Puerto Morelos ..a place where the tradition of fishing for a living still survives, and the boom in tourism is just beginning. Here the prices are lower, the pace is slower and the atmosphere is laid back and not touristy. There is a zocalo (town square) in the center of town with a few stores, a dive shop and some restaurants along its perimeter. Just off the zocalo on the beach is Pelicanos offering a nice view of the Caribbean and good food. The beach in the center of town is rustic, with small fishing boats on the sand and moored just off shore. The main fishing pier and the lighthouse are the primary points of interest, with friendly locals and some good photo opportunities. You can expect to be offered an excursion to the reefs from here since most of the boats in town tie up on and around the main pier.

The surrounding area is a combination of modest homes, hotels and cabas. Lodging opportunities range from rustic palapa style huts with thatched roofs and beds suspended by ropes; to air conditioned condo style hotels with meal plans, spa services, Jacuzzis and swimming pools.

Puerto Morelos is easy to find Upon exiting Cancun's International airport follow coastal highway (307) south toward Tulum and watch for the signs to Puerto Morelos. Turn left at the traffic light approximately 20 minutes south along highway 307 where an overhead highway sign indicates the turn. Puerto Morelos is in the northern part of the "Riviera Maya" and is very convenient to Cancun. Playa Del Carmen, Akumal, Tulum, Valladolid and Chichen Itza. (www.locogringo.com)