If you're planning to stay at Rancho, we hope one of the main things you're planning to do is enjoy the peace of our relaxed and secluded tropical location. Once you've had a chance to settle in, here is a list of our top things to do at Rancho, in Puerto Morelos, and in the surrounding area.
- Snorkel! - This is number one by far. Puerto Morelos is home to the world's second biggest barrier reef and there are plenty of fish, coral and other sea creatures to see in the water. Though you can't swim out to the reef from the beach in front of Rancho (there is too much boat traffic and as the reef is a Nationally Protected Area an entrance fee is required) you can find lots to look at closer to the shore. But to get the most out of your time here we highly recommend taking a tour (about $25 USD) while you're here so you can be sure to visit the best spots.
- Chill out in a hammock! - All of our rooms have terraces with hammocks. Take a siesta, have a drink, and just unwind! If this sounds like you, we especially recommend one of our upstairs rooms which come with gorgeous views.
- The swing! - This is a big guest favorite. "Can I try the swing?" is a common question we get when guests first arrive, and the answer of course is YES! Adult-sized and hanging inside our main palapa right in front of the ocean, the swing is also a favorite location for wedding and family photos.
- Cenotes! - If you aren't very familiar with the area, you're probably wondering just what cenotes are exactly. Cenotes are natural swimming pits that connect to the subterranean water bodies that exist beneath the Yucatan Peninsula. Magical, majestic, and usually a bit chilly! You'll find several cenotes to visit along the Ruta de Los Cenotes that begins here in Puerto Morelos as well as many more throughout the area.
- Visit the ruins! - Between the great weather and the amazing beaches in the area, it's easy to forget the amazing archeological sites the Yucatan Peninsula, but try not to! There are wonderful places to see. We don't recommend cramming everything into one trip, but do try to see at least one site during your visit. Tulum is just an hour and a half a way, and though not the most impressive site archaeologically, the ruins overlook the ocean. You can even take advantage of the trip to check out the gorgeous beaches there too! If you're looking for something a little more serious, we recommend Coba (only about 30 - 45 minutes from Tulum) and Ek-Balam. Chichén Itzá is also great, but as it's the most popular of all the sites, we recommend you visit very early right as the park opens or you'll have to deal with the crowds.
- The restaurants! - You'll find a variety of amazing places to eat in town from traditional Mexican seafood places with sand floors to Uruguayan grills. You might wonder if it's really worth trying the pizza in Mexico, but often it is! With so many international chefs in the area, don't feel limited to Mexican food, there is a lot to explore! New places are always opening (and unfortunately closing). So please ask us for recommendations when you're here, and we can be sure to give you our current favorites.
- Saas Bar! - Okay, so you could probably say we're a bit biased with this one, but Saas features perhaps the most beautiful panamoric view of the ocean in town as well as cold beer!
