Best Things to Do in Progreso

The world’s longest pier: Over 8 km long – sometimes size DOES matter. This landmark is one of the reasons why Progreso took over Sisal’s economic importance as Mérida’s main harbor.

Built in 1871 to replace Sisal as a customs port, Progreso de Castro is a relatively young Mexican beach town at the Gulf of Mexico, and today the most important port on the Yucatan peninsula. When the henequen fiber export started to boom in the 19th century, Sisal proved to be too inaccessible. As the water in Progreso is as shallow as in Sisal, the harbor was put at the end of a long pier. Built around 1930 with initially only 2 km long, the pier is now over 8 km long and has held a Guinness World Record since July 2023. In addition to cargo ships, cruise ships also occasionally dock here and flood the city temporarily with masses of tourists. Other than that, Progreso has the vibe of a lively and touristy, yet not overcrowded nor high-class beach town.

Outside the city center, you can find many supposedly empty houses, as they belong to Meridians who only come here sporadically on vacation. Especially in the hot summer months of July-August, as well as on many Sundays throughout the year, Progreso is suddenly filled with more life than it normally would be. And you can’t blame them: Who wouldn’t enjoy its fine white-sand beaches, the shallow water that is also suitable for swimming for kids, and the soft waves to escape Mérida’s heat waves in summer:-)

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At a Glance: Progreso’s TOP 10 Highlights

1. Stroll Along Progreso’s Malecón
2. Take Pictures of Giant Letters Along the Malecón
3. Spend the Day at the Beach
4. Take Pictures in the Alley of Love
5. Enjoy Fresh Seafood
6. Visit the Meteorite Museum
7. Explore the Archaeological Site Xcambó
8. Visit the Pink Salt Ponds of Xtampú
9. Explore Progreso By Foot (City Tour)
10. Visit Pig Beach

1. Stroll Along Progreso’s Malecón

Right and left of the world’s longest pier stretches the Malecón Internacional (International Boardwalk) and the Malecón Tradicional (Traditional Boardwalk). To the right of the pier, on the Malecón Tradicional, you find several restaurants with a great view of the Gulf of Mexico. There are lots of opportunities for taking great pictures and selfies – for example, with the big-lettered signs for “Progreso” (Letras Progreso) and for the world’s largest pier (“El Muelle Más Largo del Mundo”), or with the dinosaurs (see Meteorite Museum further below).

To the left of the pier, on the Malecón Internacional, there are several attractions like playgrounds, an outdoor cinema, a carrousel, a Ferris wheel, and several statues. There’s also a small pier for the local fishermen (Muelle de Pescadores); walk out to the end of the pier to watch them fish with small nets or with fishing rods, observe the pelicans that like to fish there, too, or just watch the trucks drive along on the adjacent long pier.

2. Take Pictures of Giant Letters Along the Malecón

As mentioned before, all along the malecón to each side of the pier, you’ll find several picture opportunities for selfies in front of the giant letters. For example, if you walk roughly 20 minutes west along the Malecón Internacional, you’ll get to the Giant Letters of Progreso (Letras Gigantes de Progreso) where you can sit inside the letters – a great snapshot opportunity:-)

3. Spend a Day at One of Progreso’s Many Beaches

Progreso’s beaches have fine white sand and shallow water for a long distance that is suitable for swimming for kids. There’s not much shade unless you bring your own parasol or rent one. Many restaurants offer this service. Just approach the waiters you see serving other guests on their beach lounges and chairs, and they will tell you how much it costs. Here’s a recommendation of restaurants offering this service where you pay just for consumption:

• Casa del Pastel
• Crabster
• Mobula

4. Take Pictures in the Alley of Love

In Calle 80, turn into Calle 23 to find the Alley of Love, “Callejón Del Armor”, a narrow walkway with one mural next to another. A great place to take pictures, be it with your loved one or by yourself. At night, it’s illuminated and the colors look different but as impressive. Don’t miss the huge mural with the turtle at the very end of the passage in the gated parking lot.

5. Enjoy Fresh Seafood

Like with any beach town, how can you not enjoy the seafood that Progreso’s restaurants provide? Check out Where to Eat in Progreso to find a list of recommendations.

6. Visit the Meteorite Museum

The Yucatan peninsula has been shaped by the impact crater of the meteor that is said to have killed the dinosaurs some 65 million years ago. Although the town closest to the impact is supposed to be Chicxulub (pronounced “tshik-shoo-loob”) around 7.5 km east of Progreso, the Meteorite Museum has been built here on the malecón. It’s interactive and gives an overview of the planet’s history, including the mass extinction event and how it affected the life of the dinosaurs. There are various dinosaur sculptures inside and outside of the museum, so make sure to take some fun snapshots before moving on; do it at night for a spooky atmosphere:-)

Opening hours: Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 AM – 6 PM. The entrance fee is 350 pesos (20 USD).

If you don’t know what to do with your kids and don’t mind traveling 15 minutes to Chicxulub Puerto, you can also check out the Sendero Jurásico which opens from 7-11 pm. It’s relatively small, though, but might be worth it with kids.

7. Explore the Archaeological Site Xcambó

If you’re up for activities outside of Progreso, a 40-minute drive will get you to the archaeological site of Xcambó (sometimes called Cerros de Xtampu). It has a large pyramid platform and a broad plaza that is surrounded by smaller buildings. There are also the ruins of a Catholic chapel. It’s a small site, but you can climb the stones (which is prohibited in many other archaeological sites). Plus, it’s much cheaper than many overprized known sites (where you often have to pay 500 pesos). If you’ve already been to the big attractions like Chichen-Itza, you might be unimpressed, though, unless you can enjoy that it’s less frequented and that you can climb the stones.

Opening hours: 8 AM – 4 PM; the entrance fee is 95 pesos (5 USD).

Want to go with a tour guide? Book your tour to the Xcambó ruins.

8. Visit the Pink Salt Ponds of Xtampú

Close to the archaeological site of Xcambó, you can find the Salinera Xtampú. It’s a small place, but for 20 pesos you can walk along the salinas and take some beautiful pictures. You can also buy pink salt. Best time to go is when there’s lots of sunshine and it didn’t rain too much before; then the salinas take on a pink color. We went too late in the afternoon unfortunately, and it had rained the day before, so no pink on my pictures:-(

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 9 AM – 5 PM; the entrance fee is 20 pesos (1 USD).

9. Explore Progreso By Foot (City Tour)

Progreso’s city center has mainly shops and restaurants to offer, but why not take a short city tour once you’re here?

Start at the beginning of Calle 80 at the monument for Juan Miguel Castro, the founder of the port of Progreso in 1871. From here, you have a nice view of the pier and a selfie opportunity in front of the letters for the world’s biggest pier.

Then walk down Calle 80 from the pier towards the city center, passing several souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants. You’ll get to the Faro (lighthouse) to your right. Opposite it, there’s the local market hall with food stands (Mercado Francisco I. Madero). Here you can find Mexican food like Panuchos or Salbutes (fried tortillas with various toppings), and other local classics. And it’s much cheaper than any restaurant. Tip: Eat at the most frequented food stands, even if it means you need to wait:-)

After a quick meal or snack, keep going down Calle 80 until you get to the Parque de la Independencia. You can sit on the benches and enjoy the view on the town hall (Ayuntamiento de Progreso), or the modern church opposite of it. There’s also a taxi stand if you need to get back to your hotel, or just walk back via Calle 82 to get to the entrance of the world’s longest pier. It’s not allowed, though, to enter the pier, unless you’d need to board your cruise ship.

10. Visit Pig Beach

At the beach of Yucalpetén, about 15 minute drive from Progreso center, is the Pig Beach. Some years ago, vietnames pigs had been found strolling along the beach. As it wasn’t clear to whom they belonged, people set up an enclosure where they’re fed and let out for a stroll every day (usually at around 11 AM and 5 PM, but it can vary depending on the season). While they’re out, you can pet and feed the pigs (you can buy pig food at the stalls). The beach itself is small, but with shallow waters perfect for kids.

The place is admission-free, but if you buy something there, the money goes to the maintenance of this place.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM. The address is Indeco 195, Yucalpetén.

…What Else Can You Do in Progreso?

Make a Trip to Beaches and Towns Near to Progreso

If you have a car, why not take a trip to either side of Progreso to discover more beautiful beaches and towns:

