, reply to this email and I’ll send it to you!

¿QUE PASA?

Check out the events and happenings we found for the next month or so on the Riviera Maya and beyond.

May 22 | Instituto Tepeyac presents “Carmen, Porque Todos Somos” at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen. Show time 6PM. Tickets 200 MXN at the door.

May 22 - 25 | Riviera Maya Open LPGA Tournament at Mayakoba. Info and Tickets.

May 23 & 24 | “This is Me” presented by Colegio Puerto Aventuras at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen. Showtime 7PM. Tickets 300 MXN at the door.

May 23 - 25 | 20th Annual Isla Mujeres International Fishing Tournament. Info

May 25 | Jesse & Joy Live in Concert 5PM at the Riviera Maya Open, Mayakoba. Tickets.

May 29 - June 1 | Kickboxing Mexican Open 2025 at Occidental Xcaret in Playa del Carmen. Registration and Info

May 30 & 31 | “La Fabrica de Chocolate” presented by Comunidad Educativa El Papalote at the Teatro de La Ciudad in PDC. Showtime 6PM. Tickets at the door.

May 30 - June 1 | Roll Over Cancun Roller Dancing event at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún. Info & Tickets.

May 31 | 16th Copa del Rey Polo Tournament at El Rey Polo Club in Puerto Morelos. Match play starts at 2 PM. Info.

June 5 - 8 | Cancun Pride Festival on the Tajamar Boardwalk in Cancun.

June 7 | “Les Miserables” (Student Edition) presented by Academia Play at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen. Show times 4PM and 8PM. Tickets at the door.

June 13 & 14 | ”The Divine Comedy, the Musical” presented at the Teatro de la Ciudad as part of the VII Italian Cultural Festival in Playa del Carmen. Showtime 7PM. Tickets.

June 19 - 29 | Festival PAAX-GNP 2025 at Hotel Xcaret Arte in Playa del Carmen. Program, tickets and packages.

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].

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

🎶 Playing It Forward: Live Music for a Good Cause

🎻 Round up your music-loving friends and join us for an unforgettable evening of world-class performances, delicious food and heartfelt giving in support of Feeding the Future, a vital meal program run by the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside.

Feeding the Future is an ongoing feeding program that provides breakfast and lunch three days a week to 90 children at a small jungle school in Torres de la Paz, an underserved settlement outside Playa del Carmen. For many of these children, these meals are the only food they’ll receive all day and it keeps them coming to school.

Event Details

 📅 Saturday, June 7 | 6:00 PM
📍 Buzo’s Restaurant, Calle 26 N. between Av 25 & 30, Playa del Carmen
🎟️ 1,200 MXN per person (includes dinner, one drink & the performance)

Meet the Performers

🎸 André Krengel
Called a “guitar wizard” by the press, André Krengel is a world-touring virtuoso known for blending Latin, flamenco, gypsy jazz, blues, and global grooves into a style all his own. He’s performed across Europe, the U.S., and India, sharing stages with legends like Rod Stewart and Gloria Gaynor. His newest project, Piratas del Jazz, was born right here in Mexico.

🎻 Sofía Lych
A classically trained violinist from Ukraine and now proudly based in Mexico, Sofía Lych has shared the stage with greats like Pavarotti, Caballé, and KYGO. From symphonic halls to jazz festivals, she brings elegance, emotion, and a bold creative spirit to every performance. In 2021, she earned a Latin Grammy as part of a flamenco project by Pepe de Lucía.

The Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside has kept this life sustaining program running uninterrupted—even throughout the COVID crisis—since 2017. But we can’t do it alone. With your support, we can help ensure that these children grow, learn, and thrive.

Come for the music. Stay for the cause. Leave knowing you made a difference.

For more information and reservations, please contact us via email [email protected].

Are you interested in starting a newsletter like this one? I love using Beehiiv. Use this link to get a 30-day FREE trial and 20% off the first three months of your paid plan.

Already have a newsletter? Join SparkLoop to bring your growth and earnings to the next level!

JOIN THE INSIDERS!

Did you find us on Facebook? Did a friend forward this newsletter to you? Subscribe to get the best of the Riviera Maya delivered to your inbox every week for FREE!