Progreso Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food, activities, where to stay, and transportation options in Progreso Yucatán. Read our travel guide now!


Introduction to Progreso

Progreso is a beautiful port city located in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. The city is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. Additionally, Progreso serves as a gateway to other popular destinations in the region, such as Merida and Chichen Itza. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore the best places to visit, food to eat, activities to do, where to stay, and transportation options in Progreso.

List of Places to Visit in Progreso

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo del Mar: A fascinating museum that features unique exhibits highlighting the marine life of the Yucatán Peninsula. Visitors can admire a vast collection of shells and marine fossils.
  • Palacio Municipal: This impressive municipal palace features incredible colonial architecture, and it has several art galleries and exhibit spaces.
  • Casa de la Cultura: Located in the Historic Center of Progreso, Casa de la Cultura is a cultural center featuring a gallery, library, and traditional workshops.

Natural Attractions of Progreso: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Progreso Beach: Explore the stunning Progreso Beach and admire stunning sunsets, take a refreshing swim, or simply relax on the beach with a cold drink in hand.
  • Chicxulub Crater: This is a unique natural wonder located 10 km from Progreso. It is the world’s third-largest impact crater, created over 65 million years ago by a massive asteroid impact.
  • El Corchito: This nature reserve features a beautiful tropical forest, a small cenote with crystal-clear waters, and plenty of bird-watching opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Progreso

  • Malecón: This seaside promenade runs along the length of the Progreso Beach. You can bike, rollerblade or simply walk and admire the fantastic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
  • El Corchito: This lush nature reserve offers several hiking trails through the mangroves and the forest, where you can admire local flora and fauna.

Best Things to Do in Progreso: Activities and Tours

  • Cenote Dzibilchaltun: This is a fantastic natural attraction located about 15 km from Progreso. Visitors can swim and explore the deep cenote or go on a guided tour to learn more about the surrounding area.
  • Fishing Tours: Progreso is a popular fishing spot, and visitors can book a guided tour to try their luck catching several species of fish.
  • Chocolate Factory Tour: This unique tour takes guests through the process of making chocolate from scratch. Visitors can learn about the cocoa harvest, roasting, grinding, and chocolate making.

Week-Long Itinerary for Progreso

Day Activities
1 Explore the Historic Center of Progreso
2 Visit Merida, the capital of Yucatan
3 Enjoy a day trip to Chichen Itza
4 Go on a fishing tour in the Gulf of Mexico
5 Take a trip to the Cenote Dzibilchaltun
6 Enjoy the beach and relax in the sun
7 Learn how to cook authentic Yucatecan dishes

Food and Drink Scene of Progreso

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poc Chuc: This is a traditional dish made with marinated pork cooked on a grill and served with a side of black beans and tortillas.
  • Sopa de Lima: This is a delicious soup made with shredded chicken, crispy tortilla strips, and lime juice.
  • Cochinita Pibil: A famous Yucatecan dish consisting of slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote paste, sour orange juice, and other spices.

Local Beverages

  • Cerveza Montejo: A Yucatecan beer with a smooth and refreshing taste.
  • Margarita de Jamaica: A delicious and refreshing Jamaican hibiscus margarita.
  • Agua de Chaya: A refreshing and healthy green juice made from the leaves of the chaya plant.

Where to Stay in Progreso: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Reef Yucatan: One of the most luxurious hotels in Progreso with several swimming pools, restaurants, and a spa.
  • La Casa del Turix: A cozy and affordable guesthouse located just a few blocks from the beach.
  • Hostel Catedral: A budget-friendly option with a great location in the heart of the Historic Center of Progreso.

What to Buy in Progreso: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hammocks: Hammocks are a popular souvenir from Progreso. They are handmade and come in a variety of sizes and colors.
  • Handcrafts: The Yucatán Peninsula is famous for its beautiful handcrafted textiles, pottery, and wood carvings.
  • Spirits: Visitors should try local spirits such as Xtabentún, an anise-flavored liqueur made with honey and rum.

Local Culture and Customs of Progreso

In Progreso, visitors will find a warm and welcoming culture. The city is known for its vibrant Carnival celebrations and traditional dances such as salsa and merengue. Wearing sunscreen and a hat is a must, as temperatures can be high, and it is also worth noting that tipping is customary in restaurants and at other service establishments.

Best Time to Visit Progreso

The best time to visit Progreso is between December and April when the weather is dry and less humid. However, visitors can also enjoy a great time in the off-season from May to November when the prices drop, and the crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of Progreso

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine
  • Take a dip in a freshwater cenote
  • Explore the Historic Center of Progreso
  • Book a fishing tour

Don’t:

  • Touch or pick up the coral while snorkeling or scuba diving
  • Leave valuables unattended on the beach
  • Forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent

Safety and Health

Safety in Progreso

Progreso is a relatively safe place to visit, but visitors should take basic precautions to ensure their safety. Avoid walking alone at night and in less crowded areas, keep valuables in a safe place, and be aware of your surroundings. Additionally, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use an ATM during the daytime in a well-lit area.

Health in Progreso

Visitors should drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach problems caused by tap water. Additionally, bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent, as the region is known for its hot weather and mosquitoes.

Getting to Progreso: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Progreso

The closest airport to Progreso is the Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (MID) located in Merida, approximately 30 minutes away by car.

Bus Stations Near Progreso

There are several bus stations in Progreso, including ADO and Oriente. These bus stations offer frequent services to major cities such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a private driver to get to Progreso from the airport or other cities.

How to Get Around in Progreso

There are several options for getting around Progreso, including:

  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available, and visitors can hail them in the street or call a local taxi company.
  • Buses: Public buses serve the main roads in Progreso and nearby towns.
  • Bikes: Renting a bike is a fun and affordable way to explore Progreso and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Progreso: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Merida: The capital of Yucatan is just a short drive away from Progreso, and it is known for its colonial architecture, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage.
  • Chichen Itza: One of the most famous Mayan ruins in Mexico, Chichen Itza is a must-visit destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
  • Izamal: This charming colonial town is located just an hour’s drive from Progreso and features beautiful colonial architecture and several ancient Mayan ruins.

Conclusion

Progreso is a fantastic destination in Mexico, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage. We hope this comprehensive tour guide provides you with valuable information to plan your trip to this beautiful port city in Yucatán.

City Hall City Hall Muelle Altura Progreso, the world's longest pier Muelle Altura Progreso, the world's longest pier Xcambó Archaeological Site Xcambó Archaeological Site Progreso Beach Progreso Beach