Your Weekly Window Into Paradise

Friday January 2, 2026

According to Mexican tradition, if you find the figurine in your slice of Rosco de Reyes (King's cake), what specific task are you responsible for on February 2nd?

Hola! Happy New Year! Feliz Año Nuevo!

We had a great time out on the town new year's eve. Hope you enjoyed it too.

It's a new year so we are making some big changes. With this issue we will start using a consistant subject line, to make it easier to find in your inbox.

The Featured Photo is gone due to a lack of interest. The weekly quote is gone. Some of the section names have changed, and we are cooking up something really cool for you, but it wasn't ready yet, so you'll have to wait.

If you are in town this week there is a BIG celebration for the 10th Anniversary of Puerto Morelos as a municipality. There's a formal event at the town square (stage is going up already) and a FREE concert with 3 bands at the baseball stadium.

It's also the traditional mexican Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos). Honoring the 3 wise kings and the infant Jesus.

To enjoy it like a local find a way to get a slice of Rosca de Reyes (king's cake). A crown-shaped sweet bread decorated with candied fruits (representing jewels).

And we have featured a local favorite coffee shop that is digital nomad friendly and a great spot to people watch. Best part... their coffee is amazing and served in hand painted mugs.

Enjoy your week. See you out on the town!

1. 10th Anniversary of Puerto Morelos – Formal Ceremony

Puerto Morelos celebrates 10 years as an independent municipality. On January 6, 2016, Puerto Morelos officially separated from Cancún (Benito Juárez) to become Quintana Roo’s youngest municipality.

The anniversary is marked with a formal civic ceremony at Parque Fundadores, honoring the town’s history, identity, and growth as a self-governed community.

Date: Tuesday, January 6
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Parque Fundadores (Casco Antiguo)

2. 10th Anniversary of Puerto Morelos – Anniversary Concerts

As part of Puerto Morelos’ 10th anniversary, the celebration continues with live concerts at the baseball stadium. 

Performances include Grupo Niche (Legacy Tour – 45 Años de Historia), Jemanuel y Los Panas de Venezuela, and Carlos Montalvo, former vocalist of Los Ángeles Azules.

Date: Tuesday, January 6
Time: 10:00 pm
Location: Parque de Beisbol “Pescadores” (Baseball stadium near the highway)
Admission: FREE

3. Día de Reyes: The Giant King’s Cake Tradition

Join the local community for one of Mexico's most cherished holiday traditions.  On the morning of January 6th, the town gathers portside to cut the monumental Rosca de Reyes (King's Cake). It’s a delicious, sweet bread adorned with dried fruit.

Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Time: Morning (Exact time TBD, usually starts between 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

Location: Parque Fundadores (Portside Town Square)

Info: This event is free and open to the public. We recommend arriving early, as the cake is shared quickly.

Café Amancia is a colorful coffeehouse just off the main plaza in Puerto Morelos.

They are known for freshly brewed coffee, cappuccinos, frozen frappes, fresh juices, smoothies, and a full breakfast and brunch menu with Mexican dishes, bagels, and desserts.

Guests can sit outside, enjoy free Wi-Fi, people-watch, or work from their laptops. Many items are made with quality beans and fresh fruit, and the cafe also offers delivery in town for an easy breakfast at home or in a rental.

What People Are Saying:

"Highly recommended, delicious food, and excellent service from everyone. A very pleasant and picturesque place." ~Montse P. (facebook)

"Lovely cafe, great atmosphere sitting outside. Coffees were great, presented beautifully and ate some of the best Mexican food I’ve had!" ~ Lydia G. (google)

"Great coffee..I would recommend the vanilla cappicino! food was good and fresh juices are to die for. super cheap and amazing quality" ~ Laura S. (facebook)

"We have had coffee all over the world, and are very critical about a good cappuccino. This is one of the best." ~ Norm B. (google)

Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday to Sunday

Location: Javier Rojo Gomez Puerto Morelos (next to Al Chimichurri)  Phone/WhatsApp: +52 998 206 9242

Email: lecafedeamancia@gmail.com

Website: cafeamancia.com

Facebook: Cafe Amancia

👉 Insider Tip:

Regulars know that Café Amancia is essentially the unofficial co‑working space of Puerto Morelos. For the best experience, arrive before 9:00 AM and grab a table so you have shade, a breeze, and a clear view of Puerto Morelos life. Order your coffee to stay so it comes in one of their hand‑painted mugs, connect to the Wi‑Fi, and plan to linger.

