From Cancún: Puerto Morelos Guided Taco Tasting Tour

If you’re looking for a break from the busy resort scene in Cancún, a guided tour to Puerto Morelos promises a taste of authentic Mexican flavor paired with coastal charm. This 4.5-hour experience combines tasting traditional tacos, learning about tequilas, and strolling through a sleepy fishing town that’s just enough off the beaten path.

We particularly like the opportunity to sample a variety of tacos — seafood, chicken, carne asada, and regional Maya specialties — and the professional tequila tasting that’s included. These culinary highlights make it a worthwhile outing for food lovers eager to explore local flavors. However, some reviews suggest that the overall experience can feel a bit commercial or rushed, especially if shopping is involved.

This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, flavorful taste of Mexico’s local cuisine and culture, without the long, intense sightseeing days. If you’re after authentic food, stunning coastal views, and a chance to see a quieter side of the Riviera Maya, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Authentic flavor: Tasty tacos from seafood to Maya specialties, enjoyed in a relaxed setting.
• Tequila expertise: Guided tasting introduces you to a range of Mexican tequilas.
• Charming town: Discover the slow-paced, friendly atmosphere of Puerto Morelos.
• Flexible schedule: Includes free time to explore the main plaza and coastline.
• Convenient: Hotel pickup and drop-off from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal.
• Value for money: At $49 per person, it offers a decent culinary introduction with cultural insight.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Tour Experience

This guided taco and tequila tour is designed to give travelers a flavorful peek into Puerto Morelos, a quiet seaside town just a short drive from Cancún. The experience starts with a comfortable transfer, where you’ll relax in a van for about an hour, enjoying the landscape of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Once there, the focus is on tasting. You’ll visit a beachfront restaurant for some of the best seafood tacos in town, enjoy chicken and carne asada tacos wrapped in soft corn tortillas, and finish with Maya-style tacos such as cochinita pibil — slow-roasted pork marinated in traditional spices. These dishes are truly regional and provide a genuine taste of local culinary traditions.

Adding to the flavor profile is the professional tequila tasting, which educates participants on different varieties. For many, this is a highlight, pairing the food with classic Mexican spirits. After sampling, you’ll have some free time to wander the main square, soak in the views, or just relax by the coast.

While the tour offers a rich culinary experience, some visitors mention that parts of it can feel a bit commercial or rushed — especially the shopping stops. Still, if your priority is good food, beautiful scenery, and learning about tequila, it delivers a solid, enjoyable outing.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

The day begins with pickup options from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal. Depending on your location, a van ride of about an hour takes you into Puerto Morelos, a small fishing village with a relaxed vibe and charming charm.

Upon arrival, the tour kicks off with a guided walk through the town, focusing on its history, its fishing traditions, and its coastal views. The first taco stop is positioned right by the beach, giving you a chance to enjoy fresh seafood tacos while watching the waves roll in — a truly scenic setting that elevates simple food into a memorable experience.

Next, the tour moves to different taco stops. You’ll taste chicken and carne asada tacos in a local eatery, where the emphasis is on traditional flavors and quality ingredients. The third stop near the Flea Market features Maya tacos, including the regional favorite cochinita pibil. This slow-roasted, marinated pork in an earth oven delivers a complex, smoky flavor that’s worth seeking out in the region.

After the tastings, you’ll indulge in handcrafted Mexican ice cream, a sweet palate-cleanser that’s well appreciated after a savory spree. The tequila tasting follows, led by a knowledgeable guide who explains the different types — blanco, reposado, añejo — and how they’re made. This part often garners positive comments as an educational highlight.

Following the tastings, there’s about an hour of free time to explore the main plaza, browse local shops, or simply enjoy the seaside views. The return journey lasts approximately an hour, giving you time to relax before being dropped off at your hotel.

What We Loved About the Tour

The food is clearly the star: fresh, flavorful, and authentic. The seafood tacos, in particular, stand out as some of the best we’ve seen on a guided tour, thanks to the seaside location and quality ingredients. The variety of tacos, from regional Maya to more common options, ensures there’s something for all.

The tequila tasting is another highlight, especially for those new to Mexican spirits. It’s guided by a professional, making it informative and fun without feeling overwhelming. You learn about different types and flavors, which can make future tequila purchases more meaningful.

