Ultimate guide to: Rainy Playa del Carmen

Everytime we think about Playa del Carmen, Cancún or the Riviera Maya we think about sunny, beautiful beaches, tans, piña coladas, margaritas and the warmth of the Caribbean. But there is not always like that, we do get rain, storms and even hurricanes (although its been 11 years since Wilma). So what can you do to enjoy your vacations on a beautiful, rainy Playa del Carmen? Here are some of our favorite things to do when it rains because a day at rainy Playa del Carmen is still better than a day at work!

Go to the movies

There are two movie theaters or cines in Playa del Carmen. Cinemex is located in Centro Maya shopping mall and Cinépolis is in Plaza las Américas. If you want to learn some spanish, try watching a movie in english with spanish subtitles.

Go shopping

There are two main shopping malls in Playa del Carmen: Paseo del Carmen and Quinta alegría but there are lots of stores where you can buy souvenirs, tequila, mexican sculptures and mexican textiles and clothing.

Casino time

There are four casinos in Playa del Carmen with slot machines and some have sport betting.

3D Museum

Although the Riviera Maya is most known for its fun side rather than its cultural side, for the past years the governement has been making efforts to enhace culture within this destination. Inaugurated in feb 2016, the 3D Museum of Wonders is a 100% interactive museum with 43 works of art and camera friendly!

Coffee

Maybe the last thing that comes to your mind when you think about Playa del Carmen is coffee, but who can resist a warm cup of coffee on a rainy day? Try mexican coffee from mexican coffee shops while enjoying the rain in paradise.

Adventure Tours

Some parks offer all-weather tours that include ziplnes, ATV's, underground rivers and lots of exciting activities that take a different meaning with the rain refreshing you. Even if you have done some of these tours in sunny days, we assure you it is a whole different experience if you do them while raining.

Spa

Adventure tours, snorkel, diving, archaelogical sites... it is all very fun and thrilling until you retorn home and feel like you need vacation from vacation. Seize the rain and pamper yourself with a day at spa. You will love it!

Kiss

If you are here with your loved one, take the chance and kiss under the rain because, c'mon... there is nothing as romantic as kissing... under the rain... in the Riviera Maya!

And remember...

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THE BEST 10: Hidden paradises in Quintana Roo & Yucatan

The Riviera Maya and the Yucatecan Peninsula can still amaze you. Today we brought our best 10 hidden paradises in the area, our favorites places to sit back, relax and live! Paradise comes in different shapes and colors, from beaches in the middle of touristy areas to biosphere reserve virgin scenarios.

Quintana Roo

1. Cabo Catoche, Our homeland

   

   Cabo Catoche - Wikimedia Commons

   Why do we like it: The virgin beaches, the combination of beaches and historical remains and the extense biodiversity that lives within the reef. If your are lucky enough, you can spot dolhpins and sea turtles on your way to the cape.

   What to do: It is the second largest coral reef perfect for snorkeling, bird watching, scuba diving. You can visit the remains of Boca Iglesia which was once a great sanctuary and the first in Latin America and Ekab, the remains of the first settlers which is now abandoned.
2. Xpu-Há, Two water estuary

   

   Xpu-Há - Bruno Schalch

   
   Why do we like it: Xpu-Há beach is a resemblance of what Cancun was many years ago, calm without so many crowds or buildings.
   What to do: Great for snorkeling, relaxing, sunbathing.
   
   
3. Akumal, Land of turtles

   

   Green Turtle - Wikimedia Commons

   Why do we like it: Clear, sparkling turquoise waters, underground rivers, sinkholes, caverns peaceful... the perfect place for a perfect get away!
   What to do: Snorkel with sea turtles, underground rivers, caves, Yalku lagoon, sport fishing, diving, windsurf, etc. 
   
4. Punta Allen

   

   Punta Allen - Tim Gage

   Why do we like it: Stunning, laid-back scenarios, beautiful reefs. Life goes by slowly and the sky is dark enough to see the stars at night
   What to do: Catch and release fishing, snorkeling, dolphin watching, relax and enjoy the beach lining. 
   
   
5. Sian Ka'an, Origin of the sky

   

   Biósfera de la Reserva de Sian Ka'an - Wikimedia Commons

   Why do we like it: UNESCO World Heritage, exceptional biodiversity, 528,000 ha of breathtaking sights.You will want to stay more than one night.
   What to do: Expect to see: manatee, sea turtles, howler and spider monkeys, crocodiles, Jabiru stork, jaguars, cougars, ocelots, pink flamingos, toucans and tapirs.
   
   
6. Bacalar, Surrounded by reeds
    

   

   Bacalar Lagoon - Juliane Schultz

   
   Why do we like it: The lagoon of the seven colors without large tourist complexes.
   What to do: Boat ride on the lagoon, visit the Piracy museum, eat at the market
   
   
7. Xcalak
   
   
   
   
   
   Why do we like it: Virgin beaches, unspoiled ecosystem a picturesque fisherman's town.
   What to do: Perfect for diving, you can also go to "La pocita" which is a point in the middle of the ocean where you can get down the boat and your feet will touch the ground without you drowning! Visit the Canal de Zaragoza where, if lucky, you can see manatees. 
   
   Yucatán
   
8. Valladolid
    
   

   

   Le marché de Muna - Guy le Page

   Why do we like it: Magical architecture and delicious gastronomy. A great place to stay and visit all the nearby wonders of Yucatán.
   What to do: If you stay in town you can go to Casa de los Venados, or eat at the market, buy regional clothing made by people from Yucatan, walk around the city and explore Yucatan's folklore, or you can alwas hit the rode and drive to Ek Balam
   
   
9. Celestún, Painted stone

   

   Celestún 

   Why do we like it: The Biosphere Reserve of Celestun offers an exhilarating view of pink flamingos and beautiful mangroves
   What to do: Birdwatching, fishing, night boat rides and don't forget to try the seafood!
   
10. Izamal, Dew that descends from heaven
    
    
    
    
    Why do we like it: The peace and the tranquility of the never-ending yellow houses, cobblestone roads and iron lampposts. The world's second largest enclosed church atrium
    What to do: Visit the San Antonio de Padua Convent, visit the town's prehispanic constructions,  visit the corners of legends, try all the food you can, visit some small museums and enjoy the tranquility of the yellow city.
    
    What are you hidden paradises in the Riviera Maya?

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Mezcal: A drink from heaven

Although the origins of mezcal are unclear, the most accepted legend states that mezcal was created when a lightning bolt struck an agave plant, cooking it and tearing up, releasing the juice from the inside... creating a drink from heaven.

The agave was considered a sacred plant during pre-hispanic times in Mexico since it played an important role in religious ceremonies and rituals. It is believed that the distillation process used to produce liquors such as mezcal was introduced by Spaniards.

Mezcal is the result of an artisanal process. Agave plants must be at least 6 yrs old to be harvested by a jimador (a person who harvests agave) who will recollect the heart of the plant and place it in a underground earthen pit with volcanic rocks and wood that will be set on fire then, the pit will be covered with dirt causing the rocks to heat up. 

This process usually lasts 3 days and once its over, all the piñas (hearts of agave) are smashed for its further distillation.

The history, time and labor behind the process have made it the perfect companion. There is a mezcal for each taste, if you fear it can be too strong for you and would rather drink something sweeter, try the guava mezcal, you will love it.

And remember... mezcal is meant to be kissed: slowly and sip by sip, savor it, try to find all its notes and aromas with the company of those who are important for you.

"Para todo mal, mezcal, para todo bien, también. Y si no hay remedio, litro y medio"

* If you are in Cancun there are two mezcalerías you can go to: "La sabina" and "Don Libando"

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BPM Festival 2017 - 10th anniversary

From January 6th-15th, 2017, more than 375 world's leading artists will meet in one place to celebrate the 10th anniversary of what has grown to be considered one of the major annual events in the Riviera Maya: the BPM Festival.

Back in 2007 the BPM hosted nearly 5000 attendants, almost 10 years later the staff is preparing to share this lifetime experience with over 70,000 dance music lovers from around the globe.

Events are programmed in day parties which will take place in ocean front beach clubs and night parties in downton clubs.

Download the official BPM app for iOS/Android, check the official site BPM Festival 2017or buy your tickets and live a magical experience!

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8 essential apps for travelers

Whether you are going to Barcelona, São Paulo or Mexico City, these apps are guaranteed to make your trip easier.

1. Tripcase
   Get notifications for flight delays, cancellations, lets you organize multiple flights, hotel reservations… all in one place!
   
   
   
   
   
2. BringFido
   This app is meant to help you plan your vacations with your dog! It provides information for destinations, lodging, airlines, playground, beaches, parks, restaurants… all of them are pet friendly!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Bravolol World Phrasebook
   With over 800 common phrases and vocabulary in more than 10 languages to help you communicate wherever you go!
   
