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Puerto Morelos is a laid-back town on the Yucatan Peninsula and is conveniently located to many great day trips in the Riviera Maya area! One of those day trips is visiting the beautiful Chichen Itza. This archeological site is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and an easy “must-see” while in Puerto Morelos. The best way to experience Chichen Itza is a guided tour.
We love guided tours and visiting these famous Mayan Ruins is made even better by having a knowledgeable guide and convenience included in tours. It makes your day much easier, as transportation, tickets, and other fun adventures are all part of your tour.
I visited Chichen Itza with a guide and honestly learned so much and saw parts of this historic site that I never would have without their expertise. You get the chance to really understand the significance and purpose of the structures and how this ancient civilization thrived for so many years. I highly recommend every tourist book a tour of Chichen Itza from Puerto Morelos!
There are tours from Puerto Morelos to Chichen Itza for every budget and adventure level, so you can find the tour perfect for you! We put together the 13 best tours to Chichen Itza so you can explore this amazing site and all the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer and be amazed by Mexico’s beauty.
About Chichen Itza
With an impressive 2 million visitors annually, Chichen Itza is easily one of the most visited ancient Mayan cities. It is also one of the most important archeological sites in the world, it has been categorized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It makes sense that this historic city is so popular!
It also gains popularity due to its location. It is close enough to Puerto Morelos for a day trip, which is only a 2.5-hour (211 km/131 mile) drive. Cancun is a similar distance to Chichen Itza, 2.5 hours (196 km/122 miles), while the colonial city, Valladolid is only 30 minutes away.
Chichen Itza was built over 1,500 years ago in the year 550. It was one of the most important cities during the Mayans’ rule, and it was certainly the largest! In the year 600, when the city was at its peak, it was home to nearly 30,000 people! The city was truly a thriving metropolis for its time. There were roads, houses, temples, and more, making it look as modern as the cities we inhabit today.
The Mayans ruled most of Mexico and Central America, even before European settlers arrived. It is believed that Chichen Itza fell into ruin in the 12th century, long before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. Theories state that the Mayan elite was overthrown during a civil war, leaving the city to be overgrown by the jungle by the time the Spanish landed on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Chichen Itza has been meticulously excavated and restored over the last 200 years. New discoveries are being made, even in present times. Scientists found a small pyramid inside the larger structure, El Castillo, in 2016. But there are still more discoveries and clues waiting to be unearthed about this ancient and powerful civilization.
The archaeological site today is impressively large. It covers 3.2 square kilometers (2 square miles) and holds large structures like El Castillo, a Mayan ball court, and a sacred cenote.
El Castillo is the most recognizable structure you’ll see in photos. It is a large pyramid that stands at a whopping 30 meters (98.5 feet) high. The most fascinating piece of history about El Castillo is that it’s actually a calendar. Each of the temple’s 4 sides has 91 stairs, which adds up to 364, and including the temple on the top, you get 365, the number of days in a year! The structure is a perfect example of the advanced knowledge and understanding that the Mayans had of the Earth and the surrounding universe.
Chichen Itza is truly a fascinating and important part of Mexico’s history. Simply taking my word for it isn’t enough, you have to go see it in person while staying in Puerto Morelos!
Related Read: Heading to Tulum? Check out the best tours from Tulum that you will love!
Why Book a Tour to Chichen Itza?
While many people visit Chichen Itza without a guide, I think taking a tour is the best way to fully understand this UNESCO Heritage site. It can certainly be worthwhile simply going to explore on your own, but you’ll truly be missing out on the stories of the ruins and the ancient Mayans who once called this place home.
The guides are deeply knowledgeable about the Mayan culture, their daily lives, and the city itself. On a guided tour, you’ll learn how the Mayans constructed the impressive structures, without the modern technology we have today! It’s mind-blowing to understand how they made these stunning buildings. There are also a lot of significant pieces of art all around Chichen Itza and without a guide, you’d never know what they actually mean!
I’ve visited Chichen Itza twice, once on my own and once on a guided tour. In the end, I must admit that I loved having a guided tour because I was able to take away so much more. Any time I visit a historical site now, I have to book a guide. Booking a tour of Chichen Itza is simply the best option, especially if you’re staying in nearby tourist areas. There are great tours from Puerto Morelos, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum to fit every budget!
