Plan a CruiseProgreso, Mexico is a growing Mayan Cruise Port, once a sleepy fishing village, now an important gateway to the Yucatan's best sights and beaches. Cruise ships dock at the Progreso Pier, which is touted as the longest in the world, stretching five miles out into the Gulf of Mexico. A complimentary shuttle service runs consistently from the ship directly to town, making the long pier easily navigable.
Getting Around from the Port
A free shuttle provides transportation from the cruise ship along the five-mile pier into Progreso town. Once in town, Progreso's center is compact and easily explored on foot. A beach with decent restaurants is also within walking distance of the shuttle drop-off point.
For a quick orientation, consider the local "Sightseeing Tour" bus, which offers a tour of Progreso town for a mere $2. It departs every 10 minutes from directly in front of the crafts market, where the free shuttle drops you off.
Taxis are readily available at the pier or in town. For local trips, taxis charge about $18 per hour. A taxi to Merida costs approximately $30.
Attractions and Activities
- Progreso Town Sightseeing: Take the local "Sightseeing Tour" bus for just $2. This 10-minute frequency tour departs from the crafts market (where the shuttle drops you) and offers a great way to get oriented with Progreso's beaches, restaurants, markets, and shopping.
- Progreso Beach: Enjoy the local beach, which is within walking distance of the shuttle drop-off. If you plan to swim, water shoes are recommended.
- Chicxulub: Explore the nearby town of Chicxulub, famous for its connection to the Chicxulub crater, believed to be linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs. You can visit the crater site or experience local culture in the town itself.
- Merida: Spend the day in Merida, a vibrant city rich in history with buildings dating back to the 1500s, including the oldest cathedral in the Americas. Merida is considered very safe and clean. You can reach Merida by local bus for a budget-friendly $3 round trip, or by taxi for about $30 (one way). The journey takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes by taxi.
- Chichen Itza: For a full-day adventure, visit Chichen Itza, home to the iconic Kukulkan Pyramid, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This significant Mayan site is located about 120 km from Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Dining & Shopping
Inside the cruise terminal, you'll find various tourist shops selling souvenirs and necessities. In Progreso town, reasonable shopping opportunities exist, particularly at the crafts market located right where the free shuttle drops you off. For a wider selection of items, including colorful Mexican markets with local artifacts, consider a trip to Merida (about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi). Progreso also offers several restaurants, especially along the beach, within walking distance of the town center.
Safety
When visiting the busy crafts market where the shuttle drops you off, be mindful of your belongings as pickpockets can be an issue.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). The symbol for pesos is '$', which is also used for US dollars, so look for "US$" or a double-stroked 'S' to differentiate prices in US dollars. The exchange rate is approximately 17 pesos to 1 US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit card acceptance is less common than in Europe or the USA, and some businesses may charge an extra fee of around 5% for credit card transactions. Spanish is the main language, but English is widely spoken in tourist destinations like Progreso. Most shops and businesses operate from around 10:00/11:00 to 20:00/22:00.