Tour to progreso, corchito and salt ponds

This is a shared day tour from Mérida to the coast, combining the port of Progreso, the El Corchito ecological reserve and salt ponds. The listing gives the tour as about eight hours (540 minutes in the itinerary), with pickup at your hotel and return to Mérida at the end.

The first stop is Puerto Progreso, about 30 minutes from Mérida. The source calls it the favorite beach of Yucatecans because of its closeness to the city, and says many people have a beach house in the port and along the coast. You have time to look around, walk the boardwalk and swim. The pier of arches is one of the port's best-known landmarks, and a road has recently been built linking the fishermen's pier with the town's boardwalk. About 180 minutes are given to this stop.

Next is the El Corchito ecological reserve, an area of freshwater cenotes suited to watching flora and fauna. The vegetation around it shelters birds, crustaceans, mollusks and reptiles, among other species. There are three palapas for resting, a camping area, a bridge over the channel and a dock. The itinerary allows about 60 minutes.

The tour then continues to the salt ponds, where you can see the pink tone of the small pools, before returning to Mérida.

The tour suits travelers who want a beach, nature and a look at the salt ponds in one trip without driving. It is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and infants are required to sit on an adult's lap. The price includes a guide, travel insurance, GST and air conditioning in the vehicle. Food, beverages, tips and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are extra, so bring money and swimwear. Pickup applies only to hotels in downtown Mérida, not to Airbnb rentals.