My husband and I own a second home in the small fishing village of Chelem, just 6 miles west of Progreso. The area is certainly not your usual tourist spot, but it has it's own charms. Progreso has long been a beach destination for locals from Merida and Mexico City, and other cities throughout the country. In the past few years, as cruise ships have begun to port there, it is trying to learn the way to appeal to the gringo market, but it is still mainly a beach vacation or beach day trip for Mexican families, and happily so. If you visit on days when a cruise ship is not in port, it has a totally different vibe.
The people of the area are hard working, and some of the friendliest you'll find anywhere. Yes they are mostly poor, they generally make around $15 per day, but they are amazingly positive people and very family oriented, enjoying life on a different financial scale.
Close by are some amazing things to see. The ruins at Dzibilchaltun are about 20 minutes away, smaller than Uxmal or Chichen Itza, but interesting, and with a great museum. Merida is a lovely colonial city dating back to the 1500's with glorious architecture, many plazas/squares, a cafe society and wide avenues. At one time it was the richest city in the world, due to it's production of rope from the henequin plant, and many of it's grand homes remain. Now it is a city of over a million people with a large historic center. There are places nearby to go kayaking to see flamingo habitats, swimming in crystal clear cenotes (underground rivers), and fishing. If you head east towards Telchac Puerto and Santa Rosa you'll see the perfect beaches and modern grand beach houses built by the wealthy. If you head a bit south you can visit the "yellow city" of Izamal, with it's 400 year old convent and monastery and charming town. There are interesting tours of henequin plantations, such as Sotuta de Peon, that rival a sugar plantation tour in South Louisiana.
The area is just waiting for folks to get out and explore a bit, it's just getting it's tourist wheels rolling, so you have to try a bit harder to seek out the great, until they get it all figured out and start bringing the great to the port, that's all.
As to safety, we drive all over this area and always feel safe, and anytime we have a problem the folks we happen upon are always more than happy to be of help.
I hope you enjoy your time, and know that your money spent really does help someone who lives on much less than you. Best.
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Progesso is a DUMP!!!!!
in Progreso/Merida (Mexico)
Posted · Edited by terry&mike
My husband and I own a second home in the small fishing village of Chelem, just 6 miles west of Progreso. The area is certainly not your usual tourist spot, but it has it's own charms. Progreso has long been a beach destination for locals from Merida and Mexico City, and other cities throughout the country. In the past few years, as cruise ships have begun to port there, it is trying to learn the way to appeal to the gringo market, but it is still mainly a beach vacation or beach day trip for Mexican families, and happily so. If you visit on days when a cruise ship is not in port, it has a totally different vibe.
The people of the area are hard working, and some of the friendliest you'll find anywhere. Yes they are mostly poor, they generally make around $15 per day, but they are amazingly positive people and very family oriented, enjoying life on a different financial scale.
Close by are some amazing things to see. The ruins at Dzibilchaltun are about 20 minutes away, smaller than Uxmal or Chichen Itza, but interesting, and with a great museum. Merida is a lovely colonial city dating back to the 1500's with glorious architecture, many plazas/squares, a cafe society and wide avenues. At one time it was the richest city in the world, due to it's production of rope from the henequin plant, and many of it's grand homes remain. Now it is a city of over a million people with a large historic center. There are places nearby to go kayaking to see flamingo habitats, swimming in crystal clear cenotes (underground rivers), and fishing. If you head east towards Telchac Puerto and Santa Rosa you'll see the perfect beaches and modern grand beach houses built by the wealthy. If you head a bit south you can visit the "yellow city" of Izamal, with it's 400 year old convent and monastery and charming town. There are interesting tours of henequin plantations, such as Sotuta de Peon, that rival a sugar plantation tour in South Louisiana.
The area is just waiting for folks to get out and explore a bit, it's just getting it's tourist wheels rolling, so you have to try a bit harder to seek out the great, until they get it all figured out and start bringing the great to the port, that's all.
As to safety, we drive all over this area and always feel safe, and anytime we have a problem the folks we happen upon are always more than happy to be of help.
I hope you enjoy your time, and know that your money spent really does help someone who lives on much less than you. Best.