How Much do Tours to Chichen Itza From Puerto Morelos Cost?
With so many things to do in Puerto Morelos, Chichen Itza is at the top of the list. Tours to Chichen Itza from Puerto Morelos vary in price depending on tour size and if it includes any other stops or perks along the way.
Group tours are a great way to keep the price low. This tour is just $34 USD and takes you to Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and Cenote Saamal. Or you can book this more expensive group tour that takes you to more stops. This tour takes you to two famous Mayan ruins sites and includes a hidden cenote swim for $169 USD.
Private tours are also a fun way to experience Chichen Itza, and there are some great options from Puerto Morelos! While these are often more expensive, they definitely have more perks. This private sunrise tour to Chichen Itza is $360 USD but gets you in before the crowds. Or a cheaper option is this private tour that gives you more time at Chichen Itza, as well as a cenote and a colonial city visit, all for $290 USD!
Our TOP Pick for a Chichen Itza Tour From Puerto Morelos
With so many great tours on offer here, it can be pretty tricky when deciding which one is for you! That being said, this Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid all-inclusive tour has to be our personal favorite.
Over 12 action-packed hours, you’ll discover some of the very best archeological sites and ancient towns in the Yucatan Peninsula – with a delicious buffet meal included too! With over 12,000 5-star reviews, tickets cost just $69 USD per person and can be booked online here.
13 Best Chichen Itza Puerto Morelos Tours
1. Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
This full-day tour to Chichen Itza from Puerto Morelos is ideal for budget-savvy travelers. You truly get to see so much in one day, that $49 for a full 12-hour tour is a great deal! Included in this price is a guided tour of Chichen Itza, swimming in a cenote, a stop in the cute city of Valladolid, and lunch!
You will truly have a chance to get immersed in the culture as you get out of the main beach areas and into the historic side of the Yucatan. Your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of Chichen Itza, where you will learn all about the ancient Mayan city. You’ll then head to Cenote Saamal, which is an underground river system that you can actually swim in! You will then end the tour with a 30-minute tour of the adorable colonial city of Valladolid. This is one of my favorite cities in all of Mexico!
This tour includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Puerto Morelos and lunch! Please note that the Chichen Itza access tax of $35 USD per adult and $5 USD per child is not included and must be paid upon check-in.
This awesome, budget-friendly tour of Chichen Itza can be booked here!
Important Note for Booking: All of the tours in the blog offer pick-up in Puerto Morelos, so be sure to select this option when booking or message the tour operator to organize your pick-up and drop-off locations.
2. Chichen Itza with Sacred Cenote Tour
Next, we have an even cheaper tour, that still includes a lot! This Chichen Itza with Sacred Cenote Tour is only $34 USD. It is pretty similar to the tour previously described, but with this tour, you’ll have a shorter tour of Chichen Itza and a longer time at the Cenote. This tour takes you to Cenote Saamal, which is a less popular and even more beautiful cenote. It is honestly one of the most photogenic cenotes in the Riviera Maya!
You will have 1.5 hours with your tour guide at Chichen Itza, which is plenty of time to see all the sights, and then get out of the heat! We love that this visits Cenote Samaal, as it is a unique stop. This cenote is deep and has lots of vines, making it a great photo opportunity and a fun place to hang out for an hour. Finally, you’ll have 30 minutes to explore Valladolid, which is known as a “pueblo magico” or “magic town” because of how charming it is!
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from most hotels in Puerto Morelos, as well as a tasty buffet lunch! Not included in this price is the Chichen Itza tax of $35 USD per adult and $5 USD per child, which must be paid upon check-in.
This is a full-day tour! Be prepared for a day of fun and adventure, but be sure to book in advance before it fills up!
Related Read: Be sure to visit a few of the best cenotes in the Tulum area!
3. Tour to Chichen Itza, Coba, and Cenote
It’s not every day that you get to experience two different Mayan archaeological sites in one day! This 12-hour tour includes 1.5 hours at Chichen Itza, 1 hour at Cenote Saamal for swimming and lunch, and another 1.5-hour guided tour at the Coba Mayan Ruins. The Coba ruins are a less popular but equally awesome ruined Mayan city, about 1.5 hours away from Chichen Itza. Coba actually has the tallest pyramid in the region!
