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Across the Riviera Maya, there is no shortage of destinations for travelers who want to escape the sometimes-hectic vibe of Cancun. In fact, this destination has grown so popular that it is reported that this summer has already achieved 85% occupancy rates.
But for travelers that don’t love the idea of traveling south for hours on a bus, the following destination is a slam-dunk when it comes to getting the best of both worlds.
Puerto Morelos
Situated right between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, this destination is perfect for travelers who don’t want to stray too far from the activities and experiences of the Riviera Maya while also enjoying a laid-back, Caribbean vibe.
From Cancun International Airport, travelers can get here in just 20 minutes by car and around 30 minutes by bus.
For those new to the Riviera Maya, that’s faster than getting from Cancun Airport to the famous Hotel Zone!
Beautiful Resorts
The resort choices for travelers in Puerto Morelos vary drastically. Large all-inclusive resorts are of course on offer here, providing the same level of luxury and in-house amenities as their sister resorts in Cancun.
But as well as that, travelers can book into one of the many boutique hotels, which offer a much more personal and relaxed vacation.
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A Fishing Village At Heart
Puerto Morelos has for most of its existence been a sleepy fishing village, living off the bounty of the sea.
And while tourism has moved in, the town hasn’t lost that identity. In fact, it has incorporated it into its offering to travelers.
Each summer, fishing tournaments are held here that draw in anglers from all over the world. Furthermore, the seafood found in restaurants here is so fresh that it could only be fresher if travelers caught it themselves and immediately threw it on the grill.
For those not keen on seafood, the town doesn’t short-change travelers. It’s easy to find plenty of traditional Mexican restaurants serving classics such as tacos, birria, and chilaquiles — as well as American and European food.
Home To Mesmerizing Nature
Travelers who enjoy nature will love Puerto Morelos, especially the underwater world here.
The destination is home to one of the largest reef systems in the world, and there is no shortage of professional guided tours to snorkel and dive into this wonder of nature.
For more experienced divers, there are PADI-approved dive schools and tours that take travelers on adventurous dives to shipwrecks.
A Perfect Base
One of the strongest draws of Puerto Morelos for travelers is the location. The short 20-30 minute journey to Cancun means that the nightlife and high-energy vibe of the city is within reach.
On top of that, the equally popular Playa del Carmen is also just a 30-minute journey by road.
In the Riviera Maya, the vast majority of activities, tours, and excursions are either located in or leave from these destinations.
With that being said, staying in Puerto Morelos opens up almost every vacation experience to travelers lucky enough to stay here with a minimum of travel.
Puerto Morelos Beach
While the most famous beaches here are all located in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the beach in Puerto Morelos is in no way inferior.
Home to the same beautiful turquoise blue water and soft, white sand of its bigger neighbors, the ace up this destination’s sleeve is the much more tranquil atmosphere to be experienced.
While the summer months can be a little busier, it never reaches the same super busy levels of other beaches in the Riviera Maya.
Perfect For Families
Mexico has a mixed reputation among travelers; like any destination in the world, it has its problems with petty crime and tourism-related issues.
But Puerto Morelos is perfect for families. This small destination is bypassed by many of the issues seen in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, providing a peaceful, safe, and clean environment for families to experience the best Mexico has to offer.
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