On the gulf, 22 miles north of Merida is Progreso, Yucatan's most important seaport serving the fishing and henequen industries. Nearby are Yucalpeten, a huge fish packing plant, and Cordemex, an equally large henequen processing factory; both are open to visitors. Freighters tic up in deep water at the end of a mile long concrete pier. You can drive out to the end of the pier which, in addition to the 2 lane roadway, has a railroad track on one side and a pedestrian walkway on the other.
Progreso is also a seaside resort area with both mansions and humble cottages lining the beach for 3 miles to the next resort village of Chicxulub. The area comes alive in July and August when oppressive heat sends Merida residents scurrying to the cool breezes and gentle surf of Progreso's seashore.