We truly love this tour because of how much you get to experience and learn about the Mayans. It is fascinating to see both sets of archaeological ruins and understand how large the ancient civilization was!
This tour includes roundtrip transportation from most hotels in Puerto Morelos, as well as other major tourist areas on the Yucatan. It also includes a snack on the bus, lunch, complimentary water all throughout the day, and your wonderful tour guide! Keep in mind that the Yucatan State tax of $36 USD per person must be paid at check-in, and that covers Chichen Itza and Coba.
This will be an informative and unforgettable experience, book it online here for $62 USD!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour
Here is another chance to experience two significant Mayan archeological sites! This tour from Puerto Morelos takes you to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, with a stop at Cenote Hubiku. Chichen Itza is a well-known site that can be crowded and busy, but Ek Balam is more of a hidden secret!
Ek Balam is about an hour from Chichen Itza, it is smaller in size but just as impressive. What we love about Ek Balam, is that you can climb to the top of some of the structures! Not many archaeological sites allow that anymore. You can see incredible views from the top of these structures, like the surrounding jungle expanding for miles. There are more murals and carvings, giving hints to what life was like for the Mayans who lived there.
This particular tour will give you a 1.5-hour guided tour of Chichen Itza, 2 hours at Cenote Hubiku for a swim and lunch, and then another 2-hour guided tour of Ek Balam. That’s a lot of cool things to see in one day!
This tour is limited to just ten people, which is a great way to get a more personalized experience.
This tour includes breakfast, lunch, unlimited bottles of water, roundtrip transportation, and your awesome guide is included in this price. Transportation from other towns on the Riviera Maya can also be arranged. This whole experience is $169 USD!
This might be one of the best tours on the list. You can book this incredible experience of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam online here!
5. Chichen Itza Classic Tour
Another great Chichen Itza tour from Puerto Morelos is this Chichen Itza Classic Tour. It is appropriately named, as it visits some of the most classic places in the area: Chichen Itza, Cenote Saamal, and Valladolid.
This tour runs about 10 hours, which is slightly shorter than others on this list. So if you’re looking for a fun and immersive experience, but don’t want to be out for a full 12 hours, this is a great option for you.
The highlight of this tour is the 2 hour guided tour of Chichen Itza. Your guide will take you all around the ruins, explaining the history and significance of the structures. You’ll also have a bit to explore on your own! You will then head to Cenote Saama for a quick 30-minute swim, which is just enough time to take in the beauty of this place. The tour will end with a 30-minute visit to Valladolid.
This classical tour has some great perks, like an air-conditioned vehicle with a toilet, which makes for a more comfortable drive. It also includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Puerto Morelos, lunch, and all entrance fees! Do keep in mind that if you plan on using a professional camera for photos or a GoPro, there is an additional fee.
This tour is reasonably priced at $69 USD and truly includes a lot! It can be booked online here.
6. Private Chichen Itza Tour
This tour is a great option if you’re not a fan of big group tours from Puerto Morelos to Chichen Itza. This private tour is just your personal group and the tour guide as they take you through the historic archeological sites on the Yucatan. The best part is that you won’t waste time by stopping at multiple resorts to pick up other travelers!
Your knowledgeable guide will take you through Chichen Itza for 2 hours, explaining all the history and culture that is built into the structures. You’ll see important structures such as the Temple of Kukulkan, which even has a cenote inside of it!
You will then get a chance to swim in a cenote for yourself at the iconic Cenote Saamal! You will also have a traditional lunch here. Your final stop will be at Valladolid, where you’ll spend about 30 minutes exploring this colorful town.
This tour is $290 USD and includes entrance fees, roundtrip transportation to Puerto Morelos, lunch, and your guide! We love that this is a private tour, as it makes it a more personal experience! This tour can be booked online here.
7. Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
Next, we have an award-winning tour from Puerto Morelos to Chichen Itza. This full-day experience truly gives you a memorable day for an affordable price of $69 USD.
