It’s right there on Highway 307 in Puerto Morelos, in front of the Hotel Zone, and somehow it’s one of those places that can be incredibly easy to overlook when you live here.

So, naturally, it was time to finally go see what was hiding behind that giant crocodile sign.

And I’ll say this: Crococun is much more interactive than I expected.

This Isn’t Your Typical Zoo

One of the first things to know about Crococun is that you don’t just buy a ticket and wander around on your own.

The experience is guided from beginning to end and takes approximately 60–75 minutes. Our guide, Frida, was fantastic! She was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly familiar with the personalities and stories of the animals we met along the way.

What I especially liked is that you’re not being shuffled through with a big group of strangers, so you have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, take photos and enjoy each stop.

And yes… you get VERY close to some of the residents.

🐊 Very close.

Crocodiles, Snakes, Monkeys & a Few Surprises

As the name suggests, there are plenty of crocodiles.

Big crocodiles.

Baby crocodiles.

Crocodiles you can observe from a perfectly respectable distance…and others you’ll get considerably closer to.

But Crococun isn’t only about crocodiles.

Along the route we encountered birds, snakes, monkeys and other animals, with opportunities to interact, hold or feed some of them along the way.

One of my favorite surprises was meeting their Xoloitzcuintles, or Xolos—the ancient Mexican dog breed with roots stretching back thousands of years.

They actually have both varieties: one hairless and one with hair, which was especially interesting to see side by side.

Throughout the tour, Frida explained the animals, their behaviors and their individual stories rather than simply pointing out what species we were looking at.

That made a big difference.

What I Appreciated Most

Whenever animals are involved in a tourism attraction, I think it’s important to pay attention to how they’re being treated—not just whether the experience makes a good photo.

Many of the animals at Crococun are rescues or animals that, for different reasons, cannot simply be released into the wild.

I appreciated hearing those stories and learning more about why particular animals were there.

It made the visit feel educational rather than simply walking from enclosure to enclosure.

Also Important: SHADE. 😂

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Quintana Roo, you know this deserves its own section.

The trail through Crococun is very well shaded.

Most of the experience takes place beneath trees and tropical vegetation, so even though you’re outside, it doesn’t feel like spending an hour wandering around directly under the Caribbean sun.

The pathway is also relatively easy to navigate and accessible, making this a good option for a pretty wide range of visitors.

And because the entire experience is only around an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, it doesn’t have to take over your whole day.

Who Would I Recommend Crococun For?

Obviously, families with kids are going to have fun here.

But I definitely wouldn’t classify Crococun as just a kids’ attraction.

If you’re interested in animals, Mexican wildlife, photography or simply want to do something different for an hour, it’s worth adding to the list.

It’s also a great option when you want an activity right here in Puerto Morelos without committing to an entire day-long excursion.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

🐊 Tours are guided and last approximately 60–75 minutes

👥 Your tour is private to your group—you go through with the people you came with

🌴 The route is outdoors but very well shaded

♿ The pathway is relatively easy and accessible

🐍 Expect interactive opportunities with some of the animals

📍 Crococun is right here in Puerto Morelos, along Highway 307 in front of the Hotel Zone

💰 Pricing varies depending on whether you’re a tourist, Quintana Roo resident or local resident, with separate pricing for children under 12 and young children under 5. It’s worth checking which current rate applies to you before visiting.

So… Is Crococun Worth It?

For me, yes.

It’s interactive without requiring an entire day, educational without feeling like a school field trip, and personal enough that you actually have time to stop, ask questions and learn about the animals.

And it’s another reminder that Puerto Morelos extends far beyond the beach and our ridiculously good restaurant scene.

There’s a whole other side of Puerto Morelos to explore—from the jungle and cenotes along the Ruta de los Cenotes to experiences like Crococun sitting right along Highway 307.

Sometimes we get so focused on what’s happening around the town square and beachfront that we forget just how much more there is to this place.

So whether you’re visiting Puerto Morelos or you’ve lived here long enough to have driven past that giant crocodile sign 500 times…

Consider this your sign to finally stop. 🐊

Chef Umberto Pala’s next pop-up dinner at KI Restaurant is inspired by one of his family’s happiest occasions: the recent wedding of his daughter, Elisa, to her husband, Brock.

The couple celebrated their wedding this past June, and on Wednesday, September 9, Chef Umberto is bringing that celebration to Puerto Morelos through a special Italian wedding feast filled with family traditions, classic flavors and, of course, plenty of food.

This isn’t intended to be a formal wedding reception recreation. It’s a warm, family-style celebration of love through the food Chef Umberto knows best—Italian dishes prepared with care and meant to be enjoyed around a table together.

And if you’ve attended one of his previous pop-ups, you already know: come hungry.

The Italian Wedding Menu

The evening begins with Bruschetta Classica: toasted artisanal ciabatta topped with vine-ripened tomatoes, sweet garlic, fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Next comes Datteri Bacon e Gorgonzola, featuring sweet Medjool dates stuffed with creamy blue cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon and roasted until crisp and caramelized. Sweet, salty, smoky and cheesy—this one sounds dangerous in the best way.

Naturally, an Italian family celebration needs meatballs. Umberto’s Famous Meatballs (I hear his balls are famous….) they combine beef and pork, slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce and finished with basil and aged Parmigiano.

The seafood course brings us Gamberi in Insalata Russa—poached shrimp folded into a house-made Italian potato and vegetable salad with a light, herbaceous mayonnaise dressing.

That will be followed by Risotto ai Funghi, made with Carnaroli rice slowly stirred in rich broth with sautéed mushrooms, butter and freshly grated Parmesan.

For the main course, Chef Umberto will serve Brasato con Polenta e Funghi: tender beef short rib braised in full-bodied red wine and served over silky northern Italian polenta with earthy sautéed mushrooms.

And because no Italian celebration should end without dessert, the final course will be a classic tiramisù made with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, dark rum and Dutch cocoa.

Basically, this is not the night to “just have a little something” before you arrive.

Dinner on the Beach

The pop-up will take place at KI Restaurant inside Ojo de Agua Beach Club, giving the evening a laid-back beachfront setting instead of a traditional dining room.

Check-in and seating begin at 6:00 PM with a welcome cocktail hour, followed by the multi-course dinner service at 7:00 PM.

Chef Umberto’s dinners have a wonderfully communal energy. Guests arrive as couples, families and groups of friends, but once the courses begin arriving and plates start making their way around the tables, the whole restaurant feels like one big dinner party.

For this particular evening, that feels especially fitting.

Event Details

Italian Wedding Pop-Up Dinner
Date: Wednesday, September 9
Location: KI Restaurant at Ojo de Agua Beach Club
Check-in, seating and welcome cocktail hour: 6:00 PM
Multi-course dinner: 7:00 PM
Price: $700 MXN per person
Drinks: Sold separately

Seating is limited, and advance reservations are required.

Request a Reservation

This dinner may be dedicated to Elisa and Brock, but we all get to enjoy the delicious part of their celebration. Congratulations to the newlyweds, and thank you for giving Chef Umberto a very good reason to feed Puerto Morelos.

After learning more about the history behind this iconic dish,

…I wanted to see how several local restaurants put their own spin on it. I also brought along a friend from Puebla, the birthplace of chiles en nogada, to add a more traditional perspective to our very serious culinary investigation.

We looked at whether each chile was capeado or not, the balance of savory and sweet in the filling and nogada, the size, temperature, price, and the little details that made each version different.

We’re not naming a favorite. Every recipe had its own personality, and chiles en nogada are deeply tied to family traditions. There isn’t just one “correct” version, which is exactly what made this tour so interesting.

