On the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo, south of Cancun on the Caribbean Coast, stretching from Punta Tanchacte to the Punta Allen is the area known as the Riviera Maya. The area along this coastline consists of scrublands, jungle, mangroves, ecological reserves, small fishing villages, glitzy resorts, white sand beaches, ancient Mayan port city, as well as the second largest coral reef about 1800 feet off the beaches of our Now Jade Riviera Resort and Spa. The reef and mangroves are a national park and will require a licensed guide for visitation.
We all will be flying in to the Cancun International Airport which is located approximately 12 miles north of our resort in the small fishing village of Puerto Morelos. Driving south to our resort the main highway visibility are dense vegetations, lots of billboards, road side small markets & signs indicating entrances to hotels & attractions. 1/2 to 1 mile from the highway are dense layer of vegetation before you can glimpse to see the Caribbean beaches.
The town of Puerto Morelos is small but quaint with a zocalo which is a small town square surrounded by shops and restaurants. "The pace is slow, the vibe is relaxed and the atmosphere is bohemian" as stated by Fodor's 2010 guide book Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan Peninsula. A bit of old Mexico, wouldn't you say? Many of the locals feel blessed that Puerto Morelos is protected by environmental laws and strict building restrictions keeping this small village and its area from over development that their neighboring counterpart Cancun and Playa del Carmen are experiencing firsthand.
Besides our home for the week, NOW Jade resort. Puerto Morelos has a landmark lighthouse and fishing pier which makes for a nice photo opportunity for those inclined to say you were here. Off the town plaza toward the beach is Pelicanos which has a nice view of the Caribbean and some good local eats. Being a small local village, town prices are known to be lower then areas such as the two popular Cancun & Playa del Carmen.
In Puerto Morelos on Sunday, 9:30 - 2pm is Jungle Market, a non-profit organization that assists Mayan women & their families in generating income by featuring dances, regional foods & homemade crafts. More details on the website for
Jungle Market & Spa services.
For more local shopping, "Colectivo de Artesanos de Puerto Morelos" daily from 8am to dusk, local artisans selling their art in a series of palapa-style buildings. Which I'm not sure whether it is also known as the
"Mayan Handicraft Center" as well. So inquire when you are in town.
Other highlights for Puerto Morelos includes a reptile/animal run farm by biologists called
Croc-Cun and
Yaax Che Jardin Botanico del Dr. Alfred Barrera Marin. This is the largest botanical garden in Mexico I understand it features a 40 meter suspension bridge, three observation towers, tree/orchid & epiphyte nursery, an authentic Mayan house Archaeological site and a library equipped with reading hammocks...now we're talking. I also heard that there is a bookstore called
Alma Libre which has English written books in case you forgot yours. I am sure you can check with the hotel concierge and they can get more information if you are interested.
