Volunteer Vacations in the Riviera Maya

Family travel experiences can be used as a time to experience different cultures and help others in need and the most important, Build Family Vacation Memories.

If you and your family are interested in experiencing life in another land and culture, why not take a volunteer vacation together? Volunteering in another land and experiencing the challenges together can result in countless rewards. It is important to take the time to investigate the projects and programs and determine which will be a good match for you and your family.

We would like to share some great sponsoring organizations that would greatly appreciate your help.

ANGEL NOTION - Angel Notion is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and donations to provide education, medical aid, and opportunities for people of lesser means and special needs.

CEA Akumal – Centro Ecológico Akumal / Ecology Center (CEA) helps to create models for sustainable tourism development in the Mexican Caribbean, through research, education and outreach.

CESIAK - Sian Ka'an A small ecotourism and education center within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve , it serves as a model for sustainable development in sensitive tropical ecosystems.

Many but not all projects listed are appropriate for families. Take a couple of minutes to visit their site and discover the great job that they and people like You are doing.

NOTE for Locals: Are you actively running or involved in a non – profit organization in the Riviera Maya and Yucatan area? Feel free to let us know more about your project at info@rivieramayaweb.com

Tulum Real Estate - Great price & Amazing appreciation!!

Tulum is expected to be the next big investment opportunity in the Riviera Maya. A lot of people compare it with Playa del Carmen where the profits on the real estate were huge.

Tulum is the next logical choice to grow and to invest in. After battling for years over the permissions to build the international airport in the Riviera Maya finally this april 2010 everybody agreed on the development in Tulum. When the news got out the Real Estate prices already made a jump. So don't wait to invest.

The Award "Best beaches in the world 2010" shows another very attractive aspect of Tulum. There is only a small availibility on residential lots at or near the ocean because Tulums lots are restricted in growth.

On one side Tulum 's development along the ocean comes to a stop by the archeological side if Tulum and on the other end is the protected bisophere Sian Ka'an which gives a home to unique flora and fauna.

Not too long ago Tulum declared itself politically independent from Playa del Carmen and created its own government. Since then the taxes are stazing in Tulum and have been invested in the infrastructure of the town. All this makes Tulum to one of Mexico 's greatest if not the top real estate market in the country.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES!!

1- Lots just released by the original owner at an amazing price. Close to the most developed area in Tulum where the Municipality is creating the future City of Tulum and 500 mts from the Highway.

and around this area usually sells for $12 usd per sqm. If you want to see how your titled land goes from $8.00 to $20.00 per sqm in a couple of years this is the place to buy!!

2- TULUM WHITE  Overlooking 30,000 square feet of spectacular landscaped tropical gardens and minutes away from one of the world´s most beautiful beaches.

Residential complex consisting of 16 villas and 12 condos featuring floor to ceiling glass windows.

Three story Villa, 3 bd and private sunroof $325,000.00 usd

Two story Villa,2 bedrooms, private sunroof $235,000.00

Two bedroom penthouse $175,000.00

Two bedroom condo $165,000.00

Don´t wait to invest, invest and wait!!

Email us at info@rivieramayaweb.com if you would like to get further info.

How to buy Real Estate in Mexico

Mexico offers a broad range of prices and real estate values vary in different parts of the country. However, comparable properties in the U.S. are less expensive in Mexico. Here's how to take advantage of the great real estate deals you can find in Mexico. With its tropical climate, the country makes a great retirement site.

Step 1 - Choose a Notary Public to ensure the purchase process abides by the laws. A Notary Public is a respected office appointed by the governor.
Candidates are licensed attorneys and must pass a rigorous test.

Step 2 - Engage the services of an attorney to act as an intermediary between you and the Notary Public. Ask to see the "cedula professional" a license to practice law in Mexico that includes a photo and signature.

Step 3 - Find a desirable property and verbally agree to a price. Your attorney works with the Notary Public to draw up an agreement of sale. Buying a new property from a developer, the Notary makes sure the developer's permits are in order.