El Refugio: It’s All About That Nogada

Our first stop was El Refugio, where the chile arrived hot, capeado, and covered in one of the most memorable nogada sauces of our tour.

The sauce was made with walnuts, almonds, cream cheese, and topped with a generous amount of fresh pomegranate seeds. The nogada was incredibly rich and creamy, with a distinct walnut flavor and a sweeter profile. This is the kind of nogada you want to scoop up with every bite, which explains the two pieces of bread served alongside it. Trust me, you won’t want to leave any sauce behind.

Inside was pulled pork rather than ground meat, combined with pear, apple, and raisins. The result was a very noticeable sweet-and-savory balance with a different texture from many traditional versions.

The chile itself was large and generously filled, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Visually, it beautifully represented the colors of the Mexican flag with the green poblano, white nogada, parsley, and plenty of vibrant red pomegranate seeds.

Our server also took the time to tell us the history of the dish, adding another layer to the experience.

For the family behind El Refugio, chiles en nogada are a recipe passed down through generations. Preparing them each year is an opportunity for the family to gather, cook together, and continue something they learned by watching their mothers and grandmothers in the kitchen. Today, that tradition is shared with everyone who comes through the restaurant.

The details:

• Capeado: Yes

• Filling: Pulled pork, pear, apple, and raisins

• Flavor balance: Sweet-forward with plenty of savory richness

• Nogada: Walnuts, almonds, and cream cheese; rich, creamy, and slightly sweet

• Temperature: Served hot

• Size: Large and generously filled

• Price: $290 pesos

• Standout detail: The abundant nogada… and the bread for soaking up every last bit

El Campanario: Come Hungry

If you are looking for a substantial chile en nogada, El Campanario delivers.

Weighing approximately 500 grams, this was a very large chile with the meatiest filling of the tour. The picadillo is made with a 60/40 combination of beef and pork, along with pear, peach, and banana. It leaned more toward the savory side, allowing the meat and slightly spicy poblano to take center stage.

This version was served without capeado. The pepper was room temperature, while the thick, creamy nogada was served cool, a very traditional way of presenting the dish.

The sauce had a deep, rich flavor and was used more as a complement to the substantial filling. An extra-generous serving of pomegranate brought brightness, color, and little bursts of sweetness to each bite.

This is the chile for someone who wants the filling to be the star. It was hearty, savory, and absolutely a full meal.

The details:

• Capeado: No

• Filling: 60% beef and 40% pork with pear, peach, and banana

• Flavor balance: Savory-forward with subtle sweetness

• Nogada: Thick, rich, and creamy

• Temperature: Room-temperature pepper with cold nogada

• Size: Extra-large; approximately 500 grams

• Price: $550 pesos

• Standout detail: The abundant, meaty filling and extra pomegranate

Lola y Moya: A Family Recipe With a Story

At Lola y Moya, guests can choose whether they would like their chile capeado or not. There is even a vegetarian version available, making this one of the most flexible options we encountered.

We tried it capeado. It arrived beautifully presented with parsley and pomegranate, along with a side of rice. The poblano was generously sized, and the filling was abundant.

The picadillo begins with ground beef and pork, onion, and tomato—but the ingredient list goes far beyond that. It also includes plantain, peach, pear, apple, prunes, raisins, almonds, walnuts, candied fruit, cinnamon, olives, and capers.

That combination creates layers of flavor: savory meat, warm spices, fruit, nuts, and small sweet and salty accents throughout. The nogada was rich and delicious, bringing all those elements together.

But the most meaningful ingredient in this chile might be its history.

Lola y Moya is named after the owner’s two grandmothers, and chiles en nogada were a favorite shared with her grandmother Moya. While the owner was living in Canada, one of their final phone conversations ended with her grandmother promising that when she returned, they would make the chiles en nogada she loved so much.

They never had the opportunity to prepare them together again.

Now, every chiles en nogada season at Lola y Moya carries a little bit of that memory. It’s more than a seasonal menu item—it is a way of keeping her grandmother and their shared traditions present.

The details:

• Capeado: Your choice; available capeado or without

• Filling: Beef, pork, fruits, nuts, candied fruit, spices, olives, and capers

• Flavor balance: Layered sweet and savory flavors

• Nogada: Rich and creamy

• Temperature: Served warm

• Size: Large and generously filled

• Price: $450 pesos

• Standout detail: Capeado, non-capeado, and vegetarian options—plus a beautiful family story

El Pirata: Learn to Make It Yourself

Our final chile experience was a little different because we didn’t just sit down and eat… we got to see exactly how it was made.

Chef Karla’s chiles en nogada cooking class at El Pirata walks guests through the history, ingredients, and complete preparation of the dish. Instead of using ground meat, the kitchen cuts the beef and pork by hand. This gives the filling a more distinct texture and avoids the finer, grainier consistency of traditional ground picadillo.

The filling also includes plantain, pear, peach, apple, pine nuts, and almonds, creating a mix of savory meat, fruit, and nuttiness. This version is not capeado, and its nogada is especially distinctive because it is made with fresh goat cheese.

That touch gives the sauce its own personality and sets it apart from the other versions around town.

Throughout the demonstration, Chef Karla explains the ingredients and preparation, and guests can see and taste the dish as it comes together. You also receive the recipe afterward, so you can recreate it at home, or at least make a very brave attempt.

The experience includes your chile en nogada and a special sangria selected to pair with it.

The details:

• Capeado: No

• Filling: Hand-cut beef and pork with plantain, pear, peach, apple, pine nuts, and almonds

• Flavor balance: Savory meat balanced with fruit and nuts

• Nogada: Made with fresh goat cheese

• Temperature: Chile & meat is hot, while the nogada is room temperature

• Size: Large and generously filled

• Price: $450 pesos for the class, chile, and sangria

• Standout detail: A complete cooking demonstration, recipe to take home, and paired sangria

• Class time: Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. Reserve here

So, Which Chile Should You Try?

The answer depends on what you love most about chiles en nogada.

If the sauce is your favorite part, you may be drawn to a chile covered in rich, sweet nogada. If you want something hearty and savory, look for a version with a substantial meat filling. You may prefer yours capeado, completely naked, served hot, or presented traditionally with a room-temperature pepper and cool sauce.

And if you really want to understand the dish, you can take a class and learn how every layer comes together.

What became clear during our tour is that chiles en nogada are much more than a stuffed pepper. Every kitchen has its own proportions, ingredients, techniques, and family memories. Each version tells you something about the people preparing it.

No official winner. No dramatic chile showdown. Just four different experiences, several very full stomachs, and an even bigger appreciation for one of Mexico’s most beautiful culinary traditions. Did we miss someone? We aren’t opposed to a round two - let us know!

Now, it’s something you can wear.

I’m excited to officially introduce the Todo PM Mercado, a new place to shop Puerto Morelos-inspired shirts, tanks and merch designed for the people who live here, love it here or left a little piece of themselves here.

These aren’t your typical souvenir-shop designs.

They’re inspired by the phrases, inside jokes and little moments that capture what Puerto Morelos feels like: beachy, bilingual, laid-back and occasionally fueled by tacos, margaritas and excellent chisme.

The first designs are officially available, and there are plenty more coming—including a few inspired by our famous leaning lighthouse, because apparently even the local landmarks are a little tipsy.

Each item is designed in Puerto Morelos and produced to order by a professional printing partner. That means we can offer more styles and sizes without creating unnecessary excess inventory.

This is just the beginning, and I want you to be part of what comes next. If there’s a Puerto Morelos saying, inside joke or design you would actually wear, leave it in the comments. Your idea might become part of the next collection.

