Category Archives: Things to see and do in the Mayan Riviera

5 Reasons You Should Invest in Tulum Real Estate Right Now

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The white-sand beaches, ancient Mayan history, and culture here in Tulum are some of the main draw factors to why you should invest in Tulum real estate right now. Not to mention that the real estate market in the Mayan Riviera is pumping and many people from all over the world are drawn to this area.

Tulum Real Estate - Cenotes are found in Tulum

The Cancun International Airport in the Mayan Riviera is situated only 1.5 hours from the heart of Tulum and only 45 minutes to the outskirts of Playa del Carmen. With an international airport being so close you can book last minute flights back home or easily pick up guests at any time. Let’s dive deeper into what those main reasons are that you should invest in Tulum right now without delay.

1. The time is now
2. The location is prime
3. Large equity gains
4. Many eco-friendly developments
5. The market is trying to tell you something

The time for Tulum Real Estate is now:

There is no better time than the present to invest in real estate in Tulum. The longer you procrastinate, the less money you can potentially make if you are purchasing your property as an income property. With the way the market is heading and the number of properties that are being purchased in the Mayan Riviera by investors, you will want to get your hands on one before it’s too late.

Think retirement. Whether you are purchasing a property for your retirement or not, down the road you can have it paid off and not have to worry about it. The rental market is prime in Tulum right now as it is a hot destination for travelers all over the world.

Tulum is in a prime location:

I previously mentioned about the international airport in Cancun and how Tulum is in close proximity to it. This is definitely a selling feature and a way to attract potential renters to your property. People don’t want to have to travel for many hours in order to reach their destination. However, Tulum is close enough that it is ideal but yet it is far enough away from the city life that they have their full Zen-experience. Tulum is a place to relax but you can also enjoy some cocktails and dancing in the evenings. It offers the best of both worlds.

Tulum Ruins – Source: zkahlina.ca

Large equity gains:

There are large equity gains that can be made in Tulum due to supply and demand. There is more demand than supply right now, which goes to show how popular Tulum is becoming. Demand drives real estate prices up, which is another reason why buying pre-construction is a good idea and will save you money.

Did you know that Tulum was at a 100% occupancy rate in 2016 and 2017 throughout the high season? For investors who are looking at buying an income property, these are the statistics you want to see. There was close to an 8% increase of international visitors last summer in the Riviera Maya in 2018. People are not only flocking to Tulum to escape the winter, but they are also moving here and visiting all year-round.

Tons of eco-friendly developments are being built:

As you are probably aware, Tulum is an eco-friendly beach town that is looking to be self-sustainable. With all the eco-friendly developments that are being built as we speak, there will be many up and coming opportunities to purchase real estate in the later 2019. If you can purchase an eco-friendly development, why wouldn’t you? You then are working towards making a difference in the environment in Tulum and all over the world.

Listen to the market:

It’s important to listen to the market and look at the different market trends. Trends don’t lie and you can grasp a lot of information by comparing the market trends over the years. Especially in Tulum, Tulum has grown exponentially and continues to attract investors who are eco-conscious and want to invest in a location that is laidback, yet glamorous.
Tulum has many options for investors who are looking at investing in Tulum real estate in the upcoming future. There are many developments in Tulum that will offer a good return on your investment. Speak with a real estate agent today to learn more!

How To Maintain Your Home In The Mexican Heat

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The implausible thing about purchasing a home in Mexico, especially the Riviera Maya is the hot weather that comes with it. You are surrounded by sun over 300 days of the year, and of course with the sun, comes the heat and humidity. As we all know the humidity can be hard on the places here in Mexico, and there are certain maintenance responsibilities that need to be kept up with. Continue reading →

Say Goodbye To Sargasso And Hello Again To Our Beautiful Beaches

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For those of you who are unfamiliar with what Sargasso is, it is basically seaweed that has washed ashore. The seaweed is caused by climate change and different wind patterns. The warmer the water, the more the seaweed spreads around the Caribbean. Continue reading →

Ancient Relics found in Tulum Underwater Cave

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Earlier this year, the World’s longest underwater cave system was discovered in Tulum, Mexico. More recently, an archaeological mission to the site has revealed a stunning site frozen in time by the water and sediment.

Researchers from the Gran Acuifero Maya (GAM) exploration and preservation group presented ancient relics recovered from the site, including fossils of a type of ancient elephant, giant sloths and a shrine to a Mayan god. It’s believed that desperate animals ventured into the caves in search of water at times of severe drought, some of which then became trapped.