• Chelem: A quiet village 10 km west of Progreso, of which it is separated by a port. You can hire windsurfing boards in Chelem. Before you get to Chelem, you’ll be passing Yucalpetén with the Pig Beach directly at its entrance, an attraction for kids.
• Chuburná Puerto: If you want to experience the feeling of a tiny Mexican village, you’ll find it here, 20 km west of Progreso. Chuburná Puerto is known by kitesurfers for the Playón Las Dunas, a long sandy beach. Remember to bring your parasol as you won’t find much shade here. If you head to the pier with the Chuburna big-sized letters to take a picture, don’t be disappointed at the ruins you see at the beginning of the pier where the sea seems to have claimed back what is hers.
• Chicxulub Puerto: 7.5 km east of Progreso following the beach road, you’ll get to Chicxulub Puerto, known for the Chixculub Crater where the meteor hit the earth 65 million years ago. There’s also the Sendero Jurásico, a small interactive experience for families with kids that you can enjoy in the evening. Moving on, you’ll get to Uaymitun which was known for its bird-watching opportunity from its watchtower; this is now officially closed and no longer maintained, but technically you could still climb it.
• Telchac Puerto: A 40-minute ride from Progreso to the east, you’ll come across this tiny low-key fishing village with nice beaches, and some basic restaurants. If you’re looking for an empty beach without tourists or beach lounges, you’ll find it here. Tip: Further on, you’ll find the Playa de Pública, a public palapa beach for 110 pesos (6 USD) entry. The water is not as nice as in Progreso itself with regards to algae, but you might still enjoy the palapas among the palm trees, especially if you go there with kids. You can also stay overnight in your tent. Make sure to bring your drinks and food, though!

Make a Day Trip to Mérida

The beautiful colonial town of Mérida is just a 40-minute drive from Progreso. Here, you can enjoy the colonial architecture in its center close to the zócalo (main square) or along the Paseo de Montejo, a beautiful promenade. There are also many museums, so it’s a perfect day trip on a less sunny day.

Make a Day Trip to Izamal

Izamal, the Yellow Town, is a picturesque small town with colonial buildings and several pyramids directly in the city center! You can walk its cobbled streets, take a carriage ride, visit its artisanal workshops, and enjoy the Yucatecan cuisine in its restaurants. Izamal is definitely one of my favorite places in Yucatan! See my tips on what to do in Izamal.

Where to Eat in Progreso

There are various options to whine and dine in Progreso; here are some of my favorites.

Crabster

This restaurant is a bit more expensive, but its food makes up for it. Try the salmon or the tuna tatar. You can also sit directly at the beach and stay all day; there’s no fee for using its palapas (palm-tree leave-roofed parasols) all day as long as you order something to eat or drink. There’s also a parking lot for customers (tips welcomed).

Mobula

Comparable to Crabster, but less expensive. Like Crabster you can sit outside at the beach. Great seafood and cocktails.

Maya-KAA

This restaurant has a fancy interior design and plays good music. Our favorite place for having drinks at night. And there’s a swimming pool:-)

Eladio’s Bar

A bit more pricy due to its perfect location: This bar is at the end of the main street at the beach next to the pier. Take some snapshots in front of the big-lettered sign “El muelle más largo del mundo” (“The world’s longest pier”) while you’re there. I can’t speak for its food as we only had some drinks and the free botanas (snacks) that go along with any order. Afterward, head a few meters to the beach lounges where you can spend the rest of the day. There are several service providers for beach lounges, so make sure to compare prices. One of them offered us beach lounges for 300 pesos (18 USD), or for 100 pesos but then having to consume for 200 pesos.

Where to Stay in Progreso

There are many options to stay in or around Progreso; check also Chicxulub if you have a car or don’t mind taking a taxi to the city center.

Tecnohotel Casa Villamar

We stayed here for some nights and enjoyed the colonial-style architecture and its quiet location. This hotel is only 3 blocks from the malecón, so you’ll get a good night’s rest away from the buzz of the beach promenade. The rooms are spacious, the beds comfortable, and there’s a small pool outside. There’s a small restaurant on the ground floor if you don’t feel like walking anywhere. They also rent bikes. If you’re traveling by yourself and return to the hotel at night, it might feel a bit spooky as the streets are empty in this part of the town. However, we felt it was a safe neighborhood and would definitely book here again!

How to Get to Progreso

The nearest international airports are in Mérida (MID) and Cancún (CUN). You can also fly in via Mexico City and then book an onward flight to Mérida.

From Mérida, it’s just about a 40-minute drive to Progreso; you can travel by public transport (which takes a bit longer) or by rental car or taxi. The Autoprogreso bus line leaves every 15 minutes from the Mérida Autoprogreso Station.

So…Is it for Me?

If you’re looking for a beach town close to Mérida with more life than Sisal and more flexible bus timetables, Progreso is the right choice for you. Also, Progreso offers more and fancier options when it comes to places to eat or stay. And if you have kids, you can explore the dinosaur’s past. To me, it seemed like Progreso is right in between very small beach getaways like Sisal which has no mentionable nightlife, and very busy and overtraveled beach towns like Playa del Carmen and Cancún. So if you’re looking for the in-between, Progreso is your place to be!

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