Life's a Beach | Expat Life in Playa del Carmen : Top Ten

Top 10 Ways to Save the Reef of the Riviera Maya

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:00:00 GMT

The Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) is the largest barrier reef in the Atlantic and stretches over 1000 km from the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula down to the Bay Islands of Honduras. This reef is the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest barrier reef in the world. The Mesoamerican reef serves two important functions. It provides a habitat for a vast array of marine life that rely on the coral for food and shelter. It also functions as a natural barrier to protect the coastline from the damaging effects of storms and coastal erosion. The Mesoamerican reef system supports nearly 60 varieties of coral, 350 mollusks, and 500 species of fish. There are numerous endangered or protected species that live in or around the reef system. These include the magnificent sea turtles that call the shores and bays of the Riviera Maya home and the Whale Sharks that migrate yearly to the waters surrounding Holbox and Isla Contoy.

Today, the Mesoamerican Reef faces a wide array of threats, from land-based pollution, waste water run off and severe overfishing to poor tourism practices, infestation of non-indigenous marine life and global climate change. As one of the millions of tourists who will visit the Riviera Maya this year, how can you help to protect this valuable natural resource? What can you do to ensure that your enjoyment of the reef does not contribute to its degeneration thus preserving it for future marine life enthusiasts? This our list of the Top 10 ways you can help save the Mesoamerican Reef during your next stay on the Riviera Maya.

Practice responsible fishing, kayaking, sailing, jet skiing and other recreational boating activities on the water. Never discard anything overboard and do not anchor on the reef. Be aware of marine life in the waters around you. Remember the old saying: “Take only pictures, leave only bubbles”.

Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect the Mesoamerican Reef habitat and its indigenous marine wildlife. Find a reef preservation initiative like the MAR Leadership Program or a local organization such as the Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA) and consider making a financial contribution or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy.
Before you book an excursion, ask the fishing, dive or snorkeling operators what steps they take to protect the reef and follow reef-friendly protocols. Ask if they are affiliated with any local reef conservation or advocacy groups.
Participate in a Beach Clean-Up Day! Every year, several beach clean-up days take place in Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Xcacel and Tulum. See if there are any scheduled during your stay. It’s a fun family activity and a great way to meet new people. The local organization Flora, Fauna y Cultura will be able to tell you about upcoming events.
I know it’s tempting, but do avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoise-shell jewelry and hair accessories, decorative shells and shark products. Harvesting these items for sale is detrimental to the health of the reef and its eco-system.
Whether you enjoy diving, kite-surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. If you see garbage left on the beach, do the right thing and dispose of it properly. Some areas, like Akumal, have easy to find recycling and garbage bins to utilize. If you can’t find one where you are, bag it up and take it back to your hotel or condo to throw away.
Use only recommended biodegradable sunscreen and avoid commercial moisturizers, oils, insect repellents, perfumes, deodorants and hair products when swimming, snorkeling or diving. The chemicals used in these products will kill coral and marine life.
Explore and appreciate the underwater world of the Mexican Caribbean without interfering with marine life or removing rocks and coral. Millions of people visit the Riviera Maya each year and many will come to see the amazing sea turtles that nest and reside here. Please, if you are lucky enough to spot one, observe from a distance. Do not hover over them and please do not touch them.
Do not touch or stand on the coral whether it appears to be dead or alive. A single touch can kill live coral and essential micro-organisms. When resting over the reef try not to disturb the coral below by stirring up sand with your flippers.
Report any illegal activities you may witness on our reef. Illegal fishing, improper anchoring, dumping of trash and bad tour practices should be reported to proper authorities. If you do not know who to report these activities to, tell a local dive shop or tour operator what you have seen. They are invested in the area and will be sure to take the appropriate action.

Not planning a trip to the Riviera Maya but want to help preserve the reef and its inhabitants? Share this list with your friends!

10 Tips for Green Travel on the Riviera Maya

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:11:00 GMT

In 2010, best estimates from the Mexico Tourism Board tell us that over 10 million people passed through the Cancun International Airport. This number considers foreign and domestic passengers including tourists, business travelers and general transit to Quintana Roo. A great many of these visitors are drawn to this area and the Riviera Maya in particular for the astounding array of flora and fauna that can be found in this relatively small geographic region. Let’s all do our part to protect our amazing jungles, cenotes and reef systems by taking steps to travel responsibly. In recognition of Earth Day, here are 10 Tips for Green Travel on the Riviera Maya.

1. Green Before You Go! Green travel starts before you even leave for the airport. Before you lock up the house, turn your hot water heater down to its lowest setting. Make sure you have turned down your thermostat as well to a temperature that will save energy without killing your plants. Appliances, especially televisions and cable/satellite boxes, should be unplugged. Even when turned off, these can draw as much as 40 watts per hour!

Eco-Friendly Accommodations - When selecting your lodging, do a little research online and try to book in resorts or vacation rental properties that adhere to eco-friendly policies. There are a number of websites that list and rate environmentally friendly inns, hotels and resort properties around the world. Each organization may have its own guidelines for rating properties. Look for those that meet the standards that are important to you. Of particular concern along the Riviera Maya is the health of our precious cenotes and the linked system of underground aquifers that provides all the fresh water for the region and is home to a myriad of fish, animals and microorganisms. Investigate how hotel waste water is treated? Do they have a system to reuse water? How do they minimize energy consumption? Has the property invested in low flow showers/toilets, or eco-friendly lighting? Are they utilizing alternative energy sources such as solar, wind or geo-thermal? An impressive example of eco-friendly lodging can be seen at Hacienda Tres Rios. In addition to making every attempt to promote sustainable tourism within their 326 acre park-like resort, HTR is also helping to reforest the mangroves in the region.

3. Limit Your Laundry – Laundry, specifically the washing of towels and bedding, consumes almost 40% of the average resort’s energy usage expended for hot water. If you are willing to use your towels and sheets for more than one day you can help hotels reduce their overall energy use by up to 5%. Each hotel or rental property will have its own system for alerting the housekeeping staff to either wash or refold your towels for a second or third usage. If you are uncertain, tell the front desk your intentions or try to leave a note for the staff. Think of it as a good time to practice your Spanish skills!

4. Switch Off and Save - Coming back to a hot room after a day on the beach is no fun but you can make a difference by turning up the temperature air-conditioning by just a few degrees while you are gone. By switching the TV off rather than leaving it on standby, you reduce its energy consumption by 25% and significantly reduce the amount of heat that it throws into the room. Close your curtain when you leave or pull the blinds down to keep out the sun. When using the spa or gym facilities, remember to turn off exercise equipment, sauna, whirlpool/jacuzzi or tennis court lights when you're done. Certain properties are now installing systems that are activated by your room key. Return to the room, slide the swipe card in and the air-conditioning, lights and TV are functional. Take the key out on your way out the door and it all powers down automatically. Cool!

5. Recycle - Recycling in the Riviera Maya has come a long way in the past few years. Every municipality is doing its part to help reduce the waste in dumps by providing recycling opportunities for residents and tourists alike. Familiarize yourself with your recycling program offered by your hotel or property management company and sort your trash accordingly. If your hotel or condo complex doesn't recycle, consider reusing your empty bottles or utilizing the recycling bins that can be found in town. Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum all have them!

7. Walk the Walk - For now, the downtown areas of our coastal cities are very manageable by foot. Most visitors can easily see and experience all that downtown has to offer on foot or on a bicycle which can be rented by the day or by the week. Thanks to a brand new eco-initiative in Playa del Carmen, visitors can now explore the city by bicycle for FREE! If you are planning to investigate nearby towns, archeological sites or other “must see” attractions, try to utilize the public transportation available instead of renting a car. Buses run up and down the coast from Cancun to Chetumal several times a day making stops in Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. For shorter trips, colectivos are cheap and plentiful and will stop pretty much anywhere you need to go. You can pick one up at the colectivo stops in town or flag them down on the highway. Colectivos are a great way to do a self guided tour of the cenotes that are scattered all up and down the Cancun-Tulum corridor. It’s less stressful than driving in an unfamiliar place and will allow you more time to enjoy the scenery! Taking public transportation will also give you more access to the local people and afford you a more authentic traveling experience.

Responsible TOURism - There is so much to do and see in and around the Riviera Maya. Going on an organized tour and utilizing their transportation is a more eco-friendly alternative to renting a car and going it on your own. Before you book a tour, be sure to ask about the size of the group. Smaller groups tend to make less of an environmental impact. Smaller groups also afford the participants a much more intimate experience than the “cattle drive” tours. Find out ahead of time whether the tours are led by locals and how the tour operator contributes to the local community. When scuba diving or snorkeling, do not touch or stand on the coral or stir up sediment, as these actions can damage our reef's fragile ecosystem. Choose an approved biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen. The chemicals found in most commercial sun blocks are harmful to coral and sea life. When exploring ruins or the surrounding jungle, stay on the marked paths. While it may be tempting to touch or feed the wildlife in and out of the water, please refrain from doing do and always maintain a reasonable distance between you and the indigenous wildlife.

