We decided to spend our last month of our 180 day tourist visa’s in this picturesque little fishing community. We are so glad we did!

Ok, so the airbnb we booked was less than….let’s say: less than adequate. Let me tell you, if you are in the Mayan Riviera in June and July, you will absolutely need air conditioning. Our bad!

We survived for a couple days till the electrical and water went sideways. Our hosts moved us to a second of their rentals which had some a/c in the bedroom, it helped. But sadly, they had this location booked, so once our water and power had been fixed, we moved back to the first “hole in the wall”. We lasted a couple more days before we both had enough and found a cute little hotel with a pool and complimentary breakfast, along with a massive mirador we could take in sunrise and sunset. 

We loved our time in Puerto Morelos. Great restaurants for any dietary requirement. Fun markets filled with actual local artisans, not just the typical touristy stuff we were finding in Playa and Cancun. There was a fun evening market with amazing food, entertainment and again, more local art and creations. 

We took the bus to town which is located on the other side of the federal and just stayed on and took a 10 peso tour of the town.

Lots of very pretty neighborhoods with new and older homes. We are beach people and always look for places to stay within walking distance, so as nice as the inland town was, we much preferred being on the beach.

We heard and read a lot about how the community in Puerto Morelos was incredibly active in keeping their town safe from becoming just another tourist destination. 

I know this is a huge concern for many small fishing communities in the Yucatan. My heart goes out to them because it feels and looks like a huge uphill battle. PM has a large expat community, whom some have been there for a couple decades and are lending themselves to the battle, which I am sure is helpful.

It’s hard to see that this lovely little village as what Playa Del Carmen was not that long ago. And there lies their fears.

I hope they continue to do what they need to in order to retain their autonomy and remain the lovely little, welcoming town that they were when we were there.

It will always be on our return list!