Faro de Progreso (Progreso Lighthouse), Progreso

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

Faro de Progreso (Progreso Lighthouse), Progreso

Faro de Progreso (Progreso Lighthouse), Progreso

The Progreso Lighthouse, inaugurated on May 5, 1893, stands as one of the oldest and most enduring maritime landmarks in Yucatan, Mexico. Constructed under the direction of Vicente Solís, the lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships safely to the port during a time when Progreso was rapidly developing as a major hub for henequen exports—Yucatan’s so-called "green gold." With a height of 36 meters and a powerful 750-millimeter optic lamp, the lighthouse boasts a range of 33 nautical miles (about 62 kilometers on land), making it one of the tallest and most significant beacons on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Throughout its history, the lighthouse has undergone various upgrades, including the transition from petroleum vapor to electric lighting and the addition of modern radio communication equipment. Although public access to the site has been restricted since 2005, the structure remains well preserved and continues to serve as a symbol of the region’s maritime legacy. It has remarkably withstood severe weather, including Hurricanes Gilberto in 1988 and Isidoro in 2002, thanks to its robust construction using cement and seashells. A newer lighthouse was installed in 1967, but the original structure still stands tall as a monument to the past.

Beyond its practical purpose, the Progreso Lighthouse holds deep cultural and historical value for the local community. Its silhouette is instantly recognizable along the coast. For over 130 years, the lighthouse has stood as a steadfast witness to the evolution of Progreso—from a henequen export center to a modern cruise ship destination—and remains an enduring emblem of Yucatán’s connection to the sea.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Progreso. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø App

Faro de Progreso (Progreso Lighthouse) on Map

Sight Name: Faro de Progreso (Progreso Lighthouse)
Sight Location: Progreso, Mexico (See walking tours in Progreso)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Progreso, Mexico

Create Your Own Walk in Progreso

Create Your Own Walk in Progreso

Creating your own self-guided walk in Progreso is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Progreso Introduction Walking Tour

Progreso Introduction Walking Tour

Located in the Gulf of Mexico, Progreso is one of the popular beach towns in the Yucatan Peninsula, known for the longest pier in the world at 6.5 km (4 miles) long – the Progreso Pier aka Puerto Progreso, Yucatan.

The pier and the town of Progreso, Yucatan are frequent stops on many major cruise ship routes.

The town is also considered the gateway to the Mayan ruins. However, there’s a...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles