1. Q. Where is the “Emerald Coast”?
A. The Emerald Coast is part of the Yucatan peninsula, on the
Gulf of Mexico, west of Cancun. Also known as the Flamingo Coast and very close
to the capital city of Merida.
2. Q. How far is it from Progreso to Merida?
A. Progreso is a 20 minute drive away from Merida.
3. Q. What’s better – Progreso or Merida?
A. It really depends on your personal preferences; Merida is a large colonial city of close to 1 million inhabitants, whereas Progreso is a coastal fishing town and major port of about 50,000 to 60,000 people – (depending on who you ask).
4. Q. Does Progreso have all the services and amenities that I’ll need?
A. Progreso has both Telmex and Cablemas to supply internet service as well as cable TV and there are a host of other options for satellite TV. For your shopping needs there is a local market that supplies fresh produce, fish, eggs, meat and a plethora of many other things including flowers, shoe repair services, etc. There are 2 major supermarkets, the biggest being Bodega Aurrera (owned by Wal-Mart) and Super San Francisco which is right in the downtown area. Apart from these, there are many smaller grocery/supply stores such as Super Willy’s and Dunosusa. For those who are more interested in getting the same products that they have back home, it’s a quick trip into Merida to go shopping at Costco, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart.
5. Q. Is there good public transportation in Progreso?
A. Yes, there are inexpensive local buses as well as combi’s (or collectivos) which are white minivans used to shuttle people around, both in Progreso and to the neighboring towns and also to Merida. The combi’s leave as soon as they are filled up, so there’s no set schedule. The AutoProgreso fleet of buses provide excellent bus service between Progreso and Merida. The air conditioned buses are in good shape and run every 20 minutes.
6. Q. Is it better to arrive in Cancun or in Merida?
A. As a general rule, it’s quite a bit less expensive to arrive in Cancun and the flights are plentiful. Of course it may be more convenient to arrive/ depart from Merida, depending on your itinerary; however the choice of flights is limited.
7. Q. How can I get to Merida or Progreso from Cancun using public transportation?
A. The following may be helpful if you wish to take a bus from the airport or from Cancun Terminal:
2. Q. How far is it from Progreso to Merida?
A. Progreso is a 20 minute drive away from Merida.
3. Q. What’s better – Progreso or Merida?
A. It really depends on your personal preferences; Merida is a large colonial city of close to 1 million inhabitants, whereas Progreso is a coastal fishing town and major port of about 50,000 to 60,000 people – (depending on who you ask).
4. Q. Does Progreso have all the services and amenities that I’ll need?
A. Progreso has both Telmex and Cablemas to supply internet service as well as cable TV and there are a host of other options for satellite TV. For your shopping needs there is a local market that supplies fresh produce, fish, eggs, meat and a plethora of many other things including flowers, shoe repair services, etc. There are 2 major supermarkets, the biggest being Bodega Aurrera (owned by Wal-Mart) and Super San Francisco which is right in the downtown area. Apart from these, there are many smaller grocery/supply stores such as Super Willy’s and Dunosusa. For those who are more interested in getting the same products that they have back home, it’s a quick trip into Merida to go shopping at Costco, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart.
5. Q. Is there good public transportation in Progreso?
A. Yes, there are inexpensive local buses as well as combi’s (or collectivos) which are white minivans used to shuttle people around, both in Progreso and to the neighboring towns and also to Merida. The combi’s leave as soon as they are filled up, so there’s no set schedule. The AutoProgreso fleet of buses provide excellent bus service between Progreso and Merida. The air conditioned buses are in good shape and run every 20 minutes.
6. Q. Is it better to arrive in Cancun or in Merida?
A. As a general rule, it’s quite a bit less expensive to arrive in Cancun and the flights are plentiful. Of course it may be more convenient to arrive/ depart from Merida, depending on your itinerary; however the choice of flights is limited.
7. Q. How can I get to Merida or Progreso from Cancun using public transportation?
A. The following may be helpful if you wish to take a bus from the airport or from Cancun Terminal:
There is a shuttle from the Cancun Airport to the Central Cancun
Bus Station that runs about every 20 to 30 minutes and costs about 40 pesos
each.