The scenic setting of Puerto Morelos also adds to the appeal. It’s a quiet, friendly town with pretty beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, offering a refreshing change from busier tourist spots. The free time to wander the plaza means you can soak in local life, take photos, or enjoy a leisurely coffee.

The Downsides and Considerations

While many aspects are enjoyable, some reviews point out potential drawbacks. Several travelers noted that the overall experience can feel somewhat commercial or shop-heavy. Certain stops are near shops where sales pitches may be persistent, which can detract from the authenticity for some.

Timing can also be an issue. One traveler mentioned that pickup was late by about 35 minutes, which can be frustrating if you prefer a punctual day. Others felt that the initial taco tasting location was disappointing — described as “a garage,” which might not meet expectations for a culinary highlight.

On top of that, given the price of $49, some feel the number of tacos and spirits sampled might be modest for the time spent, especially if you’re expecting a full day of continuous eating. The reviews suggest that this tour works best if you’re mainly interested in the food and the local setting rather than shopping or elaborate sightseeing.

Lastly, beverages are not included, so if you prefer to wash down your tacos with sodas or additional drinks, you’ll need to budget extra.

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The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts about 4.5 hours, with about an hour each for travel and free time, and three hours dedicated to tastings. It’s priced at a reasonable $49 per person, which covers taco tastings at three locations, tequila tasting, artisanal ice cream, bilingual guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Transportation is by van, with pickup options in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal. The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, and live guides speak both English and Spanish.

While the tour is family-friendly, participants in the tequila tasting must be 18 or older. It’s advisable to confirm pickup times and locations in advance, especially if your hotel is in a less central spot.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers who want an authentic taste of local Mexican cuisine in a laid-back setting. It’s also suitable for travelers interested in learning about tequila in a friendly, informal environment.

If you enjoy scenic coastal views, exploring small towns, and sampling regional dishes, you’ll find this tour rewarding. However, if you prefer high-energy, shopping-heavy tours or more structured sightseeing, this might not be the best choice.

It’s a good pick for those with a flexible schedule who want to combine culinary discovery with some beachside strolling. It’s also valuable if you’re curious about regional Mexican specialties like cochinita pibil or want a relaxed, culturally rich experience without a long day of intense touring.

The Bottom Line

In essence, this tour offers a relaxed, tasty introduction to Puerto Morelos, with a good balance of food, scenery, and educational tequila tasting. For around $50, you get to explore a charming town, indulge in delicious tacos, and learn about Mexican spirits — all with the convenience of hotel pickup.

While some reviews mention issues like timing and shopping stops, many visitors appreciate the authentic flavor, friendly guides, and stunning coastal views. It’s especially suitable for those who value local cuisine and a taste of everyday Mexican life rather than overly curated tourist experiences.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, flavorful, and affordable day trip from Cancún, this tour hits many of those marks. Just be prepared for some variability in the stops and an emphasis on shopping at certain points.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal. You should contact the provider in advance to confirm your exact pickup time and location.

How long is the tour?
The whole experience lasts approximately 4.5 hours, including transportation, tastings, and free time.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers taco tastings at three locations, a tequila tasting, artisanal ice cream, a bilingual guide, and transportation to and from your hotel.

Are beverages other than tequila included?
No, beverages like sodas or extra drinks are not included. You may want to bring extra cash if you wish to buy drinks elsewhere.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tequila tasting is only for those 18 and older. The rest of the experience might be suitable for families, depending on children’s interests.

How much food will I get?
You can expect to taste three types of tacos and enjoy handcrafted ice cream as a sweet finish. The quantity is enough for a light lunch or substantial snack.

What are the main highlights?
The highlights include coastal views, authentic tacos, a professional tequila tasting, and free time in the town’s main plaza.

Is the tour worth the price?
Considering the variety of tastings, transportation, and guide service, many find the price reasonable. However, some reviews suggest that the overall value depends on personal expectations about shopping and the stops’ authenticity.

What should I bring?
Bring some cash for additional drinks or souvenirs, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a sense of adventure.

In summary, this tour provides a relaxed, flavorful snapshot of Puerto Morelos, excellent for those eager to indulge in authentic tacos and Mexican spirits while enjoying coastal scenery. It’s a straightforward, affordable way to experience a quieter side of the Riviera Maya — with some caveats about timing and shopping stops. Perfect for foodies, casual explorers, and anyone wanting a taste of local life in a charming seaside town.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby