This Popular Location South Of Cancun Has Been Declared A Protected Area

Last Updated 11 months ago

As Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean continue to soar in popularity, officials in the sun-soaked region are implementing a number of measures to protect the region’s delicate nature.

This week, authorities unveiled the creation of a new protected area in the popular hotspot of Puerto Morelos, just south of Cancun. The move comes as the coastal destination fills with travelers and a growing number of new resorts, prompting concerns over sustainability.

At a size of nearly 1200 hectares, Puerto Morelos’ newest protected area is home to a quarter of all plant and animal wildlife in the Mexican Caribbean. 

@travel.with.waceke Mexico Itinerary Idea 🗒️ cenote visit in Puerto Morelos, 30 minutes from Cancun I cannot explain how pretty the view was – as you can tell I was too scared for my life to carry my phone 5 activities in one day for $100 is very much a good deal, you wont regret! Here is the referral link: https://abnb.me/byaNsgGZrCb #puertomorelos #puertomorelosmexico #puertomorelosquintanaroo #puertomoreloscenotes #cancuntrip #cancunitinerary #cancun2023😎 #mexicoactivities #cancunmexico ♬ original sound – JordBen

As the region’s popularity skyrockets this year, here’s everything travelers need to know about Puerto Morelos’ new protected natural area. 

Puerto Morelos Mangroves Officially Declared Protected Area 

While the Mexican Caribbean’s record-shattering popularity with travelers is usually met with delight, there is growing concern among environmentalists over its impact to local wildlife.

And with 2024 expected to be yet another hugely successful year in terms of international travel to the sun-soaked region, a number of new initiatives are underway to conserve the Mexican Caribbean’s diverse nature. 

@travelbysage Cenotes Kin Ha, Puerto Morelos, Mexico 🇲🇽 #mexico #tripadvisor #traveltok #travel #cenote #fyp #kinha #pueromorelos #cenotes #cancun ♬ original sound – Ian Asher

After months of careful planning, officials announced the creation of a new protected area in the popular hotspot of Puerto Morelos. Historically a small fishing village, this coastal destination has grown wildly in popularity and is now home to dozens of hotels and resorts. 

Aside from boasting a growing array of luxurious accommodations, Puerto Morelos is also regarded as one of the most biodiverse areas in Quintana Roo; famous for its cenotes and jungles, the location is popular with nature-seeking travelers. 

@cenotelanoria Best experience at Puerto Morelos Quintana Roo México. Snorkeling un to the coral reefs and cenotes under ground! 👌🔥 #cenotelanoria #acuaticfunexpeditions #travel #puertomorelos #cancun #snorkeling #cenotes #rivieramaya #traveltiktok #rutadeloscenotes #tulum #holiday #coralreef ♬ sonido original – Cenote La Noria

The decision to launch a new protected area in Puerto Morelos is based on the area’s diverse nature, both in terms of the hundreds of species that inhabit it as well as its unique geology. 

But what makes Puerto Morelos’ nature even more unique is the widespread presence of mangroves, which serve a critical environmental function. Not only do they provide refuge for plants and animals, but they also protect against erosion and tropical storms. 

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And with Puerto Morelos soaring in popularity this year, authorities have made it clear that it’s more important than ever to boost environmental legislation. 

Although the creation of the new protected area will severely limit the construction of new businesses and infrastructure projects, travelers will still be able to enjoy Puerto Morelos’ stunning nature. 

The coastal destination is currently trending as one of the best hotspots for nature tours. From snorkeling in turquoise waters to exploring cenotes hidden in lush jungles, Puerto Morelos is an exciting destination for nature lovers. 

Travelers can find a number of eco-conscious excursion firms in the Mexican Caribbean hotspot. This top-rated combo tour – offered by Paradise Tours – takes travelers on an action-packed journey through many of Puerto Morelos’ most breathtaking sights, including several of its famous cenotes. 

@_kitchennnn THE GLASS HOUSE in the middle of the jungle 💚 📍Ruta de Los Cenotes, Puerto Morelos, Mexico 🇲🇽 #TravelaNoire #BlackTravel ♬ Set Me Free – Sleeping Ghost

More adventurous travelers can opt to rent a car and explore the location’s azure cenotes, especially those located along the Ruta de los Cenotes (cenote route). 

While tourism will continue to play a key role in Puerto Morelos and beyond, travelers should maintain a proactive approach to protecting the environment, according to experts. Meanwhile, in Cancun, officials are also redoubling efforts to conserve the environment. Last summer, one of the city’s most popular beaches, Playa Delfines, was also declared a protected area.

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