Progreso, Yucatán, Mexico

Description — Progreso, Yucatán, Mexico

Progreso - a city in Mexico, the state of Yucatán, the administrative center of the eponymous municipality. According to the 2005 census, its population was 35,519.

The city is located on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, about 25 kilometers north of Mérida, for which it serves as a port. Progreso, its surrounding areas and waters are situated on the site of the ancient Chicxulub crater, which formed 65 million years ago when a giant meteorite struck the Earth.

Here, the fishing industry and tourism are well developed. The port area includes a pier extending into the sea for 6.5 km and allowing large cruise liners to dock. Tourists visit Progreso, Mérida, as well as archaeological attractions from the Maya period located in the surrounding area.

Progreso is a typical little Mexican town, but it is not rich in sights. It is a rather cozy resort place with beaches and many tourists. There is also a market and supermarkets, and the street is always lively. The beaches themselves are free, and there are many places to go, but you must pay separately for umbrellas and sun loungers.

Climate

In Yucatán, the rainy season is clearly distinguishable from June to October, when 3/4 or more of the annual precipitation falls. The average annual precipitation in Progreso (on the coast, in the north of Yucatán) is 981 mm, while in Mérida (in the middle of the state and 40 km from the coast) the average annual total precipitation is 1054 mm. During the rainy season, especially in August and September, tropical typhoons form in the Gulf of Mexico, which often reach the peninsula.

In Yucatán, rain falls more often in the second half of the day. Moreover, the amount of precipitation in the afternoon is so pronounced that trips to the beach or anywhere else are always better planned for the morning.

The winter months can be described as relatively cool, with average temperatures slightly below +30ºC. In spring, however, the heat begins, with its usual peak in May. The temperature at this time of year can reach +40ºC and even higher.

Progreso, Mexico
City beach
Pink Lagoon
Ancient Mayan city of Tzibílchaltún
Caves of Yucatán

Location on the map

Sights

Ancient Maya city of Dzibilchaltun

The area where Cibilchaltún was located has been inhabited for several thousand years, repeatedly expanding and shrinking in size. The best-known structure is the “Temple of the Seven Dolls,” named for seven small decorative figures discovered by archaeologists in the 1950s at the same site where the temple was uncovered, beneath the remains of a later pyramid-temple. On the day of the spring equinox, the sun shines all the way through the temple via two windows in opposite walls. Another notable place is a cenote that local residents use as a pool throughout the year. There is also a museum in Cibilchaltún where Mayan artifacts are kept-both those found here and those from other regions.

What to see

City beach

The beach is a small public beach where the emerald waters of the Caribbean Sea mix with the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico, giving the beach an incredible beauty. Admission to the beach is free; the sandy stretch here is quite wide and long. There is all the necessary infrastructure, including showers. Sun loungers and umbrellas are paid. The beach has charming restaurants with excellent cuisine and bars.

Pink Lagoon

Laguna Rosada, or Pink Lagoon, is a natural habitat for flamingos-amazingly beautiful birds that arrive here in huge flocks. Right in the middle of the lagoon runs a road, where you can watch the pink flamingos to your heart’s content and take interesting photos. There are several wild beaches near the lagoon, but they aren’t as cozy and clean as the city beach.

Recommended excursions

Treasures of Yucatán

A unique journey to the most amazing and one-of-a-kind places of the mysterious Yucatán Peninsula. You can swim in the deepest underground cenotes and visit one of the oldest archaeological sites, where the culture of the ancient Maya blends with the culture of the conquistadors. The wide promenade in Progreso, with endless tops of straw umbrellas and the tempting aroma of freshly prepared seafood wafting from all the restaurants, will not leave you indifferent. Try the regional tikin-shcix grilled on coals whole. Stroll along the cobblestone streets and taste fresh coconut milk with ice. Those who wish are given time to sunbathe and swim in the bay.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check after booking the cruise in your “Customer Personal Account”.