Progresso, Mexico
The Beach at Progreso, Mexico
Progreso, Mexico Information
Language and Currency
The official language of Progreso is Spanish and the currency is the Mexican Peso. Limited English is
spoken and the dollar is widely accepted (watch the exchange rates)
What is Progreso like?
Typical Ocean Front Restaurant in Progreso
Progreso, once a sleepy fishing village is growing with its new found fame as a Mayan port of call for
many cruise ships. It offers great beaches and is the gateway to some of the Yucatan's best sights.
What is the weather like?
Progreso is blessed with year round great weather. Progreso's winter weather is part of its new found
growth as it is nearly perfect.
Where does the ship dock?
Progreso boasts one of the world's longest piers. Ships dock at the end of the pier and then take a
shuttle (or a taxi cab for $5) to the the foot of the pier and then into town. Progreso is about 18 miles
north of the town of Merida on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Where is the shopping?
Shopping Opportunities at the Progreso Cruise Terminal
First of all, there are a number of tourist shops right inside the cruise terminal selling all sorts of
souvenirs and necessities. There is reasonable shopping in sleepy Progresso, with more shopping to be
had in the nearby town of Merida (about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi)
Progreso Crafts Market
Be sure to visit the crafts market right where the shuttle lets you off and you will also find some shops on
the streets of Progreso.
What is there to do?
Looking at the Progreso Pier from the Beach
Exploring Progreso is a wonderful experience as it is still somewhat rustic and quaint and Progreso's
beaches are world class with palapa restaurants popping up everywhere. By all means be sure to take a
taxi into Merida (Note: vans leave approximately every 5-minutes from the town square for Merida that
only cost $1 each direction. Simply walk inland up the street between the local market and the crafts
market about 4 blocks. You will see the vans on your left.) if shopping is in your sights. Also, Progreso is
the jumping off point for tours to Uxmal and Chichen-Itza, two of the Yucatan's most popular Mayan ruins.
The Malecon Beach right in town is a wonderful place to spend the day if you do not want to leave
Progreso and just want to enjoy the wonderful weather and ocean.
Progreso Sightseeing Tour Bus
One of the best bargains in Progreso is the local "Sightseeing Tour" bus that takes you on a tour of the
entire town of Progreso for a measly $2. The bus leaves from right in front of the crafts market where the
shuttle drops you off and I would suggest that you take it right away so you can get oriented to
Progreso's beaches, restaurants, markets, plaza and shopping opportunities.
Are there any great restaurants or bars?
There are several excellent restaurants on the Malecon directly across from the beach. Enjoy!
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