Step 4 - Apply for permission from the Foreign Secretary's office to purchase the property. Signing a document stating that you will not seek foreign jurisdiction in dealings that concern the property is generally a formality.

Step 5 - Get a copy of the land and property deeds from the seller for the Notary to examine. The Notary arranges an appraisal at this point.

Step 6 - Provide your personal documentation as requested. This includes a passport, birth certificates, marriage certificates and a visa. The seller presents the original property deed, paid utility bills and up-to-date invoices for land-service fees.

Step 7 - The owner signs over the deed and only then make payment at the Notary's office. Pay any fees for taxes and services by Notary and attorney at this time.

Tips & Warnings
Foreigners cannot own real estate in the "restricted zone" due to an old law to prevent foreign invasion. Property within 62 miles of a national border or within 31 miles of the coast is off-limits, though a property can be held in trust by a bank and afford the same benefits of ownership to the foreign occupant of the property. Properties in areas outside the restricted zone are bought and sold in much the same way, except that no bank is involved and no real estate trust is required.

Take out Title Insurance that will cover the property in the case of liens. In Mexico, liens are pass with the title.
Contact the U. S. Embassy to make sure the real estate company is reputable. Some real estate companies prefer that foreigners not be aware of the law governing the buying and selling of property.
Both parties must agree to sell a jointly owned property. Make sure the property and all buildings are on the tax register, and that permits and utilities are legal.
Decline the services of the attorney provided by the real estate company. Anyone can set up shop and sell real estate; no licenses or training are required.

Mexico has no governance regarding real estate companies, so there are no normal safeguards. Buying property in Mexico is very much an exercise in knowing the procedures that govern the market.

G (Notary Public)
A Mexican Notary Public Notario is an attorney who has passed various rigorous examinations…….

Bicentennial of the Mexican Independence

2010 is the year of the Bicentennial Celebrations in Mexico. This wonderful country is commemorating 200 years of Independence from Spanish rule and 100 years of its Revolution that began in 1910 and toppled dictator Porfirio Diaz. El Grito every 16th of September is the Mexican Fiesta par excellence! On this day Mexicans all over the world celebrate Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule.

As you know, indigenous peoples were the first to inhabit what is now known as Mexico. They created great civilizations such as the Olmec, the Teotihuacan, Maya, Toltec, and of course the most powerful of all, the Aztec Empire.

After Christopher Columbus “discovered” America, the Spaniards carried out expeditions to find gold and riches from these faraway lands. In 1521, about 500 Spanish soldiers arrived in Mexico, headed by an ambitious man: Hernán Cortés. At this time, the Aztecs had built a great empire that ruled over all Mesoamérica. So the Spaniards decided to direct their attacks towards them.

The indigenous nations that were under the Aztec rule were tired of the physical and economic hardships imposed upon them by this empire. This circumstance made them think that by helping the Conquerors defeat the Aztecs, they would be better off. So they decided to aid the Spaniards. This is how the Conquest of what is now Mexico began.

On the 13th of August 1521, Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor was captured. The indigenous allies of the Spaniards raided Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec empire.
They didn’t know it at the time, but they had been liberated from one oppressor and fallen in the hands of a much more powerful authoritarian.
This was the beginning of three centuries of Spanish rule. The new colony was named Nueva España, New Spain.

The years that followed were devastating. The conquerors brought with them diseases unknown to the natives. The epidemics that broke out as well as the merciless workload imposed upon the natives dramatically diminished the Indian population. There were approximately 20 million Indians inhabiting this territory before the Conquest, and after just one century of Spanish rule there were only 1 million left!

Colonial society was highly stratified. Spaniards born in Spain, occupied the higher echelons, followed by Criollos, those born in Mexico from Spanish parents; Mestizos, the mix- blood offspring of Spaniards and Natives; Indios, Native Indians; Negros, African slaves.

