Why Visit Progreso?

Progreso is a bit Off the Beaten Tourist Track, which is exactly what drew us there in the first place. 

Progreso is:

• The largest port on the Yucatan Peninsula, handling domestic and international cargo from the end of its five-mile long pier. (Its official name is “Puerto Progreso.”)
• A fishing town.
• The beach resort for the citizens of Merida, capital of Yucatan, just a half-hour south.
• A community of its own, with all the shopping and services needed for the citizens and visitors.

Progreso is NOT a heavily-developed resort packed with norteamericanos looking for a wild night life.  (It isn’t priced like one, either.)

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROGRESO in this January 2009 Article by Harry Shattuck of the Houston Chronicle, "Progreso Easy on Budget".

What can you do in Progreso?

• Relax on the beach or by the pool in Casa Sierra’s back yard.
• Take a morning walk a few blocks to the Panaderia Maria Elide bakery to pick up breakfast.
• Wander down to the beach and walk west towards the Malecon, or east towards Chixculub.
• Walk, drive or take the 5-peso bus downtown and explore the Mercado and the shops.
• Have lunch at Restaurant El Toro or any of the beach restaurants along (and on) the beach.
• Own a boat?  Progreso has a fully-equipped marina!

What can you do near Progreso?

• Take the “Progreso Directo” bus (Jan 2009 roundtrip fare 27 pesos; about US$2) or drive to the beautiful “White City” of Merida.  Explore the historic city center, visit museums, have a great meal, and take in one of the amazing array of festivals and performances that happen every night of the year.  Remember that on Saturday night and all day Sunday, the entire Centro is closed to vehicles and becomes a feast of open-air sights and sounds. Shop with street vendors, the Mercado, local stores or familiar chains like Sears, JCPenney, Costco, Sams Club, Wal-Mart and Home Depot.
   
• Reserve a table for an unforgettable dinner at Hacienda Xcanatun, located just off the highway between Progreso and Merida. (We know, “unforgettable” is overused on tourism Websites.  An anniversary dinner we had here was truly among the gastronomic high points of our life.)
   
• Visit Dzibilchaltun, a Mayan archaelogical zone, also located between Progreso and Merida.  Take your swimsuit, because this ancient city has a unique treat in store--the Xlacah Cenote is open for swimming with crystal-clear water in a beautiful setting.
   
• Take an overnight trip to Chichen Itza, or a one- or two-day trip to Uxmal and the Puuc region.
   
• See the flamingoes at Uaymitun, just a few miles east of town. Or take a day trip to Celestun, where small boats will take you up close ito the birds in one of the world’s largest breeding areas.
   
• Experience the Sound & Light show at the city of Izamal, known for its Franciscan convent built over, and using the stones from, a Mayan pyramid.
   
• Drive or take a luxury bus from Merida to the city of Campeche, Mexico’s most beautifully restored walled central city.