All about Museo Meteorito in Progreso (2025 Guide)

I had no idea for the longest time that the meteorite that wiped out the dinosaurs hit right near Progreso – in the neighboring town of Chicxulub.

The Museo del Meteorito de Progreso dives into the whole story – it opened on September 30, 2022, right on the Malecón, about seven blocks east of the pier.

The modern Meteorite Museum of Progreso takes you on a journey through 14 billion years of history – with a special focus on one of the most significant events in Earth’s past, the impact of the Chicxulub meteorite.

About 66 million years ago, the massive meteorite hit the Yucatán Peninsula, causing a mass extinction that wiped out 75% of species, including dinosaurs, and cleared the path for mammals and humans to emerge.

The museum itself is housed in an architecturally striking building designed specifically for this exhibition. It’s spacious, modern, and offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. If you're in Progreso, it's definitely worth checking out.

And while you’re in Progreso, I recommend taking some time to stroll along the beautiful beach promenade, it’s the perfect way to round off your visit.

What to Expect Inside

The exhibition starts with the Big Bang, laying the foundation for the story of our planet.

As you move through the "Time Tunnel," you’ll see how Earth evolved from its early years to the age of the dinosaurs. One of the highlights is the "Walk with Dinosaurs" section, where six screens bring prehistoric life to the present with immersive storytelling.

Of course, the meteorite’s impact takes center stage. In the final exhibition room, an impressive projection recreates the moment the asteroid hit Earth, pulling you into one of the most dramatic events in planetary history.

Whether you're a science enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a unique experience in Progreso, this museum is a great stop. Plus, its beachfront location makes it easy to combine with a day by the ocean.

The museum also features an impressive collection of fossils, but the real highlight awaits in the eighth and final room. Here, mechatronically controlled dinosaurs bring the prehistoric world to life.

These animatronic giants move, roar, and create an immersive experience, giving you a sense of how these creatures might have looked and sounded millions of years ago.

For kids, this is without a doubt the most exciting part of the museum. The lifelike movements, sheer size, and detailed design of the dinosaurs spark curiosity and excitement, making it an unforgettable experience.

The mix of interactive exhibits and dynamic animations makes the Meteorite Museum a great destination for visitors of all ages. You’ll see some of the most famous dinosaurs, including the Tyrannosaurus, Spinosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Triceraptor, and Triceratops.

Hands-On Fun at the Meteorite Museum

The museum is interactive and visually engaging, featuring light and sound effects that enhance the experience. Using augmented reality, it brings the story of the meteorite impact to life, offering a deeper understanding of how this event shaped Earth’s history.

There’s also a fun hands-on element. Visitors, especially kids, can get creative with the digital tablets provided in the exhibition. You can design your own dinosaur and see it come to life on the screen. It’s a great way to dive into the world of prehistory.

Tickets and Prices

You can buy tickets directly at the entrance, with both cash and card payments accepted.

As is common in Mexico, ticket prices vary depending on residency status:

• Foreign adults: 350 pesos

• Mexican residents: 250 pesos

• Children and seniors: 100 pesos

Residents of Puerto Progreso and children under four years old get in for free. Keep in mind that there are no student discounts, and you'll need a valid ID to qualify for any reduced rates.

Bathroom facilities are available for an extra 20 pesos, while shower access costs 30 pesos. While these services add convenience, the additional fees might feel a bit unnecessary considering the already substantial ticket price.

What You Should Know

The most important thing is to set the right expectations. The museum is designed primarily for children. It’s not a traditional museum with extensive scientific exhibits but more of an interactive show with videos, light effects, and animatronic dinosaurs.

As an adult, you might find that it lacks in-depth scientific information. Another key point to consider is that the 30-minute guided tour is only available in Spanish. If you don’t have a good grasp of the language, you might not get the full experience.

One thing that stands out is that you can’t explore the museum on your own. Instead, you have to join a guided tour in groups of around 30 to 40 people. Because of this setup, you might face longer wait times during peak hours.

Whether or not a visit is worth it depends on your budget and expectations. To be honest, the ticket prices are relatively high for what’s offered, especially for international visitors.

If you’re traveling with kids who love dinosaurs, they’ll probably have a great time. But if you’re looking for a deep dive into the science behind the Chicxulub impact, this might not be the best fit.

Explore the Museum Online Before You Visit

If you want to get a better idea of what to expect, check out

• Museo del Meteorito’s Facebook page

• Museo del Meteorito on Instagram 

Especially on the Facebook page, you’ll find plenty of photos and videos.

How to Get to Museo del Meteorito from Mérida?

Progreso is easy to reach from Mérida, whether you’re driving or taking public transport. By car, it’s a straightforward half-hour drive along Highway 261. The road is in excellent condition, making the trip smooth and hassle-free.

If you prefer public transport, AutoProgreso operates a frequent and reliable bus service between Mérida and Progreso. Buses start running daily around 5:00 AM and continue throughout the day.

They depart from the AutoProgreso station in Mérida, which is located on Calle 62 between Calle 65 and 67. A one-way ticket costs just about 25 pesos, making it an affordable and convenient option.

Once you arrive in Progreso, the Meteorite Museum is easy to find. It’s right on the Malecón de Progreso, about seven blocks east of the pier, offering a great opportunity to explore the beachfront promenade before or after your visit.

Sandero Jurásico Theme Park

Not far from the museum, right next to Progreso, you’ll find Chicxulub Puerto, the town closest to the impact site of the Chicxulub meteorite.

If you're visiting with kids, there’s another fun attraction right on the beach, the Sandero Jurásico Theme Park. The Chicxulub Jurassic Trail features life-size dinosaurs, including Velociraptor, Brachiosaurus, Triceratops, and many others.

These animatronic creatures move and make sounds, creating an interactive experience. Unlike the museum, this attraction is completely outdoors, making it best suited for a late afternoon visit when the sun isn’t as intense.

If you're in the area, it's a fun extra stop, especially for dino-loving kids. The beachfront setting is a bonus, though admission isn’t much cheaper than the museum.

Parque Científico Tecnológico de Yucatán

If you want to dive deeper into the science behind the Chicxulub impact, the Chicxulub Science Museum in the Parque Científico Tecnológico de Yucatán (Yucatán Science and Technology Park) is definitely worth a visit.

This museum offers a closer look at the Chicxulub meteorite and its impact on Earth's history. Exhibits explore the solar system's formation, impact craters, mass extinctions, and the Yucatán Peninsula’s unique geology.

The Science and Technology Park is located roughly halfway between Mérida and Progreso, though it’s slightly closer to Mérida. If you're heading to Progreso, it’s a great stop to pair with a trip to the coast or a visit to the Meteorite Museum in Progreso.

The Emerald Coast

Progreso is the best-known port city along the Emerald Coast, a stunning 98-kilometer stretch on the northern edge of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The name Costa Esmeralda, as it is called in Spanish, comes from the vibrant emerald-green waters that define this coastline. This area is popular for its beaches, fishing villages, and laid-back atmosphere.

If you're in the area, taking a walk on the beach is, of course, a must. The soft sand and gentle waves make it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the coastal scenery.