Each socio-ethnic group had different rights and duties. The privileged were the peninsular Spaniards. Discontent steadily grew, especially amongst the Criollos, who were always treated as second-class subjects of the Spanish Crown. It is no surprise then, that Criollos were the spark that ignited the Independence movement.

In 1808, Napoleon invaded Spain, and decided to impose his brother José Bonaparte, as king of Spain (1808-1810). The Criollos found in this circumstance the opportunity to seek their independence form Spain.

Influenced by the concepts of liberty, equality and democracy proposed by the French philosophers Rousseau, Montesquieu, Voltaire, and by the war of Independence of the United States, they decided to start a revolt. It was 1810, and their plan was to start the war on the 2nd of October. Unfortunately, their plans were discovered in early September. The movement was in trouble. They had two alternatives; either abandon their plans, or move faster and start the revolt immediately. Fortunately for our country they decided upon the second alternative.

In the early hours of September 16, 1810, father Hidalgo, accompanied by several conspirators –Iganacio Allende, Doña Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez- rang the bell of his little church, calling everyone to fight for liberty. This was the beginning of the Independence War, which lasted 10 years.

Celebrating!

And this is the moment that every 16th of September is re enacted in every plaza or zócalo of Mexico, and commemorated by Mexicans all over the world.

Streets, houses, buildings and cars are decorated everywhere in the country. On every street corner there are vendors selling flags, balloons, sombreros and rehiletes -shuttlecock, all with the green, white and red, our National Colors.

Flags wave from practically every house and building.

Lighted decorations are set up in every city, the most spectacular being those of the Zócalo, main plaza, in Mexico City. This main plaza of every town and city is the place where the great 16 De Septiembre celebrations take place. People of all ages come to this fiesta, to take part in the collective gaiety!

Food is always a very important part of these festivities. Literarily hundreds of stands are set up several days before and offer the traditional antojitos, most aptly described as a variety of finger foods, Mexican candies, and punch. Punch. ponche, is a drink made of fruits that are in season: guayabas, sugarcane, raisins and apples, and such a delicious aroma!

During September, Mes de la Patria, the month of our nation as it is called in Mexico, restaurants serve traditional Mexican dishes, such as Mole Poblano, Chiles en Nogada, Guacamole and chips.

During the evening of September 15, people start gathering in the zócalo. Many people walk around dressed in typical Mexican dress: men as Charros and women as China Poblanas, or indigenous dresses. Those who don't own a typical outfit, at least dress find something to wear in the colors of the flag. And the Riviera Maya is not the exception.

Live Mariachi Music bands play to the delight of all present. There are also photography stands where one can have a picture taken, attired with a sombrero and atop a wooden horse! The euphoria is collective and all are prepared to shout, yell and make as much noise as possible with fake trumpets, noisemakers and whistles!

As the evening advances, the plaza gradually fills with more and more people; suddenly there is practically no room to move. Excitement and euphoria reach a crescendo at the culminating moment when a government official arrives in the zócalo, at 11:00 P.M. to give the grito or cry of Independence. This ritual recreates the moment in which Father Hidalgo, gathered his followers in Dolores Guanajuato.

It is customary for our President to deliver the grito in Mexico City’s zócalo. It is in this plaza, atop Palacio Nacional, the National Palace -a beautiful colonial building where the President’s offices are located-, that the original bell rung by Hidalgo is placed. And this is the bell that is rungevery 16th of September.

The ceremony reaches the high point when the crowd joins in proudly shouting out the names of the heroes of our Independence, to end with the exciting VIVA MÉXICO!

When the grito ceremony ends, the sky lights up with multicolored rockets that shower our hearts with the pride of knowing that we are a free and independent nation.

Courtesy: http://www.inside-mexico.com/featureindep.htm

If you are planning to come to Playa del Carmen during September visit us online to check out our portfolio in ocean front and ocean view vacation rentals and contact us to ask for availability and last minute deals.