Cancun Quintana Roo Public
Notaries-cancun real estate
Should you decide to own property in you own name, a deed
called an escritura,
must be prepared by a Mexican notary public.
There are big difference between the United States notary public and Mexican
notary public. In Mexico, the notary public (notario público)
are lawyers publicly appointed by the State Governor who specialize in Contract
Law. Every legal document, such as deeds, wills, powers of attorney,
constitution of corporations, establishment of trusts and other legal
transactions must be made before a notary public in order to be valid. If the
document is not notarized by a Mexican notary public it is not legal!
Whereas in the United States the public notary can act only as a witness to your
signature on a document. You can use publically notarized documents (for
Powers of Attorneys) signed in the United States but for validity in Mexico you
also need an Notarial Apostile from the State's Attorney's office.
When buying real estate and you reach an agreement, go to the notary public
first. The buyer chooses the notary public. For real estate transactions you
do not need an attorney. The notary public is completely capable and legally
authorized to carry out the transaction.
In many cases an attorney will delay the transaction, charge you unnecessary
high fees, and have absolutely no bearing on the situation, as it is not of his
competence. Before giving any type of down payment or committing yourself to a
deal, take a copy of the actual escritura (which should be given to you
by the seller with no argument if everything is in order) to the notary public
to check the deed's validity.
If buying property from a developer, have the notary public check to see that he
has his permits for the development and for construction. A beautifully engraved
certificate or formal letter promising a deed at some future time is not a deed,
but merely a sales contract.
Have the notary public determine that the land is not ejido
land (communal agricultural land). The right to use this type of land can be
purchased, but always a risky deal, as it is not your property, you are only
allowed to
use
it.
Insist on making all real estate transfer agreements before a notary public. Do
not be pressured by someone who says that you need to put money down right away.
The notary public will need from both parties to the transaction: proof of full
names, marriage certificates, proof of dates and place of birth, official
identification with a photograph, such as passport or driver's license, and your
visa to prove that you are in Mexico legally.
The notary public will need from the seller: 1. his deed; 2. Up-to-date tax
receipts, water bills, subdivision (fraccionamiento)
fees, and any other public utilities bill, paid up to the date of sale. The
notary public will determine capital gains taxes through an official appraisal (Avaluo).
The capital gains tax, if any, is paid by the seller. However, through mutual
agreement, it may be paid by the buyer. Make sure you know how much this will
be--the notary will inform you of the cost before the transaction, almost to the
cent. Cash or money changes hands the minute the seller signs over the deed,
usually in the notary public's office. The buyer ordinarily pays notary fees
incurred, which also must be paid when the title is signed over.
Quintana Roo Notary Directory
Lic. Nancy Peggy Magaña
Tintoré -TITULAR- www.notaria25cancun.com
notaria 25 -visit
their website
-english spoken
Calle Tejon No. 10 L43 Mz. 4 Ret.1 Sm. 20
011-52-998-8920535 - 8920537 fax 8846264
Angel Enrique Aguilar Nuñez
Titular
Notaria # 17
Ignacio Zaragoza No. 205 Entre Heroes Y
Juarez Centro C.P. 77000
Chetumal, Quintana Roo
Fax: 983-2-15-92
Teléfono: 983-2-15-92, 8-20-12,
Bello Melchor Rodriguez Carrillo
Titular
Notaria # 4
Calle 11 Sur No.885 Entre 40 Y 45 Av.Sur
Col. Adolfo Lopez Mateos C.P. 76640
Cozumel, Quintana Roo
Fax: 987-2-07-54
Teléfono: 987-2-07-54, 2-04-32,
Benjamin Salvador De La Peña Mora
Titular
Notaria # 20
Granada No. 30
Super Manzana 2 "A" C.P. 75000
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: Los Dos Telefono
Teléfono: 98-84-94-40, 84-28-94,
Carlos Humberto Pereira Vazquez
Suplente
Notaria # 7
Av. Ing. Garcia De La Torre Lote 48 P.B.