8C Charge it Up – Try to avoid disposable batteries. These are of particular concern as if they end up in one of our dumps, they will degrade and leach toxic chemicals into the earth which cannot be filtered out by the limestone, ultimately poisoning our water supply. If you must use them, please bring the dead batteries home and recycle them properly. An even more responsible and more economical alternative is to bring a charger and use re-chargeable batteries. Plug them in at night before bed and they will be ready to go in the morning! If possible, look for NiMH “nickel metal hydride” batteries as they seem to have the best environmental record. Another tip: Don’t feel too badly about buying those inexpensive “single use” cameras when you have to. The companies that process the photos in the US and Canada all recycle!

Eco-Bags Are Cool - It is only since the introduction of non-biodegradable consumer goods and packaging from the “modern” world that litter and garbage disposal has become a major issue in the Yucatan. Just half a century ago, food was wrapped, cooked and served in banana leaves. There were no concerns about trash disposal as everything could be tossed into the jungle to rapidly decompose! These old habits are tough to break. Now plastic wrappers and bottles are strewn everywhere. The ubiquitous plastic grocery bags are another odious culprit. If you are planning to stay on the Riviera Maya for any amount of time, you will most likely do some shopping. On your first trip to the store, pick yourself up a reusable shopping bag. They are inexpensive and readily available in all the grocery stores and markets. Looking for something a little more fashionable? Try these super chic eco-bags from WearEarth. They are made from recycled plastic, come in a myriad of colors and designs and are sold in some of Playa’s best boutiques.

10. Carry Reusable Bottles - The importance of keeping hydrated during a Riviera Maya vacation is often overlooked but cannot be overstated. Many travel related illnesses (headaches, intestinal issues etc.) sometimes attributed to tainted food or water are simply an unpleasant side effect of dehydration. Under the hot Caribbean sun, after a few cervezas, it is easy to forget to drink enough water. Because the water here on the Riviera Maya is not so good for drinking, 20 liter garrafones (large plastic water jugs) are virtually everywhere. Look for coolers at hotels, hostels and car rental or travel agencies. Bring your favorite reusable bottle and refill as you go. Research indicates that 9 out of 10 plastic water bottles wind up as garbage. That adds up to 30 million bottles a day worldwide. Unfortunately, it can take a thousand years for each one of those plastic bottles to biodegrade. Carrying a reusable bottle is one of the simplest things you can do to reduce plastic waste and help protect the environment.

Taking a green approach to travel is an easy and essential way to protect the places we love to visit. Do it not just for yourself but for your children and grandchildren and all the people who will continue to live here long after you've flown home. Tell us your suggestions for Green Travel. We all deserve a clean and healthy Riviera Maya.

Top 10 Things I Worry About in Playa del Carmen

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:28:00 GMT

My friend Susie Albin-Najera recently wrote a very nice article for her website The Mexico Report that got me thinking. In her piece, "What You Should Really Worry About When Visiting Mexico", Susie recounts a few of the "hidden dangers" that one might encounter while visiting Mexico.

As an expat living and working in Playa del Carmen, I too have my own concerns which I feel compelled to share with "Life's a Beach" readers. These are the Top 10 Things I Worry About in Playa del Carmen.

1. I worry that the guys at DAC will forget and put sugar in my morning smoothie instead of honey.

2. I worry that one day Senor Luis, will change the location of his empanada cart and I won't be able to find him.

3. I worry that at times, I can no longer find the English word for "aguacate".

4. I worry that if I sleep in on a Sunday, Carnitas Teresita will be out of "castacan".

5. I worry that I'm spending too much time in my "comfortable" bathing suit and getting strap lines.

6. I worry that my children are getting ulcers from the chili coated candies they love so much.

7. I worry that my arches are falling from a life of walking in flip flops.

8. I worry that my son will never learn how to tie a tie nor have reason to.

9. I worry about whether to celebrate my daughter's sweet sixteen or her "Quincenera".

10. I worry that one day I will have to move back to polite society and leave this life behind.

I'm sure you can now appreciate the enormous amount of stress I am under on a daily basis as an expat in Playa del Carmen. ;)

Still interested in moving to Playa del Carmen? Think you can handle the stress? I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about relocating, finding a home, educational options, making a living and successfully making the transition.

Go Green on the Riviera Maya - 10 Money and Energy Saving Tips

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:57:00 GMT

Although the COP16 Climate Change Summit is nearly wrapping up in Cancun, it seems the whole Yucatan Peninsula is still on the Go Green bandwagon. There are special programs going on in the schools to educate the next generation of energy consumers about how to make choices that are better for our environment. Art exhibits, film festivals, eco-fairs and even a family Eco Challenge hosted by Playa del Carmen's Ak Lu'um International School! We have also seen a lot of information on the internet offering ideas for environmentally friendly living with tips from all over the globe.

