Monday, May 13, 2013

Transportation Options in Puerto Morelos

People often ask me "What is the best way to get around when I am visiting?" The truth is that there isn't one right answer. It really depends on your vacation itinerary, budget, group size, and personal preferences.

So, here is a run-down of the options that you can consider:

GETTING YOURSELF TO PUERTO MORELOS FROM THE AIRPORT

Rental Car: 

The first decision you want to make is whether or not you will be renting a car. If your plan is to plant yourself on the beach and tootle around town during your time here, then you probably don't need to rent a vehicle. If you plan on making trips down the coast and exploring, then you might find it advantageous (and less expensive) to have your own car.

Many visitors choose to rent a car at the airport and if you are renting a car, it is what I would recommend that you do.  Be sure to rent the vehicle online BEFORE your arrival to obtain the best rates. Upon arrival, find the representative for your car rental company. They will take you via shuttle to their lot where you can complete the paperwork and drive away with your vehicle. Be sure to call your credit card company so that you know what types of insurance you can decline at the time of rental. Not all credit cards have 100% coverage. Rates will vary by company, what type of vehicle you rent, and the time of year.


Airport Transfer Company:

There are lots of great private transfer companies that offer airport transfers to and from the airport. At Mayan Riviera Properties, we recommend USA Transfers to our guests. Rates will vary depending on the number of people in your group and will usually be listed on the transport company's website.

After arriving in town using the Transfer Company, you will need to rely on public transportation or a daily rental car for getting around during your stay.


Taxi:

From Airport to Puerto Morelos - Taxis are available to take you from the airport to PM, but can be more expensive than pre-arranging service through an Airport Transfer Company.

From Puerto Morelos to Airport - PM Taxis can take you to the airport from PM. Price for a regular-sized taxi is 350 pesos. Larger vehicles are also available.


Bus:

Taking the bus to Puerto Morelos is easy and the most economical. The bus leaves every 15/20 minutes from the airport and the first stop on along the coast is Puerto Morelos. You can buy a bus ticket at the airport from the ADO desk. (Current cost to PM is 68 pesos.) The bus is air conditioned with TV and WiFi. It also has luggage storages compartments underneath the bus body, and the staff will load/unload your bags.

The buss will drop you off at the bus depot on the highway in PM. There is always a line of taxis to take you into town from there.


GETTING AROUND DURING YOUR TRIP

Rental Car:

Shoe-sized Car
Cars can be rented by the day here in town. You should know that the daily rental rate is higher than the weekly rate - so expect to pay $50-60 USD for a small, basic (think shoe-sized) car for the day.






Colectivo:


Large Colectivo

Smaller Colectivo
Colectivos are buses that run around Puerto Morelos. You'll see them in 2 different sizes. They will take you on a circuit around Puerto Morelos -- the port side and the colonia -- for a whopping 5 pesos. Cheapest tour in town! Flag one down to hop on at any time or catch one in the town square.

It's a great way to get over to the colonia to do fruit/veggie shopping. If you haven't ever went for a Colectivo ride, I'd recommend you hop on one.


Taxi:

Taxis are available to take you around town. You can call them to pick you up (998.871.0090), flag one down, or jump in at any of the taxi stands in town.

Puerto Morelos Taxis Have Gold Stripes.
You'll find each town has a different color.
Most destinations within downtown/colonia are between 20-50 pesos in taxi fare. Properties on the north and south ends of town are a higher rate. Rates to hotels are always higher than to private houses, so be sure to mention a private property if that is your destination for the best fare.

If you have questions about rates, you can check the main taxi stand in the town square for the price list. It's always a good idea to check the price before taking the ride.

Taxi drivers can also take you to Playa del Carmen or Cancun. Due to regulations, they cannot take anyone back with them -- so your rate will be the price of a round trip. Oftentimes, its better to have them wait with you and return in their vehicle - rather than paying for 2 round trips for only one run into Cancun or Playa.



Bus:

Taking the Bus in Mexico is a great way to travel! Be sure to book the first class bus tickets.

To Playa del Carmen: The luxury bus leaves every 40 minutes, 66 pesos. The regular buses leave every 15 minutes, 26 pesos. The Playa del Carmen bus depot is right on 5th Avenue, in the heart of Playa.

To Cancun: Every 20 minutes, 26 pesos. The Cancun Bus Depot is in Downtown Cancun, on Tulum Avenue. You can take a second bus or grab a cheap cab ride into the Hotel Zone upon arriving at the Depot.

Check the ADO website for bus schedules.



Bike:

Lots of places in town rent bicycles. Always fun to grab bikes for the day or week.

Important to Know:

There are very specific rules regarding professional transportation that travelers should be aware of when making travel plans.
  1. As I mentioned above, each taxi is a part of a syndicate, which can only operate in a defined region. (Thus, the different colors for each syndicate.) Taxi drivers can only operate within their region. If a passenger desires for them to take them out of their region, it is perfectly acceptable. However, they can only return with that passenger or must return empty. For this reason, it is often easier and less expensive to have the same driver stick with you while you are out of town.
  2. Private Transport Companies are only authorized for airport transfers and tours that have been pre-booked with the transportation company or with a tour company, respectively. Private transportation companies must carry a log sheet that accounts for the pre-reservation of each passenger. (This is why private transport companies stress that ALL passengers must be listed at the time of reservation...and freak out a bit if you haven't -- You've put them in quite a bind.) This is strictly regulated, and it is not unusual for their passenger log to be inspected by transportation authorities.
  3. For transportation needs that have not been pre-booked (#2), a taxi is the way you should travel. 

