Puerto Morelos Insider
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This Week (Jan 16–22)
This Week (Jan 16–22)
International Polo, Beach Reggae, and the New Free Wi-Fi. Plus a Hidden Gem Restaurant.
Puerto Morelos Insider
Jan 16, 2026
Your Weekly Window Into Paradise Friday January 16, 2026 |
Trivia Question❓January is the peak season for diving with which specific type of shark that gather in the shallow waters near Playa del Carmen? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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It is a beautiful week in our little corner of paradise, and we have a packed issue to help you make the most of it. Whether you are a long-time local or just visiting for the season, there is plenty to keep you busy.
This weekend, the excitement of international polo returns to the Ruta de los Cenotes with the Nations Cup 2026, and we have the smooth sounds of Xibalba Roots bringing live reggae to the beach on Sunday.
In this edition, we are also shining a spotlight on a true "hidden gem" in La Colonia, Casa Chilam Balam. If you haven't experienced Señora Nelly’s legendary seafood soup or the tranquil "jungle" vibe of her backyard dining room, you are missing out.
We also have important updates on the new free high-speed Wi-Fi in the town center, a heads-up on the significant price increases for archaeological sites starting this year, and a sweet young dogger named Shaggy who is looking for his forever home.
Grab a coffee (or a cold beer), settle in, and enjoy your weekly window into everything Puerto Morelos.
See you out on the town! |
Featured Events |
1. Nations Cup 2026 – El Rey Polo Country Club The excitement of international polo returns to Puerto Morelos with the Nations Cup 2026 at El Rey Polo Country Club. Teams from the United States, Guatemala, Germany, and Mexico will face off in a day full of adrenaline, skill, and sportsmanship. Join us and experience polo at its finest!
2. Xibalba Roots – Live Reggae on the Beach This Sunday, catch a free show with Puerto Morelos’ reggae favorites, Xibalba Roots. Relax beachfront at The Diving Bar with a cold beer, delicious bites, and the smooth vibes of Caribbean roots reggae.
3. Javier Rojas y sus Amigos – Concert at Teatro de la Ciudad (Cancún) Javier Rojas and his friends arrive at the Teatro de la Ciudad with a concert dedicated to Javier’s compositions, performed by renowned guest artists. Javier is one of the top guitarists in Mexico.
In addition to Javier Rojas on guitar, you will hear the virtuosity of Guillermo Gutiérrez (violin), Manelo Gómez (piano), and Alan Valencia (percussion). An afternoon to enjoy contemporary music and the talent of artists with extensive careers. |
Weekly Weather |
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If you’re looking for that perfect "hidden gem" in Puerto Morelos, you’ve got to head over to the colonial side and find Casa Chilam Balam.
It’s one of those places that feels less like a restaurant and more like you’ve been invited into a friend’s lush, tropical backyard for a home-cooked meal.
The vibe here is pure relaxation... think open-air dining, plenty of greenery, and a "jungle" atmosphere that makes you forget you’re just a short hop from the main highway.
Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty breakfast or a long, lazy lunch, the service is what really sets it apart. Señora Nelly and her team treat everyone like family, often greeting you with a warm smile and maybe even a little sample of their incredible seafood empanadas if you’re lucky!
The food is authentic, fresh, and surprisingly affordable. Their Seafood Soup is legendary among locals, and if you see the Red Snapper or Boquinete on the menu, order it... it’s as fresh as it gets!
Don’t forget to try their homemade salsas and tortillas; they really make the meal. It’s the kind of spot where you can settle in with a cold beer, enjoy the breeze, and truly experience the "Tranquilo" lifestyle of Puerto Morelos.
What People Are Saying
"It is fabulous! Love the food and atmosphere. Great service. Eaten there 4 times. Always great. Seafood soup is best in town. Great breakfast too." — Gayle L. (Facebook)
"Great food and very kind service in a 'jungle' atmosphere. The Red Snapper was the definition of fresh... Señora Nelly thank you for your service!" — Hakim B. (Google)
"Very nice spot. Great lunch, friendly people, very fun vibe. Delicious shrimp tacos, incredible homemade salsa and the homemade tortillas are a must." — Amy R. (TripAdvisor)
"Amazing! Ask for the chilpachole soup. It's delicious. Really good food and lovely people." — Francisco B. (Facebook)
Contact Information Location: Calle 45, Lote 26, SM 18 in La Colonia. (one street over from the Chedraui plaza, corner of Calle Chechen) Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM English Spoken: Yes, very friendly and accommodating to English speakers! WhatsApp: +52 998 251 1612
👉 Insider Tip: If you want to eat like a true local, don't just stick to the printed menu. Ask if they have any Pozole or Chile Relleno available. These are often prepared as special off-menu treats or for local gatherings and are absolutely divine. |
Insider Tip: Grocery Baggers |
When you check out at Chedraui or other large supermarkets in Puerto Morelos, you’ll notice that the person bagging your groceries isn’t the cashier. It’s usually a senior citizen, an abuelito or abuelita.
They are volunteers who work entirely for tips. They receive no salary or benefits from the supermarket. The coins you give them are their only compensation for their time and effort.
For many seniors, these tips are a crucial supplement to a very small pension, helping them pay for daily necessities.
