Progreso - Relaxation on the Beach

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Heading down to the coast at Progreso we enjoy the cool sea breeze gently blowing off the Caribbean and appreciate the drop in temperature that it brings.

Progreso is situated in the north west of the Yucatan Peninsula and with its 6.5 kilometre pier it has a steady influx of cruise ships to keep its many bars and restaurants busy.

Preogreso is also a popular beach holiday spot for the people from Merida, a 30 minute drive to the south.

The peak seasons for Progreso are the Easter weekend, July and August. Therefore, being here in early June we have the lovely Hotel Yakunah basically to ourselves. Situated a few blocks along the beach from the main walkway, the Hotel Yakunah is a peaceful haven from the scorching daily sun, that is owned by a very friendly Dutch man and his family.

Gerben and his family instantly make us feel at home and his insights into Mexican culture are told over a few refreshing cervezas. As he tells it, Merida is home to more millionaires per head than in any part of Mexico. Therefore, the growing construction of condominiums, golf clubs, restaurants and bars is to cater for this burgeoning market of well to do Mexicans. Also increasing in the area are retired Americans and Canadians who come in on the cruise ships, fall in love with the simple life and return to a place where their retirement money stretches further.

Our three days in Progreso are spent wandering around the market in the centre of town, strolling along the newly installed beach walkway (the Malecon de Progreso),visiting the nearby fishing villages and mainly lazing beside the pool relaxing.

It feels like we have the hotel to ourselves with nobody else around the pool and in the evening we enjoy many a cool beer sitting in the swing chairs. Being the sole occupants is further enhanced when Gerben has to go into Merida to collect his teenage daughter, Michelle, one evening. With no hesitation he shows us where the beer and wine are kept behind the bar and leaves us in charge of the drinks. We are well behaved and on his return we enjoy a lovely chat and drinks until 2am in the morning.

Our last night in Progreso is spent enjoying a lovely meal of fllete de pescado (fried whole fish) on the malecon and watching the locals enjoy the cool night air.

Progreso offered us an opportunity to commence our holiday in a relaxed environment and with the help of Gerben at Hotel Yakunah this request was surpassed.

Our next stop is the more bustling city of Merida.

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Photos

View from the pool chairs
Relaxing by the pool in Progreso

Boardwalk in Progreso
The new malecon in Progreso.

Enjoying beers in the swing chairs at the bar
The bar at our hotel offered swing chairs where many a cerveza was enjoyed.

View from our balcony at the Hotel Yakunah, Progreso
Bonny enjoying the view on the balcony at our hotel in Progreso.

Jetty at the nearby fishing village
Bonny strolling the jetty at Chixulub - a quiet fishing close to Progreso

Refreshment - and it´s not beer
Danny enjoying a non-alcoholic beverage.