Winter 2013
NEWS POST – December 2012 to March 2013
On December 21st, 2012 the State Government inaugurated a very special monument at the southern edge of Puerto Morelos (on the Highway heading toward Playa del Carmen). The monument is called the “Sanctuario de la Esperanza” or Sanctuary of Hope, dedicated to the new era of the Mayan culture and beliefs. Consisting of 65 columns, this site is worth visiting. The south entrance houses a plaque written in three languages, Mayan, Spanish and English, which details the concept behind the sanctuary. Take a few moments to drop by this site and read the many poems written on each of the 65 columns. There are both north and south entrances with ample parking. More information, in Spanish, Governor Dedicates Time Capsule at Santuario de la Esperanza .
Also located off Highway 309, approaching Puerto Morelos from the south, you will find the Botanical Gardens, a lovely and serene place housing local plant life. The Gardens are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays.
FEBRUARY Events
The 8th FESTIVAL de Musica 2013 was held in the Port area in the Town Square with many musically programmed activities that are described on the Casa Cultura Puerto Morelos Facebook profile. February 2nd was the celebration day of the XV Anniversary of the “Parque Nacional Arrecife de Puerto Morelos” with various daytime activities that were held around the Town Square “Plaza Central”, the beach, the “Malecon” and the “Auditorio Marino”, where many special important invited guests from the “Alcaldia” of Puerto Morelos were present. The final activity of this day was the presentation of the famous Folkloric Ballet of Quintana Roo that culminated the closing of the 2013 Annual Music Festival of Puerto Morelos. To continue on musical notes, the children’s 9th Music Festival of the Elementary School ADOLFO LOPEZ MATEO, located on Ave Javier Rojo Gomez, is held every year on February 14th at 6:00 p.m. The famous Guitarist Javier Rojas will perform again this year. The 2013 WINE TASTING AND FOOD PAIRING events is being held for seven consecutive Friday nights starting on February 1st at “The Little Mexican Cooking School” of Puerto Morelos located on Ave Rojo Gomez. On Saturday, February 23rd, the 8th Annual Marathon for Open Waters named “RUTA DEL ARRECIFE” is being convoked by the Association of the “NADADORES de QUINTANA ROO” which has become a very competitive event for International swimmers. This year, the first 10 km competition will start at 8:00 A.M. Come early for the departure take-off !
Vacation Rental in Puerto Morelos
Vacation Rental in Puerto Morelos, located 1 block from the beach. This charming 3 bedroom bungalow sleeps 5 comfortably. Now taking long term vacation reservations after March 15, 3013. For more information see our Casa Alegria page (link). This property is number 29 on our Puerto Morelos map. Contact us with questions.
Mayan Calendar
Because the Mayan Calendar goes no further, doomsayers are saying the world will end in December 2012. But if you speak to current Mayan elders, you would know they are very angry with this prediction and don’t agree at all. The world is not going to end on December 21, 2012. But our world as we know it is being transformed and changed. The Mayan Day Watch, December 21, 2012 is not the end of the world but the rebirth of our world into a new social, political and economic order. The start of the World of the Fifth Sun, as the Mayans refer to this new phase, is the beginning of a new era when the earth aligns with the center of the galaxy according to ancient beliefs.
Medical Services in Puerto Morelos
MEDICAL SERVICES while on vacation are now readily available. Medical service is now available 24/7 from the health center, or “Centros de Salud” located in Puerto Morelos proper as well as the facility located in the Colonia Zetina Gasca. Presently, Dr. Isabel Milagros Diaz Valdez is on call at the Center in Puerto Morelos and Dr. Jorge Gutierrez Contreras is located in the Colonia Zetina Gasca location. To support these health services, a medical dispensary, or “Dispensario Medico” is also available staffed by a nurse practitioner Lic. Jose Lopez Lira, who is on call from 8:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. except Thursdays. There are small fees for medical services, paid in cash, pesos or dollars. In addition, there are hospitals in both Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
TAXI SERVICES in Puerto Morelos
The main taxi stand is located in the center of town at the town square or Zocalo. Prices are posted to area destinations. Do not hesitate to contact the manned station and ask their rates or visit their web page.
Home For Sale
Lovely home for sale in Puerto Morelos, located 1 block from the beach and 3 blocks from the central square. This 3 bedroom home is currently a 4-star vacation rental with many clients returning year after year. This property is number 29 on our Puerto Morelos map. Contact us with questions. Be sure to see our Real Estate page also.
Learn Spanish
SPANISH LEARNING CENTER offers you a chance to learn the language and culture through interactive and entertaining classes taught by qualified Mexican teachers who are trained in the most advanced communication methods of teaching Spanish as a foreign language. If you are looking for a different experience to enhance your vacation as well as to live the culture of Mexico, these classes are perfect for you as you will be encouraged to speak in Spanish from the very first minute of class. Whether you are a novice or an advanced student, you can be sure that the qualified teachers will tailor the class to meet your language needs. For more details on the program, visit the web page.
Vacation Rentals in Puerto Morelos
VACATION RENTALS and OCEAN HOMES have become very popular for families as well as singles or couples looking for vacation rentals and accommodations in the area. This year, during the winter months, the demand for vacation rentals is higher than in previous years, therefore do not wait for a last minute booking and be disappointed by lack of availability.
Find related information on some of the following vacation rental properties: Abbey del Sol | Casa Alegría | Casa Mermaid | Condo Villas PlayaSol Villa Mango Sunrise | Condo Beautiful | Cancun Plaza Condominiums
Local Issues
Puerto Morelos has had several local issues discussed the past few months on Facebook and on the web page of Voces Unidas De Puerto Morelos. Street Repairs – A nuisance to tourists and residents both, installation of a public sewer system and repaving the streets: VOCES UNIDAS (United Voices) of Puerto Morelos spoke with the Presidente Municipal about the problem of torn up streets due to a planned sewage improvement plan and the long time it takes to finish re-paving work. The Presidente said he saw the representative of Aguakan, the local water department responsible for this project, and is discussing the location for the planned sewage treatment site behind the Handicraft Marketplace. A request was made to the State Government to fix the streets of Puerto but they have not been given the authorization to do so due to budget constraints, and street repairs will have to occur during the 2013 budget year. We all agree this is absurd for the project to take almost a year to complete. A public audience was held in November where the residents of the community met with the authorities in order to get them to take the next step to completion as soon as possible.
NEW Bank
BANCO AZTECA opened a bank in the Colonia Zetina Garza, the residential area of Puerto Morelos located on the west side of the highway. The bank is located on the first street after the PEMEX gas station going south. Banking hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Money can be exchanged there as well as cashing of travelers’ checks (with proper photo ID). There is still a money exchange or cambio located on the Square in Puerto Morelos as well as several ATMs. Withdrawals from Mexican ATM machines will be in pesos.
Rotary Club of Puerto Morelos
ROTARIOS OF PUERTO MORELOS – The Club was formed in November. It holds weekly meetings on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Casa Ejidal, located in front of the Casa de la Cultura, on Ave Niños Heroes. Want to know more about Rotary Clubs? Visit their web page.
LET’S REMAIN UNITED!