Progreso, Flamingos, Cenote, and Salt Ponds adventure from Merida

We’ll start your day by heading 45 kilometers from Mérida to visit a cave cenote. This is a closed-type cenote located inside a grotto, where access to the water is via a masonry staircase that leads down to a spacious chamber illuminated with electric lighting. The water is crystal clear, and the surface area measures approximately 30 meters in length and 8 meters in width, with a depth ranging from 1 to 8 meters. It’s ideal for swimming, discovering the underground chambers, and exploring. The cenote also features a very shallow area where those who prefer not to venture further can stay and cool off comfortably.

After refreshing yourselves in the cenote, we will head to the pink lagoon located along the Dzemul–Xtampú road. There, with a bit of luck, we might be able to spot flamingos that stop to feed during their migratory journeys across the Yucatán Peninsula.

After the flamingo watching experience, we will head to the Xtampu salt flats, a pink paradise located along the Emerald Coast. There, we’ll have the chance to see the stunning pink waters, which have acquired their color due to high salt concentrations. The intensity of the pink hue varies depending on the time of year. Please note that the best time to see the vividly pink lagoons is during spring and before the start of the rainy season.

As we enter and tour the salt flats, we will observe the salt ponds and learn about the traditional process of salt cultivation and harvesting, a practice that dates back to the time of the ancient Maya. We will also see how the salt is currently ground for human consumption.

After visiting the salt flats, we’ll take the coastal road and head toward Puerto Progreso, one of the most iconic beaches in Yucatán, known for its sea breeze and white sand. Progreso is Yucatán’s main deep-water port and is located 36 km north of Mérida. It’s a popular tourist destination for locals looking to enjoy a relaxing day or weekend at the beach.

Here, we’ll share the main highlights of the area, tell you about the top attractions and activities you can enjoy, and you’ll have three hours to relax on the beach and stroll along the boardwalk. We’ll also give you recommendations on where to eat or which beach club to visit—whether you’re looking to keep it budget-friendly or prefer something more upscale. Both options are available.

After the beach visit, we’ll head back to Mérida.