Manzana 8, Supermanzana 2 "A" C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: 98-84-99-98
Teléfono: 98-84-98-22, 84-53-61,
Celia Perez Gordillo
Titular
Notaria # 18
Av. Coba No. 121
Super Manzana 30 Manzana 7 C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax:
Teléfono: 98-84-16-96, ,
Felipe Amaro Santana
Titular
Notaria # 19
Banampak No. 101
Super Manzana 3 C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: 98-84-18-59
Teléfono: 98-84-18-59, ,
Francisco Edmundo Lechon Rosas
Titular
Notaria # 10
Calle Rosas No. 22 Manzana 24
Supermanzana 22 Centro C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: 98-84-85-46
Teléfono: 98-84-65-98, 84-65-94, 84-85-46
Francisco Xavier Lopez Mena
Titular
Notaria # 7
Av. Nader No. 28 S.M. 2
Apartado Postal No. 1928 Centro C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: 98-84-33-62
Teléfono: 98-84-15-57, 84-12-38, 84-16-00
Gilberto Gonzalez Anguiano
Titular
Notaria # 14
Alcatraces No. 45
Supermanza 22 C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: 98-84-74-77
Teléfono: 98-84-76-72, 84-47-13,
Jorge Alberto Rodriguez Carrillo
Titular
Notaria # 6
Av. Nader No. 8 S.M. 2
Centro C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: 98-84-79-66
Teléfono: 98-84-22-82, 84-97-93, 84-36-96
Jorge Enrique Perez Salazar
Titular
Notaria # 11
Avenida Palenque No. 119
Supermanzana 30 C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: 98-84-09-45
Teléfono: 98-87-30-97, ,
Jose Edwin Villanueva Marrufo
Titular
Notaria # 15
Quinta Av. Norte No. 298
Centro C.P. 77600
Cozumel, Quintana Roo
Fax: 987-2-40-33
Teléfono: 987-2-19-17, ,
Josefina Castro Rios
Titular
Notaria # 2
Av. Nader Nº 26, Lote 30
Super Manzana 2 A C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: 98-84-12-93
Teléfono: 98-84-12-93, 84-14-36, 84-36-14
Juan Ignacio Hernandez Ornelas
Titular
Notaria # 16
Av. Alvaro Obregon No. 232-1
Centro C.P. 77000
Chetumal, Quintana Roo
Fax: 983-2-28-71
Teléfono: 983-2-49-08, ,
Luis Miguel Camara Patron
Titular
Notaria # 30
Sierra No. 13
Centro C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: Todos los teléfono.
Teléfono: 98-84-25-90, 84-52-33, 84-52-66
Manuel Irvin Garcia Valdez
Titular
Notaria # 9
Av. 20 Norte Con Av. Juarez No. 1
Centro C.P. 77600
Cozumel, Quintana Roo
Fax: 987-2-26-94
Teléfono: 987-2-12-97, 2-14-60,
Marco Antonio Sanchez Vales
Titular
Notaria # 3
Av. Nader No. 148 Edificio Barcelona
Super Manzana 3 C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: 98-84-43-70
Teléfono: 98-84-82-86, 84-82-96, 84-81-85
Miguel Angel Ortiz Cardin
Titular
Notaria # 21
30 Av. Norte No. 179, Bajos Esq. Calle 8
Municipio De Solidaridad C.P. 77710
Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Fax: 987-3-03-93
Teléfono: 987-3-03-93, ,
Miguel De Jesus Peyrefitte Cupido
Titular
Notaria # 14
Calle Alcatraces No. 45 Manzana 13
Super Manzana 22 C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: 98-84-76-72
Teléfono: 98-84-74-77, 84-76-72,
Oton Norberto Garcia Santes
Titular
Notaria # 12
Av. Nader No.4 Despacho A-12 Y 13
Super Manzana 5 C.P. 77500
Cancun, Quintana Roo
Fax: Todas Las Lineas
Teléfono: 98-84-29-97, 84-84-78, 87-48-75
Victor Manuel Santin Coral
Titular
Notaria # 24
30 Av. Por 3 Sur No. 141
Centro C.P. 77710
Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Fax: 987-3-02-55
Teléfono: 987-3-02-55, ,
Yolanda Solis Olveres
Titular
Notaria # 22
Nicolas Bravo Esq. Guerrero
Centro C.P. 77400
Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
Fax: 987-7-06-12
Teléfono: 987-7-06-12, ,
cancun real estate for sale -cancun properties for sale
Legal Steps To Purchase Real Estate In Mexico:
1. Offer and acceptance and/or promissory agreement
In accordance with Mexican Law, a letter of intent fulfills the requirements
for it to be considered to be a valid contract, with the condition that
there has been mutual consent on the part of both the seller to transfer a
specific property and the buyer to acquire it.
