Chicxulub is the town directly east of Progreso. Taking Calle 19 straight out of Progreso, it took us right by the town’s center. Chicxulub (cheek – shoe lube) has a geographical significance to this part of the Yucatan Peninsula. The town is directly over a pre-historic impact crater that is estimated to have happened over 66 million years ago. Maybe that is why the fishing is so good here. Like most all of the neighboring communities in this part of the Gulf, Chicxulub is a traditional fishing village. However, its increasing popularity as an out-of-the way vacation destination could change its chronological traditions. Its population is approximately 6,100 permanent residents. Inexpensive cost of living, laid back atmosphere and being less than an hour away from Merida and all its world class medical care is making it a popular expat retirement choice.
We decided to take a taxi versus trying to find a colectivo stop. We were dropped off — like in every other place we visited — in the town’s central park area (pictured above). Chicxulub holds onto its rustic feel and small town charm. All the roads are hard packed dirt and, with the exception of main street, do not have curbs and sidewalks. We chose the side road that lead us to the pier. On this particular day the sky was full with threating clouds. As we ventured to the end of the pier the rain drops started to fall. We made a mad dash off the pier and into the closest building.
A middle-aged man saw our distress and waved us into his establishment, a Cantina named Los Tiburones (translation: The Sharks). This was a true local’s spot for food and beverage. As we have been experiencing in this part of the Yucatan, the menus do not have sublines in English. However, we have gotten pretty good at deciphering entrees and managed to order two pescado and camaron (fish and shrimp) meals. We finished our lunch and the rains had tapered off. We had two full meals, a round of beverages and, with tip, the tab came to 180 pesos (approximately $15). We headed back to the pier to finish our excursion. We took
a road bordering the beach and marveled at the homes people were starting to build. It won’t be long until Chicxulub’s shoreline will be riddled with majestic styled condos and villas. We ventured closer to town to capture some of its culture. While walking down a side road we came upon a horse and its colt grazing in a front yard. The smell of wood burning stoves and the sounds of children playing in the street sparked a thought on how this unspoiled community must have lived a century ago.
We found our way onto main street and visited the local shops. The unique crafts, clothing and jewelry were not imported, but handmade by the owners themselves. With growth comes a need for building materials and amongst all the home grown boutiques was the town’s new hardware store. The outer walls advertised many well known industry trade names. There was one thing I did find a little peculiar: The slogan that bannered the top of the building reads La Bendicion de Dios, translating to The Blessing of God. Chicxulub’s beautiful turquoise waters, silver white sand and calming surf could possibly qualify it as heaven on earth. How could we not enjoy these simple pleasures of life? We made our way back to the central park, caught a colectivo and got off a few blocks from our condo. The end to another excellent adventure.
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photographer: Maureen Scopel
YMATD
