What to do in Puerto Progreso?
Because of its size, many come from Merida to spend just a day in this port town. However, being the most important port in the state, a single day is nowhere near enough to experience everything. It’s a dream destination for those who enjoy beach-hopping or ecotourism. Those interested in important archeological sites; and, of course, those who enjoy trying different kinds of foods. Here are some tips on what to do at Puerto Progreso.
What to do at Puerto Progreso: Puerto Progreso’s dock
In recent years, Puerto Progreso has become the most important commercial port in Yucatan and the port has had several renovations and alterations. The result: one of the most striking you’ll ever see.
It’s not on land, for starters. Rather, it is a long asphalt track that extends 4 miles into the sea. From the Malecon, it is quite an impressive sight, that long concrete arm extending into the ocean for what seems an infinite distance.
What to do at Puerto Progreso: The Malecon
“Malecon” just means “boardwalk”, and, as you can imagine, there’s one in pretty much every beach town in Mexico, and Puerto Progreso is no different. You can see quite a bit of it from here, just by taking a walk. It’s surrounded by all kinds of places to eat, most of which are seafood restaurants.
At night, with lights of different intensities, colors, and shades, the view–and experience– changes completely. There’s even a spot with simple mechanical rides, like a merry-go-round and a Ferris wheel.
What to do at Puerto Progreso: Playa Progreso
Of course, the Puerto Progreso beach is what attracts most people. Its calm waters beckon you in, and, a long stretch of sand, just walking on the beach is a great way to spend part of the day. If you do so in the afternoons, you’ll get breathtaking views of the sunset.
Mercado Francisco I. Madero
Markets are a big part of Mexican everyday life and culture, and they can be found throughout the entire country, from the border towns to the north, to the white, sandy beaches of the south. They’re the best way to see the local produce—there’s always a strange fruit you’ve never seen or tasted before. Fruit is precisely one thing Mexico is known for; its size, variety (of types as well as color), and sweet taste, and here you can experience it first-hand.
But Mexican markets are not places you go just to shop around. More often than not, there are stalls to eat at, too. At the Francisco I. Madero market, visitors can taste a wide variety of local dishes, cooked right then and there, and at very reasonable prices.
What to do at Puerto Progreso: Rent a Paddleboard
As this is a beach town, it makes sense that most of the activities here are water-related. So much so, that you can rent a paddleboard in a place like AlphaSports for one hour for around USD 15 or USD 25 for the whole day. That way, you can take it to the several beaches and other aquatic places you’re planning on visiting.
If a paddleboard is not adrenaline-pumping enough for you, AlphaSports also offers kitesurfing lessons. You know, that sport in which you hop on a small surfboard and cling to a parachute to use as a sail to glide across the water? Their individual and group classes are a great way to experience something you’ve never done before.
La Ria Progreso
Progreso is breathtakingly surrounded by nature, and some places appear to be taken right out of a fantasy novel. At La Ria, visitors can rent different kinds of boats to go around the mangroves and see the wildlife in its natural habitat. The kayaks are the most popular, since, that way, you’re able to take in the views at your own pace. Plus, there’s always something special about providing your own power.
El Corchito natural reserve
You thought we could go a whole article about the Riviera Maya without mentioning cenotes? Think again… although, to be fair, these aren’t exactly cenotes, but natural springs.
We’ve already mentioned the fantastic natural spaces here, but none gets more fantastic than El Corchito natural reserve. For starters, you have to get here by boat. And not only that but the place is also packed with thin, light trees, which suddenly open up just to make way for the cenotes—that’s how they call them here, probably to avoid confusion—some of which you can swim in.
Dzibilchaltun and Xcambo archeological sites
There are a couple of archeological sites of importance close to Puerto Progreso: Xcambo, to the east, and Dzibilchaltun, to the south.
At the first, you can see a Catholic church surrounded by the Mayan ruins; a rare sight, since colonial buildings weren’t usually built around local ones. The second offers a great place to stop in if you’re coming from Merida—see the ruins and move on to Puerto Progreso on the same stretch of road.
Merida
As we said at the beginning, many who visit Puerto Progreso come from Merida. Nobody said you can’t do that the other way around. Of course, Yucatan’s capital city is much bigger and chock-full of stuff to see and do. Visiting from Puerto Progreso is a great way to experience it and escape the crowds at the end of the day, as you return to your lodgings in the more secluded beach town.
