Puerto Morelos, Mexico – Short Travel Guide
Puerto Morelos, Mexico – Short Travel Guide
Puerto Morelos, Mexico – Short Travel Guide
Puerto Morelos is an ideal place to go for those who want to spend a quiet beach holiday without all the glamour of Cancun or Playa del Carmen. The well-developed tourist resort offers a variety of amenities, but is small enough to be crossed from one end to the other in a walk of about 15 minutes. In the region, Puerto Morelos is nicknamed “La Joya del Caribe”, the jewel of the Caribbean.
Content: Puerto Morelos, Mexico – Short Travel Guide
The top 4 reasons for a trip to Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos offers much more than just a beach holiday. It is a place where you can relax, have fun and experience the beauty of nature and the culture of Mexico. If you are looking for an unforgettable holiday, you should put Puerto Morelos on your list!
What to expect
Puerto Morelos in Mexico is a real insider tip for those who want to spend a relaxing holiday on the Caribbean coast without the hustle and bustle of Cancun or Playa del Carmen. The place is a former fishing village that has retained its charm and authenticity. Here you can sunbathe on a beautiful beach, snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear water, or explore the fascinating nature of the jungle. Doesn’t that sound fantastic?
At the small dock downtown there are boats for snorkeling and sport fishing trips, while the larger yachts dock at the slightly more modern harbor in the south of the village.
The reef off the coast is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest reef in the world. It is part of a strictly protected nature reserve with great biodiversity and rare tropical fish, turtles and corals – a paradise for diving and snorkeling. Off the coast, extensive mangrove forests provide a home for hundreds of bird species, wildlife and plants such as orchids.
Where is Puerto Morelos?
Puerto Morelos in the state of Quintana Roo is a small fishing village on the Riviera Maya, the Caribbean coast of Mexico. The village is located about 36 km south of Cancun, halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Puerto Morelos today: Cancun’s quiet little neighbor
Puerto Morelos is a fishing village and tourist resort alike, but has retained its original charm compared to Cancun or Playa del Carmen. However, Puerto Morelos has also grown with tourism. The population of Mexicans, Americans, Canadians and Europeans has increased from just under 700 to more than 9,000 people since 1980.
Buildings in Puerto Morelos should not have more than three floors due to legal requirements in order to preserve the village charm of the place. The offer of boutique hotels, villas and holiday homes is complemented by many small restaurants, bars and shops for tourists who feel more attracted by their personal ambience than by tourist strongholds. A few minutes from the center there is also a small market where nice souvenirs, hammocks and local crafts are offered.
On the land side of highway 307 is a newer district of Puerto Morelos, which houses the homes of many locals. The Colonia Zetina Gazca, also called “La Colonia”, offers small shops, pharmacies and restaurants, which are more focused on the needs of the locals and not aiming too much towards tourism.
Puerto Morelos in the past: Blooming export harbor and source of chewing gum
Puerto Morelos was not always just a fishing village or a small town. At the beginning of the 19th century it was called Punta Corcha and was an internationally renowned export harbor for a highly sought-after luxury item – chewing gum. The ancient Maya are known to some for the discovery of the number zero and the chocolate. The same can actually be said of chewing gum.
There is a tree growing in the region, the so called Sapote tree. Its fruits are very tasty. And when his trunk is injured, he secretes a milky juice – the so-called Chicle. It is boiled and processed into an elastic mass. The Mayans have chewed this mass for dental care and oral hygiene.
When chewing gum became internationally fashionable in the 1920s, the Chicle harvest of the entire region was shipped via Puerto Morelos. Because the city had the only port on the Caribbean coast that was deep enough to allow even larger ships to dock. Puerto Morelos experienced an incredible boom during this time.
When synthetic products were used as a base for chewing gum in the mid-40s, Puerto Morelos has become quiet again. But the Chicleros, who walked alone through the jungle on their way to the trees, have also made history elsewhere. No one knew the jungle and its hidden secrets as they did. And for centuries they have helped researchers as guides, taking them to the ruins of ancient Mayan cities.
How to get to Puerto Morelos
The closest airport is in Cancun. If your hotel does not offer a pick-up service, you can take a taxi at the airport. For taxis, you should always agree the fare with the driver before you get in. Optionally, you can also book a shuttle service online.
