January-February 2012

During the month of February, there are various colorful Carnivals that are being held in the Yucatan Peninsula, in the cities such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Valladolid, Merida and other small communities in the area.

From February 23rd to 26th, the annual PGA Golf Classic Tournament is being held at the “El Camaleon” Golf Club at Mayakoba located along the beautiful coast of the Riviera Maya, only 15 minutes drive south of Puerto Morelos.  If you can’t be here for the event, it can be seen on your GOLF Channel back home.

The Year 2012 started with a positive spin as everyone around the world focuses on the end of the Mayan Calendar, but the local Mayans don’t  believe it signals the end of the world.  It does perhaps signal  social, economic, political and financial global changes that will culminate by the end of this year.

The New Age interpretation is that we are currently in the fourth and final age of the Modern period of mankind and the end of this year marks the start of a time in which earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation to an evolutionary change.  Mayans hold a positive attitude towards these changes.  Whatever the answer, the event has created lots of global buzz but the Mayans do not seem to be concerned regarding what may mark the beginning of a new era.

Each year offers more and more  learning opportunities and activities around the town of Puerto Morelos and returning visitors always look forward to discovering what is going on.  Especially exciting are the artistic activities sponsored both by the Casa de la Cultura and by various local art galleries.

Music Festival

Music Festival 2012

The 7th annual Festival of Music will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from January 26th-28th and again February 2-4, 2012. This is a yearly event for Puerto Morelos and we invite you to enjoy this free activity which is held at the town square.

On Thursday, February 2nd at 9:00 p.m. our local resident, Andres Uscanga, will perform Mexican songs and talent that comes from the bottom of his soul.

Puerto Morelos Spanish Language School

The Puerto Morelos Spanish Language School continues to grow with more and more students, both young and old, taking advantage of this program to learn conversational Spanish. The students take advantage of this unique learning experience and the feeling of accomplishment they attain as they  practice their new language skills with local residents.

For details about the qualified instructors and how to register for the program, see our  Puerto Morelos Language Center page.

For students who are looking for accommodations, there are many rental properties that give  our students a special discount to the students and these include:  Abbey del Sol, Hotel Amar Inn, Boutique Hotel Inglaterra, Hostal Secreto, Apartments Eden and the Casita KinSol in the Colonia on the other side of the highway. Students can also be accommodated in a Family Host.  For more info, contact us.

Alma Libre Bookstore

Be sure to check out the full selection of English books available at the Alma Libre Bookstore. Open daily, see the Alma Libre web site for more info.

Little Mexican Cooking School

Looking for a different adventure during your stay in Puerto Morelos?  The Little Mexican Cooking School has relocated on Avenida Rojo Gomez No.768 at Casa Caribe.  Their authentic cooking classes continue to be held twice a week.  See their web site.

Wet Set Diving Adventures

Diving, Fishing and Snorkeling is a popular activity along the reefs of Puerto Morelos. The WET SET DIVING Adventures started the year fresh with their new owners, Tadd and Lindsay. They  have taken over the business located at the Hotel  Ojo de Agua. For more details about their programs, visit their newly redesigned web site.

Jungle Spa & Market

Sandra’s MAYA ECO place continues to be a popular place to visit and is also well known as the Jungle Spa & Market. You can get there by car, taxi or collectivo. It is located behind the Colonia Zetina Gazca, in the Zona Urbana on Calle Dos. The cost by taxi from the town square is $50 pesos, one way.  From nearby hotels, the cost is $150 pesos, one way.  To make a Spa Reservation and find out about their hours and services, see their web site.

Currency Exchange Rates

Note that exchange rates vary daily.  The rate listed is current at the time of publication.  For current exchange rates check the XE web site.

• US Dollar       12.00 Pesos
• CDN Dollar    11.90 Pesos

ATMs – There are no banks in town so to exchange your money for pesos you have to depend on ATM machines. SANTANDER has one located near the police station and the HSBC is besides the supermarket facing the town square, where you will get a better rate.  Some  ATM’s dispense pesos or dollars such as the ones located in D’ Cesar Plaza and they have higher charges for each transaction. Be sure that you take the maximum amount permitted in order to save on having to make more transaction during your stay.  If the machine happens to eat your card, you will have to call your banker in your city of residence in order to get a new one.
Exchanging Cash – If you have currency you want to exchange for pesos, there is a Cambio window next to Martin’s supermarket facing the town square.  To exchange money you will need a copy of your passport.  There are also ATM machines by the gas station on the highway and by the local OXXO shop, but their rates aren’t favorable.  Travelers cheques can only be exchanged for pesos through the banks in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or at the airport. You will need your passport to cash them so it’s best not to bring them.

Taxi Service

Need taxicab service?  It is readily accessible all around town. Always verify the fare before you accept a ride. You will find their rates posted at the Taxi Stand located by the town square. Ask for the fare first as it runs from 20 pesos up to 50 pesos around the village and up towards the colony of Zetina Garza. For a ride to the Cancun Airport, it can go up to 300 pesos.   To get to Merida, the capital of the Yucatan, or down to the Capital of Quintana Roo which is Chetumal, you should expect to pay a much higher fare.

Car Rentals

Renting a Car is very often an excellent way to visit the area at your leisure. For safe and proper advice, check with your reputable travel adviser MARAND TRAVEL to find out, in a professional manner, about the rates & availability.  Check out our Car Rentals page.

Bicycle Rentals

You can rent bikes by the hour, day, week or month. One rental location can be found at the small Travel Agency located across the street, south of the town square, heading towards the Handicraft Market.  Bikes are also available at the hotel Posada El Moro, north of the taxi stand.  For long term stay in the area, we recommend you to buy a new bicycle and you can donate it or sell it as a used bike.

Restaurant News

Posada Amor – One of the oldest and most-successful restaurants in town is POSADA AMOR, each day, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. they have a “Mexican Buffet” for $150.00 pesos each (half price for kids under 12 years).   You may also enjoy their regular menu ‘A La Carte’  which includes seafood, meat and chicken dishes.

Rustika Jazz Gourmet & Art Gallery – A charming newcomer to the Puerto Morelos restaurant scene, Rustika features an interesting menu featuring Mediterranean and Italian dishes.  Located in a lovely building off-the-beaten-path, you will find Rustika beyond the Handicraft Market and next to the Hostal Secreto.  This charming restaurant is worth a try.

Los Tejones Locos – A newcomer to Puerto Morelos, their menu features Italian dishes, including pizza and pastas, they also have Italian desserts.  This lovely restaurant is located just south of the Church.

Tulipanes – A small comfortable cafe with a “European feel.”  Tulipanes serves espresso, black and herbal teas, and juices.  Their breakfast menu features both tortilla española and carrot cake.  In the evening they serve coffees, teas and desserts.  For their hours see their Facebook page.

Visit a Cenote

Do not forget to experience an ECO-ADVENTURE along the Ruta de los Cenotes (cenotes are limestone sinkholes) located in the Mayan community of Central Vallarta (just southeast of Puerto Morelos off the main highway). Visit wonders such as Cenote Kin-Ha, Selvatica, Verde Lucero, 7 Bocas, Las Mojarras, Boca del Puma, La Noria and Gorilax.  These are perfect sites to practice meditation, yoga, smimming, hiking, diving and zip-lining.  You can also drive an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) through the jungle.

Tours are also available at the world famous eco-parks of Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor which are just a short drive away south on the main highway.

Enjoy!