Making the most of Progreso
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Progreso Pier, which, at five miles straight out into the Gulf of Mexico, is touted as the longest pier in the world.
On Foot: The pier operates a constant free shuttle right from the ships and into town. There is also a beach with decent restaurants within walking distance of the pier. Water shoes may become handy if you plan to go swimming.
Once in town, Progreso's center is easily explored on foot.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the pier or in town, though there's no real need for one unless going to Merida for independent exploration.
Progreso, once a sleepy fishing village is growing with its new found fame as a Mayan Cruise Port for many cruise ships. It offers great beaches and is the gateway to some of the Yucatan's best sights.
Explore Chicxulub: This nearby town is known for its connection to the Chicxulub crater, which is believed to be related to the extinction of the dinosaurs. You can visit the crater site or explore the town itself for a taste of local culture.
Getting around
One of the best bargains in Progreso is the local "Sightseeing Tour" bus that takes you on a tour of the entire town of Progreso for a measly $2. The bus leaves from right in front of the crafts market where the shuttle drops you off, many suggest that you take it right away so you can get oriented to Progreso's beaches, restaurants, markets, plaza and shopping opportunities. This bus leaves every 10 minutes.
Taxis charge about $18 an hour.
Nearby places
Spend the day in Merida. Lots of history with buildings dating back to the 1500s and the oldest cathedral of the Americas. Very safe and clean. Local bus is three bucks round trip. Taxi to Merida is about $30.
Chichen-Itza, now including one of the new seven wonders of the world; the Kukulkan Pyramid, is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, in the Yucatan State; Mexico, between Merida and Valladolid and is only 120 km from Merida.
Food and shopping
There are a number of tourist shops right inside the cruise terminal of Progreso selling all sorts of souvenirs and necessities. There is reasonable shopping in sleepy Progresso, with more shopping to be had in the nearby town of Merida, including colorful Mexican markets selling local artifacts. (about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi)
Be sure to visit the crafts market right where the shuttle lets you off. Watch out for pickpockets!
Money
The currency of Mexico is the peso (MXN). The symbol for pesos is the same as for US dollars, which can be slightly confusing. Prices in dollars (in tourist areas) are labeled "US$" or sport an S with a double stroke. There are about 17 peso to 1US$.
US dollars are widely accepted in the far north and in tourist locales elsewhere.
Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in Europe or the USA. Some companies make an extra charge of around 5% on such transactions.
Staying connected
Spanish is the main language. English is largely spoken in border cities with the United States as well as tourist destinations.
Opening Hours and
Mon-Sun 1000/1100-2000/2200 (big towns and cities); Mon-Fri 0900-1400/1600 (rest of the country).