Villas Shanti

Excursions

Puerto Morelos · Quintana Roo · México

Ancient ruins, sacred cenotes, vibrant reefs, and authentic Maya village life, most within a short drive. These are the experiences our guests return for, year after year.

Nearby & Day Trips

On the Water

Snorkeling the Reef

200 yards offshore · National Marine Park

Part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world's second longest reef, is just 200 yards from shore. It has been a protected national marine park since 1998 and teems with life: parrotfish, angelfish, sea turtles, rays, and much more.

200 yds from shore Year-round visibility Gear rentals available ~15 min by boat
Sea turtle Sea turtle
Tropical fish Tropical fish
Reef fish Tropical fish
Tropical fish Snorkeling
Natural Wonder

Cenotes

30–45 min drive · Freshwater swimming

Natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater from underground rivers were sacred to the Maya and extraordinary to swim in today. Dozens are accessible within an hour: open-sky pools to cathedral caverns with shafts of filtered light.

Open & cave varieties Cool, clear water Small entrance fee
Cenote swim Cenote Naak Tunich
Underground cenote Cenote Tamcach Ha
La Noria cenote Cenote La Noria
Choj Ha cenote Cenote Choj Ha
Cultural Experience

A Mayan Village Visit

Nearby · Living traditions · Hands-on

Step into living Maya culture. Pat tortillas just as the Maya have done for centuries or sit with the village women as they share their intricate embroidery — each stitch continuing a craft both beautiful and deeply personal. Often the moment guests remember longest.

Tortilla making Traditional embroidery Meet local artisans
Making tortillas Making tortillas
Traditional embroidery Embroidery
Local artisans Local artisans
Ancient Ruins

Cobá

~1.5 hr drive · Jungle pyramid

One of the most expansive ancient Maya cities ever uncovered, its ruins stretching for miles through the jungle. Home to one of the Yucatán's tallest pyramids, and one of the few you can still climb. The views above the canopy are extraordinary.

~90 min drive Climbable pyramid Ball court Jungle wildlife
Cobá pyramid The pyramid
Summit view Summit view
Ball court Ball court
Ancient Ruins

Ek Balam

~2 hr drive · Hidden jungle city

"Black Jaguar" in Maya, one of the Yucatán's most rewarding and least-crowded archaeological sites. Climb the nearly 100-foot Acropolis for sweeping jungle views, then view some of the finest preserved stucco friezes in all of Mesoamerica.

~2 hr drive Climbable pyramid Few crowds Exceptional carvings
Ek Balam ruins The ruins
Carvings Carvings
Detail work Details