2026 Progreso Home Tour Returns to Benefit Education

The port town of Progreso will open the doors to six noteworthy residences on February 28 for its eighth annual home tour, a fundraising event that has become a fixture of the winter season on Yucatán’s northern coast.

The self-guided Progreso Home Tour runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and showcases renovated homes in east Progreso, where expats and local residents have transformed traditional structures into comfortable coastal retreats. Visitors can expect to see creative use of outdoor space, local art collections, and renovation approaches that leverage sea breezes to keep homes naturally cool.

The doors to six lovely residences in Progreso will be open to ticket holders during a fundraising event that has become a fixture of the winter season.Photo: Progreso Apoyo Program
The doors to six lovely residences in Progreso will be open to ticket holders during a fundraising event that has become a fixture of the winter season.Photo: Progreso Apoyo Program
The doors to six lovely residences in Progreso will be open to ticket holders during a fundraising event that has become a fixture of the winter season.Photo: Progreso Apoyo Program
The doors to six lovely residences in Progreso will be open to ticket holders during a fundraising event that has become a fixture of the winter season.Photo: Progreso Apoyo Program
The doors to six lovely residences in Progreso will be open to ticket holders during a fundraising event that has become a fixture of the winter season.Photo: Progreso Apoyo Program

All proceeds support the Progreso Apoyo Program, a local scholarship organization that currently serves 95 students from Progreso, Chicxulub and Flamboyanes. The charity has helped 39 young people reach college — a significant achievement in a region where nearly 60% of program participants’ parents never completed education beyond ninth grade.

“These students are often the first in their families to attend university,” said program representatives. The scholarships cover tuition, books and other expenses that might otherwise prevent students from continuing their education.

This year’s tour begins at Ginger’s Jungle Cafe, where participants select a start time of 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m. or 10 a.m. to prevent overcrowding at individual homes. Maps guide visitors along the route, which is walkable or bikeable, though many opt for the shuttle taxi service, available for an additional fee.

Homeowners will be on hand throughout the morning to discuss their renovation projects and answer questions about coastal living. The informal conversations offer insights into everything from managing salt air and humidity to sourcing local materials and working with regional artisans. After touring the homes, participants return to Ginger’s, where lunch is available for purchase. There, a raffle and an online auction will be held. The casual atmosphere encourages conversation and comparison of favorite discoveries from the tour.

Advanced tickets are required and cost 300 pesos (approximately $15 USD) when purchased in person, or 325 pesos online. In-person sales are available at several weekly markets: Natural Thangs Farmers Market on Monday mornings, the Crocodiles Farmers and Artisan Market on Wednesday mornings in Progreso, and the Friday Market at Ginger’s on Friday mornings. Tickets are also sold at Barlovento Restaurant on Calle 80 between the malecon and Calle 75 during business hours.

Online purchases can be made on PayPal.

The home tour has evolved into one of the most popular winter events along Yucatán’s coast, attracting both seasonal residents and year-round community members. Similar fundraising home tours in other Mexican beach communities have proven effective at building connections between diverse populations while supporting local causes.

The Progreso Apoyo Program operates as a registered charity in Mexico, relying primarily on community support to fund its scholarship program. Beyond financial assistance, the organization provides mentoring and support services to help students navigate academic challenges and prepare for professional careers.