“It’s very unlikely that there is another site in the world with these characteristics. There is an impressive amount of archaeological artifacts inside, and the level of preservation is also impressive,” Guillermo de Anda, an underwater archaeologist, told a press conference earlier this year.

Two networks of underwater caves, known as the Sac Actun and Dos Ojos, totalling 350km (217 miles) in length were discovered in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. They were found to intersect at a natural pit or sinkhole, known as a cenote, in a jungle area of the coastal town of Tulum. It is hoped that the remains found within these networks will help scientists develop a picture of the cave’s history, which they believe dates back more than 2.5 million years to the Pleistocene era.

You can own property in this ancient Mayan land! Click here to see our homes for sale in Tulum.

Eco Tourism in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

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The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a massive wildland area of 5,200+ square kilometers, including part of the coral reef formations of the Caribbean Sea, east of the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and just south of Tulum. The reserve also contains 23 known Mayan archaeological sites, including Muyil, and has attained the world famous status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, one year after being established.

A number of regional and international entities have carried out more than 200 conservation projects within eight protected natural areas that include the reefs of Banco Chinchorro, Xcalak, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Cancun, and the islands of Cozumel and Contoy with the participation of scientists, technicians, students, fishermen, farmers, rural promotors and administrators from the region.

Today, several organizations work together in the area to develop a more responsible tourism industry that preserves the biodiversity of the whole reserve, taking advantage of the fact that the Yucatan Peninsula region, in general, is among the most successful travel destinations in the world, boasting around 11 million tourists and cruise ship passengers yearly. This intense activity brings economic stability and prosperity, but also a growing impact on the environment.

For this reason, local businesses have a desire to protect the biosphere’s ecology while still taking advantage of zone’s potential for Eco-tourism. Local organization Amigos de Sian Ka’an has been taking on this task for the last few years. No less than 17 companies are working with tour operators from the region to promote a kind of tourism that’s authentic, with a high social benefit and a low environmental impact.

If you’re interested in eco tours to visit the biosphere from Tulum, the two most common access points to the reserve are Punta Allen and Muyil, which provide two completely different experiences and contains two very different ecosystems. The Punta Allen route is great if you want to see ocean lagoons, beaches, dolphins, turtles, fish, etc. The rates for one-day trips on this ocean side of Sian Ka’an start at around USD 120.

The Muyil route is great to see the jungle, the Mayan ruins, wetlands, freshwater lagoons, mangrove forests, and to float down Mayan-carved canals. One day trips to this side of the reserve cost around USD 110 and have less logistic impediments. For adventurous travelers, there’s even the option to do it as a DIY trip for as little as half the price.

New Frequent Flyer Program for Pets in Mexico Airports

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Because more travelers are visiting Mexico with pets each year, the Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR) implemented the Frequent Pet Traveler (Mascota Viajero Frecuente) program in major airports around the country, in cities like Cancún, Guadalajara, Queretaro, Toluca, Mazatlan, and Zihuatanejo.

The program aims to make things easier and faster for frequent travelers who need to carry their pets. All the pets need is a special application from SECTUR, a health certificate, up-to-date deworming treatments, and having been vaccinated for rabies for at least 6 months before the travel.

After registering in the program, owners are provided with an official check-in document called Registro de Ingreso, issued by the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA), which contains the general data of traveler and pet, vaccination and deworming record, and a health certificate that is updated every time the pet enters the country.

To receive the document that certifies the entry of pets into the country, travelers need to present a health certificate, valid for 15 days after being issued by an official veterinarian, on letterhead with the doctor’s medical certificate, along with origin and destination data and date of the last rabies vaccine. Upon entering the country the pet should be in a conveyor or container, clean, without bed or toys, and with a leash or a collar.

In this way, frequent travelers to Mexico who can prove their pets are vaccinated and without worms won’t need to repeatedly fill forms every time they enter the country with their pets since their data will be available on the program’s database. The travel certificate for the pet is sent to the owner via email.

The registration for the Mascota Viajero Frecuente program can be done with no cost in the Agricultural Health Inspection Offices (OISA) of AICM T1, AICM T2 at Mexico City, or visiting SENASICA’s central offices in Cancun, Guadalajara, Querétaro, Toluca, Mazatlán or Zihuatanejo. For more information, contact 59051000 ext. 53611, 54326 y 51020 or (0155) 43130154, 43130155 or 43130152.

Riviera Maya awarded Best Destination in Mexico by Travel Weekly Awards

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Riviera Maya keeps winning the hearts of millions of travel enthusiasts around the world in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards 2017!

