Progreso (Mérida)

Progreso is a port town on the Yucatán Peninsula's north coast. The pier extends about 7km into the Gulf of Mexico because the water is shallow close to shore, making it one of the longest piers in the world. A shuttle runs its length to deposit you in town. The town's Malecón promenade has seafood restaurants and souvenir shops, and the beach stretches in both directions. Mérida, the Yucatán's capital, is about 36km south and worth the trip. The city has colonial architecture, a large central plaza, and the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is about 2.5 hours away and bookable as a full-day excursion. Cenotes (natural sinkholes with clear water for swimming) are scattered throughout the region. Cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and panuchos (fried tortillas with black beans) are the Yucatecan specialties. The Mexican Peso is the currency.