From Cancún: Puerto Morelos Guided Taco Tasting Tour

If you’re looking for a way to experience authentic Mexican cuisine while soaking up the relaxed vibe of a small coastal town, this Puerto Morelos Taco Tasting Tour from Cancún might just be what you need. Designed to offer a flavorful taste of the region’s culinary traditions, this tour combines taco sampling, tequila tasting, and a bit of leisurely exploration—all within roughly four and a half hours.

What makes this experience stand out? We particularly appreciate the variety of tacos you get to try—from seafood to Maya specialties—and the insightful tequila tasting led by knowledgeable guides. Plus, the chance to wander the charming main plaza offers a relaxed break from more structured excursions.

However, it’s worth noting that some travelers have found the overall experience a bit uneven, especially with regard to the first tasting location and some of the shopping stops. Still, if you’re ready for an afternoon of good food, cultural insights, and scenic views, this tour offers solid value—particularly for those who love discovering local flavors and enjoying small-town charm.

This tour is best suited for food lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting an authentic taste of Mexico’s coastal culture, especially those who enjoy a relaxed pace and are open to a bit of wandering. Keep in mind the tour involves some drive time, so patience with transfers is helpful.

Key Points

• Authentic flavors: Sample a variety of regional tacos including seafood, chicken, carne asada, and Maya specialties like cochinita pibil.
• Cultural insights: Learn about Mexican food traditions, especially the significance of Maya tacos and traditional ingredients.
• Tequila tasting: Enjoy a professional and educational tequila session, perfect for those interested in Mexico’s national spirit.
• Leisurely free time: After the tasting, you’ll have an hour to explore Puerto Morelos’ main plaza at your own pace.
• Scenic views: The town’s coastline and charming streets add to the relaxed vibe of this tour.
• Value for money: For $49, you get guided tastings, transportation, and a chance to explore local cuisine, making it a fairly affordable cultural and culinary experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Puerto Morelos Taco Tasting Tour

The logistics and transportation

Starting with pickup options in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal, the tour begins with a roughly one-hour van ride. During this time, the group usually consolidates, and the guide sets the tone for what’s ahead. The transportation aspect is convenient, especially if you’re staying in Cancún, but it does mean a good part of the day is spent in transit.

Once in Puerto Morelos, we loved the ease of access to this small town, which exudes a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Its reputation as a fishing village means you’ll often see boats bobbing in the harbor and local fishermen going about their day.

The taco stops and food experience

The core of this tour is, of course, the taco tasting. It’s structured across three different locations, each offering a distinct style:

• Seafood tacos by the beach: The first stop is right by the water, where we sampled fresh seafood tacos at a restaurant with a beach view. Many reviewers, like Cesar, praise this part, calling it “the best tacos in a charming beachside restaurant.”

• Chicken and carne asada tacos: The next location shifts a bit inland, offering the more familiar grilled meats wrapped in soft corn tortillas. These are classic Mexican favorites, and you’ll get to enjoy them in a setting that showcases local flavors.

• Maya tacos near the flea market: The final tasting spot is near the market, specializing in regional Maya-style tacos, like cochinita pibil—slow-roasted pork marinated in traditional spices and cooked in an earth oven. This particular variety offers a deeper cultural experience, connecting you to indigenous culinary traditions.

We appreciate that each stop emphasizes local ingredients and traditional preparation methods. The inclusion of artisanal ice cream as a sweet finish adds a fun, refreshing element after the savory tacos.

The tequila tasting experience

No Mexican culinary journey is complete without tequila, and this tour’s guided tasting provides a professional and educational look into Mexico’s national spirit. Guides in both English and Spanish walk you through different varieties, explaining the nuances and regional differences. The tasting can be limited in quantity but high in quality, giving you a better understanding of what makes tequila unique.

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Free time and exploration

After the tastings, you’ll be given about an hour of free time. This is a highlight for many, as it allows you to stroll around Puerto Morelos’ main square, enjoy the seaside views, browse local shops, or simply relax with a cold drink. For some, this break is essential, especially after the drive and tasting sessions.

The overall experience and reviews

While many travelers, like Cesar, found the tour to be delightful and worth the price, others have expressed disappointment. Several reviews mention long transfer times and inconsistent locations, with some feeling the first tasting spot felt like “a garage” and the shopping stops being overly promotional.

One reviewer from Germany noted, “Tacos and tequila weren’t bad, but the rest felt like a shopping tour,” which highlights a common concern about the amount of time spent in commercial establishments. Conversely, Cesar’s comment about the beach view restaurant underscores that some parts can truly deliver authentic charm.

Considering the value

At $49 per person, including hotel pickup and drop-off, guided tastings, and free time, the tour offers fair value—especially for travelers seeking a relaxed introduction to local flavors without straining the budget. However, those expecting an elaborate culinary tour or an immersive cultural experience might find it somewhat superficial.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies eager to sample different styles of tacos and learn about tequila from local guides. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a leisurely day exploring a small, scenic Mexican town without the hustle of more intense excursions.

If your main goal is to sample authentic regional cuisine and enjoy scenic coastal views, this tour can deliver well. However, if you’re particular about avoiding commercial shopping stops or long transfers, you might find it less satisfying.

Final Thoughts

The Puerto Morelos Guided Taco Tasting Tour offers an uncomplicated, affordable way to enjoy some of the best local tacos and tequila in a charming seaside setting. Its highlights—the seafood tacos with a view, the Maya specialties, and the educational tasting—are genuine and memorable. The free time to explore the town helps balance the experience, giving you a taste of local life beyond the restaurant walls.

While it’s not perfect—some stops may feel rushed or overly commercial—the overall value for the price, especially if you love Mexican food and culture, makes it a worthwhile option. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy authentic flavors, scenic coastal towns, and casual, guided explorations.

If you’re prepared for a relaxed pace and open to discovering local culinary gems, this tour can be a highlight of your visit to the Riviera Maya area.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but you should contact the provider in advance to confirm your exact pickup time and location.

How long is the transfer to Puerto Morelos?
The van ride lasts about one hour from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal, depending on your pickup point.

What does the tour include?
The tour includes tasting at three different taco locations, an artisanal ice cream, a professional tequila tasting, a bilingual guide, and transportation.

Are beverages other than tacos and tequila included?
No, additional beverages are not included in the tour price.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
The tequila tasting is for participants 18 and older. If you prefer not to drink, you can still enjoy the taco tastings and explore Puerto Morelos during your free time.

What is the typical group size?
While not specified, guided tours like this generally operate in small groups, making the experience more personal and manageable.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s advisable to confirm specific accommodations with the provider beforehand.

What is the duration of the entire experience?
The total duration is approximately 4.5 hours, including transportation, tasting, and free time.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if made up to 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.

Would this tour be a good introduction to Mexican cuisine?
Definitely. It offers a taste of regional flavors and insights into local culinary traditions, making it perfect for those new to Mexican food or eager to explore local variations.

In summary, this tour offers a relaxed, flavorful way to explore Puerto Morelos’ culinary scene without the fuss and with beautiful scenery to enjoy along the way. It’s best suited for casual food lovers and those curious about local traditions, especially if you appreciate a mix of scenic sightseeing and cultural learning.

You can check availability for your dates here: