Mérida residents really have the best of all worlds. Not only do they reside in the
cosmopolitan, cultural capital of the Yucatán, they are only 36 kilometers from the beautiful,
tropical Gulf Coast.
The same can be said about those folks who have chosen to live at the beach. There is the day to
day communing with nature and the beautiful Gulf but when a big city fix is needed it is only 35
minutes away via the new 8-lane highway.
The port city of Progreso, the destination of the eight lane super highway heading north out of
Mérida, is also the main beach town serving this area. Progreso, a city of 52,000, has the typical
beach town offerings; a good selection of hotels and restaurants, deep sea fishing, water sports, the
longest surviving pier of its type in the world and the well known Malecon, a lovely avenue along the
beach strip in downtown Progreso.
Along the beach coast east of Progreso are the beach towns of Chicxulub Puerto,
Uaymitún, and Telchac Puerto. The beachfront is well developed with modern condo complexes
and homes closer to Progreso but not so as you approach the fishing village of Telchac Puerto. Many
of these beach front properties are summer homes for Méridanos and are often available as vacation
rentals for expats and others. Keep in mind that the time over Easter [Semana Santa], the months of
July and part of August the homes are used by their owners and in general not available.
Heading west from Progreso are the less populated towns of Chelem and Chuburná Puerto
that are quickly becoming homes for many ex-pats. The towns do not have as many services as
Progreso so plan on a short drive to shop.
How do you know where is the best place to live/stay?
This is a very personal decision and is based on many factors only you can decide. For me it was the
laid back way of life living among the local folks, learning the language and participating in the
community. I also decided it was a time to simplify my life which meant renting and not owning and
using local transportation not owning a car. You need to be clear on what you are looking for and
willing to give up or change and then come and visit. Try out the different locations, activities and
especially the food and heat. At the beach there is a season of Nortes that can make the beach
harsh and cool but this is the time to do the tours and big city visits as well as early morning shell
searching. You make it whatever you want as it is paradise come true for some of us.
If resort hotels are not your cup of tea, here are couple websites to aid you in arranging that perfect
Gulf Coast vacation rental:
http://www.yucatantoday.com/destinations/eng-realestate.php
Please follow this link to Yucatan Today’s listing of real estate firms, many of which handle vacation
property rentals.
http://www.vrbo.com/
This is a top rated vacation rental by owner site.
What Is the Lure of the Coastal Area?
The tourist guides call it the Emerald Coast but people living at the beach call it paradise. What more
could you want than the lull of the waves, the quiet in the night, the beautiful plants that thrive along the
beaches and the everyday exposure to nature? We are close enough to the big city of Mérida to get
any fix needed. The location to reach the other tourist gems of the Yucatan is perfect. The air is clean
and fresh, every day.
Ecotourism is a growing focus of the people of the area. There are tours offered to “green spots”
where you can enjoy the flora and the fauna under the careful direction of local experts.
Carnival Cruise ships arrive on a weekly basis and are always a good source for shopping, people
watching and visiting the Malecon. The number of arrivals varies but there is always something to do.
Progreso has become a Home Port for Pullmantur cruise lines with a Mexican cruise stopping at 5
ports. Many nationals and some ex-pats have enjoyed the cruise and have given rave reviews.
Volunteer opportunities abound for year round residents as well as short-term snowbird visits. For
sure there is something for everyone. Anyone interested in “making a difference” here in Progreso
can check out this list of volunteer opportunities at:
http://www.yolisto.com/blog/view/id_279/title_2010-yucatan-expat-community-service-projects/
Tortugas and flamingos can easily be spotted close to Progreso, in Chelem or further away in
Uaymitum or Celestun. Reconnecting with nature is an everyday event.
Here is a short list of some of the activities you can do while here:
Beachcombing, which is especially good in the winter months, bird-watching with expert watchers you
can go to for advise, cenote exploring, cycling, deepsea-fishing, fishing, freshwater-fishing,
horseback riding, jet-skiing, sailing, sight-seeing, swimming, walking, water skiing and wind-surfing
There is a great website www.yolisto.com you can join and have many of your questions answered
with much food for thought. Check it out.
Getting there: you can drive, fly or bus it to Mérida and then you have a few options from there to
come to Progreso:
Bus Trip:
Public transportation is provided by Autoprogreso who has very comfortable, air conditioned buses
that depart about every 20 minutes between 5 am and 10:30 pm, at a cost of 14 pesos one way, 25
pesos roundtrip, from their terminal on Calle 62 between 65 and 67. www.autoprogreso.com. If you
stop it along the route merely wave and it will stop for you. Be sure the bus is “Directo” otherwise you
will make short stops along the way. It will take about 30 minutes to go from one terminal to the other.
Driving:
Driving from Mérida is easy, just go north on Calle 60 or Paseo de Montejo until you reach Progreso.
The new highway is an 8-lane fast moving route with gas stations on the east side as you head out to
Progreso.
Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport, downtown bus depot and on the street; be sure you know what the
cost is before you begin your trip to Progreso. The cost depends on where you begin your ride or
how large the group is but ranges from $300 to 600 pesos.
©2010 Sharon Helgason
| LURE OF THE BEACH By Sharon Helgason www.chixfoodbank.com |
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For maximum enjoyment on
your visit to Progreso and
the Yucatán, read
Yucatán's Magic-Mérida
Side Trips: Treasures of
Mayab. Available in
paperback and Kindle.
your visit to Progreso and
the Yucatán, read
Yucatán's Magic-Mérida
Side Trips: Treasures of
Mayab. Available in
paperback and Kindle.
EPUB editon at
Lulu.com. Click here.
Lulu.com. Click here.