For 15 years, the popular travel magazine Travel Weekly presents awards in 77 categories to distinguish the best actors and destinations of the global tourism industry, which includes hotels and resorts, tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, and more.

There was little surprise when the Riviera Maya was once again named Best in Destinations, recognizing it as the first choice for travelers visiting Mexico for the 14th consecutive year. The gala for the event was held at the Conrad New York on Dec 14th and was attended by the director of the Tourism Promotion Trust of Cozumel and Riviera Maya, Darío Flota Ocampo, to receive the award.

Other Mexican participants were Funjet Vacations and Apple Vacations, who each won Best in Tour Operators (one for Mexico and one for the Caribbean, respectively) and Playa Resorts/Hyatt won Best Hotel Chain, among winners from all around the globe.

Moving from Canada to Mexico

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A Few Items to Consider Moving From Canada to Playa del Carmen, Mexico or Moving to Tulum or all Riviera Maya

Today’s world of connectivity allows easier access to jobs and various opportunities on a global scale. As a result, there is a greater movement of people across borders to live or retire in Playa del Carmen, or invest in Tulum or buy in Riviera Maya, Mexico. These exciting moves are accompanied by obligations to make a successful move. To ensure a smooth transition with very few bumps along the way, we suggest taking the following steps:

Moving To Your New Destination

Contact us at Living Riviera Maya Real Estate for your move to the area.
We specialize in helping you successfully invest in real estate in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya.

1 604 628 7247 ; info@LivingRivieraMaya.com

Many of our associates of Playa del Carmen Real Estate Mexico, including me, as owner/broker have expatriated completely from Canada to Mexico. We can share our experiences with you so you relocate from Canada to Playa del Carmen, to avoid any unwanted surprises. Our specialty is orienting and educating you in the real estate market of Playa del Carmen and all Riviera Maya, so you find the right property, at the right price, in the right area, that fits all your requirements.

There is so much to consider when moving to Mexico to Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya and buying property. Me and my team at Playa del Carmen Real Estate Mexico take our role seriously. We have been successfully advising investors of Riviera Maya Real estate since 2003. Our orientation during your buying process includes info such as the locations of schools, hospitals, health service providers, public services, fun things to do, and lifestyle wishes and wants.

When making a real estate investment in Playa del Carmen and moving to Riviera Maya we make sure you have all the best legal advice.

Before you Move

We highly suggest making a checklist:
-Create a detailed packing list of what needs to go and what can stay or be given away/donated.
-Arrange packers, movers, storage, research moving companies. If you plan to import large pieces, you will need a customs broker. Most successful buyers who move here choose not to import.
-Take a course in Spanish either in your hometown or here in Riviera Maya. Knowledge of a few basic words and expressions can go a long way.
-We will introduce you to the right bank to set up new bank accounts so you can transfer funds as required.
-Join any social media expat sites and join clubs. They have already made the move and they could provide you with some great tips.
-Make sure your passports are valid for at least 6 months after you exit Canada. Have several copies ready for when you arrive to distribute as needed.
– Visa for stays longer than 120 days are required for Mexico. You can begin your application for a temporary resident visa at the Mexican consulate closest to your hometown. Once it’s approved, you will complete the process here in Inmigracion in Playa del Carmen. We have a team of people to guide you through the immigration process when you arrive in Playa del Carmen.
-Bring citizenship documents, police checks, birth certificates, etc.

Leaving Canada – The Canadian Tax System

First, the good news stated simply. Mexico does have a tax treaty with Canada, which helps Canadians avoid double taxation and help prevent tax evasion. However, a move to Mexico or buying property in Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya does not necessarily mean that you automatically are considered a non-resident for tax purposes.

Depending on your ties to Canada, the number of days you spent there, and other factors, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may consider you a: Factual Resident, Deemed Resident, Non-Resident or Deemed Non-Resident.

If you are a non-resident or plan to become one, then properly exiting the Canadian Tax System is crucial. Playa del Carmen Real Estate does not offer tax advice for Canadians. However, we can refer you to a Canadian company that specializes in this. Trowbridge Specialists can simplify the process for you.

Call us at Playa del Carmen real estate Mexico and we will hook you up with their information. 1 604 628 7247

If you do not take the proper steps there is a potential for double taxation on your worldwide income, application of incorrect tax rates and penalties, and/or interest accruing. In order to terminate your Canadian Residence in the tax system, you will need to file a departure tax return indicating your date of departure. We recommend you speak to your tax advisor or we can refer you to one.