You’ll start by going to Chichen Itza for a 2-hour tour of this historic site. Most of the time will be with your tour guide, but you will have some time to explore on your own too! After Chichen Itza, you’ll head to Cenote Saamal for 30 minutes of swimming and relaxing. If you are planning on swimming, you’ll have to rent a lifejacket for $3 USD. After swimming, you will have a buffet lunch provided so you’ll have the energy to keep exploring!
Your final stop will be at Valladolid for 30 minutes of exploring. Your guide will take you around to some of the most beautiful places in the city, like the Plaza de Parque Francisco Canton, the town square, and the historic church built in 1545.
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your Puerto Morelos based hotel, as well as other selected meeting points on the Riviera Maya. It also includes lunch and your guide but does not include the Chichen Itza entrance fee of $35 USD per adult and $5 USD per child.
This 12-hour tour is an affordable way to see some truly remarkable sights of Mexico! Be sure to book this tour in advance so you can secure this experience.
Related Read: For another epic attraction, be sure to also visit the Tulum Ruins!
8. Chichen Itza Early Access and Tequila Tasting Tour
One of the best times to visit Chichen Itza is early in the morning before the massive crowds arrive. This Chichen Itza Early Access Tour not only lets you beat the crowds and heat, but it also includes lunch, tequila tastings, and a cenote swim!
You will start your day with an early morning pickup, but it will be worth it once you get to see Chichen Itza without anyone around! This is a unique experience and gives you about 2.5 hours to soak in the glory of the ruined city. Your guide will explain the significance behind carvings, murals, and the structure of the pyramids, ball courts, and staircases.
You will then head to Hotel Real del Mayab for a traditional-styled buffet lunch. You will also have a chance to enjoy a tequila tasting, which is an iconic Mexico activity! Your day will end by visiting Cenote Saamal for a cool swim and to relax after this day of exploring. The great part of starting early is that the tour will end early enough for you to have the evening to yourself.
This tour costs $56 USD and includes hotel transport from Puerto Morelos, lunch, a tequila tasting, your guide, and entrance to the cenote. However, the Chichen Itza tax of $35 USD per adult ($5 USD per child) and the lifejacket rental of $3 is not included in this price.
Book this tour well in advance so you can experience Chichen Itza like never before!
9. Chichen Itza, Ik-Kil, and Valladolid Tour
This tour from Puerto Morelos to Chichen Itza takes you to a new cenote on this list– Cenote Ik-Kil! This is a famous cenote in the region and possibly the most beautiful cenote I’ve ever seen.
Your day will begin early so you can get to Chichen Itza before everyone else. You will have 3 hours to explore these historic ruins, which is longer than other tours on this list! That is plenty of time to get immersed through a guided tour and then discover it for yourself.
Next, you’ll head to Cenote Ik-Kil for an hour to swim and explore this beautiful underground river system. Your next stop will be in Valladolid where you’ll have 20 minutes to explore the quaint downtown area. There is a bonus stop for this tour too! You have the option to participate in a Mayan purification ritual, called Temazcal, which is guided by a shaman. This is a unique opportunity that isn’t offered in many tours.
This day includes roundtrip transportation from your Puerto Morelos hotel, entrance fees to Chichen Itza and the cenote, lunch, and your guide. This tour is $147 USD and includes all fees and taxes!
You can book this tour online here!
10. Chichen Itza Private Sunrise Tour
This is certainly a one-of-a-kind experience as you embark on this private sunrise tour of Chichen Itza! You’ll see the famous archeological site like few have before, as the sun is just hitting the structures and you are the only person there. This is totally a bucket-list experience.
You will arrive early enough to see the sun rise over El Castillo and have 2 hours to explore the ruins before other tours arrive. Your guide will not only be a wealth of information but will also take you to the prettiest areas to see the sunrise.
Once the sun hits and it gets hot early in the day, you’ll head to Cenote Ik-Kil for a mid-morning dip. Another great reason for starting the tour early is that you’ll beat the crowds at almost every site, making for a unique experience at all your stops. Because this is a private tour, you will have the chance to move at your own pace and even add on additional stops, such as Ek Balam or Coba Ruins, or even take a coastal drive to Tulum.
This is the only tour on the list that is customizable and really gives you the freedom to explore as you please! Prices start at $360 per person and include pickup from your Puerto Morelos hotel. All taxes, fees, and breakfast are included.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime tour that would be nothing shy of amazing! Book this private tour online here.