The public bus station in Puerto Morelos has been permanently closed since the pandemic. However, since the opening of Tren Maya in 2024, the city has also been easily accessible via a modern rail connection.
Hotels in Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a charming fishing village in the Riviera Maya with a relaxed and authentic atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean without sacrificing the comfort and amenities you want for your vacation.
Among the many great hotels in Puerto Morelos are:
In Puerto Morelos, you’ll find a variety of hotels to suit all tastes and budgets, from luxurious resorts to cozy boutique hotels. Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure or relaxation, you’re sure to find it in Puerto Morelos.
Getting around
Puerto Morelos is so small that you will be fine walking. If you are scheduling trips to the surrounding area, a rental car may be useful. For visits to Cancún or Playa del Carmen, a taxi is recommended. The public bus has not served the city since the pandemic.
Puerto Morelos Beach
Puerto Morelos has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya, which are ideal for relaxation, snorkeling and diving. Here are some of the best beaches of Puerto Morelos:
Whichever beach in Puerto Morelos you choose, you’re likely to have a great time!
Restaurants in Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is not only a paradise for beach lovers, but also for foodies. In this small fishing village, you will find a variety of restaurants that will offer you the best flavors of Mexican and international cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, spicy tacos, crispy pizza or exotic fusions, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Puerto Morelos.
And these are just a few of the many great restaurants in Puerto Morelos. So, you will definitely find the right one for your taste. Enjoy your meal!
Nightlife in Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is not only a place to relax on the beach and snorkel on the reef, but also a place to have fun when the sun goes down. Although Puerto Morelos is not as well known for its nightlife as Cancún or Playa del Carmen, there are some bars and clubs here that can give you a good time. Here are some tips on where to go out in Puerto Morelos:
Puerto Morelos also has a bit of something to offer when it comes to nightlife. You can spend a quiet evening here with a glass of wine or dance and party late into the night. During your trip, don’t miss these bars and clubs!
What to do in Puerto Morelos
Due to its proximity to Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos is well suited for exploring these interesting cities. The good transport connection of the village also makes excursions to the many exciting sights on the Yucatan peninsula quite easy. We have researched the most beautiful things to in Puerto Morelos for you.
By the way, Puerto Morelos is located on highway 307 from Cancun to Chetumal directly at the entrance to the road to Leona Vicario in the back country. This road is the eastern end of the “Ruta de los Cenotes”, which leads in a network of small roads to many cenotes in the hinterland. The beginning of this route at Puerto Morelos is marked with an archway.
Conclusion
Puerto Morelos is a place not to be missed if you are looking for an unforgettable vacation in the Mexican Caribbean. It is a place full of charm, beauty and adventure. You will probably feel very comfortable here and discover exciting things. So, enjoy your trip to Puerto Morelos!
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FAQs
Puerto Morelos is a peaceful and relaxed place that is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and jungle exploration. You can visit the National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos, which protects one of the largest coral reefs in the world. You can also explore the Cenotes Kin-Ha or La Noria, which are natural freshwater pools in the middle of the jungle. Or you can visit the Jardín Botánico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin, a botanical garden with more than 200 plant species.
Puerto Morelos is about 20 minutes away from the Cancun International Airport and is easy to reach by car or taxi. If you want to rent a car, there are several providers at the airport or in town. If you want to take a taxi, there is an official stand at the airport or you can call one in town. The public bus does not stop at Puerto Morelos since the pandemic.
Puerto Morelos has a warm and tropical climate all year round with an average temperature of about 26°C (79°F). The best time to visit Puerto Morelos depends on your personal preferences. If you want to avoid the high season, you should travel between May and November, when the prices are lower and the beaches are less crowded. However, you also have to deal with more rain and the possibility of hurricanes. If you prefer the drier and cooler weather, you should travel between December and April, when the temperatures are more pleasant and the sun shines more often. However, you also have to deal with higher prices and more tourists.
Puerto Morelos is generally considered safe for tourists, as it is a small and peaceful community that is far away from the big cities and the associated problems. Most people are friendly and helpful and there is a strong presence of police and security personnel in town and on the beaches. However, you should always be careful and take some basic precautions, such as not leaving your valuables unattended, not displaying money or jewelry, not walking alone at night or in dark or remote areas and always taking an official taxi or bus.
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