Issue #22
Pop-up Dinner, Salsa on the Beach, and Stargazing in Cancún
Weekend picks around Puerto Morelos: Chef Umberto’s Asian‑flavors pop‑up at Ojo de Agua, free Astro Picnic stargazing in Cancún, salsa on the beach with Son de Canay, plus El Picudo seafood spotlight, cenotes guide, and the midweek produce market.
Your Weekly Window Into Paradise
Friday September 19, 2025
Trivia Question❓
What are "Aluxes" in Maya legend, and what is their traditional role in protecting the jungle around Puerto Morelos?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter
10 Most Amazing Mayan Ruins - Travel Video
👋 Welcome to this week’s Puerto Morelos Insider
We’ve got a full weekend of flavors, music, and magic lined up for you.
From Chef Umberto’s much-anticipated pop-up dinner that promises bold Asian tastes, to salsa by the sea with Son de Canay, and a free night of stargazing at Cancún’s Astro Picnic.
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy our little corner of paradise! Which is why we love it.
Add in fresh market finds, local seafood favorites, and a few insider tips, and you’ll be set to make the most of September nights in Puerto Morelos.
Enjoy this week's issue!
Photo Of The Week

Featured Photo by
Neo Luminar
Send us your favorite photos: support@puertomorelosinsider.com
Best Bets For Your Weekend
1. Pop-Up Dinner: “Asian Flavors” with Chef Umberto
Curated Asian-inspired dishes full of flavor & Chef Umberto’s signature creativity
Get ready for an unforgettable culinary evening as Chef Umberto presents a one-night-only pop-up dinner showcasing bold Asian flavors with his creative touch.
Hosted at the beautiful KI Restaurant inside Ojo de Agua Beach Club, this night promises delicious food, ocean views, and a vibrant community vibe. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve early!
When: Thursday, September 25th
Time: 6 PM (Event begins) | 7 PM (Dinner served)
Where: KI Restaurant, Ojo de Agua Beach Club
Cost: $700 pesos
Reservations: This Sunday, Cancún hosts its very first Astro Picnic, a free stargazing event at Parque Cancún. Bring your blanket, snacks, and a curious mind for an unforgettable night under the stars. The event combines science, community, and nature with guided astronomical viewing and is designed for families, couples, and anyone who loves the night sky. The day also features the Somos Naturalistas Festival, encouraging participants to explore the biodiversity of the Nichupté mangroves using the iNaturalist app. Attendees are asked to follow the park’s Zero Waste policy: carry reusable bottles, mats, repellant, and a bag for waste.
WhatsApp: +1 (831) 419-5379
Email: umberto.pala@gmail.com
2. Free Nocturnal Astro Picnic in Cancún
When:
Sunday, September 21
Time: Reception at 6:30 PM | Stargazing event from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Parque Cancún
Cost: Free (Pre-registration required through Parque Cancún’s website due to limited capacity)
3. Salsa on the Beach with Son De Canay
Get your Saturday started with the infectious rhythms of Son de Canay, one of Puerto Morelos’ favorite local bands! Enjoy a lively afternoon of sunshine and salsa music at the laid-back Diving Bar on the beach. 🌦️ Weekend Weather
Whether you’re a dancer or just want to soak up the good vibes, this is a perfect way to experience the local music scene. The Diving Bar is known for its friendly atmosphere, cold drinks, and great staff.
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Diving Bar, Puerto Morelos
Admission: Free (food & drinks available for purchase)Friday, September 19:
⛅ Partly Cloudy — High: 32°C (90°F), Low: 25°C (77°F)
Warm, humid, and partly cloudy with a chance of an afternoon shower. Great for a dip at the beach or a cocktail under a palapa, but keep an umbrella handy.
Saturday, September 20:
🌤️ Sun & Clouds — High: 33°C (91°F), Low: 25°C (77°F)
Expect sunshine with some passing clouds. Small chance of isolated rain later in the afternoon, but overall a solid beach day.
Sunday, September 21:
🌦️ Mostly Cloudy with Showers — High: 32°C (90°F), Low: 24°C (75°F)
More clouds rolling in with scattered showers likely, especially in the evening. Perfect excuse to grab tacos, chill at a local cantina, and listen to live music.
