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There is a little bit of everything that makes Progreso, Mexico, such a great place to visit! Enjoy a visit to the bird sanctuary, the pink lagoon, see flamingos, the Xcambo Mayan ruins, and a great beach break to end your day!
You will start your adventurous day by meeting your guide at the cruise terminal area and climbing aboard the air-conditioned van/bus to take a 15-minute drive to the Uaymitun Bird Sanctuary.
At the sanctuary, you will marvel at the mangroves, the multitude of colorful, tropical birds, and the many pink flamingos that like to stay close. You won't spend a lot of time here, but you certainly want to keep your cameras ready. It's all up to Mother Nature how many birds there will be and how close they will get, but also remember they are out in the wild. After about 20 minutes you'll head off to your next destination, the pink lagoon.
La Rosada is also known as the pink lagoon, the reason is immediately apparent. This is one of the salt mining lakes and the waters are filled with red plankton and shrimp. Their pink colors come up to lap at the salt-white shoreline. Flamingos get their color from eating shrimp. You'll have 30 minutes to explore the area, get some great shots, and maybe even see some bird nests.
Next, just 5 minutes away, are the Xcambo Mayan ruins. These Progreso Mayan ruins were just recently discovered and they are not very large, but most definitely worth a visit. Only in the last ten years, the structures have been uncovered and archaeologists are still working on uncovering and restoring them. It was an important town in its time, used as a trading city, mostly for salt, of which they had plenty. You can climb to the top of the highest structure for some great views and photos...it is quite a climb but you will be glad you did it! You will explore the ruins for about an hour with an expert guide who will provide more information about what each structure was used for and how important this city was within the Mayan culture.
After exploring the ruins, it's time for a beach break! Hop back on the van for a short drive to Vistamar beach club. You will have access to beach chairs, umbrellas, a swimming pool, free internet, and more. The friendly staff will be waiting for you with a refreshing welcome drink and a complimentary snack. You are able to purchase food and drinks at the restaurant, at your own expense. Just relax, take a dip, or take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful tropical views.
After enjoying some time at the beach it will be time to return to your Progreso cruise ship terminal. The return transportation will leave the beach club 1.5 hours before your ship's departure, at your Progreso cruise ship pier. Guests may choose to take a taxi back at their own expense earlier.
This is a great Progreso combo excursion! Visit the Mayan Ruins, and pink lagoon La Rosada, see the beautiful flamingos at the bird sanctuary, and relax and refresh with a beach break at Vistamar Beach Club!