Are you finally retired and want to spend your first winter in sunny Puerto Morelos? Did you buy a rental property and are getting it set up to earn a return on investment? Or you may want to know what to expect when you move to Mexico. This article will provide an overview of things to help you thrive in your new life in Puerto Morelos! 

Grocery Shopping  

We have three large grocery stores here in Puerto Morelos. Super Chedraui on the neighborhood side carries many household items such as dishes, pet supplies, small appliances, and hardware. The Chedraui Selecto on the beach side of town caters more to tourists with prepared food, beer and wine by the glass, and souvenirs. Super Aki is the closest grocery store to Selva Escondida, just a five-minute drive. 

Our local fruterias are excellent choices for fresh fruits and vegetables. There are many around town, and you can stop in and pick up what you need quickly and easily. Corner and convenience stores stock various last-minute dinner items, snacks, and drinks.

Grocery shopping may be different at first, but explore a bit, and soon you will find most items you are used to or reasonable substitutes. You’ll probably find some new favorite ingredients as well! 

Household Items 

Even if you brought along some items when you moved, you’ll probably need some basics for your new home. Thankfully, Puerto Morelos is located directly between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and you will have plenty of options. 

• Plaza Las Americas (Cancun) has several furniture and decor stores. 
• Marina Puerto (Cancun) is an upscale shopping mall with various retailers. 
• Costco (Cancun) carries furniture, appliances, bedding, towels, and other household goods.   
• Sam’s Club (Cancun and Playa del Carmen) carries household items. 
• Actual Studio (Cancun and Playa del Carmen) offers high-end furniture. 
• Telebodega (Cancun and Playa del Carmen) stocks a variety of beds, furniture, and appliances. 
• Home Depot (Cancun and Playa del Carmen) is an excellent resource for all your home projects. 

Online Shopping

• Amazon
• Mercado Libre 
• Gaia Design

An incredible variety of artisanal products are scattered throughout the Riviera Maya and beyond. In Playa del Carmen, a glass-blowing workshop called Vidrio Soplado Mexicano sells beautiful hand-blown glassware. Go to Tulum and explore the unique bohemian shops along the beach road or Merida or Valladolid for other unique items.
 

Other Services: 

There are many doctors, dentists, chiropractors or massage therapists,  car mechanics, and so on here in Puerto Morelos. Here are just a few: 

• Costamed Hospital 
• Farmacias yza
• Clinicia Dental Dentfacorp
• Akubal Spa 

Additional helpful contacts: 

• Your Life in Mexico offers transitional services and property management. 
• La Ceiba will deliver drinking water to your home.  
• Enlaces Playa is an internet service provider in the area.  

Don’t underestimate networking. You can learn a lot by getting out, being friendly, and meeting neighbors. There are several Facebook groups with people who moved to Mexico just like you and are happy to answer questions and give recommendations. 

Also, although we mentioned many resources in the Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos has just about everything you want or need. There are quality hairdressers, barbers, nail salons, carpenters, metal workers, and plumbers. 

Getting Around 

Our charming little town is pedestrian, bicycle, or - our favorite option - scooter friendly! It will take you less than ten minutes to travel by scooter from Selva Escondida to the beach. 
 

Taxis are plentiful, and there are several public transportation systems as well. The collectivo is a van that can help you travel around town. The ADO bus has a route on the federal highway that can take you to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and beyond. 

Take your Time 

As you begin to set up your new life, you may want to check things off your list quickly. Remember that you moved here for a slower pace of life. It helps to take a breath, slow down, and realize everything does not have to get done today. Take a break, and enjoy a happy hour or siesta. 
 

Reflect on what drew you to Mexico: the abundant sunshine, the easygoing lifestyle, and the fresh produce, to name a few.  Make sure to play tourist in your backyard and head to one of our local toes-in-the-sand restaurants to remind yourself what a gift life in the Riviera Maya is. 

Life in Mexico will change you. Learning to thrive in a new country and culture is one of the most extraordinary adventures you can have. It will give you a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that only others who have done it can truly understand. 

Are you ready? 

Are you ready to leave the daily grind of life in the States or Canada and see what has so many transplants to our Caribbean shores wishing they did it sooner? 

Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to answer any other questions about Selva Escondida and Puerto Morelos.