For our part, as we move forward with the plans for our new home, we are investigating and hoping to implement as many energy saving and eco-friendly systems into our design as possible. For many home builders and home owners on the Riviera Maya, the choice to install eco-friendly systems may come down to availability, affordability and the possibility of finding replacement parts and someone capable of doing the necessary maintenance and/or repairs. Over the past two years, we have seen solar and wind energy options increase in popularity and decrease in price but the up front investment is still well out of reach of many people. many of the residents of Playa del Carmen are here in a long term rental, a villa or condominium they plan to stay in for a year or more but do not own. Retrofitting a rental with solar panels is certainly out of the question but that does not mean that this large segment of the Playa population cannot incorporate green thinking into their daily life. Here is a list of ten ways to help save the environment and, at the same time, keep more of your hard earned money in your pocket whether you own or rent a home in Playa del Carmen.

1. Replace all your incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs. They are expensive so if you are in a rental, save the old incandescent bulbs in a safe place and replace them when you leave. Think of you florescent bulbs as an investment in the environment and your pocketbook!

2. Set your air conditioners to a higher temperature and only air condition the room you are in. While most of the homes we see down here have a very open floor-plan downstairs, bedrooms can always be sealed off to prevent loss of cold air. Try keeping your thermostat set for 26 Celsius. Setting your temperature even 5 degrees lower can make your air conditioner use up to 40% more energy costing you lots more money. Run your ceiling fans. Using fans to circulate the cool air means you don't need quite as much pumped into the room.

3. If you have a private pool, install a timer on your pool pump/filter. The average pool with average use really only needs to be filtered 8 out of every 24 hours (more in the rainy season). Why run it more than you have to. You may have to purchase a timer in the US or Canada and bring it down but it will be easy and inexpensive to install and will save you loads of money on your electric bill.

4. Install and use curtains or blinds. Take the time to find where the sun shines brightly through your windows. In the winter time (believe it or not) you will welcome this warmth. The rest of the year you will want to block as much of this light/energy/heat as possible by using blinds or curtains. There are special materials available that really reflect the sun away but if the price is an issue, some window covering is better than none at all.

5. Carry your own shopping bag. There are inexpensive options for sale in Sam’s Club and most grocery stores. DAC has the traditional plastic mesh shopping bags and if you are looking for a more fashionable alternative, www.totelemonde.com/mx from WearEarth is the way to go!

6. Buy a bicycle and use it whenever you are going to work or school. There is nothing in downtown Playa that is not easily accessible by bike. With parking becoming more and more of a nightmare, you can avoid all the hassle by jumping on your cruiser and fitting it with a good bike lock. We buy all of our bikes at Bicicletas Luisito on the corner of Ave. 30 and Calle 30 but they are also available at Walmart, Sam’s Club, City Club and many other places. Shop around but definitely bring your bike maintenance needs to Senor Luis. We call him the “Bike Nazi” but he is the best!

7. Turn off your computer/laptop when you are done using it. Do the same with your TV rather than just switching off the cable/satellite box. Those nice big flat panels throw off an awful lot of heat and make your AC/mini-splits work lot harder.

8. Recycle! The Municipality accepts all recycled items including appliances and batteries on the first Friday of every month. In Playa del Carmen there is a collection center set up in front of the Municipal Plaza. In Puerto Aventuras, you may leave your recyclable items in the “centro de acopio” at the skate park. Some of the schools run their own abbreviated recycling program and bins can be found now at most of not all of the supermarkets and big box stores but the best place to go is Parque la Ceiba. They operate the most complete recycling center in Playa del Carmen and provide many educational programs for school children to teach them the three “R”s. Tin cans from soda, vegetables, tuna fish etc. can be rinsed out and left in a used grocery bag next to your large garbage bin. The guys that collect the trash will appreciate it as they will return them for cash.

8. Save water! Energy efficient shower heads (same pressure but less water flow) will save approximately 17,800 of water and 72 cubic meters of natural gas per year. Install faucet aerators. This small inexpensive adjustment can save up to 9,000 liters of water and 28 cubic meters of natural gas per year. Reduce the amount of water used with each toilet flush by reducing the capacity of toilets with a 2 liter bottle of water. Fill the bottle with water, close it tightly and submerge it in your toilet tank. A family of five that flushes five times a day each -- the US national average -- will save about 700 liters of water each month.

9. Buy an insulating “blanket” for your hot water tank. Insulating your hot water tank can save 25-40% of heat loss. I know it sounds crazy here in the tropics but insulating your hot water tank will significantly reduce the amount of gas used and reduce wear and tear on your tank. Keep in mind; some systems specifically state that an insulating cover may not be used. Check your appliance manual first and have a professional (stop giggling) do the work.

