Living in Merida / Progreso

As the capital of the state of Yucatan - the northern west tip of the Yucatan Peninsula - Mérida is a champion of Mayan culture and arts.

Known throughout the Republic as the "White City" because of its rich limestone quarries and white paint, Mérida was recently bestowed the honor of "Cultural Capital of the American Continent" in a competition among cities throughout North, Central, and South America.

As a point of entry for exploring the ancient Mayan world, tourists are privy to some breathtaking archeological zones around Mérida, such as the pyramids at Chichén Itzá and Uxmal which make for popular day trips.

Also, several nearby subterranean rivers ("cenotes") attract swimmers, scuba-divers and naturalists. Some of these rivers enter intricate systems of caves which were used by the Maya for performing secret religious ceremonies.

The state of Yucatan alone boasts more than 400 kilometers of beaches, with the small town of Progreso seen as the most popular resort in the area. This 18th century port is a 20-minute drive from Merida (buses depart from Mérida - Calle 62 No. 524, between Calles 65 and 67 - every five minutes for Progreso at 4 dollars round trip) and is a beach community enjoyed almost exclusively by native Yucatecans. The only months of the year that the beach is very busy is between July and August, when the tradition here is for everyone to take the month off from work and spend it relaxing under the sun.