Weather Tip:
⚡ September is peak rainy season, so showers are quick but intense. Waterproof sandals are your best friend, and don’t forget bug spray if you’re out at night.
Local Business Spotlight
Cockteleria El Picudo

Known best for their towering shrimp cocktails and fresh ceviche, this spot is legendary if you want plenty of seafood without the tourist markup.
The vibe is no-frills and friendly, with cold cervezas ready to pair with your plate.
It’s the perfect stop after a cenote swim, when you’re hungry and ready for something refreshing. Their big seafood platters are also great for sharing with family or friends.
If you’re looking for that classic Puerto Morelos taste in a local neighborhood setting, El Picudo should be on your list.
What People Are Saying:
"Great Restaurant, traditional seafood dishes. Very delicious and great size of the dishes. Very friendly staff." Alex S. (Google review) "This restaurant is owned by fishermen, so the seafood is guaranteed to be fresh. The dishes are all typically Mexican. The sauces and bases are cooked to perfection and taste delicious. My favorite part of coming here is getting away from the touristy side of PM and skipping on tourist pricing." Angelique D. (Yelp) "The shrimps are outstanding. Very tasty and combined with salsa and xnipek. THE place to go for fish, and you eat with locals and avoid the tourists. We would like to thank the staff. They were very nice and friendly!" Dirk M. (Tripadvisor) "Excellent. Very generous portions and everything was fresh and tasted good. The mixed ceviche was very tasty. Rice with shrimp was close to 50% shrimp. Fish filet veracrusano was perfectly cooked. Good value. The place was packed on a Saturday afternoon for good reason."
Chris D. (Google review)Location:
Av J. Zetina Gasca, Puerto Morelos (La Colonia)
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM everyday
Phone: +52 990-241-8884
Website: El Picudo
Style: Casual, generous portions, local favorite
Insider Tip: Go earlier in the day (before 2pm) if you want the freshest fish and quickest service. That’s when the kitchen has just prepped everything, and before the big local family crowds roll in for lunch.
Portside Perspective
"The heart of Puerto Morelos beats to the rhythm of fishing boats and local laughter, a refreshing contrast to its bustling neighbors." Insider Tip: Location Lingo Locals never say "east" or "west" - they say "portside" or "beach side" (between the mangroves and beach) and "la colonia" (from the main highway to jungle). Local Matters Beyond the Beach: A Guide to the Just beyond Puerto Morelos lies the famous Ruta de los Cenotes, a jungle road leading to some of the Riviera Maya’s most breathtaking natural swimming holes. Cenotes are limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, once considered sacred by the ancient Maya, and today they’re a mix of adventure, beauty, and relaxation. For thrill-seekers, Cenote Verde Lucero offers cliff jumps, zip-lines, and rope swings into emerald waters. Perfect for anyone craving adrenaline. Nature lovers head to Cenote Siete Bocas, a semi-underground system with seven unique openings full of stalactites, glowing light, and mysterious caves that feel like exploring an ancient secret. Photographers can’t miss Cenote La Noria, a stunning cave cenote where sunbeams cut dramatically through turquoise water. It’s often paired with Cenote Kin Ha, giving visitors two unforgettable experiences in one trip. Finally, Cenote Zapote is a peaceful spot known for its rare “Hell’s Bells” formations, attracting snorkelers and divers who want to float and soak up the tranquil jungle setting. Whether you want high-energy adventure or meditative swims, the cenotes near Puerto Morelos provide a magical, otherworldly experience. Each one is different, so cenote hopping is the best way to explore these natural wonders. A Local Tradition: The Puerto Morelos Every Wednesday morning, Puerto Morelos’ portside transforms into a lively community hub with the Fresh Produce Market beside the Catholic church. From 8am to 1pm, locals and visitors alike gather to shop for fruits and vegetables that are fresher and tastier than anything found in supermarkets. Most of the produce is sourced directly from local and regional farms, meaning seasonal specialties, ripe tropical fruits like mangoes, papayas, and pineapples, as well as crisp vegetables picked just days—or even hours—before reaching the stalls. The market isn’t just about food, though. It’s as much a weekly ritual and social gathering as it is a shopping trip. Vendors know their regular customers, freely offer samples, and share tips for preparing unfamiliar produce. Early birds know to arrive between 8:00 and 9:30am for the best selection, especially of the ripest fruits and freshest greens. Shoppers are encouraged to bring cash, small bills, and reusable bags while brushing up on a little Spanish for a smoother experience. Supporting this market means more than just buying groceries—it’s a way to connect with authentic Mexican culture, support local farmers, and enjoy the warm community spirit of Puerto Morelos, one perfectly ripe mango at a time. Adoptable Furry Friend Woof! Hi there, I'm Luna, a playful 4-month-old girl ready to find my forever home! I was rescued from the street just a little while ago, and now I'm looking for a family to love me forever. If you think we could be a great match, hurry up and send a message to my foster hooman on Whatsapp. I can't wait to meet you. Let's make some tail-wagging memories together! 🐾 This Weekend What's On Tap
~ Yucatán Today Magazine
When someone mentions "the park," they could mean three different places: Parque Fundadores (also called Parque del Casco Antiguo) by the lighthouse, Parque la Colonia at Zetina and Caoba, or the sports area Deportivo Isaac Hamui.