Always have some coins ready when you get to the checkout counter. A tip of 5 to 10 pesos is standard and greatly appreciated.
It is a small gesture for you, but it makes a meaningful difference in their day and is a simple way to show appreciation for this unique and important part of Mexican culture. |
Local News |
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Getting online just got a whole lot easier in the beautiful coastal town of Puerto Morelos. Visitors and locals can now enjoy fast, free Wi-Fi right in the heart of the community.
Fast Connections for Everyone
The new internet spots are located at Fundadores Park and Fishermen's Wharf. These high-speed hubs allow up to 200 people to connect their devices at the same time.
Governor Mara Lezama officially opened the service earlier this month. The signal is very strong and covers a large area around each station.
Better for Business and Visitors
This project helps local workers like boat captains and shop owners. It makes it much easier for them to take digital payments from their customers.
Tourists will also have a better time exploring the town. They can now post vacation photos and look up directions without using their own cell phone data.
Puerto Morelos is the latest stop in a plan to bring free internet to the Mexican Caribbean. The service is already a big hit in nearby spots like Cancun and Tulum. Read More... |
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Planning a trip to see ancient ruins from Puerto Morelos? You might want to check your wallet before you go. Big price changes are coming to popular spots like Tulum and Cobá.
A Big Price Jump
Starting in 2026, foreign visitors will pay more than double to enter major historical sites. The entry fee for tourists is jumping from 100 pesos to 210 pesos.
Mexican citizens will also see a small price increase of five pesos. These changes affect all major archaeological sites across the state of Quintana Roo.
Tulum’s High Costs
Tulum is now the most expensive place to visit because of several different fees. Foreign visitors must now pay a total of 515 pesos to see these famous ruins by the sea.
Because of these high costs, some tourists are choosing to skip the sites entirely. Local tour guides are already hearing complaints from families about the new prices.
Where the Money Goes
The government says the extra money will help protect and repair the ancient buildings. However, some experts think the hike is timed to make money from the 2026 World Cup.
If you are staying in Puerto Morelos, be sure to budget for these higher costs. It is best to plan your trips carefully to avoid expensive surprises at the gate. Read More... |
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The Ruta de los Cenotes in Puerto Morelos is entering a new phase of tighter oversight.
After years of rapid and sometimes chaotic growth along the jungle road, local and state authorities have started a formal process to review and regulate development in the area.
The focus is on bringing more legal clarity to landholders and businesses, especially where land has been sold with weak or unclear documents such as private contracts or "cesiones de derechos" on ejido land.
Federal agencies like SEMARNAT and CONAGUA, state bodies, the Puerto Morelos City Council, and local ejidos have agreed to form working groups.
These teams will map existing projects, from eco parks and cenote operations to real estate and lodging, and propose criteria to decide what can be regularized and what could face sanctions or closure.
Puerto Morelos is also updating its Municipal Urban Development Program and Local Ecological Planning Plan, which will guide future land use.
For now, the process is still in an early stage, so the exact impact on individual cenotes, parks, and developments remains uncertain. Read More... |
Adoptable Furry Friend |
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Hi there! I’m Shaggy, and I’m looking for my forever home 🐾
I’m 6 months old, medium sized, and already turning into quite the young gentleman.
I may have a serious face, but don’t be fooled. Inside, I’m still a playful puppy with a sweet and curious heart. I’m calm, well behaved, and I already know to do my business outside.
I can be a little shy at first, but I’m always alert and very protective of the people I love. Once I trust you, I’m all about kisses, hugs, and being close. Walks make me incredibly happy, especially when I get to explore the world by your side.
If you give me a chance, I promise to be a loyal, loving companion. All I want is a family who includes me in their life, takes me along on adventures, and lets me grow up knowing I truly belong 🐶 |
Events Calendar |
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This week in Puerto Morelos brings together international sports, live music, and cultural performances, offering something for everyone from January 16–22.
One of the standout events is the Nations Cup 2026 at El Rey Polo Country Club on Saturday. Teams from the United States, Guatemala, Germany, and Mexico compete in a full day of high-level international polo just minutes outside town along the Ruta de los Cenotes. It is a rare chance to experience world-class sport in a relaxed Caribbean setting.
Live music remains a major highlight throughout the weekend. On Sunday afternoon, local reggae favorites Xibalba Roots take the stage at The Diving Bar with a free beachfront show. Expect laid-back vibes, cold drinks, and Caribbean rhythms starting at 2:00 pm.
Across town, bars and venues continue their regular schedules with DJs, rock, jazz, salsa, and late-night dancing every night of the week.
For those looking to venture slightly farther, Sunday also features a special cultural event in Cancún. Javier Rojas y sus Amigos perform a concert dedicated to original compositions at the Teatro de la Ciudad, bringing together guitar, violin, piano, and percussion for an afternoon of contemporary music.
Whether you prefer sports, live bands, or the arts, Puerto Morelos has a full and varied week ahead. Read More... |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Bull Sharks. The pregnant females migrate to the shallow, sandy plateaus off Playa del Carmen every winter because the slightly cooler water and abundant food sources provide an ideal environment before they head to nearby lagoons and river mouths to give birth. |