10. Carry a thermos/water bottle with you and reuse it. It is so important to keep hydrated here and purchasing bottled purified water is a necessary evil. That doesn’t mean you have to stop into Oxxo 5 times a day for a bottle of water. Find a nice insulated water bottle and refill it from your garrafon at home. Stuck out without your thermos? Buy bottle water but don’t throw away the bottle. Bring it home and reuse it. We keep several bottles of cold water in the fridge at all times so we can grab them on the fly.

Top 5 Hamburgers on the Riviera Maya

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:59:00 GMT

OK, I know. "When in Rome, blah, blah, blah...." However, sometimes, even surrounded by all this glorious ceviche and barbacoa and pollo pibil, you just want a burger; a good old American style hamburger. After all, is there anything quite as lovely a thick juicy burger topped with all your favorite fixin's? I think not. Until just a few years ago, burger aficionados (like my husband) were limited to the thin, overcooked slabs of gray "I don't know what kind of meat" slapped into a stale Bimbo bun and slathered with lime flavored mayonesa. Then, along came Fusion, serving up a proper hamburger, cooked to your temperature of choice and topped with cheese and fresh veggies. This one menu item alone kept us coming in for lunch time and time again and we were satisfied in the knowledge that a fine burger could be had in Playa del Carmen.

Skip ahead a few more years to 2010. There are now half a dozen restaurants offering up their spin on the traditional burger, each one more delicious than the next. Each establishment is buying good ground sirloin or Angus, some are even grinding their own special blends for a "signature" burger experience. I can safely say that Rob has personally sampled his way through every burger offered from Tulum to Cancun, so I consider him the expert on this particular culinary quest. I have deferred to his judgment in compiling our list of the Top 5 Hamburgers on the Riviera Maya.

Wicky's Wicked Burger - These guys are doing it right! 8 oz. of top grade sirloin on a toasted bun topped with fresh avocado, apple wood smoked bacon, pepperjack cheese and chipotle mayo. At 90 pesos, this big burger is a real treat in the "beach eats" department and you sure can't beat the view. Kick it up a notch by adding an order of Wicky's famous fries with truffle oil and Parmesan cheese. Heaven!

John Gray's Place, tucked away in Calle Corazon, serves up a hamburger at lunchtime that is exactly the kind of burger you would expect from a world class chef. Angus beef, grilled to perfection and topped with caramelized onions and Gouda cheese, this burger is two handfuls of hand-ground happiness. 120 pesos and well worth it!

The Lol-Ha Burger is becoming famous not only in Akumal but worldwide. Akumal is one of our favorite weekend destinations and inevitably, Rob goes for the Lol-Ha burger every time. And who can blame him? Double sirloin patties, envelop slices of poblano pepper and cheese and are topped with bacon and avocado. The first bite releases a flood of gooey Manchego and mild chili spice that you will never forget. 145 pesos

Indigo Beach Club at El Taj Beachfront has been touted as one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen since its inauguration just a few months ago. We have had the pleasure of dining there and sampling quite a few of the diverse and delicious menu offerings. We were happy to discover another great burger option. 8 oz of top sirloin, smothered with cheese and topped with crispy onion rings and bacon, this burger is a home run. Served with crispy fries at 130 pesos.

Richard's Steakhouse and Quarterdeck, located on the marina in Puerto Aventuras has been serving up steak and seafood dinners to throngs of tourists for years. We discovered this place 5 years ago when we started building our condos just around the corner. Since then, Richard's has been a favorite lunch stop for us and their Pizza Burger is one to rave about. Thick and flavorful and always cooked to order, this big boy is topped with marinara sauce and Mozzerella cheese. For an extra kick, ask them to throw on some sauteed mushrooms!

Photo courtesy of Luna Blue Hotel

This is our list of Top 5 burgers on the Riviera Maya. Share with us some of your favorites!

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Playa del Carmen This Year!

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:46:00 GMT

We adore living in Playa del Carmen! When we first visited the Riviera Maya in 2004, we immediately fell in love with not just the spectacular surroundings but the community as well. Over the past 6 years, we have had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of people who, like us, love Playa del Carmen and have either chosen this area as a home or come here time and time again. What is it that makes this beachfront city so very special? Here is a short list of our Top 10 reasons to visit Playa del Carmen.

Beautiful Beaches - Playa del Carmen is blessed with some of the whitest, finest sand in the world, but even on the hottest sunniest day, the sand is cool to the touch. No dashing from your lounge chair to the water like walking across hot coals. Children of all ages will find hours of enjoyment making sandcastles and digging pools on the wide, clean beaches of Playa del Carmen. Top tip: The beaches north of town are practically deserted. Pack a cooler and claim your own piece of paradise for a day.

