Back in 2001, Mexico launched its Magical Town, or Pueblos Magicos, program, which highlights cities and towns in the country that are recognized for their cultural or historical significance.
More than two decades later, in 2022, officials launched the Magical Neighborhood, or Barrios Magicos, program.
This focuses on specific neighborhoods within cities and towns, and there are currently only a handful of neighborhoods that have been selected.
Now, plans have been unveiled for Cancun’s first-ever Magical Neighborhood, so get ready to be enchanted.
Puerto Juarez – Cancun’s First Magical Neighborhood
Today Puerto Juarez is a charming neighborhood on the coast in Cancun.
Not so long ago, though, it was its own standalone location.
It’s where the area’s population lived before Cancun became Cancun and grew to the resort destination it is today.
Puerto Juarez Past To Present
Puerto Juarez remained a separate location between the years of 1960 and 1990.
In 1990 it was then designated as a neighborhood of Cancun.
Now, officials intend to make this historic area Cancun’s first Magical Neighborhood, a process that started over a year ago, according to officials.
What Is A Magical Neighborhood?
Magical Neighborhoods are specific areas within cities and towns in Mexico with something unique or some cultural, natural, or historical significance.
It can be the preservation of certain traditions or architecture, the presence of charming facades or thriving natural spaces, or unique historical or cultural aspects that define the neighborhood.
Puerto Juarez would not only be the first Magical Neighborhood in Cancun but in the Mexican Caribbean overall.
Things To Do In Puerto Juarez
Puerto Juarez is a small, more authentic neighborhood and the hub for booking water activities, boat tours, and ferries to Isla Mujeres.
It’s where the Marina Hacienda Del Mar is located, so it has a very boater/fishing village vibe.
Visitors can go to the marina to book everything from yacht outings to whale shark swimming tours.
Where To Stay In Puerto Juarez
While Puerto Juarez is surrounded by luxury hotels and all-inclusives, the accommodations you’ll find right in the Puerto Juarez district are more of the vacation rental type.
For a highly-rated rental in the area on Booking.com rates range from around $50-$170 a night.
Most of them are closer to the $50 range, though.
Staying in Cancun’s Hotel Zone is an option too, and there are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from.
It’s just steps from Puerto Juarez, so you can still visit the soon-to-be Magical Neighborhood pretty easily even if you stay in Cancun.
Where To Eat In Puerto Juarez
One of the best things about the Puerto Juarez neighborhood is the opportunity to have a more authentic dining experience.
In addition to fantastic Mexican food, you’ll also find great fresh seafood dishes as well.
Some of the most highly rated restaurants in Puerto Juarez are:
- Chavito Bien Taqueria
- Puerto Santo
- Kiosco Verde (Listed in the Michelin Guide)
Magical Neighborhoods Vs. Magic Towns
Magical Neighborhoods and Magic Towns are similar in the requirements that it takes to be given the designation, and both have to make certain improvements to be added to the list, like the painting of facades, for example.
Certain cities can’t be Magic Towns, though, because Magic Towns need to be home to a minimum of 5,000 people and within close range of a larger city or tourist destination.
The Magic Town program has also been around longer, so there are more of them.
There are just 10 Magical Neighborhoods, and pretty soon, the historic neighborhood of Puerto Juarez will be added to that list.
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