Progreso, Yucatan

Welcome to another of Mexico’s underrated beach towns. Up until recently, when snowbirds began to roost here in earnest, foreigners for the most part overlooked this Gulf Coast port. Families from the hot interior have vacation homes here and in the neighboring beach towns of the north coast such as Chelam, Chixculub, Telchac Puerto and and Dzilam de Bravo.

Progreso, which means “progress” in Spanish, has a lengthy pier that’s been expanded several times over the years, first to accommodate commercial shipping and more recently, cruise ships. Passengers spending the day in the area enjoy the long beach, fronted by a boardwalk malecón, hang out at one of the seafood eateries, or take an organized tour to the city of Merida or to area attractions.

Places to See and Activities Around Progreso

• Take a birding tour of El Corchito mangroves, a few kilometers east of Progreso.
• Visit colonies of pink flamingos at Chelem, a small town just west of Progreso.
• Kayak through mangroves at nearby Chuburna.
• Explore Catholic as well as Maya ruins at Xcambo archaeological site---whose name means “Place of Crabs and Crocodiles”--- near the town of Telchac Puerto
• Visit the ruins of Dzibilchaltún, halfway to the city of Mérida; take your swimsuit and refresh yourself in its emerald green sinkhole.
• Dive the remains of sunken ships at Alacrán Reef.

VII Annual Yucatan Bird Banquet, field trips, photography and competition all related to birdwatching Merida, Yucatan

Fiestas del Equinoccio Autumnal Equinox celebrated at Chichen Itza; snake shadow creeps down the Kukulkan Temple Pyramid in visual representation of the god Quetzalcoatl (Kukulkan). Prayer groups and vigils. Chichen Itza, Yucatan

Fiestas del Equinoccio Spring and fall equinoxes celebrated by New Age types wearing white and meditating for world peace. Shadow slips down edge of Kukulkan Temple to represent god Quetzalcoatl (Kukulkan).

Festival Internacional de las Artes Government-sponsored cultural event this arts festival featuring concerts, dance, theater, fine arts and photography. Merida, Yucatan

Fiesta de la Ciudad de Merida Founder's day event with cultural events and traditional birthday serenade to the city. Merida, Yucatan http://www.merida.gob.mx

Alma Mexicana Alma Mexicana-Shopping in Merida Yucatan-Folk Art, gifts, furniture,Tequila, books, Day of the Dead art Calle 54 #476 x 55 & 57 Col. Centro, Merida, Yucatan +52-999-923-4711 http://www.almamexicana.com

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