Mayan Riviera Family Vacations.com, a website with great advice to vacationing families on the Mayan Riviera, has partnered with Moskito Vacation Rentals, to provide affordable/top quality family vacation rentals.

Moskito was created based on the needs of highly demanding vacation homeowners who expect an extremely professional and personal service in the Riviera Maya complemented by top quality accommodations for vacation rentals. Visit the Riviera Maya and choose one of Moskito’s top quality vacation rentals in Playa del Carmen so you can enjoy a more intimate environment with your family and friends.

The eighty-one mile stretch, known as the Riviera Maya is situated in the Mexican Caribbean on the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Beginning eleven miles south of the Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos, the Riviera Maya extends to Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a small town near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The region features the tranquility of uncrowded beaches, caressed by calm, turquoise waters and bathed by gentle breezes, a vast network of underground rivers, over 100 cenotes, the action of eco-adventure sports including kayaking, mountain biking, world class scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching and deep sea fishing. The Riviera Maya also offers many of Mexico’s most significant Mayan archeological sites like Tulum, Coba and Chichenitza, the varied activities of the eco-archeological parks, plus golf courses, shopping and gourmet dining.

During your stay Moskito will provide maid service, clean towels and linens and personally take care of your concerns so you can lay back, relax and enjoy your vacation.

For more information regarding a condo rental on the Mayan Riviera, please go to Mayan Riviera Family Vacations.com

About Mayan Riviera Family Vacations.com: Gives advice from a family experienced in vacationing on the Mayan Riviera.

Playa del Carmen Real Estate – Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a strong growing investment market. New businesses are coming up left and right. The Mall of America is being built on the north end of town. There is a new shopping area on the south end of town as well and a new Sorania grocery store, Price Club, and a huge Cineplex. There is also a new hospital just outside of Playacar.

All this growth is imperative to provide infrastructure and services to help support the permanent population base and allow the tourist area to develop as it needs to, to support the increased tourism.

According to Shawn Bandick with One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen has seen great rental returns and increased value in real estate holdings! Many investors who bought multiple units in pre-construction are selling now. This is giving Playa del Carmen an inventory base of good value new condos and villas complete and ready to move into. There are plenty of quality new projects in the works around town and still they are selling out before they are complete. For the buyer who prefers to stand in the condo and see the view rather than buy off building plans, there are also great opportunities. Whether you prefer pre-construction opportunities or finished construction, Playa del Carmen has a lot to offer with a very exciting future. Playa del Carmen has the best of both worlds for their investors.

Current Real Estate Market Conditions on the Mayan Riviera

When asked “Does the current market have more buyers than sellers?”, Gabriel A.Villarreal Guerra, a Real Estate Advisor at KulTur Enterprises says “In my humble opinion, I strongly believe that its still a buyers market in the Riviera Maya. Basic fundamental economics – supply and demand – are showing that more and new clients are taking a closer look at Playa, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, Majahual, and Cancun. We are experiencing exponential growth and more tourism as time goes by, therefore the market NEEDS more supply of living area. Huge investors are considering coming in the market BIG, so is the clear example with Kor Group. If we put in an equal balance clientele or potential clientele versus new Developers and new Hotels, in my opinion, it’s still a buyers market: 65% Buyers Vs. 35% Developers/Hotels. At KulTur we have potential buyers coming in weekly in dozens, and our sales stats are growing on a constant rate. If you put in perspective how many new Developers or Hotels comes in the market versus Potential Buyers, Buyers are winning the race.”

To own YOUR own piece of Heaven, here are some wonderful condominium suggestions on the Mayan Riviera.

Ahhh! the beaches on the Mayan Riviera! The beaches on the Mayan Riviera is probably what makes for the biggest attraction to the Mayan Riviera. The water is an amazing light and dark turquoise blue and is very clear. The sand is very white and powdery soft. Oh, and the Mexican sun is very warm and inviting. So very relaxing!

Below are some favorite beaches of the Mayan Riviera. Check them all out for yourself, they are all open to the public…

Playa Tukan Beach

Known as one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in Playa Del Carmen, Playa Tukan is also well-known for its lively beach club atmosphere. Here you will find restaurants and beach bars with moderately priced drinks and food, watersports, lounge chairs, and umbrellas for rent (for those guests not staying at the nearby hotels). This is a great spot to relax and enjoy Playa Del Carmen’s laid-back beach atmosphere. Playa Tukan is located at Avenida Constituyentes in Playa del Carmen.

Mamitas Beach

The Mamitas Beach has beautiful covered beach beds, beach volleyball, excellent beach access, great tunes, and a restaurant and bar on site. It is also the annual host for the fashion show produced by Fashion TV. The best way to get to Mamitas is by the access road on Avenue First South between 28th and 30th Streets.

Shangri-La Beach

Shangri-La Beach is a wonderful family beach. It is not very crowded with people, the sand is soft and the ocean at Shangri-La is very calm. There is not loud music or wild crowds at this beach, so if you are looking for rest and relaxation and some Mexican sun, this is the beach for you. The Shangri-La Beach is located at Avenida 38.

Coco Beach

This is a very quiet beach, somehow isolated from the main area in town but close enough to walk there. Waves are not very strong in this area, and the water is relatively shallow. You can also do some snorkeling at Coco Beach. Coco Beach is located at Avenida Andres Quintana Roo in Playa del Carmen.

Tulum Beach

The Tulum Beach is the absolute most beautiful beach on this world! The water is so clear and turquoise blue and the sand is very white and powdery. Now, you are in a much more secluded area than the other beaches mentioned above. The Playa del Carmen beaches have many more people on them with lots more happening. Tulum Beach is located 1 hour south of Playa del Carmen by car or bus on highway 307. It is worth the drive!!!

Don’t miss these wonderful beaches while on your vacation to the Riviera Maya. Here are some more ideas for a great family vacation on the Riviera Maya.

Two activities that I found very exciting were four-wheeling and snorkeling in a cenote near some Mayan ruins. This took place on a scorching hot afternoon in the middle of July, deep in the verdant jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula. Surprisingly, this was actually only a short drive from our hotel. Following a quick lesson from our instructor, Hector, on how to operate an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), we were on our way into the jungle on a rocky, dusty trail. It was the first time I had operated an ATV all by myself, so, despite the dust, bugs, and exhaust fumes, I felt free and independent. After a challenging ride through the jungle past some ancient ruins, we arrived at the mid-point of the trail. From here, we hiked down a more narrow path, crowded by trees, vines and underbrush – a little spooky! At the end of the walking path, we came to the gigantic cenote, which is a sinkhole filled with crystal-clear water. Hector said, “just dive right in and see how refreshing the water is!” So, we grabbed our snorkeling gear and quickly jumped in. Almost immediately after my skin touched the sparkling water, I realized Hector’s true definition of “refreshing” – COLD! Ignoring the frigid temperature, I put my face into the “refreshing” water and my eyes were filled with amazement. I could see stalagmites and stalactites, plus all sorts of fish and plants. It was like a huge aquarium. We swam all around and explored this underground cave, and, just when my toes were turning blue, Hector informed us that it was time to head back. After some quick pictures, we hiked back to the ATVs and rode back to the starting point. All the way back, I was thinking about how great the afternoon had been.

On another day of the vacation, we went zip-lining, which is gliding high above the jungle floor on a thick cable. The rider is strapped into a harness which connects to a pulley that rolls along a cable stretched between two high platforms. It was an exhilarating experience, especially since I am afraid of heights! This adventure began with an early morning ride into the jungle, followed by a bike ride to the first platform. A new guide, not Hector, gave us helmets and harnesses. She also explained how to use a crooked tree branch as a brake if we wanted to slow down while on the cable. When it was my turn, I hooked my harness to the cable and grabbed my brake stick. My knees trembled and my heart pumped fast. I was so scared, I forgot to unhook my safety clip from the tower rail. The guide unhooked me and said, “push!” I could hear my dad cheering me on. Reluctantly, I pushed off with my feet and began my first glide. When I looked around, I could hardly believe my eyes. I was flying high above the tall trees and rocky terrain, and the dense jungle stretched as far as I could see. It was so exciting, I forgot all about being scared of heights. Before long, I arrived at the end, and, using my tree branch to slow me down, made a near-perfect landing on the second platform. After that first ride, I couldn’t wait to experience the remaining zip-lines. When we were done, we swam in another cenote – BONUS! After enjoying a lunch in the jungle prepared by native Mayans, we traveled back to the hotel and rested in hammocks on the beach, a perfect end to a perfect day.

Being a person who adores animals of all sorts, I especially enjoyed my final adventure in Tulum, swimming with dolphins! This event occurred at an outdoor aquarium, where I was part of a tour group. Most, including myself, had never touched a dolphin, so we prepared to get to know them. While waiting near the water, I saw two slick dorsal fins pierce the surface of the water, creating silent ripples that followed two gray shapes in the water. The dolphins, Lula and Jack, soon swam up and I quickly fell in love. They were so adorable, with gleaming eyes and gentle faces. All I could think about was the fun ahead. When it was my turn in line, Jack, a white-tipped dolphin, stretched out his flippers and gave me a big hug. Then, he gave me a big wet kiss right on the lips! Next, the guide told me to swim out into the open water and wait there with my arms spread out. Quickly, the two dolphins appeared on each side of me, waiting for me to grab their dorsal fins. I grasped their fins and they swam forward, pulling me through the water. After the ride, I was tingling with excitement, knowing the best was yet to come. I again swam out into open water and waited, this time with my arms and legs spread out. I stiffened my legs and soon felt the dolphins begin to push me with their snouts, faster and faster. Suddenly, I rose up out of the water, gliding along, propelled by two dolphin engines under my feet! It was a fantastic feeling.

The Mayan Riviera is a beautiful place to visit and it also a great place to pursue new adventures such as four-wheeling, snorkeling in cenotes, zip-lining and even swimming with real dolphins. I feel very lucky to have experienced these activities while there on vacation. Such activities are not part of my every-day events, are very were more exciting and special than the things I normally consider to be fun. One could even say that getting to participate in these activities changed my idea of what fun really is.

More information regarding Mayan Riviera Family Vacations can be found at <a href=”http://www.mayan-riviera-family-vacations.com”> Mayan Riviera Family Vacations.com </a>

Did you know that you will find “discounted prices” while shopping on Fifth Avenida?

Shopping on Fifth Avenida in downtown Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a “must do” for vacationers. Take at least a day (at least) to do some shopping on Fifth Street. There are so many different types of shops to choose from. Are you in the market for perfume? How about some leather goods? Need a couple items from the local pharmacy? Be sure to negotiate on all your favorite items such as t-shirts, mayan jewelry, sundresses, silver jewelry, cigars, silver mayan statutes, decorated pottery, mexican rugs, baskets, handmade hammocks, and crocheted tablecloths.

Do you have a craving for finer jewelry such as gold, tanzinite, ruby, or emerald? Well, they have it and at a great price. For women, this is the perfect place to pick up some really quality jewelry….especially mayan, since it’s in fashion. It be can picked it up here for 1/4 the cost you’ll pay in the states and you’ll be able to afford those pieces inlaid with Malici, Lapis and the like. Even the finer jewelry stores are a bargain and those items are guaranteed. They’ll repair or replace if your piece breaks or needs repaired. They have websites with locations and instructions. Some of these finer jewelry stores even offer trade-in’s or even trade-up’s.

Leather is also a good buy there. Go ahead and pick up those leather purses, backpacks and the kind. Pretty much anything your heart desires is found on Fifth Avenida….and at very reasonable prices! Have I mentioned that yet? Not only will you get a break on prices, the USD is generally worth $1.25 in Playa. So go ahead and splurge! Worried about carrying around tons of cash? Then fear no more, most of the stores and vendors accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. But stick to either Visa or Mastercard, because not everyone accepts American Express or Discover. By the way, in Playa del Carmen, you can get a better deal on items than you can in Cancun by at least 25%. Remember…negotiate!

Fifth Avenida offers much more than shopping, there are numerous restaurants, eateries, nightclubs, and just a cool place to hang out at. Stop and talk to the locals. They are happy to chat with you.

Did you know that you will find “discounted prices” while shopping on Fifth Avenida?

Shopping on Fifth Avenida in downtown Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a “must do” for vacationers. Take at least a day (at least) to do some shopping on Fifth Street. There are so many different types of shops to choose from. Are you in the market for perfume? How about some leather goods? Need a couple items from the local pharmacy? Be sure to negotiate on all your favorite items such as t-shirts, mayan jewelry, sundresses, silver jewelry, cigars, silver mayan statutes, decorated pottery, mexican rugs, baskets, handmade hammocks, and crocheted tablecloths.

Do you have a craving for finer jewelry such as gold, tanzinite, ruby, or emerald? Well, they have it and at a great price. For women, this is the perfect place to pick up some really quality jewelry….especially mayan, since it’s in fashion. It be can picked it up here for 1/4 the cost you’ll pay in the states and you’ll be able to afford those pieces inlaid with Malici, Lapis and the like. Even the finer jewelry stores are a bargain and those items are guaranteed. They’ll repair or replace if your piece breaks or needs repaired. They have websites with locations and instructions. Some of these finer jewelry stores even offer trade-in’s or even trade-up’s.

Leather is also a good buy there. Go ahead and pick up those leather purses, backpacks and the kind. Pretty much anything your heart desires is found on Fifth Avenida….and at very reasonable prices! Have I mentioned that yet? Not only will you get a break on prices, the USD is generally worth $1.25 in Playa. So go ahead and splurge! Worried about carrying around tons of cash? Then fear no more, most of the stores and vendors accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. But stick to either Visa or Mastercard, because not everyone accepts American Express or Discover. By the way, in Playa del Carmen, you can get a better deal on items than you can in Cancun by at least 25%. Remember…negotiate!

Fifth Avenida offers much more than shopping, there are numerous restaurants, eateries, nightclubs, and just a cool place to hang out at. Stop and talk to the locals. They are happy to chat with you.

“For more information regarding Shopping in Playa del Carmen, go to Mayan Riviera Family Vacations.com“

Diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen, Mexico is an absolute wonderful activity for the whole family to do together on a family vacation. There are some great places to dive and snorkel in and around Playa. Safety first though, make sure that every family member wears a life jacket when snorkeling. It is an activity for both beginner and expert swimmers as long as you are provided with life jackets and snorkel equipment.

Should you want to venture off yourself and not take a tour with a guide OR should you like to go with a tour guide, either way, there are 3 great places to snorkel around Playa del Carmen.

Xel-Ha – A beautiful outdoor water theme park (ecological park) located 33.5 miles south of Playa del Carmen. At Xel-Ha, you will be amazed by the exotic flora and fauna that the park treasures. For your convenience, there are several stands to rent snorkel equipment where you can get full equipment rentals, mask rentals, flippers and wet suits.

Akumal (Yal Ku Lagoon) – Akumal is a small town located 23 miles south of Playa del Carmen not far from Xel-Ha. You may want to go on a tour provided by one of the two dive shops in town. It is about $40 USD per person. Or, rent or buy your own equipment and swim out alone. The coral reefs are not too far from the shore and can be easily accessed by swimming, especially with the help of a life preserver. Much of the bay is not more than five feet deep. Be very careful to stay away from the “fire reef” marked with buoys and a distinctive red colored coral. It stings and excessive contact can be fatal. Since coral dies on human contact, you should avoid touching coral at all costs. It is also illegal to touch the wildlife, such as the sea turtles.

