The community of Chicxulub Puerto has a history of more than 450 years and began as part of the territory of the chiefdom of Nakuk Pech. Currently its municipal seat is Progreso which was founded 130 years ago with the goal of having a commercial port that was closer to the capital city of Mérida than the port of Sisal.
This coastal town is located eight km (five miles) east of the port of Progreso, and 65 km (40 miles) north-northeast of the city of Mérida. It has about 5000 inhabitants whose main activities are fishing, trade, and tourism.
Chicxulub Puerto is famous for being the epicenter of the crater of the same name, which was caused by the impact of a meteorite that collided with Earth about 65 million years ago. The crater, dating from the Late Cretaceous Period, is about 180 kilometers in diameter.
No, unfortunately you cannot see any evidence of the crater! But there is a wonderful display at the Parque Científico in Sierra Papacal, 30 minutes away by car; from the Progreso-Mérida highway take the exit to Sierra Papacal/Kikteil.
In 1663, Chicxulub Puerto was defending the north coast from the incursion of pirates during the government of Don Juan Francisco de la Rosa Esquivel. Later, it gained notoriety as a sabotage port during World War II.
This port has long been a favorite of vacationers (both local and foreigners) as it has a wide stretch of beach where a variety of marine species and birds can be seen, from the early morning hours.
The beachfront is well developed with modern condominium complexes and houses. These beachfront properties are summer homes for Meridanos and are often available as vacation rentals. Keep in mind that during Easter (Semana Santa) and the months of July and August, the homes are used by their owners and generally not available for rent.
There are services available in Chicxulub, including small supermarkets, restaurants, and pharmacies, a “mercado” for fresh fruits and vegetables, and bakeries to buy your fresh baguettes. There is a very good public bus and van service between Chicxulub and Progreso, where there is frequent bus service to downtown Mérida. Chicxulub is a good place to use as a base for exploring the area. You are close to Mérida, haciendas, Maya ruins and the ADO bus service for transportation all over the peninsula.
At the beach there is a season of winter “norte” storms that can make the beach harsh and cool, but this is the time to take tours, visit Mérida, and do your early morning shell collecting.
For longer staying visitors, there are many volunteer opportunities in the village as well as games of bridge and euchre if you are so inclined.
Here is a short list of some of the activities you can do while here: beachcombing, which is especially good in the winter months, bird-watching, exploring, cycling, fishing, horseback riding, jet-skiing, sailing, sightseeing, swimming, walking, water skiing and wind and kite surfing.
Every season there are new restaurants opening up and here is a list of a few that are visited often by the foreign community:
- Wombat Hole: ”It’s actually like going to a friends’ place for a homemade snack, meal, frappe, coffee or dessert.” (comment from TripAdvisor)
- Mamma Mias Pizzeria: “Such wonderful staff…friendly and helpful. They have real American thin crust pizza…are willing to personalize to your specific likes. And, it is NOT greasy! It’s a nice alternative to all of the wonderful fish in this area. They serve a great “hamburguesa” with “papas fritas” too! And, they have super fast internet service that they are more than willing to share.” (comment from Facebook)
- El Faro: “The owner makes sure the ribs are grilled just right, and the tequila pours are generous.” (comment from Facebook)
- Dos Barriles: “Serving seafood and fish dishes as well as chicken and pork. All ingredients are super fresh, carrying the sea to your table. There are also coconuts to drink.” (comment from Yelp)
- Capitan Flores: “Our favorite restaurant in this small town. We came here for the fish. Highly recommend!” (comment from TripAdvisor)
- Bistro David: “We like the fact that the owners pay attention to you; Conchita cooks in an open kitchen, and is happy to discuss any dish or any changes that you want to make.” (comment from TripAdvisor)
- By Sharon Helgason
This coastal town is located eight km (five miles) east of the port of Progreso, and 65 km (40 miles) north-northeast of the city of Mérida.
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can you catch fish from the dock in chicxulub, what kind of fish? do you need a fishing license to fish off the dock? If so, can you get a fishing license in chicxulub? Is there a local fisherman that will take a gringo out fishing in a panga?
You can definitely fish off the pier without a fishing license. Usually someone ids selling bait and coke bottle attached with fish string and a hook for 10 pesos. I am not sure of the type of fish. But the evenings are filled with the town families fishing on the pier.
I’m confused/ If the beachs and gulf are due west of Merida, how can Chicxulub Puerto be north by northeasst of Merrida. Wouldn’t it be north y othwest?
Hi Peter, the Gulf of México extends from the Southwest to the West to the North to the Northeast of Mérida. For example: Celestún is due West and Chicxulub Puerto is Northeast of Mérida. Best, Natalia.
Chicxulub is North of Merida not West. The distance is about 25 miles from Merida to the beach.
Ray
Are there Uber’s available in the area? Trying to figure out if we need to rent a car.
Hola Jenny, I believe there are Ubers available, although not that many and not at all hours. Check the availability on your app to see what the price range and availability is. However, renting a car could be more effective in the long run.
In the center of downtown you can hire a van for a large group to go just about anywhere. Gas may be extra. You can also connect with taxi drivers in Progreso to drive you places. You probably need to know some Spanish for the ones in Chixculub.
Are the beaches suitable for swimming during the month of February?
The beaches are very suitable for a swim all year round.
In the morning the ocean is calm and perfect to swim.
The breeze picks up around 11 am
So there are some opportunities to get supplies without going to Mérida???
Hola Lisa,
Yes you can get basics in Chicxulub and most definitely in Progreso.
There are plenty of supplies available. However, Progreso is definitely more expensive to shop than Merida. If possible hit the costco in Merida to get your essentials. Then you can grab small odds and ends in Progreso and Chicxulub. Ubers are around, usually about 100-150 pesos from chicxulub to progreso. They prefer cash or PayPal, will cancel a lot of pickups if you are paying by credit card. Best to rent a car if you can, much more freedom. If you can find a place that isnt going to charge you an absolutely insane deposit. With all this in mind. This place is incredible. The Mayan ruins are incredible. There are some smaller ruins very close to chicxulub, and then about 2 hours away is Chichen Itza. And so much more to see. Every little bit of sacrifice and effort you put in here in more than worth it.
Keep in mind here, electricity is pricey, water is limited and so is internet. If you rent a house you have to control your consumption quite a bit. Most places supply one tank of natural gas, on tank of water and about 50gigabits of internet. They will then charge on top of that which can add up.
Hello! Do you live there? I am planning a trip next June, yes June 2020 and we are staying in Chicxulub. Do you think a group of 15-20 can easily hop on a bus to go from Chicxulub to Progreso and vice versa?
Thank you!
I saw your comments and wanted to respond. Just wondering where you are staying in Chicxlub in 2020? We just purchased a condo with a nice high view overlooking the gulf and plan to close on it in November 2019, then its furnishings over Christmas holidays, then it’s time to rent it out and for us to use when we are there. There are cooperative vans that operate as taxis that travel that main road Calle 17 Chicxlub Puerto to Progreso. Stops right in front of grocery and other stores for shopping on the Progreso Chicxlub border (5 minute ride) With a group that large probably two vans are required. I’m sure if you spoke to a driver you could arrange a specific day and time for your group. Very friendly area, you will like the atmosphere. Different experience than Cancun ect.
Hello! Do you live there? I am planning a trip next June, yes June 2020 and we are staying in Chicxulub. Do you think a group of 15-20 can easily hop on a bus to go from Chicxulub to Progreso and vice versa?
Thank you!