Why Travelers Are Flocking To This Charming Destination South Of Cancun 

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Last Updated 7 months ago

Puerto Morelos has seen an uptick in tourist activity this year, with community tourism soaring in popularity in the Riviera Maya.

Miguel Cámara Ruiz, the municipal secretary of tourism, has highlighted that the charming destination has seen growth when compared to the same period from July 2021 and is attributing this success to the work of local authorities and their promotion of the area.

With the tourism industry booming in the post-pandemic era all over the Mexican Caribbean, local governments have been doing everything in their power to respond to the demand of tourists. 

Everything from reopening and expanding cultural and historical sites, building a new airport in Tulum, which is due to open this December, and even introducing the highly anticipated Maya train, a state-of-the-art transport system looking to connect visitors from all over Quintana Roo. 

With the current administration of Puerto Morelos, hotel occupancy has seen a growth of 9.23 percent in the past two years, as well as hotel infrastructure increased, with the number of rooms going from 7,057 to 7,199; evidently having a knock-on effect on local businesses and attractions.

As many areas grappled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Puerto Moreles was one of the first destinations to slowly reintroduce itself as the tourism sector began to reopen, causing the number of visitors to the destination to increase.

With its popularity never seeming to slow down, the beach town has gone from strength to strength, firmly placing itself as one of the top areas for community and adventure tourism, an ever-growing option as an alternative to the classic beach paradise vacation.

So what is it about Puerto Moreles that is causing travelers to flock to its shores?

While it, of course, has some stunning beaches on offer, this charming town has so much more and is often overlooked when compared to its busy neighbors, Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.

With history, culture, and natural wonders in boundless supply, it has become a must-visit place for any traveler looking to escape the busier area of Cancun, which almost saw full hotel capacity during the summer vacation period. 

Community tourism has become a popular alternative for tourists as it seeks to promote sustainability and preservation, as well as benefit local communities whose lives are constantly evolving with the high demand of international visitors.

Puerto Morelos is considered a number one destination flying this flag, putting itself notably on the map.

For any budding archaeologists, the town boasts some incredible historical sites that date back to the ancient Mayan period, such as “El Altar” or the Muchil Pyramid, which will be sure to capture your imagination and leave you awestruck. 

It is also home to one of the oldest ports in Quintana Roo, which most significantly exported products such as tobacco and vanilla and was a key trading post for the state of Quintana Roo in the 19th century.

Puerto Morelos is also the destination of the world’s second-largest barrier reef, which is filled in abundance with an entire ecosystem of plant and animal life and is considered a must-do activity when visiting, perfect for snorkelers and divers alike.

Another natural attraction in the area is the 60-plus cenotes, which are dotted amongst the dense jungle and fauna and flora that surrounds the town. 

Cenotes are large, natural bodies of water that date back centuries and held special meaning to Mayans.

Now, however, they are a popular attraction all over the Mexican Caribbean, acting as a perfect place to cool off and swim when escaping the afternoon heat. 

There is even a ‘Cenote Route’, which is fast becoming an ecotourism favorite amongst tourists traveling through Quintana Roo. 

The beach town has seen an economic rise in the past thirty years, bringing itself into the present whilst still maintaining the authentic charm of its traditions and overall appearance. 

Everything is on offer to tourists that you would expect from any popular destination: incredible restaurants and cafes, markets, stunning architecture, shopping, and pristine beaches that will appeal to absolutely everybody. 

With local authorities continuing to promote and expand everything that is on offer to its visitors, Puerto Morelos seems like it will be a place on everyone’s must-visit list when traveling through the state of Quintana Roo for many years to come.

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