*There is now a shuttle direct from the Cancun Airport to Merida. It goes to both the Fiesta Americana Hotel
downtown Merida and to Alta Brisa- if you'll be taking a taxi to the beach area
of Progreso, the best place to debark is Alta Brisa - it's the first stop in
Merida and from there you can catch a taxi to Progreso. It will shorten your
trip by half an hour. Right now there are 3 direct buses from the airport
to Merida daily, however, schedules are always subject to change here in
Mexico. The direct shuttles leave the airport at 1:30 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm,
so depending on your arrival time, you may be lucky enough to catch one ! If
you'll be taking a bus from Merida to Progreso, debark at the Fiesta Americana
Hotel in Merida. (More info on catching the AutoProgreso bus below.)
Where: As you exit the airport, veer right, past the Margaritaville Bar, to where you'll see a white, covered bus platform. Both the direct bus to Merida and the Airport Shuttle to the downtown Cancun Station normally leave from the first platform. You can purchase your bus tickets at the little red kiosk by the bus platform.
Where: As you exit the airport, veer right, past the Margaritaville Bar, to where you'll see a white, covered bus platform. Both the direct bus to Merida and the Airport Shuttle to the downtown Cancun Station normally leave from the first platform. You can purchase your bus tickets at the little red kiosk by the bus platform.
If you can't take a direct bus from the airport, there are tons
of buses going to Merida from the Cancun Bus Terminal. Make sure you take one
that is "directo". Also, they are often absolutely frigid... you may
want to have a sweater and socks within easy reach. The most comfortable ones
are the Platino, GL and the UNO - they are a bit more expensive, but extremely
comfortable... especially if you'd like to sleep on the way. The most expensive
is about the equivalent of $35.- $40. U.S.
The schedule board at the Central Cancun Bus Station can be a bit confusing and the cashiers often don't speak English - just ask someone to help you buy the ticket... lots of people are happy to practice their English and help you out.
If you are already in Cancun, it may be a good idea to book the bus in advance so that it's not sold out and/ or that you're not sitting in the back by the toilets. This way you'll know for sure that you'll have a seat. Be aware that if you miss your bus, your ticket is void and cannot be used for the next bus. You must be there 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. At that time you can check your bags and they will give you your baggage claim ticket.
If you'll be taking a bus into Progreso, take a bus that goes to
the "Fiesta Americana" Hotel in Merida, rather than a bus that goes
to the Came Station in Merida centro, or to Alta Brisa - it will be written on
the board in Cancun. Always check with the cashier or driver.
You can check for any schedule changes at www.ado.com.mx
You can check for any schedule changes at www.ado.com.mx
The AutoProgreso bus runs every 20 minutes from
Merida centro to Progreso for about 14 pesos one way per person. (Please be
aware that it is not from the same bus station that you arrived at. It’s
located about 6 or 7 blocks from the Came Bus Station.) It is clearly
marked on the boards which buses will take you there. If you are going on to
Progreso, it’s best if you get off at the Fiesta Americana Hotel. From the
Fiesta Americana it is a 300. peso cab ride. Or you can cross the street to the
Pemex Gas Station and catch the Autoprogreso on Calle 60 going North to
Progreso - make sure you are standing just north of the Pemex Station where not
only will you be more visible to the bus driver, but you won't be in the way of
gas station traffic and therefore safer.
If you don't have a cell phone that works in Mexico, please borrow a phone from a fellow passenger (offer them 20 pesos for the phone call) and call to confirm your arrival time in Progreso. It's about a 25 to 30 minute cab ride and should cost around 250 to 300 pesos.
If you don't have a cell phone that works in Mexico, please borrow a phone from a fellow passenger (offer them 20 pesos for the phone call) and call to confirm your arrival time in Progreso. It's about a 25 to 30 minute cab ride and should cost around 250 to 300 pesos.
7.1 Q. How do I get
from the Merida Airport to Progreso?
A. If you are taking a taxi from the Merida Airport, your cab driver definitely knows how to get you to the Port of Progreso. He will need to know the street address and the cross streets or the name of some close-by landmark such as the malecon, store or restaurant, park, etc.
A. If you are taking a taxi from the Merida Airport, your cab driver definitely knows how to get you to the Port of Progreso. He will need to know the street address and the cross streets or the name of some close-by landmark such as the malecon, store or restaurant, park, etc.
