Cancún’s Charming Transformation: Puerto Juárez Revealed as First Magical Neighborhood

Mexico initiated its "Magical Town" program in 2001, spotlighting towns and cities known for their cultural or historical significance. Fast forward to 2022, the "Magical Neighborhoods" program was launched, focusing on specific districts within these towns and cities. Currently, only a few neighborhoods have been chosen. Now, the plans for Cancún's inaugural Magical Neighborhood have been unveiled.

Puerto Juárez, a picturesque neighborhood along the Cancún coastline, was once an independent location. This is where the local population resided before Cancún evolved into the popular tourist destination it is today. From the 1960s to the 1990s, Puerto Juárez remained separate until it was officially declared a Cancún neighborhood in 1990. Now, the authorities plan to transform this historic area into Cancún's first Magical Neighborhood, a process that began over a year ago.

Magical Neighborhoods are distinctive areas within Mexican towns and cities that hold unique cultural, natural, or historical significance. This might include the preservation of certain traditions or architecture, charming facades or thriving natural spaces, or unique historical or cultural elements that characterize the neighborhood. Puerto Juárez is set to be not only Cancún's first Magical Neighborhood but also the first in the Mexican Caribbean.

Puerto Juárez is a smaller, more authentic neighborhood and the hub for arranging water activities, boat tours, and ferries to Isla Mujeres. The Marina Hacienda Del Mar is located here, lending the area a quaint fishing village and sailor ambiance. Visitors can book everything from yacht excursions to swimming with whale sharks at the marina.

While Puerto Juárez is flanked by luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts, the accommodations within the district are predominantly vacation rentals. Highly-rated rentals in the area on Booking.com typically range from $50 to $170 per night, with most closer to the $50 mark. Alternatively, Cancún's Hotel Zone, a short distance from Puerto Juárez, offers a plethora of hotels and resorts, making visits to the future Magical Neighborhood a breeze.

One of the highlights of Puerto Juárez is the chance for a more authentic dining experience. Alongside fantastic Mexican cuisine, you can also enjoy excellent fresh seafood dishes. Some of the top-rated restaurants in Puerto Juárez include Chavito Bien Taquería, Puerto Santo, and Kiosco Verde.

Both Magical Neighborhoods and Magical Towns have similar prerequisites for obtaining the designation, including certain improvements like facade painting. However, some towns cannot become Magical Towns due to population and proximity requirements. The Magical Town program has been around longer and therefore includes more towns. Currently, there are only 10 Magical Neighborhoods, but soon, the historic neighborhood of Puerto Juárez will join the list.