Ready to wear a little Puerto Morelos?

👉 SHOP TODO PM MERCADO

Wear the sunshine. Share the chisme. Take a little Puerto Morelos with you.

That is exactly what we found at a Candlelight concert in Cancún.

We dressed up, left Puerto Morelos behind for the evening, and headed into Cancún to hear the music of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran performed by the incredible Cuarteto de la Riviera Maya.

The venue is a little off the beaten path, but not deep into Cancún, which makes it surprisingly easy to reach from Puerto Morelos. No fighting your way through the Hotel Zone and no marathon drive into the city. It felt like discovering something special that tourists do not necessarily stumble across on their own.

And once we walked inside? The atmosphere completely changed.

Hundreds of candles and a familiar soundtrack

The stage was surrounded by the warm glow of hundreds of candles, creating a setting that felt intimate, elegant and just a little bit magical.

Then the quartet began to play.

Hearing songs you already know performed entirely by strings gives them a completely different feeling. Without lyrics or elaborate production, you notice the melodies in a new way.

The members of Cuarteto de la Riviera Maya were incredibly talented. Their sound filled the room, and some of the arrangements were genuinely moving. Coldplay and Ed Sheeran already know how to tug at the heartstrings, but performed by a live string quartet, pure magic.

It was beautiful without feeling stuffy, sophisticated without being overly formal, and emotional without becoming too serious.

Fancy—but refreshingly low-effort

The concert lasted approximately one hour, which was the perfect time for me.

It was long enough to settle in, enjoy the music and feel like we had experienced something special, but short enough that I didn’t get too antsy sitting. You could easily pair it with dinner or drinks before, or simply enjoy the concert and head home at a reasonable hour.

(No alcohol is sold at the venue, some light snacks are available)

This is the kind of Cancún night out I love: something different, memorable and surprisingly easy to do from Puerto Morelos.

A local experience—not a tourist production

Everything spoken between the songs was in Spanish. I was proud that I could follow along, but I also appreciated what that represented.

The concert did not feel like an attraction created for international tourists. It felt like we were attending a genuine local cultural event, one that happened to be welcoming, accessible and easy to enjoy regardless of where you are from.

You do not need to understand every word to appreciate the music, but hearing the introductions in Spanish made the experience feel more authentic.

It was a lovely reminder that living in, or visiting, Puerto Morelos gives us access to so much more than beaches and resorts. Sometimes, an entirely different kind of evening is waiting less than an hour away.

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely.

Whether you are planning a romantic date, celebrating something special, entertaining visiting friends or simply craving a reason to dress up and do something different, a Candlelight concert makes for a beautiful night out.

It is intimate, easygoing and just fancy enough.

And now, I want two Todo Puerto Morelos readers to experience it for themselves.

Win two tickets to an upcoming Candlelight concert

Paid subscribers can enter below for a chance to win two tickets to an upcoming Candlelight concert.

To enter:

1. Complete the entry form here.

2. Make sure you use the same email address connected to your paid Todo Puerto Morelos subscription.

3. Keep an eye on your inbox—the winner will be contacted directly!

Entries close September 14, and the winner will be announced/contacted on September 16.

Not a paid subscriber yet? Upgrade below to unlock the giveaway and receive more Puerto Morelos recommendations, local discoveries, special offers and subscriber-only opportunities.

Good luck—and maybe your next fancy night out will be surrounded by candlelight. 🕯️🎻

Held at Ki Restaurant at Hotel Ojo de Agua, right on the beach in Puerto Morelos, these themed dinners are one of those local experiences that are a little different every time, and for sure worth keeping on your radar.

Chef Umberto chooses a theme, creates an entire multi-course menu around it, and serves everything family-style, making the evening feel somewhere between a dinner party and a culinary event.

The number of courses varies, but you can generally expect somewhere around 6–8 courses.

And one important thing…

You will NOT leave hungry.

Our Dinner: A Tour of Asia

The pop-up I attended last week was A Tour of Asia, with seven courses inspired by flavors from across Asia, and I’m still drooling over it.

The meal started fresh and light with the fish course before moving into richer, bolder flavors. The Honey Walnut Shrimp was one of my favorites, with perfectly cooked shrimp, a sweet-and-sour sauce and candied walnuts that took it up another level.

The Thai Tamarind Wings were incredibly tender with just the right amount of heat, and the dumplings hit that perfect balance between crispy and steamed.

But the Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wrap may have won the table.

The rice was almost risotto-like in texture, with flavors bouncing between savory, sweet, sour and spicy. And the accompanying sauce was so good that our table quickly decided it could only be called one thing:

“The Magic Sauce.”

We somehow still found room for the Macau-Style Egg Tarts for dessert, a fun finish to a menu that gave us plenty of familiar dishes and flavors, but almost always with an unexpected twist.

More Than Dinner

The setting is a huge part of the experience, too.

You’re sitting beachfront at Hotel Ojo de Agua, food is coming out course after course to be passed around the table, and everyone inevitably starts discussing which dish is their favorite.

Our dinner also included live music, which was a really nice addition to the evening.

It doesn’t feel like you’re just going out to eat.

It feels more like you’ve been invited to a really good dinner party where the chef gets to have some fun.

Because everything is served family-style, there’s something especially social about it. You taste something, pass the plate, debate which sauce is the best, go back for another bite...

That’s my kind of dinner.

What You Need to Know

Chef Umberto’s Pop-Up Kitchen takes place at Ki Restaurant at Hotel Ojo de Agua in Puerto Morelos.

The theme and menu change with each pop-up, and the frequency of the dinners depends on the season so this isn’t something you will see happening every week - so make sure you join his WhatsApp group to ensure you’re kept in the loop.

The Tour of Asia dinner was $700 pesos per person, with drinks purchased separately.

For a multi-course meal, beachfront setting, live music and a menu created specifically for that evening, I thought it was a great value.

My biggest advice?

Come hungry.

Very hungry.

Can’t wait for the next Pop-Up? There’s Another Way to Try Chef Umberto’s Food

Here’s something else worth knowing: Chef Umberto also offers Saturday Supper Club take home dinners.

Each week, he puts together a different meal that you can order ahead and take home, perfect for those nights when you want someone else to do the cooking but don’t necessarily want to go out for dinner.

Like the pop-ups the menu changes, so keep an eye out each week to see what he’s cooking.

🥡 Saturday Take-Home Dinner this week:

📅 Saturday August 22
🍴 New Orleans Style Gumbo
💰 $250
⏰ Order by Friday at 5; Pick up Saturday between 5-6
📍 Wetset Diving

👉 Sign up for Chef Umberto’s Pop-Up WhatsApp group here to order.

I’ll also be sharing upcoming menus through Todo Puerto Morelos, so you’ll have another excuse to check in and see what Chef Umberto is cooking next.

It’s history. It’s tradition. It’s sweet, savory, creamy, a little unexpected, and possibly one of the prettiest plates you’ll see all year.

And yes, there are a lot of intricacies. 😂

The poblano pepper. The picadillo. The creamy walnut nogada. The pomegranate seeds. The parsley. The very intentional red, white and green that makes this dish synonymous with Mexican Independence season.

This time, you can actually learn how to make one.

🌶️ Saturday Chiles en Nogada Classes with Chef Karla

Beginning Saturday, August 22, Chef Karla will be swapping the regular Saturday paella class for a seasonal Chiles en Nogada cooking class.

I LOVE this idea.

Instead of simply ordering one at a restaurant, you’ll get to learn what goes into making this famous dish… and then, obviously, eat your homework.