While the rules/regs are strict for carriers, it is easy for the user: If you are using a private transportation company, be sure that it is only when you have pre-booked your trip. Remember to include all passengers. If you are serendipitously heading for adventure, grab a cab. 

It is important to realize that these laws are in place, in part, for your protection. By booking your transportation with a professional company or by utilizing the public system/taxis, it assures that you are traveling with a transporter that has the proper insurance for their passengers.



However you get here, I look forward to seeing you in Puerto Morelos!!




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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Awesome Home in the Heart of Puerto Morelos

Featuring a great property that we currently have listed!


It's in the heart of the village - just a short walk to the beach or the town square. Unique in that it is situated on 2 lots, this home has a huge pool and wonderful open courtyard for the ultimate in outdoor living! Click here to see the full property listing.

Check out this great place via our Virtual Showing Video Tour!





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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Feliz Día de las Madres



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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Sea Turtle Volunteers!

Sea Turtle Season!

The annual season for momma sea turtles laying their nests of eggs on the beach is upon us!

Every year, volunteers help collect the eggs where they are hatched and returned to the sea, saving them from predators and poachers.

Volunteers are needed! Our friends at Buy Playa have all of the info.

Those of you who received this post via email, some embedded items -- like videos -- cannot be seen. You will need to click the title of the blog to be taken directly to the post to view the full content.

Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Caldo de Rata



File this one under "Fear Factor Food":


Caldo de Rata, anyone?






Those of you who received this post via email, some embedded items -- like videos -- cannot be seen. You will need to click the title of the blog to be taken directly to the post to view the full content.

Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Mexico's Congress Passes Telcom Overhaul

Back in March, I had posted about a possible Telcom Shakeup in Mexico.


Well, it turns out that Mexico's Congress has overwhelmingly passed an overhaul to the Telcom industry.

"The bill encourages more foreign investment in the telecom industry and gives regulators the power to stop companies from controlling more than 50 per cent of the market, a measure aimed directly at telecoms tycoon Slim and Televisa." - Reuters

Interestingly, the article also mentions that (fairly) new President Enrique Pena Nieto is also planning to introduce reforms to energy and tax structure later this year.



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Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Update from PoMo

A little bit of this & a little bit of that ---

We have had an impressive lightening storm several nights ago which ushered in cooler temps. The cool nights are still with us, and I don't think I have ever seen the water as flat as it is this morning.


Last weekend, the El Rey Polo Club held their big, annual tournament. The weather over the weekend may
have been the best I can remember - warm, but not too hot and not humid at all. We headed out on Sunday afternoon to enjoy the final matches. Good fun! Plan to attend if you happen to be in town next year!

Also, there is a smaller tournament going on this weekend. So, you can still catch some of the action, starting at 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Check out their Facebook page for more details.




Tigres Season Opener

Cancun Tigres are back in action. Who has been to a game this season?

They are playing at home this weekend against Merida. There is a Puerto Morelos Contingent who will be cheering them on in Section 3, behind
MRP Baseball Night
home plate on Saturday night. You can buy tickets on SuperBoleto.com or at the Beto Avila Baseball Stadium -- around the corner from Costco/Mega.







The Dragon Mart continues to twist and turn. The construction permits were rejected by our county, Benito Juarez. In celebration, a group of Puerto Morelians marched, thanking officials for defeating the measure.

[During the march, they also collected signatures on a petition to prohibit the (ongoing) construction of another gas station on the mangrove side of the highway intersection. For a bit of perspective: The ground here is extremely porous. Surface spills filter to underground aquifers in matter of several minutes -- It is actually pretty amazing. Obviously, we can all see why a Gas Station isn't really the best idea on the edge of our ecologically-sensitive mangrove. So, even if we can't stop its construction, we can vote with our business. Can we all collectively agree to boycott the joint? Thanks!]

However, the Quintana Roo Governor who supports the project, recommends that developers take the project to court in order for them to decide the project's fate.

So, the Dragon isn't done breathing fire just yet...



Photo Credit: Life's a Beach


There is a citizen proposal for an expansion of Animal Welfare Laws for the State of Quintana Roo. Our friends at Life´s a Beach have provided a fully translated version, as well as a link to sign a petition and show your support for the measure.





Boxing Fans: A big match is coming up between Sugar Shane Mosley and Cano, a Mexican Boxing Champion. I knabbed ringside seats for Caden & I --- which should put me in the running for Coolest Mom of the Year with that kid. Tickets can be purchased at Que Qui newspaper. They go on sale at the Oasis next week.




A photo that has absolutely nothing to do with PoMo but is sure to make you smile. I had a hedgehog, Poinky (short for Sir Poink-A-Lot), as a pet during college. Love these little guys.):







Those of you who received this post via email, some embedded items -- like videos -- cannot be seen. You will need to click the title of the blog to be taken directly to the post to view the full content.

Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.