PlayaLife Blog
With Christmas fast approaching, many people living in the Riviera Maya will be stringing lights around their palm trees and playing in the sand instead of the snow. Even though Christmas trees and wreaths can be found at every supermarket, the best way to celebrate Christmas in Mexico is by giving …
There I was, walking downtown on a sunny afternoon, when something caught my attention at the Plaza 28 de Julio, also known as the Zocalo and the Palacio Gobernal. Seems PDC has started its Christmas Festivities!
From life size nativity scene to Christmas trees and decorations, we have it all! …
As of November 9, 2012, several new immigration laws in Mexico have gone into effect. One of the most important changes relates to minors entering and leaving Mexico.
Mexican and foreign minors (under 18 years of age) traveling to and from Mexico must present written permission from both parents …
Recent reports have discovered that 1.6 million American households have already decided that they want to repatriate to another country with another 1.8 million seriously considering it in the near future. With more and more people contemplating this route as a viable option for their family's futu…
The Mayan people of Cancun and the Riviera Maya often speak of the infamous Chechen tree, but they never dare to touch it. Beautiful to look at, Chechen has a contrast of dark, ruffled leaves and bright white bark with black sap running out of its trunk. However, this tree is most well known for its…
Once you move to the Riviera Maya, it won't be long before you begin to hear tales of intriguing Mayan myths from the depths of the Yucatan Peninsula. This colorful region is filled with culture and tradition with stories going back many centuries to explain some of the strange happenings in the tro…
Situated just 20 minutes down the highway from Playa del Carmen, the town of Akumal sits on two breathtaking bays, each with its own unique characteristics. Akumal Bay has crystal clear, shallow waters and a white sand floor, creating a picturesque setting for relaxing in the water or a bit of snork…
My family recently flew in from the States to spend time together in Playa del Carmen. Dinner with my family and my Yucatecan in-laws is always a fun yet challenging experience, trying to enjoy a meal while translating between both sets of parents to keep the conversation flowing. Our large bicultur…
The Mexican state of Michoacán is located in the central region of Mexico, southwest of Mexico City. The Day of the Dead is an important religious and cultural celebration, it said to be one of the most important representations of the living heritage of Mexico and the world, and one of the oldest …
Explore a Mexico attraction away from the beaches, hotels and tourists of the Riviera Maya's coast. Adventurous locals know all about La Ruta de los Cenotes (The Cenotes Route), an idyllic place to spend an unforgettable weekend surrounded by nature.
This extensive road begins just off the main h…
Picture yourself sprawled out in the shade of an umbrella or on a colorful sarong spread out over the sand, earphones playing your favorite songs while you look out over bright turquoise green waters. The cool Caribbean waters call out to you with the sound of soft waves, the perfect way to cool off…
Known for its lush jungle setting, endless cultural activities, Yucatan wildlife and breathtaking Caribbean backdrop, Xcaret is a theme park unlike any other. Every fall, Xcaret celebrates Mexico's Day of the Dead holiday with the Festival of Life and Death. This four-night event features visually s…
Locals residing throughout Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya always find
themselves itching to explore everything the area has to offer. With so many amazing
beaches and charming towns to discover, it's no wonder the region has become a
favorite for expats in search of excitement, relaxation or …
With so many restaurants to choose from in Playa del Carmen, it's hard to stand out from the crowd. La Cueva del Chango, however, had popped up in several conversations and I had to try it out! We met up with some friends at this eccentric restaurant for a relaxing dinner and were instantly greeted …
Playa del Carmen, with it's trendy Fifth Avenue jam packed with galleries, shops, boutiques, restaurants, curiosity shops, bars and cafes, has more than enough shopping to please even the most discerning shopaholic; but nothing quite compares to the distinctively unique hand made, up-cycled, re-purp…
Food is the basic need of our life. It is said that, “You can’t buy happiness hence you buy an ice-cream.” It is not humanely possible to go without food for long and if you are holidaying than the thought of it only is nightmarish. The gastronomical treasure of the Mexico Caribbean is divin…
Animal rescue and education for the general public about the importance of sterilization and proper care of animals is critical in a town like Playa del Carmen that has such a large number of homeless animals living in the streets and jungle areas.
VIDAS is one of the many organizat…
There is a NEW addition to the Ferry landing in Playa del Carmen with service to the beautiful Caribbean island of Cozumel!
Captain Dan's bar! Hours of operation will be from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm.
Serving quick coffee and breakfast items in the morning and drinks all day long!
Meet Capta…
Isla Mujeres is an island oasis for golf carts and boats with incredible views, plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to choose from. An easy day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, this tiny island is big with tourists and expats for its incredible variety of activities and laid back island attit…
If you are looking for one-of-a-kind home furnishings or have a hard-to-buy-for person on your gift list then Galerias El Triunfo is the place for you! They have everything you can imagine and MANY things you can't! Guaranteed to be slightly overwhelming and certainly a good air-conditioned time, El…