The class is 450 pesos and includes:

• The cooking class with Chef Karla

• Your Chiles en Nogada dish

• A glass of wine to enjoy with it

The classes will take place every Saturday beginning August 22 and continuing through Mexican Independence Day season.

🇲🇽 Why This Is Such a Fun Way to Experience the Season

Chiles en Nogada is one of those dishes that makes so much more sense once you understand the story behind it.

It’s highly seasonal, tied closely to Mexican history and Independence celebrations, and traditionally made when ingredients like fresh walnuts and pomegranates are available.

So learning to prepare it during the season feels a little more special than simply taking a Mexican cooking class.

Plus, let’s be real:

Cooking class + Chiles en Nogada + glass of wine for 450 pesos?

That is a pretty darn good Saturday afternoon.

Whether you live here, you’re visiting Puerto Morelos, or you’ve eaten Chiles en Nogada before and wondered, how can I recreate this at home? This is a fun chance to get behind the plate and learn from a chef.

And perhaps most importantly...

Once you know how to make your own, Chiles en Nogada season doesn’t necessarily have to end in September. 😉

The Details

🌶️ Chiles en Nogada Cooking Class with Chef Karla
📅 Saturdays beginning August 22 at 4pm
🇲🇽 Running through Mexican Independence season
💰 450 pesos per person
🍷 Includes the class, your Chiles en Nogada + a glass of wine

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION!

The Chiles en Nogada class will temporarily take the place of the regular Saturday paella class during the season.

What a fun way to spend a Saturday! Learn something new, experience a little piece of Mexican culinary tradition, drink some wine, and then eat the results.

I call that educational. 🌶️🍷🇲🇽

Chiles en Nogada is at the top!

It’s one of those dishes that, if someone described it to me before I tried it, a poblano chile stuffed with meat and fruit, covered in a creamy walnut sauce and topped with pomegranate seeds… I’m not entirely sure I would have said, “Yep. That sounds like something I need immediately.”

But somehow... IT WORKS.

Sweet. Savory. Creamy. A little spicy. Fruity. Nutty. And unlike pretty much anything else I had eaten before coming to Mexico.

Now, when I start seeing CHILES EN NOGADA popping up on restaurant menus around Puerto Morelos, I get excited because it means the season has officially arrived.

And that season is right now.

So… What Exactly Is Chiles en Nogada?

At the center is a roasted and peeled poblano chile, usually stuffed with a picadillo made from meat and fruit.

And this isn’t your everyday taco-night picadillo.

Traditional versions can include pork (and sometimes beef), along with fruits such as apple, pear and peach or durazno. Depending on the recipe, you may also find almonds, raisins, pine nuts, cinnamon, cloves and other spices mixed into the filling.

Then comes the part that makes the dish so distinctive:

The nogada.

Nogada is a creamy white sauce traditionally made with fresh nuez de Castilla, Castilla walnuts, combined with ingredients such as cheese, milk or cream and sometimes a little sherry.

The stuffed chile gets generously covered in that sauce and finished with bright red pomegranate seeds and fresh green parsley.

Which isn’t just for looks.

🇲🇽 Green chile.
🇲🇽 White nogada.
🇲🇽 Red pomegranate.

Yep. The Mexican flag.

And that’s where the story gets interesting.

A Dish With a Little History ,and a Little Legend

Like many foods that have been around for generations, there isn’t one perfectly agreed-upon origin story.

The most famous version takes us back to Puebla in 1821, around the time of the consummation of Mexican Independence.

According to the traditional story, Augustinian nuns from the Convent of Santa Mónica prepared the dish in honor of Agustín de Iturbide when he passed through Puebla. Using ingredients that happened to be in season, they created a dish displ

However, versions of chiles with fruit fillings and walnut sauces existed before 1821. There’s even an 18th-century recipe documented for a chile de tiempo en salsa de nuez with similarities to what eventually became chile en nogada.

Either way, over the last two centuries, chile en nogada has become deeply associated with Puebla, Mexican Independence and the patriotic season.

Why Can’t I Get It All Year?

This might be my (least) favorite thing about chiles en nogada:

It’s supposed to be seasonal.

Traditionally, chiles en nogada season runs roughly July through September, when several of its most important ingredients, particularly fresh Castilla walnuts and pomegranates, are harvested. It also perfectly lines up to lead up to Mexico’s Independence Day.

In Puebla, the season is a BIG deal.

There are festivals, special menus, family recipes and even an entire Ruta del Chile en Nogada through several municipalities in Puebla, where visitors can experience orchards, restaurants, traditional cooking and the agricultural side of the dish.

This isn’t really a dish designed around ingredients that are available 365 days a year.

You wait for it.
And I love that, kind of.

We live in a world where we expect to be able to order basically anything whenever we want it, so there’s something special about a dish showing up for a couple of months and basically announcing:

IT’S MY TIME.

The Great Debate: Capeado or Not?

Because obviously a beloved Mexican dish with 200-ish years of history couldn’t exist without people having opinions about how you’re supposed to eat it.

One of the big debates is whether the chile should be capeado, coated in an egg batter and lightly fried, or served without it.

Traditional Puebla guidance generally puts capeado firmly in the “yes” category, along with serving the chiles warm or room temperature while the nogada itself is fresh and cool.

But restaurants and families have their own recipes, and you’ll absolutely find both versions.

Personally, I think this is an excellent excuse to try several and conduct your own highly scientific chiles en nogada research.

For cultural purposes, obviously.

If You’ve Never Tried One… This Is Your Sign

If you live in Mexico, or you’re visiting during chiles en nogada season, start watching the specials boards.

A number of our local restaurants bring out their own versions for the season, and that’s half the fun.

Some recipes lean sweeter. Some are more savory. Some capeado.
Some not.

Some absolutely drown that chile in nogada, which I personally don’t consider a problem.

It’s become one of my favorite unusual dishes I’ve discovered since living in Mexico, and one I genuinely look forward to seeing return every year.

So now I want to know:

Who has your favorite Chiles en Nogada in Puerto Morelos?

Drop the restaurant in the comments, and if you’ve already started your 2026 chile en nogada tour, I especially want to hear where you’ve tried one.

Maybe we need to make a Todo Puerto Morelos chiles en nogada roundup before the season ends.

You know.

For research.

But there’s another side of Todo Puerto Morelos that you might not know about.

We can actually help you plan the trip.

Not in the “here’s a generic list of the 10 most popular things on TripAdvisor” kind of way.

More like: tell us what you need, and we’ll help you make it happen. Over the years of living here we have created connections with many great local business owners that we connect people with.

Here is our main form to get started with us helping you plan your trip: Start here

🏡 Need Somewhere to Stay?

Looking for a vacation rental in Puerto Morelos?

Whether you want beachfront, walk-to-everything, room for the whole family, something romantic, or something a little more budget-friendly, we can help connect you with rental options that fit what you’re actually looking for. We work directly with the owners so you are guaranteed the best rate.

And because we’re here, we can help answer the questions that aren’t always obvious from a rental listing.

How far is it REALLY from the beach?

Can I walk to restaurants?

Is this a good area if I’m coming with kids?

Those things matter. Here is the direct link to our form to start planning your next vacation: Rental Inquiy

✈️ Airport Transfers

Nothing says “welcome to vacation” like walking out of the Cancún airport and immediately wondering what the hell you’re supposed to do next and being inundated with people offering rides. You should always have it arranged ahead of time.

We can arrange your private airport transportation to Puerto Morelos so your ride is already handled.

Land. Find your driver. Get in the van.