Family Friendly Fun - Whether you chose to stay in one of the many all-inclusive resorts offering a plethora of family focused activities or rent a private vacation home, families visiting Playa del Carmen will not be disappointed. There are theme parks and excursions for travelers of all ages. Xcaret, Xel Ha and Xplor will keep you and your kids busy with lots to see and do both in and out of the water. The beaches of Playa del Carmen are safe and clean and the water is generally quite calm, the perfect playground for young explorers and budding swimmers. No matter where you go, children are welcomed and catered to. Top tip: Take in an afternoon at Cenote Azul for an experience your children will never forget!

Great Food - Foodies from across the globe will find amazing culinary creations in Playa del Carmen. Looking for a traditional Mexican restaurant? Steakhouse? Thai food? Spanish tapas? Sushi joint? Old world Italian? New American cuisine? You can find it all here in this multi-cultural melting pot. Top tip: Spend a day learning about Mexican food and cooking at The Little Mexican Cooking School in Puerto Morelos. It's well worth the trip!

Flora and Fauna - Playa del Carmen has certainly grown over the years but it is still surrounded by thousands of hectares of unspoiled jungle. Wildlife lovers will be amazed at the variety of indigenous animals and birds that can be found comfortable coexisting with the millions of visitors who visit the Riviera Maya each year. Want to get up close and personal with your favorite furry and feathered friends? Schedule a trip to the aviary in Playacar or Crococun in Puerto Morelos. Top tip: Plan to spend a morning at the Jungle Place in Chemuyil interacting with spider monkeys in this well run sanctuary.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving - With the MesoAmerican reef system, the world's second largest, just off shore, scuba divers are certain to enjoy a world class diving experience here in Playa del Carmen. The reef is home to over 500 species of fish and 60 varieties of coral! With dozens of certified dive centers to choose from, everyone from beginning divers to dive masters will find an exciting underwater adventure. Cave divers will find miles and miles of underground systems to explore carved into the limestone shelf that is the Yucatan peninsula. Top tip: June - September is Whale shark season near Holbox. If you are planning a summer trip to the Riviera Maya, don't miss this remarkable migration.

Fabulous Nightlife - Whether you are a twenty-something looking for a hot club scene or a baby-boomer in search of Margaritaville, Playa del Carmen's vibrant nightlife has something for everyone. Venture into the club zone for dance parties at Santanera and Dubai, enjoy the laid back lounge scene at Diablito Cha Cha Cha and Om, take in a show at the spectacular Coco Bongo or dig your toes in the sand and enjoy some cool reggae on the beach. No matter what your style is, Playa del Carmen is sure to please. Top tip: Don't miss the fire dancers on the beach at Fusion Hotel!

Beautiful People - With chic European style beach clubs like Mamitas, Kool and the new Canibal Royal dotting the beaches all up and down the coast, there is no shortage of beautiful people to look at. Look past the gorgeous exterior and you will find that the people here are not just beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well. Playa del Carmen seems to attract some of the nicest, most open-minded visitors from around the globe. Locals will greet you with a smile and newcomers become old friends fast in this diverse community. Top tip: try to learn and speak a little Spanish. Even if you can only manage a few words and short phrases, your efforts will be noticed and greatly appreciated.

History - Yes, it is true. Playa del Carmen is a very young city. Thirty years ago there were just a handful of families calling this coastal village home. However, travel just an hour or two in any direction and visitors can immerse themselves in history and culture. Using Playa del Carmen as a base of operations, one can easily take in the ruins of Tulum and Coba and even Chichen Itza, a spectacular site recently named one of the new 7 wonders of the world. The colonial town of Valladolid is just an hour and a half away and offers a fascinating glimpse back in time. Hot tip: The ruins of Muyil are practically hidden and often overlooked. Find a tour that brings you in via canoe through the wetland of the Sian Kaan biosphere.

Amazing Events and Festivals - No matter what season you chose to travel in, there is certain to be an exciting event to attend in Playa del Carmen. Carnaval, Day of the Dead, Travesia Sagrada, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival and Taste of Playa to name just a few, should be on your "must do" list, when traveling to the Riviera Maya. Top tip: The festival of Carnaval on Cozumel is one of the oldest in all of Mexico. Take the ferry across to experience the pageantry firsthand.

Reasonable Accommodations - Not everyone has the budget for a private beachfront villa. While Playa del Carmen has pretty much outgrown its reputation as a haven for backpackers, the city still offers dozens of reasonably priced hotels and hostels to chose from. Looking for more space? The construction boom over the past decade has created a real renters market. Well priced condominiums abound within a few minutes walk to the beach that can easily accommodate a family or group traveling together on a budget. Top tip: Travel during the off season for the best deals on vacation home rentals.

