Logistics · Destination Guide
A protected reef, quick boat rides, and cenote adventures from a laid-back Riviera Maya base
Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 16 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most travelers fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) and transfer south on Highway 307 to Puerto Morelos. Tulum International Airport (TQO) is an alternative if your itinerary is focused on the southern Riviera Maya, but transfers are longer. Cozumel (CZM) can work for Cozumel-first trips, then you connect via ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and continue by road.
If you want to avoid driving, check whether the Tren Maya schedule and station locations align with your accommodation; service patterns can change.
Cancun International Airport
CUN • MMUN
26 km • 26 km drive
Primary gateway for the Riviera Maya with extensive international service. Puerto Morelos is a straightforward southbound transfer on Highway 307.
Transport: Pre-booked private shuttle, Shared shuttle, Authorized airport taxi, Rental car
Tulum International Airport (Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport)
TQO • MMTL
138 km • 138 km drive
Newer airport serving the southern Riviera Maya. Consider it if you are combining Puerto Morelos with Tulum-area stays, but expect longer transfers.
Transport: Private shuttle, Rental car, Regional bus connections where available
Cozumel International Airport
CZM • MMCZ
58 km • 58 km combined ferry + drive
Useful if you want to dive Cozumel first. Connect to the mainland by passenger ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, then drive to Puerto Morelos.
Transport: Taxi to ferry, Passenger ferry + mainland shuttle, Rental car (mainland)
Mexico entry rules depend on nationality and travel mode. In general, visitors need a valid passport and will be admitted for up to 180 days as a visitor, with the exact number of days granted at the discretion of immigration officials. Mexico's immigration system uses the FMM (visitor permit) in some contexts, and procedures can vary by airport and whether paper versions are being phased out.
Quintana Roo also levies a visitor tax (Visitax) for many foreign travelers. Use the official portal and keep your payment confirmation available.
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Most businesses accept cards, but cash is useful for small restaurants, taxis, tips, and park fees. Carry a mix of small bills, especially if you are diving or snorkeling daily.
ATMs are available in town and along the resort corridor. Withdraw during daylight hours and keep a backup card. Expect occasional outages during storms.
127V • 60Hz • A, B
Bring a US-style plug if you are coming from North America. If you carry dual-voltage chargers, confirm the label before plugging in.
Communications
Mobile coverage is generally good on the coast. Buy a local SIM or eSIM for navigation and messaging, and download maps for cenote roads in case of weak signal. Many hotels and cafes have Wi-Fi, but speeds vary.
Language
Spanish is the primary language. English is widely spoken in tourism, dive operations, and hotels, but basic Spanish helps with taxis, local eateries, and inland cenote logistics.
Insurance
Carry travel insurance that covers adventure activities, and add dive-specific coverage for scuba and freediving. DAN or an equivalent provider is strongly recommended so you have access to diving medical consultation and evacuation coordination.
Packing list