Nestled in the port city of Progreso beach, locals and a smattering of foreigners coexist. A small community of retired Canadians has made this region their home, their blonde and silver hair standing out against the predominantly black-haired locals. This quiet influx of sun-tanned, English-speaking retirees has peacefully settled along Mexico's coasts, creating a serene Bay of Pigs.
Yucatan, known as the safest province in Mexico, exudes tranquility. The sea is calm, the pelicans are at peace, and even the wind is gentle. Another typical autumn day in Yucatan boasts a comfortable thirty degrees.
An unusual sight for those unfamiliar with the area is the presence of four military police officers. Positioned at the edge of the beach, they stand in their black uniforms, bulletproof vests, and sunglasses, their long weapons at the ready. Their expressions vary from friendly to serious as they engage in conversation and vigilantly survey the surrounding area. Despite the militarization of Mexico, Yucatan remains the country's safest state, with the lowest murder rate of two per one hundred thousand inhabitants. This is a stark contrast to the high rates in Zacatecas and Baja California, which border the US.
Yucatan, a true gem of Mexico, is an idyllic destination offering a wealth of experiences. Nearby attractions include the beaches of Chelem, the pink flamingos of Celestun, and Chicxulub, the site where the meteorite that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs struck. The state capital, Merida, known as the white city, is also within close proximity.
A little further afield, visitors can explore Rio Lagartos, home to countless crocodiles; Las Coloradas with its pink sand dunes; and El Cuyo, known for its pervasive tranquility. Yucatan, it can be said, is truly flourishing.
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