The town of Puerto Morelos is a quiet beach town in Quintana Roo, Mexico, on the Caribbean Sea. The beach faces a federal marine park that protects part of the great mesoamerican reef system. The reef, or arrecife, is a world class snorkeling and diving destination. The huge and magnificent lagoon creates a quiet swimming environment.
The town is actually much bigger than it appears in the picture. At the top of the photo you can see La Colonia which sits on the western side of the mangrove swamp (el manglar) which is about 3 km (1.8 miles) deep. La Colonia is the main part of the town where most people live. It is a fascinating place to explore with many great restaurants and stores.
Even further afield is Leona Vicario, a village that is also part of the municipality of Puerto Morelos. It lies about 40 km (24 miles) west in the jungle. The trip on La Ruta de los Cenotes (the cenotes route) passes through several Maya villages.
Cenotes (or deep swimming holes) dot the Yucatan peninsula.