If you are invited to share a Rosca de Reyes (king's cake) with locals, never try to hide or swallow the plastic figurine if you find it in your slice!

It’s a common joke for people to try to "disappear" the baby to avoid the obligation of February 2nd, but locals will be watching closely. If you find it, you must proudly announce it. Because it’s considered good luck

Even in the beautiful Riviera Maya, popular spots can get busy. But from Puerto Morelos, you can find amazing, peaceful places away from the crowds. Here are some special day trips for a different kind of adventure.

Imagine visiting Isla Contoy, a secret island where only 200 people can go daily. It's a pristine paradise for sea turtles and birds, perfect for snorkeling.

Or, explore the quiet Muyil ruins and then gently float down an ancient Mayan canal through a peaceful mangrove forest.

You can also climb the huge 100-foot pyramid at Ek Balam for amazing jungle views, and then cool off in Cenote X'Canche.

For a unique swim, journey into the underground world of Cenotes Sac Actún, floating among ancient stalactites.

Kaan Luum Lagoon is another stunning local favorite with vibrant jade-green water, perfect for a relaxing dip away from busy beach clubs.

Click 'read more' for full details on these local day trips.

Our beautiful town, Puerto Morelos, is growing, but this growth brings challenges.

State officials recently found many illegal real estate projects in Quintana Roo, including some in our area. These projects don't have the right permits, which can cause big problems for buyers.

Sedetus, a state agency, found 116 irregular developments this year. They want to protect families from losing money or facing legal troubles with their property.

Buying from an illegal project could mean your land isn't truly yours or your home isn't safe.

To help you, Sedetus made a special website. You can visit this site to check if a development has all its needed permits before you buy. This free tool helps make sure your investment in Puerto Morelos is safe and sound.

You can check real estate projects here:  desarrollo.sedetus.gob.mx/consultaDesarrollos

It's important to be aware and use these tools. Working together, we can keep Puerto Morelos a wonderful and safe place to live. Always check before you invest your hard-earned money.

Big changes are coming to taxi rides in Cancún. Starting in early 2026, the city will finally use taximeters to track fares. This move ends years of using a confusing "zone" system that often led to price complaints.

The new meters will show exactly what you owe based on your travel distance and time. Drivers will also start accepting credit cards and QR code payments. Passengers will even be able to see their route on a map for better safety.

Local leaders hope these updates help taxis compete with ride-sharing apps like Uber. While Cancún is making these big switches, nearby Puerto Morelos will keep its current system for now. No plans for taximeters have been announced for the Puerto Morelos area yet.

The rollout in Cancún will happen slowly throughout 2026. For now, visitors in neighboring towns should still confirm their price before getting in a car. These changes aim to make transportation fairer for both locals and tourists across the region.

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From January 2–8, 2026, Puerto Morelos is buzzing with anniversary celebrations, live music, classes, and community markets.

The week centers on the 10th anniversary of Puerto Morelos becoming its own municipality, marked by a formal civic ceremony at Parque Fundadores on Tuesday, January 6 at 10:00 am, followed by free evening concerts at the Pescadores baseball stadium featuring Grupo Niche, Jemanuel y Los Panas de Venezuela, and Carlos Montalvo.

That same morning, locals and visitors gather portside in Parque Fundadores for the traditional giant Rosca de Reyes, a shared King’s Cake to celebrate Día de Reyes.

Nightly live music runs across town at spots like Micheladas del Semáforo, La Sirena, Tanino’s, Jake’s Bar, Live Music Hall, Unico Beach Club, Cantina Habanero, and El Pirata, with everything from salsa and reggae to rock, country, and DJs.

Click to see the complete list of weekly events, classes, and live music schedules.

 You become the "godparent" and must provide tamales and atole for everyone at a party on February 2nd