2. Title Search and Conditions of the Property
This will ensure that none of the information of the Public Registry of
Property and Commerce regarding the property is overlooked.
3. Requirements for closing and formal execution of a standard real estate
Transaction in Mexico:
* Certificate of No-Encumbrances: This certificate will
enable the Notary to assess that the property does not have any lien or
encumbrance, or any claim pending over it, and thus can be transferred with
a clean title. It is obtained directly at the Offices of the Public Registry
of Property and Commerce and basically it must contain at least the
following information: I) the number of years of documented history made on
the property; II) the surface area of the property in accordance with the
records; III) the metes and bounds of the property; IV) the name of the
owner; V)classification of the property (urban or rural); VI) a legal
description of the property (such as if it is owned in a trust or by several
owners); VII) the name and signature of the registar and VIII) the official
seal of the Public Registry of Property and Commerce.
* Certificate of No-Tax Liability: This certificate will
enable the Notary Public to assess that the property tax has been paid prior
to the transfer of the property.
* Property Appraisal and Site Survey: In accordance with the
Real Estate Law ("Ley de Catastro"), it is mandatory to carry out a site
survey on the property and do an official appraisal. The appraisal must be
done estimating the commercial value of the property, considering its
surroundings, a market survey and zoning regulations.
4. Notary Public and Public Registry of Property and Commerce
The function of the Notary Public is to act as an extension of a Judge or
the Government. His duty is to ensure that a real estate transaction is
formally executed in compliance with all legal requirements. Upon the
execution of the transaction, the deed of title must be recorded at the
Public Registry of Property and Commerce of the domicile in which the real
estate, subject matter of the transaction, is located.
A Mexican "notario" is an attorney who, after passing rigorous examinations,
is commissioned by the government as a public notary. A notario holds high
office for life, unless he or she is removed for cause. The notario fulfills
a public function delegated by the government. Although licensed as an
attorney, the notario is not in a position to provide either of the parties
with legal advice. The notario's responsibilities include collecting and
reviewing the sales contract, property tax and water payment receipts;
ordering a bank appraisal: freezing the property's file at the local public
registry (no documents may be recorded in a property's file during three
consecutive thirty-day periods); reviewing the property's file to verify the
legal ownership and search for liens, encumbrances or anything that could
affect the title (as the majority of public registries are not automated,
this procedure can take from 60 to 90 days); requesting the public registry
to issue a "Certificado de Libertad de Gravamenes" (Certificate of Freedom
from Liens and Encumbrances); and performing the closing at this office
where the notario handles the transfer of the deed, tax withholding on the
underlying real estate transaction, and the recording of the documents at
the public registry.
The Most Common Choices For Purchasing Real Estate In Mexico:
1. General Purchase Sale Agreement
A purchase sale agreement occurs when one of the contracting parties
obligates itself to transfer the ownership of property and the other agrees
to pay a certain price in consideration of the property rights. The contract
is perfected and binding between the parties as soon as the property and its
price are agreed upon, even when the property has not yet materially been
delivered and the price paid. All such contracts must meet specific
requirements in accordance with Mexican law in order to exist and be valid.
There are two types of elements to the contract:
A. Essential Elements: The essential elements of any purchase sale
agreement: consent which is granted by the seller's agreement to transfer
the real estate to the buyer, and in turn, the buyer's consent to pay a
certain price; and object which is the purpose of the title transfer of the
real estate on the one hand, and the payment of a certain price as
consideration of the transfer.