Whatever your reason for visiting, Playa del Carmen is sure to delight even the most seasoned travelers. These are our Top 10 and really just a few of the reasons we have chosen this city as out home. Tell us what you love about Playa del Carmen!

Top Ten Cheap Eats in Playa del Carmen

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:42:00 GMT

Anyone who has spent any time at all in Playa del Carmen can tell you that there are hundreds (nearly 800 to be more precise) restaurants and eateries to choose from in this eclectic city. It would be nearly impossible for any one person to try them all, especially since some in the fickle tourist zone seem to be reinvented on a yearly basis. We certainly have a lot of choices when it comes to what we are going to dine on and where we are going to do it. Playa has everything from top notch American style steakhouses to sushi bars to taco carts and everything in between! It's almost overwhelming sometimes when I try to decide what to eat! There is so much to choose from and yet, it seems there are some places I return to time after time. Inspired by my pal Tacogirl and her Top Ten Lists, I decided to break out with a Top Ten of my own: Top Ten Cheap Eats in Playa del Carmen. These are arranged in no particular order as they all seem to fit a different need in my personal feeding schedule.

1. Empanadas Luis - Located on calle 12 between Avenues 20 and 25, Senor Luis has been selling empanadas every morning for as long as I have been here. He and his chatty assistants set up their cart Monday through Friday at about 5am and start cranking out the best and freshest deep fried flour empanadas I have ever had. He has a selection of cheese, potato with chorizo, carne molida, chicken and bean empanadas served up on plastic plates or "to go" heaped with your choice of shredded cabbage, pickled red onions, crema and a variety of salsas, both spicy and mild. He also offers delicious bean filled "salbutes" and cold sodas from a cooler. I recommend you get there well before 9am as he sells out every day to a regular crowd of taxi drivers and other working folk. Luis is a larger than life character and once said to me "Ah, you are from the United States? So close to Mexico yet so far from God." How true Senor.

2. Carnitas Teresitas - Introduced to us several years ago by my sister in law's then boyfriend Milo, Carnitas Teresitas has become a staple in our dining routine. Frying up a fine selection of kastakan, buchy, chicharron, masiza and blood sausage, Teresitas has been a defining factor in the lack of definition around my waistline. Despite the fact that I can feel my arteries clogging as I type this, I return to this unassuming restaurant every weekend for a kilo of the good stuff, served with diced white onion, cilantro and salsa aguacate. The owner and his staff are super nice and have finally gotten used to the tall gringa coming for her weekly pork fat fix. They have a handful of tables in an adjoining dining room and serve from 8am to 6pm in their storefront on Calle 1 sur between Avenues 20 and 25. Fresh tortillas can be purchased just up the street if you are taking the meat home with you.

3. Ty Coz - Just south of Downtown Playa del Carmen on the west side of 307, Ty Coz is located at the "new" Pemex station, next to Oxxo, Ty Coz opened their only Playa del Carmen location about 2 years ago. A popular chain in Cancun, Ty Coz serves up delicious sandwiches on REAL crusty french baguettes and enormous croissants to throngs of patrons from 7am until 10pm. A favorite of local laborers, taxi drivers and well...just about everyone it seems, the tiny store cranks out thousands of sandwiches every day. They have quite a nice variety, everything from vegetarian to Italian mix and chicken b.reast is offered but the most popular by far has to be the "economica". This is a 12 inch baguette, smeared with Ty Coz' special pesto-like sauce and topped with a few thin slices of luncheon meat and jalapenos in escabeche. It doesn't sound like much but the combination has a strangely addictive flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. At just 15 pesos, the price doesn't hurt either! This is the perfect place to load up before heading south for a day on the beach in Akumal or Tulum.

4. Dona Juanita - A sentimental favorite of mine, Dona Juanita served us one of our very first meals when we made the move to Playa back in 2004. While now there is a well priced printed menu available, the daily blackboard specials are the real hit in this family run kitchen. The menu del dia includes a soup or "crema" to start, always served with buttered bread, a main course which varies from day to day and a pitcher of flavored agua de casa. The various pots of food are displayed on the far end of the counter and guests are invited to lift the lid to see what looks good! Keep in mind; this is very traditional family fair, food that would be served in the home of any of the women running the show. Braised chicken or pork served over rice with a side of black beans is standard fair and oh so delicious. Priced at about 60 pesos for the daily lunch special, this is really good cheap eats. Dona Juanita is located in the bright green building on the corner of Juarez and Avenue 45.