Vacation officially begins. Book in advance here: Airport Transfer

🤿 Tours & Adventures

Want to snorkel the reef?

Swim in cenotes?

Spend the day in the jungle at a farm to table?

Explore somewhere outside Puerto Morelos?

We can help you book tours and experiences, and help you figure out which ones actually make sense for your trip.

Not everyone wants the same vacation. Some people want adventure. Some people want tequila. Some people want to float around in beautiful water and be responsible for absolutely nothing.

We support all three.

Wether you’re wanting a cooking class, tequila class, or custom tour. We are here for you.

🛒 Arrive to a Stocked Fridge

This one is especially good after a long travel day.

Send us your grocery list and we can arrange to have your vacation rental stocked before you arrive.

Water? Done.

Coffee for the morning? Obviously.

Breakfast basics? Yep.

Cold beer waiting in the fridge?

Now we’re talking.

Instead of spending the first few hours of your vacation grocery shopping, you can start your vacation.

🧀 Party Platters & Vacation Snacks

Having people over?

Celebrating something?

Or just firmly believe vacation deserves better snacks?

We can arrange party platters, grazing boards and food for your group so you don’t have to spend half the day preparing everything yourself. Just fill out this form letting us know your request and we will arrange it for you.

🎈 Planning a Surprise?

Birthdays. Anniversaries. Proposals. Girls’ trips. Someone finally retiring. Or maybe you just want to make somebody feel ridiculously special.

We can help arrange decorations and surprises at your rental so everything is ready when you walk through the door.

Imagine arriving in Puerto Morelos and opening the door to balloons, decorations, drinks and a surprise waiting inside.

You get the credit.

We’ll keep the secret.

👩‍🍳 Private Catering

And sometimes you want an incredible meal without leaving your vacation rental.

We can help arrange private catering for intimate dinners, celebrations, family meals and groups.

You enjoy dinner.

Someone else worries about cooking it.

Exactly how vacation should work.

Basically… Ask Us.

Todo Puerto Morelos started because we were asked for our opinions on who to use for certain services, and we always had great recommendations. Now we’re also here to make planning your Puerto Morelos trip a whole lot easier.

So if you’re planning a trip and wondering:

Can you help me find…?
Can you arrange…?
Do you know someone who…?

The answer is probably YES.

And if we don’t do it ourselves, there’s a pretty good chance we know someone local who does.

Coming to Puerto Morelos? Send Todo Puerto Morelos a message and tell us what you need.

We’ll help you take it from there.

Already Know Puerto Morelos?

Here’s where you can help us.

Share this post with the person who’s planning their next trip.

You know the one.

They’ve already sent you 47 screenshots, three Airbnb listings and a message asking, “Soooo… what part of Puerto Morelos should we stay in?”

Send them our way. 😉

The people who know... know.

And if you’re one of those people, I apologize in advance for giving away one of your favorite secret hangouts.

Recently, I joined our friends from VMA Property Management for an afternoon at Estación Monteagua, located at Kilometer 8.4 on the Ruta de Cenotes, just outside Puerto Morelos. It's the kind of place you probably won't stumble across, but once you find it, you'll immediately start thinking about who you want to bring back.

The property itself feels like an oasis.

A refreshing pool, hammocks in the shade, individual tables with palapas for small groups, and enough space that you can spend an entire afternoon there without ever feeling crowded. Whether you’re catching up with friends, bringing the family, or escaping for a quiet day, it encourages you to slow down.

It’s also one of those places that truly welcomes everyone. Estación Monteagua is pet friendly, family friendly, and accessible for guests with mobility challenges.

One of my favorite surprises?

Instead of paying an entrance fee, there’s simply a 150 peso minimum food and beverage consumption. That’s it.

Planning a birthday, reunion, or celebration? You can reserve tables, sections of the property, or even the entire venue.

We all love our beaches, but locals know some of the best afternoons happen away from the sand. When the sargassum decides to make an appearance, this is exactly the kind of place you'll be glad you know about.

I left wondering why more people don’t know about this place.

Maybe they do...

Maybe they’ve just been keeping it to themselves.

Now Open Tues-Sunday 10am - 5pm

Read more

First Things First... What’s the Goal?

It’s actually pretty simple.

Two teams of 11 players try to score by getting the ball into the other team’s net. The team with the most goals after 90 minutes wins.

That’s it.

Wait... What’s Offside?

This is the rule that confused me most.

Think of it this way:

You can’t just stand next to the other team’s goal waiting for a teammate to kick the ball to you. If you could, scoring would be way too easy.

Instead, when your teammate passes the ball, you must have at least two defenders (usually the goalkeeper and one other defender) between you and the goal.

Here’s the important part:
The referee looks at where you are the exact moment your teammate kicks the ball, not when you receive it.

So if you start your run too early and you’re already behind the defenders when the pass is made, you’re offside.

If you time your run perfectly and stay level with, or behind, the second-to-last defender until the ball is kicked, play continues.

That’s why you’ll often see players making perfectly timed sprints toward the goal. It’s a game of inches and split-second timing.

Why Does Everyone Fake Injuries?

Okay... Sometimes they’re actually hurt. Sometimes they’re buying time.

Sometimes they’re trying to get the referee to call a foul.

It’s part of the strategy… and yes, every fan thinks their team is innocent while the other team is “diving.”

Welcome to the Knockout Stage

The group stage is over. Now every match is single elimination.

Lose once... Go home.

That’s why the intensity goes through the roof.

If a match is tied after 90 minutes, they play 30 minutes of extra time. Still tied? It goes to a penalty shootout… five kicks per team, then sudden death if needed.

The knockout stage is officially underway, and a few teams have already punched their ticket to the Round of 16.

🇨🇦 Canada became the first team to advance, earning the country’s first-ever World Cup knockout victory with a 1-0 win over South Africa.

🇧🇷 Brazil reminded everyone why they’re always among the tournament favorites, coming from behind to defeat Japan 2-1 and continue their quest for another World Cup title.

🇵🇾 Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, knocking out four-time world champion Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

🇲🇦 Morocco also secured a spot in the Round of 16 after edging the Netherlands in a tense penalty shootout, proving once again that this tournament is full of surprises.

The Matches to Watch This Week

Every game now is “win or go home,” which makes every matchup feel like a final.

Some of the biggest storylines include:

France vs. Sweden - Tue June 30; 4pm
Can France continue looking like a championship favorite?

Mexico vs. Ecuador - Tue June 30; 8pm
One of the most anticipated matches for fans here in Mexico. Expect big energy anywhere the game is playing.

United States vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina - Wed July 1; 7pm
The U.S. hopes to keep its tournament run alive and push into the next round.

Portugal vs. Croatia - Thurs July 2; 6pm
A heavyweight European showdown.

Argentina vs. Cape Verde - Fri July 3; 5pm
Messi continues another World Cup run with Argentina favored, but knockout soccer has a way of producing surprises.

So... Are You Ready?

Now you know the basics.

You’ll know why everyone groans when a player is called offside, why a penalty shootout has an entire bar holding its breath, and why a single goal can send hundreds of people jumping out of their seats.

Whether you’re cheering for Mexico, rooting for your home country, or simply picking a team because you like their jerseys, you’re in for a great time.

Grab a drink, find a seat, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Soccer fans love talking about the game almost as much as they love watching it.

Who knows? By the time the final whistle blows maybe you’ll be a converted soccer fan like me!

The group stage is almost wrapped, and now we move into the part of the tournament where things get spicy: the knockout rounds.

No more “we can still tie and maybe be okay.” From here on out, someone goes home.

First: Who advances?

This year’s tournament is bigger than ever, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four.

From each group:

• The 1st place team advances

• The 2nd place team advances

• The best 8 third-place teams also advance

That gives us 32 teams total heading into the Round of 32.

Why third place is so confusing

Not every third-place team gets through. There are 12 groups, but only 8 third-place spots.

That means the third-place teams are compared against each other across all groups.

The first thing that matters is points. A third-place team with 4 points is usually in a much better position than a team with 2 or 3.

But when teams are tied on points, that’s when we get into the fun little math monster: goal differential.

What is goal differential?

Goal differential is basically:

Goals scored minus goals allowed.
So if a team scores 5 goals and gives up 3, their goal differential is +2.
If they score 2 and give up 6, their goal differential is -4.

This matters because it helps break ties in the standings. A team that lost badly in one match might still have the same number of points as another team, but their goal differential could hurt them.

That’s why you’ll sometimes see teams keep pushing for another goal even when they’re already winning. One extra goal can change who advances, who gets eliminated, or who gets a better matchup.

What happens in the knockout rounds?

Once the knockout rounds begin, it’s simple:

Win and move on. Lose and go home.

If the match is tied after regular time, they play extra time. If it’s still tied after that, it goes to penalties.

Which means yes, we are entering the emotional damage portion of the tournament.

Why Mexico’s next opponent has been TBD

Mexico won Group A, which is amazing. But their Round of 32 opponent depends on which third-place teams qualify and how the official matchup matrix shakes out.

That’s why you might see Mexico listed as playing a “third-place team from Group C/E/F/H/I” instead of one specific country right away.

It’s not because anyone forgot to update the bracket. It’s because the tournament format is doing tournament-format things.

Mexico’s road from here

Mexico’s Round of 32 match is scheduled for June 30 in Mexico City. If they win, their Round of 16 match would also be in Mexico City.

After that, if they keep advancing, the road moves north.

So while the full Mexico-hosted group stage energy has been such a blast, the tournament is now shifting into a new chapter. The stakes are higher, the matchups get tighter, and every single goal matters.

Watching it from Puerto Morelos

One of my favorite parts of this tournament so far has been watching how different each place feels.

I’ve watched matches at Muses, La Sirena, and Micheladas, and each one has its own totally different energy.

Muses has that fun, lively, beachfront local vibe. La Sirena gives you rooftop, sports lounge, full-on game-day atmosphere. Micheladas brings that casual, scream-at-the-TV kind of energy. I’ve also heard El Refugio is a great place to catch the matches if you’re looking for another spot to add to the rotation.

That’s the fun of watching from Puerto Morelos. You pick your mood.

The fun part starts now

The group stage is where we get surprises, storylines, underdogs, heartbreak, and math.

The knockout rounds are where everything gets sharper.

One mistake can end a dream. One goal can become national history. One penalty kick can make an entire bar hold its breath.

So if you’ve been casually watching, now is the time to lean in and come watch a game with us!

But as we were reminded this week, not all beaches are experiencing the same conditions.

To get a firsthand look, we joined Vero from VMA Property Management and headed to Playa del Carmen to see what beach conditions looked like there.

The amount of sargasso along portions of the shoreline was significant. Cleanup crews and equipment were already hard at work, but large accumulations had made their way onto the beach. It was a good reminder of just how challenging sargasso season can be for coastal communities throughout the region.

After spending time in Playa, we returned to Puerto Morelos to compare what we were seeing.

One thing that stood out immediately was the difference in conditions within the Blue Flag area of Puerto Morelos.

Over the last several years, Puerto Morelos has invested in offshore sargasso barriers designed to help protect some of the town’s most visited beaches. While no solution is perfect and conditions can change quickly, the barrier system appears to be helping reduce the amount of sargasso reaching the shoreline in protected areas.

As of this week, the Blue Flag section of beach near the town center remains considerably more enjoyable than many of the images circulating from other parts of the Riviera Maya.

However, it’s important to understand that this doesn’t apply to every stretch of beach in Puerto Morelos.

Outside of the barrier zones, there are areas where sargasso accumulation is much heavier. That’s why two visitors staying in different parts of town can have completely different experiences and why broad statements like “Puerto Morelos is clear” or “Puerto Morelos is covered” rarely tell the full story.

For visitors planning a summer getaway, that’s an important thing to keep in mind when choosing where to stay. If spending time on the beach is high on your priority list, it pays to understand where the protected areas are located and how close your accommodations are to them.

The good news is that Puerto Morelos continues to benefit from ongoing efforts to manage sargasso, and the Blue Flag area remains one of the strongest examples of those efforts in action.

As always, conditions can change from week to week, but one thing remains true: when it comes to sargasso season in the Riviera Maya, location matters.

We’ll continue sharing updates as conditions evolve throughout the summer.

Ready to book your weekend escape? TODO Puerto Morelos has several rentals within the Blue Flag are. Contact us today to see our options.

Tucked deep along the Ruta de los Cenotes, just outside Puerto Morelos, you’ll find Koox Ich Kool—a farm-to-table experience that feels worlds away from the bustle of the coast. The name comes from the Maya language and translates roughly to “Let’s go to the garden,” and that’s exactly where the experience begins.

This isn’t a restaurant where you simply arrive, order, and eat.

It’s an afternoon spent walking through the jungle, learning about native plants, medicinal herbs, traditional Mayan cooking methods, and the incredible work that goes into growing food organically in the Yucatán.

.At the heart of the experience is Chef Karla Romo, whose passion for Mexican cuisine and local ingredients shines through every course. The menu changes with the seasons and the harvest, making each visit a little different from the last. Fresh herbs are picked from the garden. Ingredients come directly from the land. Traditional Mayan techniques meet modern Mexican creativity

One of the most fascinating parts of the experience is learning about the traditional Mayan pib, an underground cooking method that has been used for generations throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. Watching food prepared using techniques passed down through centuries creates a deeper appreciation for the culture and history behind every bite.

And while the food is undeniably the star, Koox Ich Kool is about more than dining.

It’s about stepping away from notifications and schedules. It’s about spending a day surrounded by jungle sounds, sharing a table with fellow guests, cooling off in the cenote-fed pool, and reconnecting with the simple pleasure of good food and good company.

In a destination known for beaches and resorts, experiences like this remind us that some of the most memorable moments happen inland, where traditions are preserved, stories are shared, and meals become something much more meaningful.

If you’ve lived in Puerto Morelos for years or you’re visiting for the first time, Koox Ich Kool is one of those experiences worth putting on your list. Not because it’s trendy. Not because it’s Instagram-worthy.

Because it offers something increasingly rare: a genuine connection to the land, the culture, and the people who make this region so special.

Interested in experiencing Koox Ich Kool for yourself? Experiences are generally scheduled on Tuesdays when at least 8 guests have registered. Have a group of 8 or more ready to go? Additional dates may be arranged during the week based on availability.

Reservations are required and can be requested at through ToDo Puerto Morelos at this link.

🐎🏆 17a Copa del Rey Polo Match Recap

What a Saturday at Rey Polo Country Club! The 17th Copa del Rey brought together sport, style, competition, and a great crowd for another successful event in the Riviera Maya.

Guests gathered to enjoy an afternoon of fast-paced polo, beautiful horses, and championship energy as riders battled it out for the title.

A huge congratulations to all of the players and teams who participated in this year’s event — and to the winners of the grand final:

🥇 1st Place: Equipo Cuadra Blanca
🥈 2nd Place: Equipo Matsumoto

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the event and helped make another edition of the Copa del Rey a success.