   
   
   
   
4. Waze
   This community-based app allows you to save time and money by letting you outsmart traffic and giving you the best route. 
   
   
   
   
5. Uber
   This app lets you get a ride when you have no cash with you. You can know how much your trip will cost before requesting a ride it also gives you the license plate and information about your driver. A safe way to get to your destination! 
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Xe
   Access live exchange rates, view historical charts, and calculate prices on your smartphone or tablet.
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Splitter
   Helps to split the costs between you and your friends it tells you who paid, who has to pay what to whom and it generates an entire report at the end which you can email to your friends… even with mix currencies!
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Citymapper
   What makes it different from Google Maps? Citymapper not only combines bus routes and live times, train timetables and cycle paths it also helps you get around new cities
   
   
   
   

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The Cranberries in Cancun!

From http://www.lhpublicity.ie/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_5593.JPG

The Cranberries rose to international fame in the 1990s with their debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?, which sold over five million copies in the United States. 

The group was one of the most successful rock acts of the '90s and sold over 15 million albums in the United States alone. The band has achieved four top 20 albums on the Billboard 200 chart.

The irish rock band will perform at the Moon Palace Arena on August 26th, 27th, & 28th.

You can purchase your tickets here: Ticket Master

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Riviera Maya Film Festival

Ever since its first edition in 2012, the RMFF has been the vehicle to offer quality films for people from Quintana Roo and its visitors. The festival seeks to become a guideline through the latest trends in the international film industry, it aims to distribute but is not limited to, mexican quality films. Its vision is to become an engine of cultural development for Quintana Roo through the promotion, dissemination and support of quality filmmaking.

The venues for the fifth edition of the Riviera Maya Film Festival will be Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres. The RMFF offers a variety of categories for this edition from Planetarium which addresses aspects of contemporary society such as censorhip, human rights, etc. to Riverlab: where completed films that have gone through previous editions as projects have made a successful and international trajectory. 

Malgré la nuit - Philippe Grandrieux, France-Canada, Bang Gang - Eva Husson, France and Eva no duerme - Pablo Agüero, Argenitna-España-Francia-México are some of the movies on the program for this edition.

If you want to find out more about this edition, visit Riviera Maya Film Festival.

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9 tips you need to know about traveling during hurricane season

Have you ever been in the middle of a hurricane… during your vacations? We know how hard it can be! Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins in June and ends in November but the highest activity occurs from August to October. Here are some things you need to know when planning for Cancun during this season, first of all, although Cancun is located within a hurricane zone, it has only be hit by two major hurricanes: Gilberto (1988) and Wilma (2005). Even though it’s been 11 years since the last hurricane, the government, people and hotel managers are well prepared for this situation. 

Today we brought you some tips if you ever get caught by a hurricane during your stay in Cancun, because it doesn’t matter how well you plan your vacations, weather is unpredictable.

If you are traveling during hurricane season

1. Monitor weather
   Pay attention to the weather forecast but remember that as any other natural disaster, hurricanes can not be controlled hence forecasts are not 100% accurate. There are some weather apps you can download on your phone to monitor the situation, RadarCast and Weather Underground are some of them.
2. Buy travel insurance
   If you are traveling during hurricane season be sure to buy a travel insurance that covers natural disasters and make sure hurricane is listed. 
3. Check your hotel's weather policy
   When choosing your hotel, find out its hurricane policy. Read carefully as not all situations are reimbursed. 
4. Leave contact information
   Leave detailed information about your trip to friends and family including hotel’s name, phone number, location, flight number and itinerary.
   
   
   If hurricane alert occurs
5. Documentation
   Save all your documentation in plastic bags (Passport, ID, etc.) 
6. Evacuation
   Check with your hotel to see if there are any evacuations planned. Some hotels are refuges themselves for their guests and will only evacuate when the orange flag is up. All hotels in the hotel zone must evacuate when the orange flag is up.
   
   
   If the hurricane hits
7. Do not go out!
   Do not go out nor to the beach even if it looks like it all ended, it might be the eye of the storm.
8. Follow instructions
   Pay attention to your hotel manager and hotel staff as they will give all the instructions needed. If evacuation occurs, transportation is arranged by the hotel to take you to the proper refugee center downtown.
9. Stay calm
   We know how hard it can be to remain calm during an event like this especially far away from home however, the best way to getting through this is by remaining calm. Hotel managers and staff are well prepared for this situations, listen and follow their instructions.

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