5. Taco Paco - My current pick for fried fish and shrimp tacos is Taco Paco located across from Centro Maya Mall and also just south of the entrance to Puerto Aventuras. Made famous from just a small cart next to the Pemex station in Puerto Aventuras, Paco moved his operation south to Xpu Ha for a year or so before finally being pulled back up north towards Playa. There are several options in town for shrimp tacos (RIP Dr. Taco) but none quite as fresh and tasty as these. The added bonus is the lovely array of salsas and side salads that accompany the tacos. There is a spicy pico de gallo, tamarindo, peanut sauce and more.... At $20 pesos apiece you can expect tacos with two very large shrimp or a good sized fish fillet, battered and fried to order. A word to from the wise: the tacos are best eaten on-site. If you get them wrapped "to go", the steam inside the plastic bag gets the crispy batter coating all soggy and chewy. So pull up a plastic chair and enjoy!

6. Dona Mary - Located on Avenue 30 and calle 28, well off the tourist track, Dona Mary and the ladies have been serving to a packed house every evening for many, many years. The menu is a variety of traditional Mexican fare, empanadas, tamales and caldos and such and everything is made fresh everyday. For me, the real standout "must eat" item is Dona Mary's tostada. Piled high with beans, shredded boiled chicken, cabbage, onions, farmers cheese and crema, each tostada must weigh about 1/4 pound and requires some skill to consume neatly. I generally end up picking half of it up off of my shirt not wanting to miss a single morsel. If you are there early, you may be able to slide into an open table. More likely, you will left standing for a bit on the side walk, looking in and salivating as family after family enjoy their nightly meal. The tostadas are also good "to go" so don't be afraid to get them "para llevar".

7. Pummarola - Now in three locations in Playa del Carmen, Pummarola is one of the best Italian restaurants in all of Playa del Caren. That's saying something with competition like De Gabi, Era Ora and Il Pescatore among others! Pizza can be found on every street corner in town but none is quite like that of Pummarola. On 1st Avenue and calle 12, right in the heart of the club zone, Pummarola has opened up a late night option for those of us who occasionally keep odd hours. For just 25 pesos you can choose from a selection of gourmet, thin crust pizzas fired to order in a real wood oven. Rather than grabbing another cardboardy, reheated slice, why not grab your own, personal made to order pizza hot out of the oven! Service starts at around 7pm and goes until late.......

8. The Fruit Ladies -When I first arrived in Playa del Carmen, I started taking Spanish lesson straight away. After class, my head exploding with Spanish, I would head down to the beach for some study time. Three kids at home never made for a great studying atmosphere but the beach right next to the ferry dock always seemed to fit the bill. An important part of this daily ritual was a stop to see the Fruit Ladies who set up their wares on the south east corner of Parque Fundadores. These lovely Maya ladies come every day with their colorful assortment of pealed and ready to eat fruit. Each plastic cup is stuffed to the rim with slices of mango, watermelon, papaya and coconut and offered with or without a splash of fresh lime and a dash of chili powder. For 20 pesos this is a refreshing and healthy snack that can pull you through the day without breaking the bank.

9. Tacos Gomez - Lengua, masiza y buche, oh my! That's right all you offal lovers out there, if you are looking for your fix of the "nasty bits" look no further than Tacos Gomez on calle 2 between Avenues 15 and 20. From 4pm until about 2am the staff at Taqueria Gomez puts out the loveliest pork and beef tacos and tortas to a loyal following. I have blogged about my love for all things "Gomez" before so I won't go into a description of the entire menu. Suffice it to say, if you have an adventurous palate and an appreciation of traditional Mexican cuisine, this is a "must eat" restaurant for your culinary bucket list. Those of you with more delicate constitutions will still love the masiza torta, a soft sandwich filled with juicy flavorful pork and topped with sautéed onions. You can sit at a table or up near the counter...just to make sure they don't slip in something scary!! Kidding.

10. Mom's Hotel - Chances are by now, you have heard about the great food coming out of the tiny kitchen at Mom's Hotel. Monday through Friday from 4pm until 11pm your host Jurgen Janz is meeting and greeting, slinging beers and putting out some of the finest home cooked meals in Playa del Carmen for just 80 - 140 pesos a plate! Expats, aching for a taste of "home", crowd the bar ordering up old school favorites like meatloaf, pork chops, beef stroganoff and the now famous hickory smoked baby back ribs. What makes Mom's food taste so good? Love....and to be fair, probably a whole lot of butter! Jurgen is the consummate host always there with a smile and a hug, making sure everyone is treated just like family. If you haven't made a trip to Mom's yet, be sure to put this spot high on your to do list for your next trip to Playa. Jurgen will have a seat and a heaping plate of good food waiting for you! Mom's is located on the corner of calle 4 and Avenue 30. The bar and restaurant are upstairs.

I hope this list helps you all in your culinary adventures during your visits to Playa del Carmen. I would love to hear about your experiences in these and any other great places for "cheap eats" in Playa. I look forward to your comments!