Progreso is a well-liked cease on Western Caribbean cruise itineraries, located alongside the Gulf of Mexico coast. Cruise traces like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Margaritaville at Sea all name to the vacation spot.
Whether or not you’re seeking to discover the realm’s wealthy historical past or chill out on the seaside, there are many issues to do in Progreso that cater to each kind of cruiser.
From historic Mayan ruins to serene seashores, this vacation spot affords quite a lot of experiences for cruise passengers.
It additionally typically serves in its place port when climate occasions, comparable to hurricanes or technical problems, trigger last-minute modifications within the ship’s schedule.
Regardless of its small-town look, Progreso is full of actions for cruisers seeking to discover Mexico’s wealthy historical past, pure magnificence, and beachside enjoyable.
So what are some issues to do in Progreso?
Progreso has one thing for everybody, whether or not you’re planning a soothing port day or a deep dive into the realm’s cultural treasures.
1. Tour Chichen Itza
A go to to Chichen Itza, one of many New 7 Wonders of the World, is a high suggestion for cruisers stopping in Progreso.
Although it requires a two-hour bus experience, the prospect to see the spectacular pyramids, together with the long-lasting Pyramid of Kukulcan, is properly well worth the journey.
Guided excursions typically embrace stops at different highlights such because the observatory, the place historic Mayans charted celestial occasions, and the Nice Ball Courtroom.
For these on itineraries providing an in a single day keep in Progreso, some excursions present an unforgettable expertise with a nighttime light-and-sound present at Chichen Itza.
2. Uncover Lesser-Identified Mayan Websites
Already been to Chichen Itza? Progreso can also be near lesser-known however equally fascinating Mayan ruins like Uxmal and Dzibilchaltun. Uxmal, famend for its intricately carved facades and grand pyramids, affords a glimpse into the architectural brilliance of the Mayan civilization.
Dzibilchaltun, positioned nearer to Progreso, is ideal for these in search of a shorter tour. It lets you discover the ruins and revel in your cruise port day.
3. Chill out on Progreso’s Seashores
No journey to Progreso is full with out having fun with its seashores. Whether or not you go for a spot at one of many native seaside golf equipment or ebook an all-inclusive seaside resort day, there’s no scarcity of how to chill out by the ocean.
Many seaside golf equipment provide meals, drinks, and lounge chairs, whereas others present extras like massages starting from $10 to $35 for an hour.
For these seeking to elevate their seaside expertise, the ship usually affords excursions to unique seaside events or resorts like Corona Seaside.
4. Discover Historic Merida
The historic metropolis of Merida is only a brief drive from Progreso. It affords guests the prospect to discover a mix of Mayan and Spanish colonial historical past.
Tour highlights embrace the spectacular Authorities Palace, Merida Cathedral, and Montejo’s Boulevard. Don’t neglect to walk the native markets to search out distinctive crafts and souvenirs.
Merida can also be an awesome cease for these eager to expertise the native tradition throughout their port day.
5. Store at Progreso’s Native Markets
In search of a memento? The Progreso market is nice for haggling over t-shirts, jewellery, and different keepsakes. Whereas the market is small in comparison with different ports, it’s recognized for providing higher costs than extra touristy spots like Cozumel or Merida.
We purchased a hand-painted tile of a Carnival Cruise Line ship docked in Progreso by a neighborhood artist for $40 USD every. He painted them in entrance of us, in any other case I might’ve thought they had been imported.
6. Kayak By the Mangroves
For a extra serene expertise, take into account a kayak tour by way of Progreso’s mangroves.
This peaceable escape affords close-up views of native wildlife, together with flamingos, when you paddle by way of pure tunnels shaped by the bushes. It’s a wonderful possibility for nature lovers searching for a quiet but thrilling method to spend their day in port.
7. Golf at Yucatan Nation Membership
Golfers will love the chance to play the El Jaguar Championship Course on the Yucatan Nation Membership. Jack Nicklaus designed this 18-hole course, which options lakes, cenotes, and beautiful jungle views.
The course caters to golfers of all talent ranges with 5 units of tees, making it a great exercise for a leisurely day ashore.
8. Take a Mexican Cooking Class
If you happen to’re a foodie, some of the interactive actions in Progreso is taking a Mexican cooking class in close by Merida.
Be taught to organize genuine Mexican dishes, like contemporary salsa and guacamole, whereas having fun with complimentary margaritas or Mexican beer. This cultural expertise is ideal for many who like to be taught whereas they journey.
9. Drive a Dune Buggy to the Xcambo Ruins
Journey seekers can hop right into a dune buggy and head off the crushed path to the Xcambo ruins, a lesser-known Mayan website about 45 minutes from Progreso.
After exploring the ruins, proceed your drive to the seaside for a refreshing swim within the Gulf of Mexico.
10. Swim in a Cenote
The Yucatan Peninsula is known for its cenotes and pure swimming pools shaped in limestone caves.
Many excursions from Progreso embrace a cease at a cenote, the place you may cool off with a swim within the crystal-clear waters.
Some excursions even mix cenote visits with biking adventures or purification ceremonies carried out by a Mayan shaman, including a cultural component to the expertise.
Closing Ideas on Progreso, Mexico
Progreso is probably not as giant or flashy as different Mexican cruise ports, but it surely’s stuffed with hidden gems ready to be explored.
The cruise pier right here is the longest on the planet, stretching 4 miles into the Gulf, and free shuttles make it straightforward to get out of your ship to the city middle.
Progreso is a implausible cease in your Western Caribbean cruise if you happen to’re seeking to chill out on the seaside, discover historic Mayan ruins, or immerse your self in Mexican tradition.
Professional tip: If you happen to’re planning a cruise that stops in Progreso, take a look at Carnival itineraries departing from Galveston or New Orleans for an itinerary stuffed with enjoyable and journey.
Nancy Schretter is the Managing Editor of the award-winning Household Journey Community.