11. Chichen Itza Night Show
If you aren’t enough of a morning person to catch a sunrise tour, this late night show of Chichen Itza is equally amazing! Not only can you see the incredible structures under the moonlight, but also see a unique light, sound, and projector show as the story of the Mayan civilization dances upon the ruins.
This night show happens every day of the week except Mondays. You will be able to enter the grounds before the show starts, giving you a chance to see the pyramids as the sun is setting and with fewer people. The main event is a 30-minute show at the Pyramid of Kukulkan. Special projectors display a beautiful show and give the history of the Mayans. The show is in Spanish, but you can still follow along if you don’t speak the language.
You can pick up tickets at the main ticket office before the show starts (between 5:00 to 8:00 pm). Tickets are 630 MXN ($32 USD), but if you go on Sunday you can get a discounted price of 300 MXN ($15 USD).
While this experience can be done without a tour, we highly recommend booking one! It will make getting to and from the ruins much easier, especially after dark, and you can experience much more! This guided tour includes a sunset visit to Valladolid, a private cave tour of Nuevo Xcan, and a traditional dinner. Instead of just a few hours of experience, this tour lasts a full 12 hours!
This tour is one of the best things you can do while visiting Mexico. I loved seeing Chichen Itza in such a unique way, and can’t recommend it enough!
12. Chichen Itza Total Experience
We love this highly-rated private tour to Chichen Itza from Puerto Morelos. It really is the total experience as it visits Chichen Itza, Cenote Xkeken, Valladolid, and a traditional agave distillery! There really isn’t a tour quite like this one on the list.
Your first stop will be at Chichen Itza, where your guide will spend 2.5 hours leading you around the ruins, giving lots of detail about the history and culture of the ancient civilization. Because this is a private tour, you can move at your own pace and ask plenty of questions to get an immersive experience.
While most of these tours include a stop at a cenote, this one stands out because you’ll be visiting Cenote Xkeken, which is a best-kept secret of the area. This was once a hacienda hidden in the jungle, so you can explore this unique location and the beautiful cenote. You will have a classic Mexican a la carte lunch here too!
You will then head to Valladolid, where you’ll have 40 minutes to explore the historic catholic church or the adorable shops– it’s really up to you!
The fun part of the tour will take you to an agave distillery, which is essentially a tequila distillery! Because tequila is from the state of Jalisco, any other “tequila” made is technically called agave. This is a classic Mexico activity, not only do you get to learn about the distilling process but also get to taste it!
This tour includes pickup from your Puerto Morelos hotel, all entrance fees, lunch, tequila tasting, and your amazing guide! This tour has no extra fees (which is always a bonus) and can be booked online for $341 USD!
13. Chichen Itza Deluxe Tour
We have saved the best for last with this Chichen Itza Deluxe Tour! It includes stops at the classic locations– Chichen Itza, a traditional Mayan Village, Cenote Saamal, and Valladolid. This tour is 10-12 hours of adventure and is $105 USD.
This tour begins by taking you to the Mayan village, Xocenpich. You’ll have an authentic experience as you’re greeted by a Mayan shaman and enjoy a buffet of traditional dishes at the famous Yaax Kiin restaurant. While you eat, you’ll get to see a folkloric ballet performance, which is truly a unique experience!
You’ll then head to Chichen Itza for a 2.5-hour guided tour. You’ll have a great time exploring the historic archaeological site and learning about the Mayan people, which was the foundation for the village you just visited! Your day will end by visiting Cenote Saamal and Valladolid. While in Valladolid, you can add on a Mayan shaman healing ceremony if you wish!
This tour includes a lot! Roundtrip transportation on a very nice panoramic coach, a morning box lunch, and unlimited drinks are provided, as well as lunch and all entrance fees. This is the best deal you could get to visit Chichen Itza from Puerto Morelos!
Book this unforgettable experience online here!
Related Read: If you need a plan to get to Puerto Morelos first, here are all the options to get from Cancun Airport to Puerto Morelos! (Spoiler Alert – don’t take a taxi!).
Where to stay in Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos definitely isn’t as busy and resort filled as Cancun, which is a great option if you’re looking for a quieter area to stay. There are some hidden gems in Puerto Morelos!