Best Cenotes Near Puerto Morelos
Read More...
Midweek Produce Market
Read More... 
I've already been spayed, and I get along paw-fectly with other dogs and even cats... I'm basically a social butterfly! WhatsApp: +52 984-145-3186
Friday,
Diving Bar: Sofit Music 2pm
Micheladas: Zapata 6:30 pm
Cantina Habanero: Tony of Vertigo 777 7:30pm
La Sirena: Free Salsa Lessons 8pm
LIVE Music Hall: Candy Time 8pm
La Sirena: Salsa Night with Tren Latino 9pm
Micheladas: Talla Musical 10:30pm
Saturday,
Diving Bar: Son de Canay 2pm
Unico Beach Club: live music 4pm
Micheladas: Cherry Lovers 6:30pm
LIVE Music Hall: DJ Leo 7pm
Tulipan: Karaoke Night 8pm–10pm
LIVE Music Hall: Ambar Rock Band 8pm
La Sirena: Xibalba Roots Reggae 9pm
Micheladas: Kramel Y Su Team 10:30pm
Sunday,
Diving Bar: RockPek 2pm
Unico Beach Club: live music 4pm
Micheladas: Excess 4:30pm
Muses Restaurant: live music 7:30pm
Micheladas: Crist Project 8pm
LIVE Music Hall: live rock music 9:30pm
La Sirena: Flamenco Night with Puerto Malix 8pm
Happy Hours
Blue Morelos: All day, every day
Dai Smokehouse: Tue-Thu 3pm-6pm
Don Ernestos: Daily 3pm-4pm and 6pm-7pm
El Refugio: M,W,Th 6pm-8pm
Habeneros: Daily 2pm-4pm
La Sirena: Mon-Fri 4pm–6pm
Micheladas: Daily 12pm-3pm
Lola y Moya: Daily 6pm-8pm
My Paradise: Daily 3pm-6pm
Portside PM: Daily 3pm-6pm
Restaurante Chilam Balam: Daily 3pm-5pm
Tulipan: Wed-Fri 4pm-7pm
Ongoing Classes
Villas la Playa: Mosaic Art Class Friday 4pm
Parque Fundadores: Zumba class Saturday 8am
El Pirata: Paella Cooking Class with Chef Karla Romo 4pm
Casa de la Cultura: Pilates – Friday & Monday 7am–8:30am
Casa de la Cultura: Salsa Lessons – Monday & Wednesday evenings
Mexico Lindo Cooking: Cooking Classes – Daily 10:30am–3:30pm
Local Outdoor Markets
Town Square: Artisan & Food Market – Friday & Saturday 3pm–10pm
Town Square: Farmers Market – Wednesday 8am–1:30pm
Aluxes are mythical Maya spirits or goblins that serve as guardians of nature, especially jungles, crops, and cenotes. They're considered protectors but can be mischievous if not respected.
Send us your event: support@puertomorelosinsider.com💡 Answer to Trivia Question: