Location:
The Riviera Maya is a 72-mile stretch along the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The Riviera Maya begins south of the Cancun International Airport at Playa del Secreto, and ends at Punta Allen, a small fishing village within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Population:
The population of the Riviera Maya is approximately 70,000 residents comprising mainly of Mexicans and Mayans, as well as many foreigners who have come to live here from all across the globe.

Language:
Spanish is the official language. In the tourism industry, English, German and Italian are also widely spoken. Many of the locals still preserve their ancient Mayan tongue.

Ports of Entry:
Cancun is the primary port of entry for landside visitors. Visiting yachts should contact the Mexican Government Tourist Board for ports of entry, customs and immigration. Yachtsmen will find excellent marina facilities in the Riviera Maya at Puerto Aventuras.

Taxes:
(I.V.A.) tax is often already included in restaurant and bar bills, room rates and shopping prices. Check with the hotel or store clerk and waiter to inquire whether the tax has already been added.

Animals:
Each visitor is allowed to enter with two pets (cats and dogs only) along with a letter from a veterinarian stating that they have received a recent bill of health.

Churches:
The religion in the Riviera Maya is predominantly Catholic, although some of the local population practices the Mayan religion. The mass in Akumal is celebrated in the church in the little town across the highway from the beach. There are also churches in Puerto Aventuras and Playa del Carmen. Mass is usually held at 6:00 PM on Sundays.

Currency Exchange:
The rate of exchange is subject to fluctuation. Purchases may be made in Mexican pesos or U.S. currency, credit cards or travelers checks. Currency and travelers checks can be exchanged at our office in Akumal and at most hotels, restaurants and shops. Rates may very. Pesos may be reconverted to foreign currency at the Airport Bureau of Exchange upon departure.

Credit Cards:
Most major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and resorts. However, some retail stores, restaurants and bars may not accept credit cards. Gasoline purchases are almost always made in cash. It is always best to inquire before making any purchases.

Cash Advances:
Cash advances on debit cards can be done at any ATM; You can find it at any bank in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Cancun. Advances with a Visa or Mastercard can only be done at Bank. If you carry an American Express card, cash advances can only be done in Cancun at the American Express office.

Departure Tax:
International departure tax from Cancun International Airport is approximately US$38. This tax is sometimes included in your ticket; if it is not, the departure tax must be paid in cash. No credit cards or checks are accepted.

Electrical System:
110 volts/60 cycles is standard. You may need an adapter, as some Mexican outlets cannot accommodate polarized and three-prong plugs. Any dual-voltage appliances or laptop computers may require an adapter.

Firearms/Drugs:
It is illegal to take firearms, ammunition or illegal drugs into or out of Mexico

Communications:
Telex, facsimile, cable, radio, television, and telephones can be found in the larger towns of the Riviera Maya. Internet and e-mail services are also available. Credit cards can be used to place overseas phone calls, or telephone cards for $30, $50 & $100 pesos can be purchased at the grocery store.

Telephones:
Bilingual operators will assist with your telephone calls. There are internet cafes in Akumal, you can also make phone calls, send faxes from there. Public telephones outside of most of the stores and hotels in Akumal. These public telephones are cellular phones so to make them work, you have to buy a telephone card. It will work, but there will most likely be a charge even if you are dialing a toll free number in Mexico. Also, most toll free number in the U.S. do not work from Mexico as a free call. There will more than likely be a minimum charge.

The country code for Mexico is (52), if you are calling from the U.S, you first must dial (011). When placing calls within Quintana Roo, a (01 + ) plus 10 additional digits is dialed. Dial only the seven digits when making local calls. A charge is normally added to international calls when calling from your hotel.
Ask your hotel operator about their charge policies before placing a call.

Mail and Postal Rates:
Stamps for outgoing mail to the U.S. are $4.20 pesos for postcards and letters. To Europe, $6 pesos for postcards and letters. Rates are subject to change. The cost of a letter may vary depending on its weight. We have a post office in Akumal right at the Centro Ecologico of Akumal. Working days are: Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00AM to 3:00PM. You can buy postcards in most grocery stores and gift shops.

Time Zone:
Central Standard Time. Mexico observes daylight savings time, although time change usually occurs on different days than of the U.S.

Weather:
Akumal can sometimes have surprise rain showers during the day and any time of the year, although the rainy season is generally from June through October. The temperature in the summer is around 80°F and in the winter, it can get down to around 60°F in the evenings with warmer temperatures during the day.

Water:
Potable water is readily available at most tourist locations. Bottled drinking water is available throughout the region. In your hotel, do not drink water from the tap, the maid or gardener will change the bottle of purified water when it gets low. All restaurants in and around the Riviera Maya serve purified water and ice.

Tipping:
Tipping is voluntary. Usually 10%-15% is generally accepted at restaurants. In some cases, a gratuity may be already added to your check, though it may not be stated on the menu. This practice varies depending on the establishment, so be sure to ask before paying the bill. Inquire, and tip accordingly. In accommodations, people generally leave a tip of around 5% of the total rent, depending on the quality of service you have received.

Special Events:
April/May: Silver Lighthouse Tournament- Puerto Aventuras Sport fishing tournament.
May/June: Jazz Festival
July: Señorita Riviera Maya: Beauty contest organized by the government. Contestants wear typical dress of the region and must know the history of the state.
July/August: Riviera Maya Expo- Gastronomic, cultural, historic, artistic exhibitions and animals. Celebrated in honor of the virgin of El Carmen Nuestra Señora del Carmen. 19 colonies or industrial sectors carry the virgin to her home. Festival Cultural del Caribe - Music, dance, theater, literature and conferences, organized by the government.

Medical Facilities:
There are doctors on call at many major hotels and resorts, as well as drugstores that provide pharmaceuticals. There is a pharmacy in Akumal Town, open everyday from 9AM to 9PM, there is a Doctor. Visitors carrying prescription medications or needles need to bring an authorization letter (in English or Spanish) from their pharmacy or doctor; or a leaflet containing a description of the medication. Hospitals and modern medical facilities are found within the region as well a small centro de salud open everyday.

Medical Services:
In cities and small towns you can find the Seguro Social Hospitals and private clinics. Playa del Carmen and Cancun have many private practices and specialists as well as full service hospitals.

In case of an emergency:
Dr. Nestor Mendoza Gutierrez does house calls in and around Akumal.
Phone: (52) 984 876 0710
Cellular: (52) 984 876 2250

Dra. Lizbeth Nahalia M. (bilingual MD)

Phone: (52) 984 875 9334
phone: (52) 984 875 9372

Diver Decompression Chamber:Hyperbaric Medical Center; Playa del Carmen-

Phone: 984 873 1365

International Medical Services, Playa del Carmen

Dr. Victor Macias
Tel: 984 873 0493, 984 873 1344

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