This date of departure varies if you have a spouse or dependents or if you are becoming a deemed resident of a new country. Furthermore, on your departure tax you may need to include a deemed disposition – if leaving the country, the CRA treats any property you own as if it was sold at the current fair market value when you become a non-resident. Depending if there is a capital gain or capital loss, taxes may be applicable or a loss could be claimed on your return.

While you may have physically left Canadian soil, there are usually ties to Canada that remain, such as real property, bank accounts, RRSP’s, etc. These ties may provide reasoning for the CRA to penalize you if not properly addressed.

As a non-resident who owns a rental property that earns you income, you are obligated to report this income to the CRA. There is a non-resident withholding tax at a rate of 25% of the gross rental income.

However, the non-resident withholding tax can be significantly reduced. There are certain forms to be filed with CRA by your appointed agent. Playa del Carmen Real Estate Mexico will put you in touch with a specialist in Canada.

If you have RRSP’s, dividends, retirement compensation, continued social security benefits, royalties, are earning interest, or other types of income, make sure to advise these companies of your non-resident status as they may need to remit withholding taxes to the CRA on your behalf. As a non-resident earning this type of income, they should issue you an NR4 slip – this slip reports any withholdings and income to the CRA.

While the above are only a few noteworthy tips, always do your research and work with industry experts for investing in Playa del Carmen Real Estate Mexico for your transition to Riviera Maya.

Love your new life on the beach.
Do it the right way and don’t make mistakes.
Playa del Carmen Real Estate Mexico can help you navigate through all the steps.

1 604 628 7247 ; info@LivingRivieraMaya.com

www.LivingRivieraMaya.com

Riviera Maya Owned the Latin American World Travel Awards

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The Mexican state of Quintana Roo received 25 awards and 40 nominations during a ceremony for the World Travel Awards of Latin America, held last month at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.

The World Travel Awards brand was established in 1993 and is recognized globally today as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. It is also highly valued for providing top-level networking opportunities for business people in the travel industry.

Several of the awards were handed to Marisol Vanegas Pérez and Darío Flota, respectively the Tourism Secretary of and the General Director of the Tourism Promotion Trust of Cozumel and the Riviera Maya. The gala also was attended by many executives from sponsor airlines Aeroméxico and Delta, as well as Travel Times, Media Partner, the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya itself, and many renowned tourism entrepreneurs and bureau directors.

Among the winning destinations for Mexico and Central America were the Riviera Maya (Best Beach Destination), Playa del Carmen (Most Relaxing Destination), The island of Cozumel (Best Cruise Port, Best Island Destination), Cancun (Best Destination for Meetings and Congresses, Best Tourist Destination), and Tulum (Best Destination).

In other categories, awards went to the Cancun International Airport, the International Convention Center, the Río Secreto Park, and six hotels including Hard Rock Cancun, Grand Hyatt Resort Playa del Carmen, UNICO 20 ° 87 ° Hotel Riviera Maya, Hacienda Tres Rios, Playa del Carmen Paradisus and Hard Rock Riviera Maya.

The Grand Final of the awards will be held on December 10th in Phu Quoc city, Vietnam, where many of the Latin American winners will compete for world titles. A full list of winners from the Latin America ceremony can be seen here:

www.worldtravelawards.com/winners/2017

As our area gains international recognition, this is a key moment to invest in Riviera Maya Real Estate.

CLICK HERE to see our listings.

Riviera Maya tops the charts

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Travelers put the Riviera Maya area among the best places to be in Mexico.

The Riviera Maya continues to be among the best destinations, according to the popularity rankings generated by travelers on TripAdvisor.

Source: Aquaworld

Four of the top six most popular destinations in Mexico are in the Riviera Maya, in a list of 25 cities. The reviews are filled with praise of its beautiful white sand beaches, dazzling diving places filled with sea life, incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites, dynamic nightlife and lively cultural activities (not to mention the lush, year-round tropical climate of the Caribbean sea!)

Source: playadelcarmen.com

Like that is not good enough, the Traveler’s Choice Awards, which lists the 25 best-rated beaches in the world, puts Playa Norte in 7th place. This beautiful beach has also been named one of Mexico’s best beaches for two years in a row. It is located in Isla Mujeres, an island less than 10 miles off the coast of Cancún. Senior contributor IslaMujeres1 writes: “When I first saw photos of this beach, I thought they had to be touched up. […] Calm turquoise waters, beach clubs, pure white powdery sand, and much more. […] Water so blue, it makes the sky look pale”

Source: Bahia Divers

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit these incredible destinations on your next vacation!

Curious about investing in Riviera Maya real estate? View our listings here.