Thursday

El Pirata - Soul Trip (Jazz/Blues) - 7:30PM

La Sirena - Soul de Gusano (Rock, Soul, & Funk) - 8PM

Red Room - ??? (Deep Tech & House) - 10PM

Micheladas del Semaforo - Delay Band (Classic Rock) - 10PM

Friday

La Sirena - The Mates - (Happy Hour Acoustic) - 4PM

La Sirena - Tren Latino (Salsa) - 9pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Talla Musical (Salsa) - 10:30pm

Tiburón 2 - Alex Hernandez (Country) - 8:30pm

The Red Room - DJ Argenis - 11pm

Saturday

The Red Room - DJ Leo Pacheco (80s) - 8PM

La Sirena - Dejá Vu (Rock) - 9PM

Muses by Diving Bar - Son de Caney (Latin/Cubano) - 9:30PM

Micheladas del Semaforo - Talla Musical (Salsa) - 10:30PM

Sunday

Peninsula - Priscila - 7pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Crist Project - 8pm

La Sirena Flamenco - Puerto Malix - 8pm

Monday

La Sirena - Demetrio (Jazz) - 8pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Toxic Band (Rock) - 10pm

Tuesday

La Sirena - Xibalba (Reggae) - 8pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Cherry Lovers - 10pm

Wednesday

La Sirena - Open Mic- 3pm

Muses by Diving Lodge - Ladies Night - Son de Caney (Salsa) - 7pm

La Sirena - Sad Dogs (Soul/Rock) - 8pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Lazarus (Rock) - 10pm

*Currently awaiting information from additional venues

Want to get these updates weekly? Make sure and subscribe!

Subscribe now

Highlighted Specials & Happy Hours

John Gray’s - Early Bird Special - Mon-Sat 4-6 pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Mon: 15 pesos wings

Portside - Happy Hour 3-6 Thursday-Tuesday; 50% off wine on Tuesdays

MEM al Mar - 50% off Pizza Tue (2:30-6:30) 2x1 Pasta Thurs

(for more Happy Hour listings - review this article)

Around Town

Friday - Monday - Torneo de Pesca día de la Marina

Saturday - Salsa Lessons - 7pm, Bachata Lessons - 8pm Muses by Diving Bar

Saturday - Paella Class 5pm - El Pirata

Sunday - Tianguis/Flea Market in La Colonia

Monday - Tequila University - La Sirena (Reserve before)

Wednesday - Karaoke at El Refugio - 7pm

Coming Up

🎣🌊 Puerto Morelos Gets Ready for the 2026 Día de la Marina Fishing Tournament

The countdown is on for one of Puerto Morelos’ favorite ocean traditions! In celebration of Día de la Marina, the 2026 Puerto Morelos Fishing Tournament is set to bring together anglers, crews, locals, and visitors for a weekend of competition, camaraderie, and Caribbean adventure.

This year’s tournament follows a Catch & Release format — combining sport fishing excitement with respect for marine conservation.

The festivities kick off Friday, May 29 with the traditional Captains Dinner, followed by tournament day on Saturday, May 30, when boats head out into the beautiful waters of the Mexican Caribbean chasing top honors and impressive cash prizes.

🏆 Prize Pool Highlights:
🥇 1st Place — $150,000 MXN
🥈 2nd Place — $100,000 MXN
🥉 3rd Place — $50,000 MXN

With Puerto Morelos’ strong fishing heritage and deep connection to the sea, this annual event is more than just a tournament — it’s a celebration of the local maritime spirit. 🎣⚓

Thinking about participating or cheering from shore? Check out the flyer below for registration details and event info.

Looking for something a little different this Saturday in Puerto Morelos?

The 17ª Copa del Rey – Gran Final de Polo is happening Saturday, May 23 starting at 2PM at El Rey Polo Country Club on the Ruta de los Cenotes (KM 11.5).

This isn’t just a polo match, it’s an afternoon event with a little bit of everything:

✨ Gran Final de Polo
🍽️ Gastronomic Area
👒 Hat Contest
🛍️ Bazaar
👗 Fashion Show
🎈 Kids Club
🥂 Closing Party featuring Darion & Jade

There’s a white dress code, so now is your excuse to pull out that breezy linen outfit or dramatic white sundress.

Whether you’re a polo regular or just curious to experience something a little glam on the Ruta de los Cenotes, this is guaranteed a pretty fun Saturday outing. Also, who isn’t looking for something unique to do during low season?

📍 El Rey Polo Country Club
Ruta de los Cenotes KM 11.5, Puerto Morelos
📞 Reservations: 998 660 1930

Thursday

El Pirata - Soul Trip (Jazz/Blues) - 7:30PM

La Sirena - Son de Caney (Latin/Cubano) - 8PM

Red Room - DJ Malu (Lounge & Reggaeton) - 10PM

Micheladas del Semaforo - Delay Band (Classic Rock) - 10PM

Friday

La Sirena - The Mates - (Happy Hour Acoustic) - 4PM

La Sirena - Tren Latino (Salsa) - 9pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Talla Musical (Salsa) - 10:30pm

The Red Room - DJ Argenis - 11pm

Saturday

The Red Room - DJ Leo Pacheco (80s) - 8PM

La Sirena - Dejá Vu (Rock) - 9PM

Muses by Diving Bar - Son de Caney (Latin/Cubano) - 9:30PM

Micheladas del Semaforo - Talla Musical (Salsa) - 10:30PM

Sunday

Parilla San Miguel - Mario Alvidrez - 7pm

Peninsula - Priscila - 7pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Crist Project - 8pm

La Sirena Flamenco - Puerto Malix - 8pm

Monday

La Sirena - Hiriam Gomez Elite Band (Jazz) - 8pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Toxic Band (Rock) - 10pm

Tuesday

La Sirena - The Interceptors - 8pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Cherry Lovers - 10pm

Wednesday

La Sirena - Open Mic- 3pm

Muses by Diving Lodge - Ladies Night - Son de Caney (Salsa) - 7pm

La Sirena - The Roomies (Classic Rock) - 8pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Lazarus (Rock) - 10pm

*Currently awaiting information from additional venues

Want to get these updates weekly? Make sure and subscribe!

Subscribe now

Highlighted Specials & Happy Hours

John Gray’s - Early Bird Special - Mon-Sat 4-6pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Mon: 15 pesos wings

Portside - Happy Hour 3-6 Thursday-Tuesday; 50% off wine on Tuesdays

MEM al Mar - 50% off Pizza Tue (2:30-6:30) 2x1 Pasta Thurs

(for more Happy Hour listings - review this article)

Around Town

Friday - Pairing Dinner - 7pm Puerto Knna (reservation required)

Saturday - Polo Gran Final - 2pm El Rey Polo Country Club

Saturday - Salsa Lessons - 7pm, Bachata Lessons - 8pm Muses by Diving Bar

Saturday - Paella Class 5pm - El Pirata

Sunday - Tianguis/Flea Market in La Colonia

Monday - Tequila University - La Sirena (Reserve before)

Tuesday - Bingo Fundraiser Cause4Paws - 5pm Tulipan

Wednesday - Karaoke at El Refugio - 7pm

Coming Up

🎣 Día de la Marina Fishing Tournament – May 29 & 30

Puerto Morelos is celebrating Día de la Marina with its 2026 Catch & Release Fishing Tournament! The action kicks off Friday, May 29 with the Cena de Capitanes, followed by tournament day on Saturday, May 30. With $300,000 pesos in prizes up for grabs and surprise awards for the first 10 places, it’s shaping up to be a big weekend for anglers and spectators alike. Registration is $4,500 pesos per team. Interested in joining? Contact Turismo Puerto Morelos for details and registration.

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Puerto Morelos without a car, you’ve probably become familiar with the glorious, chaotic, highly economical world of the collectivo.

For 10 pesos, these little vans will get you surprisingly far around town, but knowing which route you need? That’s another story. Each bus/van depicts either Route 1 or Route 2 in the window, and its important to understand which one goes where.

That’s exactly why TODO Puerto Morelos + VMA Property Management teamed up to create updated maps for both local routes.

🚌 Need to go up Timón?

Route 1 is your friend.

If you’re headed toward Timón, Villas Morelos II, or the areas climbing that side of town, Route 1 is generally the easier bet.

🚌 Need Zetina Gasca side?

Route 2 is usually your move.

Route 2 runs more through the Zetina Gasca corridor and covers a different slice of Puerto Morelos.

And… Route 2 has a bit of personality.

The Curious Case of Route 2…

One thing you’ll notice?

Route 2 goes by Súper Akí… twice.

Who knows why?

Hot Tips From VMA Property Management

First: collectivos are one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get around town. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, they can get you to almost every corner of Puerto Morelos for about 10 pesos, or 20 pesos if you ride the full route.

But there are a few things worth knowing.

⏰ Timing Matters

Try to be mindful of peak commuter times.

7–8am → work & school rush
1–2pm → midday commuter traffic
5–6pm → afternoon work & school crowd

Saturdays around 1–2pm, many construction crews finish early… and the collectivos can reflect that.

🏖️ Going Portside? Pack Accordingly.

Collectivos are convenient and thrifty…

…but maybe take a taxi if you’re hauling beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, or half your vacation setup.

Space can get tight, and many locals rely on these as their everyday transportation to work and school… so it is important to be mindful.

🌴 Bonus Bus Collectivo Tip

The bus-style collectivos are fantastic because…

✨ Actual seats. ✨

A luxury by local transportation standards.

However, If you’re sitting near the open window… remain alert.

Passing palm fronds have been known to enter the vehicle give a surprising wake-up smack in the face.

May or may not be speaking from experience.

Community Collaboration

These updated maps were a collaborative effort between TODO Puerto Morelos and VMA Property Management to make navigating Puerto Morelos a little easier for locals, visitors, commuters, grocery runners, beachgoers, and everyone in between.

Whether you’re trying to get to Timón, Zetina, the beach, or you’re simply wondering why you’ve seen Súper Akí twice…

We hope this helps. Be sure to follow our facebooks for more information on things happening in Puerto Morelos. TODO Puerto Morelos FB and VMA Property Management FB.

Friday

Peninsula -Luciana & Adrián - 7pm

La Sirena - Tren Latino - 9pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Talla Musical - 10:30pm

The Red Room - DJ Argenis - 11pm

Saturday

Diving Lodge - Son de Caney - 2pm

Parrilla San Miguel - Priscila - 7pm

Peninsula - Mario Alvidrez - 7pm

Molcajetes - Son de Caney - 9pm

La Sirena - The Highway 307 - 9pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Talla Musical - 10:30pm

The Red Room - DJ Leo Pacheco (80s) - 8pm

Sunday

Diving Lodge - Rockpek- 2pm

Parilla San Miguel - Mario Alvidrez - 7pm

Peninsula - Priscila - 7pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Crist Project - 8pm

La Sirena Flamenco - Puerto Malix - 8pm

Monday

Parilla San Miguel - Shaggy - 7pm

La Sirena - Gaby Gorsky- 8pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Toxic Band - 10pm

Tuesday

La Sirena - The Interceptors - 8pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Cherry Lovers - 10pm

Wednesday

La Sirena - Open Mic- 3pm

Muses by Diving Lodge - Ladies Night - Son de Caney - 7pm

Parrilla San Miguel - Priscila - 7pm

La Sirena - The Roomies - 8pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Lazarus - 10pm

*Currently awaiting information from additional venues

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Highlighted Specials & Happy Hours

John Gray’s - Early Bird Special - Mon-Sat 4-6pm

Micheladas del Semaforo - Mon: 15 pesos wings

Portside - Happy Hour 3-6 Thurs-Tuesday; 50% off wine on Tuesdays

MEM al Mar - 50% off Pizza Tue (2:30-6:30) 2x1 Pasta Thurs

(for more Happy Hour listings - review this article)

Around Town

Saturday - Salsa Lessons - 7pm, Bachata Lessons - 8pm Los Molcajetes

Sunday - Tianguis/Flea Market in La Colonia

Monday - Tequila University - La Sirena (Reserve before)

Tuesday - Movie Nights 5pm

Wednesday - Karaoke at El Refugio - 7pm

This week we updated the Todo Puerto Morelos happy hour roundup with a few new additions, including a nighttime happy hour that we think is going to become a beach side favorite 👀

✨ Newly Added: Muses at Diving Lodge
Monday–Friday | 7–8 PM
2x1 house margaritas, mezcalitas, beer, and wine 🍻

And if you need an excuse to check it out…
Wednesdays are now Ladies Night with the first drink free for the ladies 💃🍸

We’ll be kicking things off this Wednesday night with live music, drinks flowing, and a new evening social spot in town. Puerto Morelos has needed more nighttime happy hour energy and this is a fun beach-side addition to the mix.

Of course, there are already plenty of local favorites holding it down too:
🎶 La Sirena — Mon–Fri 4–6 PM with live music vibes almost every night
🍹 Lola y Moya — extended daily happy hour
🍷 Portside — daily happy hour + Tuesday wine specials
🍕 La Oma Pizza y Mas — sangria + beer specials
🌮 Maíz Maix — all-day 2x1 deals
🔥 Miles Kitchen — all-day drink specials

Puerto Morelos is slowly building more of that “wander around and stop for one drink” culture… and we’re here for it. Save this to reference later when the next Happy Hour is!

Which happy hour spot should we add next?

A lot of people think they know tequila, I know I did.

But somewhere between the stories, tastings, regional history, production methods, and realizing how much celebrity tequila marketing has shaped what people think tequila is supposed to taste like…

I actually have a lot to learn!

Tequila University at La Sirena turned out to be a lot more than just the average tequila tasting.

Led by Miguel, whose knowledge of tequila (and mezcal) runs deep, the experience walks you through the differences between commercial tequila, boutique tequila, traditional production methods, regions, and what to look for when ordering or buying a bottle.

One of the more interesting takeaways:
Tequila can only legally be produced in certain regions of Mexico, much like champagne in France.

And once you start learning what’s behind the labels… it becomes very hard to look at tequila the same way again.

What I wasn’t fully expecting was how much the food pairing element elevated the entire experience.

Each of the five tequila courses was paired with a dish curated alongside Chef Lili and the combinations changed the way certain tequilas opened up and tasted throughout the class.

From fresh aguachile to baklava, every pairing felt intentional.

It turned the class into less of a tasting… and more of a full culinary experience. Chef Lili regularly changes up the menu with unique offerings.

Somewhere between the pairings, conversations, tastings, and tequila mythology getting completely dismantled…

I realized how much of what most people think they know about tequila is really just marketing.

Blowing out that myth is part of what makes this class so fun.

I’m not going to give away too much because half the fun is experiencing it yourself.

But if you’re in Puerto Morelos and want something that’s interactive, educational, surprisingly elevated, and genuinely memorable…

Tequila University deserves a spot on your list.

And yes:
There’s a quiz, diploma, and shirt involved 👀

Want help reserving a spot for Tequila University or figuring out which experiences are actually worth booking in Puerto Morelos?

👉 Start here: Make your reservation