Playa Progreso Travel Guide
Many of you currently reading this may have never heard of the city of Progreso, Mexico. That’s probably because it is an off-the-beaten-path destination that is harder to get to than other Mexican cities like Cancun. The small port city of around 54,000 people is located at the tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and is an important stopover for large cruise ships like Carnival and Royal Caribbean. These massive ships dock at its 4-mile-long pier which is the longest in the world.
Though the city features everything one would need to be comfortable, it is not quite as developed as more popular cities like Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Though it is most frequently visited by cruise ship passengers, it is more than just a port town, it is a must-visit destination in its own right, and with its incredible beauty, Progreso is worth staying for more than just one day.
Flamingos of Progreso
Progreso is home to many different bird species but perhaps the most popular are the small flock of pink flamingos that make the region their home. Generally, the flamingos can be found nesting in the mangroves on the outskirts of the city in the nearby Uaymitún Sanctuary. The mangroves are now an important focus in the area for conservation and restoration in order to keep the unique ecosystem properly intact.
These amazing birds are very social and live in flocks that are called a “flamboyance.” Though not all flamingos are pink, these particular birds definitely are and they get their gorgeous pink color from eating lots of shrimp.
These wonderful creatures can be quite elusive but you may get lucky and spot them, especially if you take a boat tour to Isla Columpios. This is a highly recommended tour of the Yucatan and is a must for your stay in Progreso.
Progreso Malecon
The Malecón, which is essentially what we call a boardwalk in English is an excellent spot to spend an afternoon strolling around. It is conveniently paved and runs along the shores of Playa Progreso from Calle 19 and Calle 80 all the way to Calle 60.
Along the way, one can find souvenirs, bars, cafes, and restaurants offering a traditional Mexican experience. This beachfront promenade is obviously going to be quite a bit more expensive than a couple of streets over, so keep that in mind if you're on a budget.
Heading east on the Malecon you won’t find any shops or vendors selling anything, but you will get peace and quiet and you’re more likely to have a section of the beach all to yourself.
Progreso Beach
Progresso Beach shines with an emerald green hue and has beautiful white sand stretching for miles. Progreso Beach and the city itself are some of the most underrated in the Yucatan and the best part is they are much less crowded than Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Keep in mind that this can be a busy cruise port and many oblivious tourists stop in Progreso to waste money and move on right away. That being said, there are plenty of Mexican salesmen who will exploit that, so take caution when purchasing anything and be sure to barter.
Meteor Museum
Around sixty-six million years ago, the earth was struck by a large meteor that is theorized to have killed off the dinosaurs and that meteor hit the Gulf of Mexico, where Progeso sits today. There is a museum on the Malecon that is dedicated to this catastrophic event called El Museo del Meteorito, or The Meteorite Museum. It features replicas of dinosaurs and authentic pieces of meteorites.
Progreso Beach Photos
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