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Why This Charming Town South Of Cancun Is One Of The Mexican Caribbean’s Best Kept Secrets 

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The Mexican Caribbean is made up of several amazing vacation destinations, including the most popular one, Cancun.   

Many of them that used to be quieter alternatives are becoming pretty popular, too, though. One that is still not very well known is a nearby town called Puerto Morelos.   

This is only one of the reasons why this charming town south of Cancun is one of the best-kept secrets in the Mexican Caribbean.   

Let’s take a look at some of the other great reasons to visit Puerto Morelos.   

Aerial view of Puerto Morelos

Fewer Crowds 

If you’re hoping for a quieter, more relaxing Mexican Caribbean vacation with fewer crowds, Puerto Morelos might be the place for you.   

Not only is it not as well known as other nearby destinations, but the population of the town is fewer than 30,000.   

The lack of crowds and small population are the biggest reasons that Puerto Morelos has remained a best-kept secret for so long, even if its popularity is on the rise now.   

Woman on a Secluded Beach in Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Small Town Vibe 

With only around 30,000 people living in the town, it’s not surprising that there’s a small-town vibe in Puerto Morelos.   

Friendly locals who know each other, expats who have met along the way, and tourists discovering the destination for the first time all seem to create a sense of community.   

The atmosphere is quite different from the larger destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.   

A Street in the Town of Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Fresher Than Fresh Seafood 

Puerto Morelos started as a small fishing village and it still exudes some of that character and charm.   

The town still resembles a fishing village in atmosphere and dining scene, though.   

At the many beachfront and local restaurants in the town, freshly caught seafood is served in creative yet simple dishes that accentuate the local flavors.   

There are also plenty of options for non-seafood lovers too.   

Fishermen in Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Incredible All-Inclusives 

The Mexican Caribbean, particularly Cancun, is known for its large number of sprawling all-inclusives lining the coast.   

Surprisingly for such a small town, Puerto Morelos has its share of great all-inclusive resorts too.   

Rates start at around $220 a night and go as high as around $800 a night for the most exclusive and luxurious all-inclusives, so there’s a wide range of possibilities.   

Puerto Morelos Aerial View of beaches and buildings.

Close To Everything  

One of the best things about Puerto Morelos is that you can have a quiet, relaxing vacation without giving up the location.   

You’ll still be close enough to everything that the Mexican Caribbean has to offer, like Mayan ruins, cenotes, the jungle, and more.   

But at the end of the day, you’ll be able to go back to enjoying that small-town vibe.   

View of the Caribbean Sea in Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Short Distance From Cancun Airport 

The closest airport to Puerto Morelos is Cancun International Airport, and when we say close we mean close.   

It’s only 16 miles from the destination, about a 25-minute trip by taxi or private transportation.   

A private shuttle from Cancun Airport to Puerto Morelos will cost a little over $100 roundtrip.   

Cancun Airport Sign in Terminal 4

A Stop Along The Maya Train Route 

Once the Cancun to Playa del Carmen Maya Train route is up and running it will be even easier to get to Puerto Morelos, as it’s a stop along the way.   

This is great for those who want to visit Puerto Morelos, but it’s also likely to increase traffic to the little-known town, which will eventually detract from that small-town vibe.   

For those looking at Puerto Morelos for that experience, now is the time to visit this charming town. 

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