From Cancún: Puerto Morelos Guided Taco Tasting Tour

If you’re thinking about adding a food-focused outing to your Cancun or Riviera Maya trip, the Puerto Morelos Guided Taco Tasting Tour might catch your eye. It promises a laid-back stroll through a charming fishing village, topped with samplings of three different types of tacos and a professional tequila tasting. We haven’t done this tour ourselves, but after looking into what it offers, here’s a straight-up review to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What really appeals is the chance to taste regional Mexican tacos in a relaxed setting and learn about tequila from knowledgeable guides. Plus, the tour includes some free time to wander the main square and enjoy those gorgeous coastal views. That said, some past travelers have expressed concerns about the overall experience feeling more like a shopping trip with lots of pressure, which can take away from the culinary focus. So, if your main goal is authentic food and local scenery, this might be a good pick; if you’re after a more immersive tasting experience, you’ll want to weigh those reviews carefully.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy food adventures with a cultural twist, especially those curious about Mexican cuisine beyond the typical tourist spots. It’s also a reasonable choice if you want a guided, structured outing that takes care of transportation and logistics, making it easier to relax and focus on the flavors.

Key Points

• Authentic flavor focus with multiple taco stops and a tequila tasting
• Scenic visit to a charming coastal town with free time to explore
• Guided experience with bilingual guides, including hotel pickup and drop-off
• Mixed reviews on experience quality, with some travelers feeling it leans toward shopping
• Cost-effective at $49, with food, drinks, and transportation included
• Age restriction for tequila tasting (must be 18+)

If you’re visiting Cancun and craving a more authentic taste of Mexican cuisine while also soaking in some local charm, this tour could be a good option. It’s designed to give you an introduction to Puerto Morelos, a tranquil fishing village with a laid-back vibe, just a short drive from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal. For just $49, you’ll get about 4.5 hours of guided exploration, food, and drinks. Sounds promising, right? But let’s dig into what you really get.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What It Means for You

The day starts with pickup from one of three convenient locations—Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal. The transfer takes around an hour, so it’s not too long, but it’s good to be prepared for some early morning or afternoon pickup depending on your hotel. Once in Puerto Morelos, the tour kicks off with a guided walk through this sleepy coastal town.

The Taco Stops: A Tasting of Regional Flavors

The heart of the tour is, of course, the taco tastings. You’ll visit three different spots, each specializing in a different style. The first is a beachfront restaurant serving seafood tacos, probably the highlight for many visitors. Imagine eating freshly prepared seafood tacos with views of the ocean—hard to beat.

Next, you’ll try chicken and carne asada tacos in a more traditional setting, where soft corn tortillas cradle hearty fillings. The last stop near the Flea Market will introduce you to exquisite Maya tacos, with the regional specialty being cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork marinated with traditional spices and cooked in an earth oven. It’s a signature taste of Mexico’s Yucatán region, and many travelers find it a memorable experience.

What’s notable here is the inclusion of artisan Mexican ice cream after the tacos, providing a sweet finish to your savory tasting tour. This added treat helps balance the flavors and gives a nice glimpse into local dessert traditions.

The Tequila Tasting: A Cultural Lesson

No Mexican culinary experience is complete without tequila, and this tour offers a professional tasting session. Guided by knowledgeable staff, you’ll sample different varieties, gaining insight into the nuances of each. It’s worth noting that you must be 18+ to participate, which makes sense given the nature of the activity.

Free Time and Exploring

After the tasting, you’ll have about an hour to wander the main square. This is a great chance to soak in the town’s atmosphere, browse local shops, or just relax with a cold drink. The views around Puerto Morelos are lovely—quiet beaches, colorful streets, and a relaxed vibe that’s a nice contrast to the busier Cancun strip.

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What Past Travelers Say

Reviews paint a mixed picture. Some raved about the delicious tacos and friendly guides. Cesar from Mexico called it an “amazing experience,” highlighting the great food in a charming beachside town. On the other hand, others like Katharina from Germany expressed disappointment, feeling the tour was more about shopping and shop-to-shop visits rather than focusing on the food. She mentioned the tacos and tequila weren’t bad, but the overall experience felt too commercial.

Another reviewer, Mike from the US, felt the transfer times were too long, and the initial location for the first tasting was underwhelming—more like a garage than a restaurant. Several reviews pointed out timing issues—late pickups and long waits—so don’t expect a perfectly smooth experience.

A common theme is that the last two taco stops received better reviews, with some calling the food at those locations particularly good. Yet, some felt the emphasis on shopping and souvenir sales detracted from the culinary focus.

The Value Proposition

For $49, the tour covers transportation, three taco tastings, tequila tasting, and artisanal ice cream. Compared to sampling tacos on your own, the guided format and included drinks add convenience, especially if you’re new to the area or prefer guided experiences. But keep in mind, many reviews mention that not all stops are equally authentic, and some are more about touristy shopping than culinary excellence.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is probably best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, guided overview of Puerto Morelos and some classic Mexican flavors, without the hassle of figuring out transportation or where to eat. If you’re a food lover curious about regional tacos and enjoy learning about tequila, you’ll likely find this enjoyable. However, if you’re after more authentic, purely culinary experiences or dislike feeling pressured into shopping, you might want to consider other options.

This tour offers a decent introduction to Puerto Morelos with a focus on tacos and tequila, making it a good choice for those wanting a fun, easy-going outing. The scenic views and casual town atmosphere are definite pluses, and the guide’s insights can add value if you’re interested in learning about local flavors.

But, it’s worth noting that the experience can vary quite a bit depending on the stops and the group dynamics. Some travelers found the tour felt more commercial than culinary, and the timing logistics might impact your overall enjoyment. If your priority is authentic food and avoiding a shopping-heavy experience, you might want to ask questions beforehand or look for other options.

Overall, it’s a reasonable, budget-friendly tour that can deliver some tasty bites and a taste of local life, as long as you keep expectations in check.

Is the tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
The tour focuses on traditional tacos and tequila, so if you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to check with the provider beforehand. The main offerings are seafood, chicken, and pork, so those with allergies or restrictions should ask.

How long does the transfer take?
The transfer from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal takes around 1 hour each way, so plan accordingly and be prepared for some early or late pickups.

What does the tequila tasting include?
The guided tasting features different types of tequila, providing insight into their flavors and regional differences. You must be 18 or older to participate.

Are the taco stops authentic?
Based on reviews, some stops serve delicious, authentic regional tacos, especially near the flea market, but others might be more tourist-oriented. The seafood and Maya tacos tend to be hits.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the main activities are food and sightseeing, so older children might enjoy it, but the tequila tasting is for adults only.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, cash for souvenirs or additional drinks, sunscreen, and a camera. Since beverages aren’t included, consider bringing a water bottle.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm specific needs with the provider in advance.

How much time will I have for exploring on my own?
After the tasting, you’ll have about an hour of free time to stroll around the main square or relax at the beach.

In the end, this tour offers a pleasant way to experience Puerto Morelos’ flavors and scenery, especially if you’re looking for a guided, relaxed outing. Just keep in mind that the experience can be hit-or-miss depending on your expectations and the stops you visit. It’s a solid choice for those wanting an easy, budget-friendly introduction to local tacos and tequila without too much fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: