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 extends five miles directly into the Gulf of Mexico and is promoted as the world's longest pier.
On foot, a continuous free shuttle carries passengers straight from their ships into town. A beach and several decent restaurants are also within walking distance of the pier. Water shoes may prove useful if you intend to swim.
After reaching town, central Progreso is straightforward to explore on foot.
Taxis are readily available both at the pier and in town, although there is little need to use one unless travelling to Merida independently.
Once a quiet fishing village, Progreso is expanding with its new reputation as a Mayan Cruise Port for numerous cruise vessels. It has excellent beaches and provides access to some of the Yucatan's finest sights.
Discover Chicxulub, a nearby town linked to the Chicxulub crater, believed to be connected with the dinosaurs' extinction. Visit the crater location or explore the town itself for an experience of local culture.
Getting around
Among Progreso's best bargains is the local "Sightseeing Tour" bus, which circles the whole town for only $2. It departs immediately outside the crafts market where the shuttle sets passengers down. Many people recommend boarding straight away to become familiar with Progreso's beaches, restaurants, markets, plaza and shopping. The service leaves every 10 minutes.
Taxis cost about $18 per hour.
Nearby places
Spend a day in Merida, a safe, clean city rich in history, with buildings from the 1500s and the oldest cathedral in the Americas. A return local-bus journey costs three bucks, while a taxi to Merida is approximately $30.
Chichen-Itza, including the Kukulkan Pyramid, one of the new seven wonders of the world, stands on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico's Yucatan State. It lies between Merida and Valladolid, only 120 km from Merida.
Food and shopping
Inside Progreso's cruise terminal, several visitor shops sell all kinds of souvenirs and essentials. The quiet town itself offers reasonable shopping, while nearby Merida has additional choices, including colourful Mexican markets selling local artefacts, about 20 to 30 minutes away by taxi.
Be sure to browse the crafts market at the shuttle drop-off point, but watch for pickpockets!
Money
Mexico uses the peso (MXN). Its symbol is identical to the US dollar sign, which can cause some confusion. Dollar prices in tourist districts appear as "US$" or an S with a double stroke. There are about 17 peso to 1US$.
US dollars are commonly accepted in the far north and at tourist destinations elsewhere.
Credit cards are less widely accepted than in Europe or the USA. Some businesses add a charge of about 5% to card transactions.
Staying connected
Spanish is the principal language. English is spoken extensively in cities bordering the United States and in tourist destinations.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are Mon-Sun 1000/1100-2000/2200 in large towns and cities, and Mon-Fri 0900-1400/1600 elsewhere in the country.