Progreso

Introducing Progreso

If Mérida’s heat has you dying for a quick beach fix, or you want to see the longest wharf (7km) in Mexico, head to Progreso (also known as Puerto Progreso). The beach is fine, well groomed and long; however, except for the small palapas erected by restaurants it’s nearly shadeless and is dominated by the view of the wharf, giving it a rather industrial feel. Winds can hit here full force off the Gulf in the afternoon and can blow well into the night, which should mean good kite-­boarding and windsurfing, but currently there’s neither, unless you’ve brought your own. As with other Gulf beaches, the water is murky; visibility even on calm days rarely exceeds 5m. None of this stops meridanos from coming in droves on weekends, especially in the summer months.

East of Progreso, you pass Laguna Rosada, a good spot for flamingo sighting, on your way to Telchak Puerto, a burgeoning tourist town. Along the way, take time to stop at an observation tower in Uaymitún and the Xcambó Maya ruins.

Even-numbered streets run east–west; odd ones north–south. The bus terminal (Calle 29) is west of Calle 82. From the plaza on Calle 80, it is six short blocks to the waterfront malecón (Calle 19) and muelle (wharf); along the way are two Banamex banks, one with an ATM.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009