Marina Maroma – Maroma is the site of the world’s second largest barrier reef and just offshore, you will find world-class Playa diving-snorkeling with your own guides. The marine life there is absolutely delightful, and the colors are vibrant and exciting. Maroma Beach is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, only 20 minutes by car fron Cancun International Airport.

“For more information regarding Diving and Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen, go to Mayan Riviera Family Vacations.com“

Which Small Boutique Hotel is your favorite in Playa del Carmen, Mexico?

For a relaxing, quaint, or even romantic beach vacation, try one of the Small Boutique Hotels in Playa del Carmen listed below. Each hotel is unique in its own way, but all of them do have one thing in common… they are geared to those who seek rest and relaxation. If you would like to get away from the stress of the city, one of these hotels would be your very best bet for accommodations for a wonderful and relaxing beach vacation. Even though these hotels are small and quaint, they are still very conveniently located in the heart of Playa del Carmen….on or around Fifth Avenida! Location, location, location!

Playa del Carmen, Mexico offers vacationers a wide variety of activities for the whole family! From the ocean and beach, snorkeling and diving, deep sea fishing, the Mayan ruins, to shopping on Fifth Avenida.

Plan your next vacation on the Mayan Riviera. Start with a Small Boutique Hotel in Playa del Carmen…

For more information regarding Playa’s Small Boutique Hotels, go to Mayan Riviera Family Vacations.com

Acanto Hotel – Creates a Unique, Blissful Elegance and Ambiance. Feel the Energy of the Mayan Riviera! Acanto Hotel & Suites offers concierge service, 24 hour security, private chef, swimming pool, luxurious gardens, roof-top sun deck with barbecue facilities, and a spectacular sunrise-sunset vista of the Caribbean. Those who are looking for quality, privacy and style – from singles to newlyweds, family reunions to business getaways and even celebrities – have enjoyed a safe, exotic, environmentally friendly, refined haven with them. They have 7 very private and charming suites. Whether you choose a private suite at Acanto Hotel & Suites or a room at one of their other properties in town, they offer a full complement of guest services, including internet access, secretarial services, daily maid attention, linen service and currency exchange.

Blue Parrot Hotels – Synonymous with the Playa del Carmen Beach Experience for hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world! Today, Blue Parrot is the gateway to the best of Playa del Carmen. The three boutique hotel properties, two restaurants and world class clubing has been lovingly designed with its own unique flavor–enabling them to offer a flexible range of options to fit your personal style and budget. American-owned and operated, the Blue Parrot is staffed with a highly experienced international team committed to making your stay pleasant, carefree and memorable. Join them once and you’ll understand why the Blue Parrot has been a favorite choice for discriminating visitors to Playa del Carmen for 23 years.

Blue Pearl Suites – Enter a Relaxed and Authentique Atmosphere. Each Suite is Unique and will Delight you with its Personality and Intimate Ambiance…. In the heart of “Playa”, a few steps from the beach, the Blue Pearl Suites are the key to your dreamed vacations. Follow your senses…Enter a relaxed and authentique atmosphere. Find yourself on endless beaches and turquoise seas…or rest in your private jacuzzi, indulging the view. Free yourself from the stress of big hotels, enjoy the food you like sharing wonderful moments with the ones you love. Here’s a brief account of what they have for you in these 8 suites with private jacuzzis…Each suite is unique and will delight you with its personality and intimate ambiance, as it becomes the starting point to many expeditions throughout the Mayan Riviera.

Playa Maya Hotel – “Of the beach hotels in downtown Playa, this one would be my first choice”. “One thing that really strikes my fancy is that you enter this hotel from the beach…it just sets the mood of the place”. “The design and location make it a quiet hotel, too”. Frommer’s Review. Playa Maya, a cozy hotel that first opened its doors in the summer of 2002, is located right on the beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the capital of the Mayan Riviera. A tranquil site located quite close to 5th Avenue, the heart of activity in Playa, they offer you a perfect base from which to explore all the wonders of the Mexican Caribbean, including the wealth of scuba diving, snorkeling and deep sea fishing activities on offer, the archaeological ruins of the ancient Maya at Tulum, Cobá and Chichén Itzá, eco-parks such as Xcaret and Xel-Há, and the attractions and facilities of Cancun and the island of Cozumel, less than an hour away by car and by ferry, respectively.

Hotel Posada Mariposa – Here Life Slows to a Peace as Gentle as the Caribbean Breeze… Hotel Mariposa is a little cozy hotel in Playa del Carmen, where you can find the vacation you are looking for. It is located on the famous 5th avenue only a few steps from the beach. It is building in three levels with 23 comfortable rooms. Here, life slows to a peace as gentle as the Caribbean breeze. Delight the turquoise waters and unique charms of a once sleepy fishing village that has become a favorite destination of visitors from all over the world. Welcome to enjoy their little town, Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to set up your trip to Mexico.

(This article was written by my 12 yr. old daughter while vacationing on the Mayan Riviera with our family.)

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When the dolphin came close, a feeling swept over my whole body. The feeling made my body tingle from the top of my head to the very tip of my toes. It was a kind of feeling that made me feel safe and calm, but on the other hand, it made me feel joyful and excited at the same time. With the body so slick and the face so full of respect and gentleness, I could hardly keep myself from leaping out and hugging it to death. With the disgusting green moss and the tiny sea scum creeping through my toes, all I could think about was the beautiful scene ahead. But when I was lifted through the salty air, by these wonderful creatures, I then realized the real beauty of the dolphins. The gracefulness, the passion, and true kindness of dolphins made me realize that not just them, but all of the inhabitants in this great world, are all combined in one heart, in one house, where each and every one of us need to take care of each other, no matter the size, or strength, or abilities. We need to help not just because people tell us to, but also because their lives and hopes may lie in our own hands. This one trip out of nowhere made me recognize the way the species live and die in this tragic but miraculous world. I truly recommend you participate in the Dolphin Discovery, where you will find out truly what an adventure is. The only other thing I can say is it feels “just like magic”.

(This article was written by my 12 yr. old daughter while vacationing on the Mayan Riviera with our family.)

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In the pitch black night, deep in the verdant rainforest of the Yucatan Peninsula, a furry creature swings swiftly from branch to branch, calling so loud, you can hear it from five kilometers away through deep jungle growth. The question is though, what is it coming from? Wait, it sounds like a jaguar. No, it cannot be, it’s a monkey?

With the head and body length from 22 to 36 inches, the tail length from 23 to 36 inches, and adults weigh from 9 to 22 pounds, the six species of howling monkeys are among the largest America or New World monkeys. Their hair is course and their faces are naked and males are visibly larger than females. Males are black and females are brown in color. Known as the baboon in Belize, black howler monkeys live and travel in small groups and are reported to eat more leaves than any other New World monkey in the world. Their average life span is about 16 to 20 years in the wild and their scientific name is Alouatta Pigra or Alouatta Caraya.

The monkey rarely comes down to earth from his high perch. Why? He was once pronounced as the God of writing to the Mayan. The Mayan, who lived in the Yucatan Peninsula, developed one of the most sophisticated written language native to the Americas. As weird and unusual as it is, no one really knows much about the appearance of the Mayan, either.

Screams of the monkey are often mistaken by visitors for those of a jaguar. It screams so loud that you can hear it from 5 kilometers away through vast jungles. But as rare as these screams and other features of this monkey are, throughout most its range, this furry animal is now endangered as the rainforest habitats shrink and as the monkeys are hunted down by many people. These poor inhabitants need our help in saving their lives from the fatal disasters. What will you do to save these remarkable creatures?