The Adventure of a Lifetime in the Mexican Caribbean
If you ask people what they missed most during the 2020 lockdowns, top of most lists would be traveling. And now, as travel restrictions begin to ease up for some locations around the world, Mexican Caribbean destinations including Cozumel, and Puerto Morelos are welcoming visitors, with a mixture of warm hospitality, great food, and exciting activities. This is a place to break free of the lockdown blues and rediscover your adventurous side.
Cozumel is a place that’s equal parts beach paradise and adventure hotspot. Over 50% of the island is a natural protected area due its diversity of ecosystems and marine species. With over 40 different diving sites, Cozumel is also considered a diving mecca for scuba divers around the world and was a chosen destination by French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau who made it famous. Despite the nature-focus, Cozumel is just a 45 minute ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen, and it is the largest, most populated island in Mexico, and widely considered the cruise ship gateway to the Mexican Caribbean.
Because of this, Cozumel is a perfect spot for families, couples, and solo travelers who are seeking an idyllic place to start a once-in-a-lifetime unique journey through the wonderful Mexican Caribbean. Famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the Great Mesoamerican Reef – the world’s second largest barrier reef – the island offers a wide variety of adventurous and relaxing options.
There’s something for everyone, including horseback riding, fishing, jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, parasailing, ziplining, bike riding, limestone caves, and driving off-road ATVs through the hidden jungle. Essentially, if you want to enjoy an outdoor activity, then this is the place to do it.
Accommodation varies from laid-back to luxury resorts, meaning there’s something for all budgets. There are also over 100 restaurants in the area, offering exquisite dishes based on typical Yucatecan cuisine. The colonial Casa Mission restaurant, a survivor from the glory days of the Yucatan peninsula, offers guests an atmosphere that transports them through the history of a Mexican and seafood restaraunt. The place is a beautiful and unique corner surrounded by gardens and fountains and centenary trees.
But if you are in the mood for a different pace of life, beautiful Puerto Morelos is the place for you. Just a little over two hours north of Cozumel along the Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos is an authentic fishing village with cosmopolitan flavour. The bohemian vibe extends to oceanfront restaurants, ice cream shops, and boutiques. Best of all, the attractions are on your doorstep, whether you want easy access to stunning beaches and unique shopping, or to explore the wilder side of Puerto Morelos.
A short distance away from the hotels and shops are many natural wonders including the jungle, and cenotes. For an easy adventure, bike to The Route of the Cenotes, which offers a unique swimming experience in ancient limestone sinkholes. To go further down the trail, rent a car to travel this paved road that stretches through the jungle and leads to adventure parks like Selvática, Xenotes, and Reserva Toh, and over 60 cenotes. Some of the cenotes we recommend visiting are Zapote, Siete Bocas, Kin Há, La Noria, Verde Lucero and Boca del Puma.
If you’re more interested by watersports than rocks and jungle, the National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos, part of the Great Mesoamerican Reef, is a snorkeling and diving paradise full of colorful corals and rich marine life.
Wherever you want to explore, walking and bicycling are the perfect way to get around Puerto Morelos, and for those with a little more energy to spare, there are plenty of hiking trails.
After building up an appetite exploring, head back to the main urban center and enjoy the great food on offer. Gastronomy consists mainly of seafood, but many restaurants also offer Mexican and international specialties, whether you want fine dining or a local beach hangouts. For demanding foodies, Puerto Morelos is home to Le Chique, one of the most awarded restaurants in Mexico and ranked top 50 in Latin America, which promises an unforgettable experience.
We go to great lengths to create a memorable experience for our guests through bold, fun, cutting-edge cuisine using the most innovative cooking techniques and fresh authentic Mexican ingredients,
Jonatán Gómez Luna, Chef
Whether you want to explore nature, taste local flavors, or lounge by the ocean, both Cozumel and Puerto Morelos have something to offer to every type of traveler, so come over and start your adventure.