7.2 Q. We’re planning
on renting a car from the Merida airport to drive to Progreso. How do we get
there?
A. If you are driving from the Airport, you want to get on the “periferico” to go north to Progreso. It’s a pleasant drive on a good road, clearly indicated where to exit for Progreso (at the top of the overpass). At that point it’s about another 20 minutes to Progreso.
A. If you are driving from the Airport, you want to get on the “periferico” to go north to Progreso. It’s a pleasant drive on a good road, clearly indicated where to exit for Progreso (at the top of the overpass). At that point it’s about another 20 minutes to Progreso.
You will enter Progreso on Calle 78. Immediately after the
overpass as you enter Progreso there is a Pemex Gas Station to your right. Next
door to that is “Bodega Aurrera” (owned by Walmart), where you may want to make
a pit stop to pick up a few groceries, refreshments, snacks, beer, etc. There’s
an ATM machine inside, by the restrooms on the far right as you enter the
store.
If you're arriving before 10 pm, you may want to allow time to
pick up supplies at the grocery store (Bodega Aurrera) before meeting your
contact person.
7.3 Q. How do I get to
my rental place and will somebody meet me?
A. The first thing we need to establish is whether you will be flying in to Merida or Cancun and what time your flight scheduled to arrive. Is this your first time in the Progreso area ? If this is your first time to Progreso, please check the section on “Transportation”. Also located in the same section is info on how to get here from both Cancun Airport and Merida Airport. Do let us know where and when your flight is scheduled to arrive so that you can be met upon arrival at your final destination.
8. Q. Is it safe to drink tap water?
A. No, it is not. Bottled water is for sale everywhere and is very inexpensive. If you are renting accommodations, you will normally be provided with a large jug (or garrafon) of drinking water. You can trade it in for a full one for 22 to 24 pesos at any corner store or grocery store.
9. Q. I heard that you can’t put toilet paper into the toilet … is this true?
A. Yes, this is absolutely true. The plumbing here cannot handle it. Your waste must be put in the trash receptacle provided next to all toilets.
10. Q. I’ve heard horrific stories about the violence in Mexico and was told that I shouldn’t go – is it true?
A. Yes, there is a lot of violence in certain parts of Mexico, but not in this area. The state of Yucatan is very peaceful and safe. You do not have to worry about your safety here! Of course, that being said, you need to be careful the same as you are at home – do not flash cash, cameras, laptops, etc., but that is just common sense anywhere.
11. Q. What’s the weather like in the winter? Is it like Florida?
A. We tend to enjoy warmer weather than Florida in the winter and it’s sunny most of the time here. We do sometimes get “Norte’s” (north winds) which bring in cooler temps and humidity and the very occasional rain, but generally speaking, this is our dry season.
12. Q. Can I use credit cards and travelers cheques in Progreso?
A. Most small stores and restaurants do not accept credit cards in Progreso. You will need to carry cash, in small bills, as many places don’t carry much in the way of change. Traveller’s cheques are not recommended here as you may have difficulty in getting them cashed. The major supermarkets do accept credit cards and large restaurants often do also. In Merida you will find that more establishments accept credit cards.
13. Q What about ATM’s ?
A. ATM machines are plentiful and will give you your money in Mexican pesos. It may be a good idea to advise your bank that you will be travelling and to know what your daily withdrawal limit is.
14. Q. What about tipping?
A. Mexicans generally tip 10 % in restaurants and up to 15% if you are very impressed with the service. Bag boys (and girls) at the grocery stores are usually tipped 1 peso per bag, up to a maximum of 5 pesos. Parking attendants are usually tipped 2 to3 pesos. Please note that over tipping is not necessarily a good thing – when a service person receives a lot more from foreigners, they sometimes do not want to give proper service to their own people. ( I.e. A cab driver who would much prefer to pick up the foreigner instead of the Mexican woman standing in the rain with her 3 small children.) If you feel compelled to share what you have, there are many worthy causes looking for your donations to help put children through school, spay/neuter clinics to help keep the animal population under control and to feed poor children and families.