For budget travelers, Cuca Macuca is a great option for those backpacking, traveling on a budget, or who like a relaxed hostel vibe. This hostel only has 4 or 6-bed dorm rooms, which are less than $20 USD per night! That is a great price for a very nice accommodation. Cuca Macuca is continentally located and is only two blocks from the beach. It has a great communal kitchen and a rooftop common area so you can catch a view of the gorgeous coastline.
For mid-range budget travelers, I love staying at the Arrecifes Suites. It has a great beachfront location for the price of less than $100 USD per night! Although it’s nothing fancy, the Arrecifes Suites has everything you need, including a small pool, comfortable and clean rooms, and friendly staff. The proximity to the beach at this low cost makes this a great stay in Puerto Morelos!
For luxury travelers, The Fives Oceanfront is an ideal place to stay. This oceanfront hotel is one the best places to stay in Puerto Morelos and offers suites up to 3-bedroom apartments. This hotel has a restaurant, two pools (one on the rooftop!) as well as room service, a fitness center, and all-inclusive packages. This is a great mix of the luxury resorts you often find in Cancun but with the relaxed vibe of Puerto Morelos. Junior suites begin at $400 USD per night.
Other Activities to do while you’re in Puerto Morelos
- Go snorkeling. Puerto Morelos is one of the best places in Mexico to go snorkeling. It is home to a world-class barrier reef, second in size to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia! This means you get to see a thriving reef, full of an array of sea life. You can see sea turtles, eels, large fish, and colorful coral! Because this reef is protected, you must be accompanied by a guide. We found it easiest to book this tour, at only $35 you will be boated out to the reef and taken to two different snorkeling sites. Gear is included, and the guides were great at helping us find all kinds of sea life!
- Go scuba diving. I highly recommend scuba diving in Puerto Morelos, if you want to kick it up a notch! Most scuba diving areas will require some sort of previous experience or certification, but this is a great area to try it out for the first time. We loved our scuba diving tour in a cenote with Scuba Puerto Morelos. Exploring the cenotes by scuba diving was an incredible experience, some were pitch black and others were colorful and lively! This is a great way to have an adventure, with a guide to ensure your safety and take care of the logistics.
- Reptiles Toolok Kaa’n. A unique Puerto Morelos experience is visiting Reptiles Toolok Kaa’n. This reptile sanctuary allows visitors to hold all sorts of crazy animals like snakes, crocodiles, and snakes! They give you a tour of the facility and you get to learn about the animals and how they care for them. It is a truly unique experience that you won’t get every day! Tours of the center are open every day of the week and cost 200 pesos ($10 USD) for adults and 100 pesos ($5 USD) for children.
- Visit Playa Publica. We love the beaches in Puerto Morelos because they have the same beauty as those in Cancun but with a fraction of the people. Playa Publica is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico and an authentic spot on the Yucatan. It’s easy to find a spot on this beach and enjoy the white sand, blue waters, and incredible local food. We love a lazy beach day, but I also enjoy visiting the beach clubs. My Paradise Beach Club is a laid-back area that focuses on good food, drinks, and atmosphere. As if the beach vibe could get any better, add in comfy chairs, cool umbrellas, and delicious cocktails– and that’s My Paradise Beach Club!
- Enjoy the beautiful coastline and walk around town. Of course one of the best things to do in Puerto Morelos is to explore Puerto Morelos! This coastal town is quite different than its touristy neighbors, Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It has a population of 9,000 people and has a small fishing town vibe. I love simply exploring the town to really get the feel of an area, and Puerto Morelos has a great coastline and path that follows the beach and a cute simple downtown. There is a great local food scene and incredible people that live in this town. I highly recommend spending a day just enjoying the quaint and beautiful town of Puerto Morelos!
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
And there you have it, the best tours that will take you from the beautiful beachside town of Puerto Morelos to the World Wonder that is Chichen Itza. I’m sure you’ll have a great time on any of the above tours!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other blogs about Mexico, including a couple of related reads below:
12 Things to KNOW Before Going Scuba Diving in Puerto Morelos
The BEST Restaurants in Cancun
Things to do in Palenque, Mexico