B. Validity Elements: The validity elements are: legal capacity that refers
to the legal rights of the parties to enter into the contract; and legal
form, which are the formalities with which a transfer complies in order to
be perfected. For example, real estate transactions must be in writing, and
in order for such to be binding before third parties, they must be recorded
at the Public Registry of Property and Commerce. Basically, the fundamental
obligations of the seller in a purchase sale agreement, are: a) to deliver
the property being sold to the buyer; b) to guarantee the quality of the
property; and c) to guarantee the title (with cure in case of eviction).
On the other hand, the buyer's principal obligation is to comply with the
payment of the price in the terms place, and form agreed in the agreement.
2. Installment Sales Agreements withholding transfer of title:
In this kind of agreement, the seller reserves title of the property until
full payment of the sale price is made, but the buyer may use and enjoy the
real estate until full payment is made. Usually, this kind of agreement
includes installment payments. There are some advantages in using this kind
of agreement: First, the agreement can be recorded at the Public Registry of
Property and Commerce as being enforceable and binding before third parties.
Second, the seller is not able to sell the property while the purchaser is
in compliance with the sales agreement, usually meaning that he is current
in his payment obligations to the seller. Finally, the obligations of the
parties are subject to what in Mexican Law is commonly known as "Condicion
Suspensiva" (suspensive condition), which conditions the agreement to full
payment of the price to the seller.
3. Irrevocable Real Estate Trust Agreement:
This is better known as a "fideicomiso" and is the most common instrument
for the acquisition of real estate property within the restricted zone,
usually for residential purposes. The seller, "trustor", will transfer
property to a Mexican bank institution, the "trustee", by means of an
irrevocable trust agreement. The trustee will hold the property on behalf of
a designated beneficiary (usually the buyer). The bank is obligated to
administer the real estate only for the benefit of the beneficiary, who
holds the right of use and enjoyment of the real estate, as an owner. The
bank holds title to the property but the beneficiary is entitled to use it
and even sell the property held in trust to any eligible buyer, providing
that he instructs the bank to do so.
Bank Trust Information
The "fideicomiso" is set up through a Mexican bank for a period of up to 50
years and can be renewed for 50 years. To acquire the land the purchaser
must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The buyer can
lease, sell or transfer the property to another family member, and if he
dies, his property can be passed to an heir. At the end of the 100 years the
property can be sold.
In the trust there are three elements: The trust Settlor (Fideicomitente)
which may be a physical or legal Mexican person, who is the owner of the
property which is to be placed in trust; the Trustee (Fiduciario) which, by
law may be only a credit institution and which holds the raw real estate;
and the Beneficiaries (Fideicomisarios) the legal or physical foreign
persons who are the beneficiaries of the trust who obtain the use and
benefit of the property.
The bank (known as the trustee) holds the trust deed (known as the
escritura) for the person or persons purchasing the property (known as the
beneficiaries). This property is not part of the bank's assets and cannot be
subject to any lien or attachment for any bank obligations. The beneficiary
has all ownership rights to the property and may sell, lease, mortgage or
pass on to their heirs as desired under law. A bank trust is not a lease.
The Mexican government established the trust agreement as a way of
protecting foreigners interested in owning property in Mexico. The reasoning
was that by making ownership pass through the trust process, there would be
an automatic review of the transaction to ensure it was legal and
unencumbered. The bank is required to check ownership, insurance and
indebtedness of the property, providing further protection to the foreign
owner.
Trusts are renewable at any time by filling out a simple application with
the bank. It was never the intent that these properties pass back to the
government at the end of the trust period. This is a common misconception
and fear of most buyers. It may help in understanding the Bank Trust to
compare it with the Deed of Trust, a type of financing instrument used in
the U.S. People who buy homes, paying the full amount upfront, receive their
titles right away. However, this rarely happens. Under a deed of trust the
buyer of a house has only "equitable title," or an equity interest, with the
right to use but only a restricted right to sell, until the loan is paid
off, after which the owner receives the actual fee simple title. Until then
it is held by a trustee, usually a bank or title company. In Mexico the Bank
Trust is also held by a trustee, but the buyer never receives the actual
title. Realistically many homeowners in the U.S. never receive title to
their properties either, because they sell or refinance their homes before
the 30-year term of their loan is complete.
Taxes
Property taxes are very low in Mexico as a whole. The property tax, known as
a predial is .1% of the assessed value. Taxes are paid annually, with the
assessed value determined at the time of sale. If you purchase a property
with an assessed value of $100,000US dollars your annual tax rate would be
$100.00US dollars. The reason taxes are so low is due to the fact that they
have never been a source of revenue for the Mexican government
Real Estate Acquisition Tax (transfer tax): Individuals or companies
purchasing real estate, consisting of land, or land and its improvements in
Mexico, are subject to the payment of a real estate acquisition tax
calculated at the rate of 2% of the value of the property (the rate may vary
from state to state from 2% to 3.3%). All purchasers of real property must
pay this tax whether the acquisition is carried out through a purchase and
sale agreement, donation, trust, assignment, mergers of companies,
split-off, or payment in kind.
Mexican real estate is subject to a 20% capital gains tax on the gross
proceeds from the sales without any deduction. There is another option, net
basis taxation up to 35% (depends on the state and the interpretation of the
notary). Under this tax plan, gain is calculated by deducting from the gross
proceeds (1) the original cost of acquisition, (2) the cost of improvements,
(3) notarial expenses and other costs of sale, including appraisal costs,
and (4) commissions. The original cost is separated between land cost and
cost of buildings, with at least 20% allocated to land. The cost of
buildings and any other improvements is then decreased at 3% per year
between the date of acquisition and date of sale, but the cost is not
decreased below 20% of the original amount. The cost of the land is
increased based on changes in the National Consumer Price Index.
Formula for capital gains tax: AV2(appraised value 2) -AV1(appraised value
1) ?Improvements - Cost of the Sale=Taxable Amount x 35%=Tax Due
Your FM2 or FM3 can help you to avoid capital gains taxes when selling your
property. If someone proves they were living on their property for two years
in Mexico, they can avoid paying any type of capital gains.
Individuals in the restricted zone, who are residents of Mexico (have an
FM3), and who rent their rights in trust property (fideicomisos) must make
provisional payments on their Impuesto Sobre la Renta (Tax on Rents) for
income generated from cash deposits, credits, exchanges coming from rents or
sub-rentals. The calculation will be based on one of two methods; one option
is to pay 1% (on average, based on state) of the gross amount received
during a three-month period, or you can opt to pay around 35% (on average,
based on state) of your net profit.
In order for any authorized expense to be deductible, the taxpayer must
obtain an official invoice, which is known as a FACTURA. This receipt must
be printed on the press of a government-authorized printer and will contain
the RFC number (taxpayer ID number) of the individual or company issuing the
receipt.
Authorized items for deductions are the following:
1. Property taxes, as well as any contributions or local taxes for
improvements, planning or public works expenditures.
2. Maintenance costs that are not related to improvements or additions;
water payment when not paid by the tenant who occupies the property
3. Interest paid for loans obtained for the purchase, construction, or
improvements of the property
4. Employees directly employed at the rental property. Salaries, commissions
and /or fees are deductible, as well as taxes and benefits paid on those
salaries.
5. Insurance premiums on the properties
6. Investment in construction, including additions and improvements (these
expenses are amortized at the rate of 5% per year for construction and 10%
for installation expenses or improvements.
Mexican residents must file a declaration with authorities by the 17th of
each month. An annual declaration is due no later than April 1st the
following year and the difference between provisional payments made and
total tax due, based upon global Mexican income, is due with the annual
return.
Mexico has signed a number of treaties to avoid double taxation with other
countries and their benefit can be applicable depending on the type of
transaction. Taxes that are paid on Mexican income are generally deductions
on U.S. and Canadian income. It is wise, however, for the foreign taxpayer
to check with his or her personal accountant to determine how to declare
these foreign tax payments.
Contract Legalities
A legal real estate contract has 5 necessary parts:
1. Competent parties- This is usually defined as "being of legal age and
sound mind." In Mexico another factor comes into play--language. A person
who doesn't understand Spanish, the legal language of the country, no matter
how mature or intelligent, is not competent in any practical sense.
Therefore, the contract must be translated into English.
2. Lawful Objective- This means that contracts can be voided if it is
discovered that the intent has been to set up a drug business, a house of
prostitution, or some other illegal operation. If one doesn't own a
property, it can't be lawful to try to sell it.
3. Offer and Acceptance- This means that a contract must be signed by both
parties. It must also have a date when it takes effect and must specify the
place where it is signed.
4. Legal Description- Legal descriptions can take several different
forms--metes and bounds, lot and block, government survey--but the key is
that the property must be readily identifiable.
5. Consideration- Consideration accompanies a contract as an evidence of
good faith. It usually means money, although it can take the form of a
promissory note, another piece of property, an item of value like a car or
boat, or even such an intangible as "love and affection."
Title Insurance
Purchasers of Mexican real property can now receive Owner's Policies of
Title Insurance that can be issued on both sides of the border from various
companies to both U.S. and Mexican buyers. Most title insurance policies
today are U.S. contracts of indemnity guaranteeing ownership rights as
vested in a fideicomiso (bank trust) for residential property acquired by
foreign buyers in the prohibited zone, or for properties held in a Mexican
corporation for non-residential purposes (i.e. industrial and commercial).
Mexico is not unlike the U.S. in that there is a definitive legal framework
for ownership of land by foreigners known as the New Foreign Investment Law
(Dec. 28, 1993) and as mandated under Article 27 of the Mexican
Constitution. In addition, there is formality and compliance in the
development of real property. Regulatory statutes and procedures are
mandated on a state-by-state basis and require a series of official
approvals, permits, and authorizations, coupled with public disclosure and
written notification by the governing public agency.
American title Insurance is available for Mexican real estate whether
acquired directly or through a trust. The cost of the insurance depends on
whether the property you are purchasing is covered by a master title
commitment. The best way to protect yourself is to get title insurance. Most
Mexican companies don't sell it, but Houston based Stewart title Guaranty,
Lawyer's Title, and Fidelity National Financial does. The insurance runs
about $4 to $7 for every $1,000 of property value, versus $3 to $4 in most
of the U.S. In addition to title insurance, property insurance is also
available in Mexico and the rates are relatively low. we recommend 1st
American Title Insurance
About Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Mexico state of Quintana Roo
General Info
Location: Eastern Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula Borders: Caribbean Sea and the
states of Yucatan, Campeche and
the country of Belize to the south.
Important cities/sites within the state: Bacalar, Cancun, Chetumal
(capital), islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres,
Playa del Carmen, XCaret, Xel-Ha, Sian Kaan Reserve and the archaeological
zone of Tulum
Major airport(s): Cancun International Airport (CUN), Chetumal International
Airport (CTM), Cozumel Airport (CZM), Isla Mujeres Airport (ISJ)
Population: 880,000
Size: 15,136 square miles
Time Zone: Central Standard Time
Climate: Tropical Wet/Dry
Playa del Carmen
Playa, as it is called, is the most happening place on the coast -- lots of
beach (especially when the wind and currents are flowing in the right
direction), hotels for every budget, a good choice of restaurants, and an
active nightlife, most of which is on or around Avenida 5, Playa's very
popular promenade. In the last few years the town has grown quickly, and
local residents and the tourism board are working hard to keep it from
becoming a smaller version of Cancún. They are encouraging builders to use
the same kind of tropical, slightly quirky architectural style that the town
has become known for.
Cancún Is the reason most people travel to Mexico and offers an unrivaled
combination of high-quality accommodations, dreamy beaches, easy air access,
and a wide diversity of shopping, dining, nightlife, and nearby activities
-- most of them exceptional values. There is also the lure of ancient
cultures evident in all directions and a number of ecologically oriented
theme parks. You will run out of vacation days before you run out of things
to do in
Cancún. Snorkeling, jet-skiing, jungle tours, and visits to ancient Maya
ruins and modern ecological theme parks are among the most popular
diversions. There are a dozen malls with brand-name and duty-free shops
(with European goods at prices better than in the U.S.), and more than 350
restaurants and nightclubs. The 24,000-plus hotel rooms in the area offer
something for every taste and every budget.
Tulum
The town of Tulum (near the ruins of the same name) has a hotel district of
about 30 palapa hotels, which stretch down the coast of the Punta Allen
peninsula. A few years ago it was mainly a destination for backpacker types,
but with some of the most beautiful beaches on this coast and many
improvements in hotel amenities, it now attracts people with bigger budgets.
Construction is booming, both in the town and along the coast. Here you can
enjoy the beach in relative solitude and quiet (unless your hotel is busy
building additional rooms). The flip side of this is that Tulum doesn't have
the variety of restaurants that Playa and Cancún do.
Quintana Roo
Is located on the Yucatan Peninsula, bordered by the Bay of Chetumal and Rio
Hondo to the south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is the youngest
state in the country, as well as the farthest east, meaning it is the first
state to see the sunrise everyday. It is also one of the only states
featuring magnificent underground rivers with limestone sinkholes, perfect
for diving.
Puerto Morelos
This town 30 minutes south of Cancún remains a sleepy little village
affectionately known by the locals as "Muerto Morelos." It has a few small
hotels and rental houses, and in the vicinity are a few secluded spa
resorts. The coast is sandy and well protected by an offshore reef, which
means good snorkeling and diving nearby, but the lack of surf means lots of
seagrass and shallow water. If you're looking for good swimming, you should
head
farther down the coast. If you're looking for a quiet seaside retreat, this
might work for you.
Akumal
The community at Akumal and Half Moon Bay is relatively old for this shore,
which means that it's already built up and doesn't have the boomtown feel of
Playa and Tulum. Akumal has a strong ecological orientation. The locals are
a mix of Americans and Mexicans, who enjoy the unhurried lifestyle of the
tropics, making this a good place to relax and work on your hammock
technique. There are a few hotels; most of the lodging is rental houses.
Consequently, the town is a favorite with families who enjoy the calmness of
the place and can save money by buying groceries and cooking for themselves.
Costa Maya
South of Tulum lies the large Sian Ka'an Biosphere Preserve and, beyond
that, what is known as the Costa Maya, a term that designates the rest of
the coast all the way down to Belize. This coast does not have beaches as
good as those of the Riviera Maya. Most of the coast is along the Majahual
Peninsula, which is very attractive for scuba divers and fly fishermen.
Farther south is Lake Bacalar, a large, clear freshwater lake fed by cenotes
(wells or sinkholes). Inland from here are the many fascinating ruins of the
Río Bec area
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complete MLS for the whole riviera maya including playa del carmen and the
costa maya including Cancun
more properties for sale in Playa del Carmen
Information about Playa del
Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a city on the coast of the Caribbean Sea in the north east
of the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, located at 20.62° North, 87.07° West. The
city is the seat of the Solidaridad municipality. In 2003 the city had a
population of about 50,000 people, though it is rapidly growing in population.
Tourism to Playa del Carmen
began with the passenger ferry service to Cozumel, an island across the Cozumel
Channel and world-famous scuba diving destination. While passing through, many
people realized that it was a nice place to relax away from the crowds of Cancún
but with the same quality beaches and turquoise waters. While not as incredible
as Cozumel, Playa del Carmen's coast offers some good scuba diving
opportunities, as well as cenote diving for the more adventurous.
Today Playa del Carmen, or
just 'Playa' as it is colloquially referred to, is the center of the Riviera
Maya concept, which covers from Cancún to Tulum and the Sian Ka'an biosphere
reserve. All tourist activity in Playa del Carmen centres on the Quinta Avenida,
or Fifth Avenue, is a pedestrian walkway located just one block inland from the
beach, and lined with boutique hotels, shops, bars and restaurants.
Playa Del Carmen wants to
retain its small fishing village and artist colony charm, without becoming as
large or tourist-dependent as Cancún. To this end, the city passed an ordinance
by which all buildings, no matter what, have a limit of three stories, though a
few four story buildings were built before the ordinance.
There is a significant
European influence in Playa, especially Italian. It is not ununsual to find that
the proprietors of a particular hotel, restaurant, or bar are expatriates from
Italy, Argentina, the US, Canada, France, Spain, or one of the many other
country of origins represented among Playa del Carmen's residents. |