15. Q. What happens if I get sick?
A. Mexico has excellent health care facilities at extremely reasonable prices.
16. Q. Are there any good Dentists in Progreso?
A. Yes, there are excellent Dentists in Progreso that can be recommended.
17. Q. I’ll be travelling without my laptop – will it be difficult to find Internet Café’s?
A. Internet Café’s are plentiful and cheap here. You can’t go too far without finding one and most are priced at around 10 pesos per hour.
18. Q. What if I bring my laptop?
A. If you’ll be travelling around and have your laptop with you, then the most convenient option might be for you to purchase a Telcel modem (like a flash drive) that you can just plug into your laptop wherever you are. You can purchase additional credits/ time by the day week or month. The Gran Plaza shopping center has a Telcel office where you can purchase your modem for a reasonable price.
A. The first thing we need to establish is whether you will be flying in to Merida or Cancun and what time your flight scheduled to arrive. Is this your first time in the Progreso area ? If this is your first time to Progreso, please check the section on “Transportation”. Also located in the same section is info on how to get here from both Cancun Airport and Merida Airport. Do let us know where and when your flight is scheduled to arrive so that you can be met upon arrival at your final destination.
8. Q. Is it safe to drink tap water?
A. No, it is not. Bottled water is for sale everywhere and is very inexpensive. If you are renting accommodations, you will normally be provided with a large jug (or garrafon) of drinking water. You can trade it in for a full one for 22 to 24 pesos at any corner store or grocery store.
9. Q. I heard that you can’t put toilet paper into the toilet … is this true?
A. Yes, this is absolutely true. The plumbing here cannot handle it. Your waste must be put in the trash receptacle provided next to all toilets.
10. Q. I’ve heard horrific stories about the violence in Mexico and was told that I shouldn’t go – is it true?
A. Yes, there is a lot of violence in certain parts of Mexico, but not in this area. The state of Yucatan is very peaceful and safe. You do not have to worry about your safety here! Of course, that being said, you need to be careful the same as you are at home – do not flash cash, cameras, laptops, etc., but that is just common sense anywhere.
11. Q. What’s the weather like in the winter? Is it like Florida?
A. We tend to enjoy warmer weather than Florida in the winter and it’s sunny most of the time here. We do sometimes get “Norte’s” (north winds) which bring in cooler temps and humidity and the very occasional rain, but generally speaking, this is our dry season.
12. Q. Can I use credit cards and travelers cheques in Progreso?
A. Most small stores and restaurants do not accept credit cards in Progreso. You will need to carry cash, in small bills, as many places don’t carry much in the way of change. Traveller’s cheques are not recommended here as you may have difficulty in getting them cashed. The major supermarkets do accept credit cards and large restaurants often do also. In Merida you will find that more establishments accept credit cards.
13. Q What about ATM’s ?
A. ATM machines are plentiful and will give you your money in Mexican pesos. It may be a good idea to advise your bank that you will be travelling and to know what your daily withdrawal limit is.
14. Q. What about tipping?
A. Mexicans generally tip 10 % in restaurants and up to 15% if you are very impressed with the service. Bag boys (and girls) at the grocery stores are usually tipped 1 peso per bag, up to a maximum of 5 pesos. Parking attendants are usually tipped 2 to3 pesos. Please note that over tipping is not necessarily a good thing – when a service person receives a lot more from foreigners, they sometimes do not want to give proper service to their own people. ( I.e. A cab driver who would much prefer to pick up the foreigner instead of the Mexican woman standing in the rain with her 3 small children.) If you feel compelled to share what you have, there are many worthy causes looking for your donations to help put children through school, spay/neuter clinics to help keep the animal population under control and to feed poor children and families.
15. Q. What happens if I get sick?
A. Mexico has excellent health care facilities at extremely reasonable prices.
16. Q. Are there any good Dentists in Progreso?
A. Yes, there are excellent Dentists in Progreso that can be recommended.
17. Q. I’ll be travelling without my laptop – will it be difficult to find Internet Café’s?
A. Internet Café’s are plentiful and cheap here. You can’t go too far without finding one and most are priced at around 10 pesos per hour.
18. Q. What if I bring my laptop?
A. If you’ll be travelling around and have your laptop with you, then the most convenient option might be for you to purchase a Telcel modem (like a flash drive) that you can just plug into your laptop wherever you are. You can purchase additional credits/ time by the day week or month. The Gran Plaza shopping center has a Telcel office where you can purchase your modem for a reasonable price.
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