Brisa

A: It is located in the Yucatan Peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico about 190 miles west of Cancun and 20 miles north of Merida, the capital city of Yucatan. The population of Progreso is about 40,000 people in the winter months and over 350,000 in the summer months of July and August. Because of the white sandy beaches, and shallow, warm water of the Gulf, it is a popular place for many Mexicans in the summer and a growing number of foreign visitors in the winter. They enjoy the peaceful, laid back atmosphere.

A: Check with your travel agent for the best routing available, depending on your needs. Should you prefer to drive, the CAA or AAA (or the equal for your country) can give you maps and other helpful information. Click on our “Transportation and Travel” icon for more details.

A: The city of Merida has an international airport. It is located in the south end of the city. The distance in travel time from the airport to Progreso is around 45 minutes. We offer airport pick up and delivery, as well as orientation and help throughout our visitors’ stay, hopefully to make this a pleasant experience for everyone.

A: Most of the rental agencies are located in Merida. Car rental rates usually include unlimited mileage and insurance. Shopping around is advisable as you are able to negotiate pricing.

Activities:

Q: After beautiful sunsets, peace and quiet, leisure walks; What else is there to do?

A: There are a number of bar/restaurant clubs frequented by locals and visitors alike, for dining, dancing and other socializing. There is also a social club, which offers tennis and swimming as well as restaurant and bar facilities. Fishing trips are available from Yucalpeten, 7 km west of Progreso. Golfing is available at La Ceiba, a golfing development halfway to Merida, and of course there is the ease of visiting the bustling city of Merida.

A: Merida is a short distance away, and from there you have access to numerous tours, activities and shopping. Click on the icons “Tourist Attractions”, “Events and Happenings” and “Restaurants and Shopping” for a full basket of opportunities to enjoy yourself.

A: There is good public transportation with local buses and collectivos, which are mini-vans. These buses and collectivos travel along the main road and the other major arteries of Progreso and the surrounding area. There are also buses almost every half hour into downtown Merida. Taxis are available and prices for these are reasonable.

A: Because of the influx of so many foreign visitors, we have found that more and more of our Mexican friends can speak some English, the shop keepers in particular.

Our Rental Accomodations

A: Most of our rental properties are located along the beach road in Progreso and to the east of the town toward Yucalpeten, another beautiful area, and west toward another small town called Chicxulub. All of the properties are right on the beach, so you have the soothing and tranquil sound of the waves as they roll onto the shore.

A: All the rental properties are fully furnished, with beds, bureaus, tables, chairs, living room furniture, similar to how we furnish our homes in Canada and USA. The kitchens are equipped with fridges, stoves and in some cases microwave ovens and toaster ovens, most everything you would need for cooking and eating. Most of these properties have swimming pools as well (If you don't feel like doing the "menage" we can send someone to keep your house clean for you, it cost only U.S. $5.00 and sometimes include cooking).

A: Only if you want to bring your favourite security blanket or pillow as sheets, towels and blankets are all provided.

A: If you forget or run out of toiletries, there is an abundance of sun block and other personal needs readily available at the drug stores (farmacias) and super markets. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera. You can buy all brands and types of film here, as well as getting film developed. Many shops offer one hour film processing.

Food and Water

A: The Mexican government has assisted most of the towns, large and small, to install chlorinating systems ( agua potable ) that is very safe to drink. Always ask about your water supply to be on the safe side. Mexico is very like Europe where “tap water” is never served. Bottled water (agua purificada) is the type of water always ordered and consumed by the experienced traveller. It also makes a better coffee or tea than the chlorinated variety. You can purchase larger containers for every day use in your home.

A: Most of the time the “Mexican” food we see up north is “Tex-Mex” which is more representative of the northern Mexican states where food is served quite hot (spicy hot is “picante” and temperature hot is “caliente”) Mexican cuisine is only now being considered by restauranteurs and chefs as haute cuisine and ranked among the top individual cuisines of the world. The local Yucatecan food reflects the regional history: Middle-eastern and Carribean styles and of course the available local produce. The food is exquisite and is served very naturally without any picante spices or chiles. The “heat” is served in the form of salsas which you add to your dinner.

A: The staple foods are very similar to that which we use at home. Where we may emphasize bread, potatoes, pasta and rice, their basics are rice, beans and tortillas (a very thin corn meal pancake that they use in stead of bread). Chicken, fish, eggs and definitely turkey are the principal choices for protein. Fruit is abundant as are vegetables but some may be viewed as exotic; try them as they are all succulent and tasty.

A: There is a supermarket (the San Francisco chain) in Progreso, plus other small stores or tiendas as they are called. Many larger supermarkets, from several other national chains, are located in Merida. Most anything you buy in the U.S. Canada or Europe is available in Mexico, just labelled a little differently and of course in Spanish.

A: No! But preparation of fruit and vegetables is different. All fruit and vegetables that will not be cooked or peeled should be given a 10 minute soaking in a product called Microdyn, an anti-bacterial disinfectant. This product is available at every supermarket, small “tienda” (corner store) and pharmacies and is very inexpensive, only 2 or 3 drops in a quart (litre) of water.

Weather and Clothing

Sept	90F	32C	Jan	83F	28C	May	94F	35C
	73	23		62	17		72	22

Oct	87F	31F	Feb	85F	29C	June	92F	33C
	71	22		63	17		73	23

Nov	85F	29F	Mar	89F	31C	July	92F	33C
	67	19		66	19		73	23

Dec	82F	28F	Apr	92F	33C	Aug	91F	33C
	64	18		69	20		73	23

Q: What type of clothing is appropriate for the winter time in Progreso Beach?

A: Sometimes, you will find the mornings a little damp and cool because you are so close to the water. You may want to have a jacket or a sweater first thing in the morning until the sun is up.

A: Depending on when you depart - you may leave during a snow storm- wear the minimum of cold weather clothing for outgoing and return trip. While in Progreso Beach and the Yucatan, dress is casual. Wash and wear cotton shirts, shorts and t-shirts are good day time wear. If you run short of warm weather clothing, it is readily available in the local shops. To watch those gorgeous sunsets, you may want to wear some long pants and sweaters. The evenings can sometimes be surprisingly cool. Bring sandals and comfortable walking shoes.

Medical:

A: There are doctors in the town of Progreso. For more specialized treatment, Merida has some excellent facilities. There are several teaching hospitals, and is in fact THE place where many Mexicans travel for cardiac care. Most of the specialists and many of the doctors there have received medical training in the U.S. and Canada. Many doctors speak English very well.

A: There are a number of dentists who have received their training in Canada or the USA and therefore speak good English. Getting your teeth fixed here is very easy on the pocketbook.

A: Most hospital and medical insurance provided by the provincial governments has set limits. The limits vary as do some of the coverages therefore it would be advisable to look at supplemental insurance coverage issued by different travel agencies, insurance companies and the CAA- Canadian Automobile Association, The AAA American Automobile Association or its Equal in Europe.

A: .Most drugs issued in The U.S. Canada or Europe are available in Mexico. There are a limited number of drugs that are only available in your Country so it would be advisable to speak to your doctor or pharmacist to determine alternative medication you may need. Prescriptions or drug requirements can be filled without a doctors prescription excepting tranquillizers, mood altering or Valium based drugs including Prozac.