Blog | Haciendas in Yucatan
Route of the Haciendas in Yucatan.
Yucatán is known for its haciendas during the Green Gold (henequen) era and many are open to the public or are now luxury hotels. Most are concentrated around Mérida and others go deep into the heart of the peninsula. However, in this guide we will include the ones that are a must for us.
Hacienda Temozon Sur
This hacienda is one of the most opulent and certainly the most palatial in all of Yucatan. Today it is part of the Marriot Luxury Collection, which has hosted celebrities and personalities from all over the world. Located in the heart of the jungle, just minutes from Uxmal, one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in the region, Temozón Sur is a luxurious oasis.
The entrance opens onto majestic staircases, which lead up to the main terrace that is shaded by the leaves of centuries-old trees. Temozón is also known for its extensive gardens, lush with tropical flora native to the Yucatán peninsula. A chapel, built in the 17th century, remains exceptionally preserved. Walls painted in its now distinctive coral color with white moldings are a unique testament to Yucatecan colonial architecture.
Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Hacienda Yaxcopoil is where time seems to have stood still. Instead of renovating the buildings that make up the hacienda's shell, the owner simply accepted their deterioration and now preserves a unique essence where the walls tell their long stories. Large rooms with high ceilings, walls with faint dilapidated frescoes, original mosaic floors and European furniture of the time, make up the decoration and essence of this place.
Not to be missed is the Mayan Museum, inside the hacienda, which houses a collection of Mayan vestiges and archaeological relics found on the property. There is also the impressive Casa de Máquinas where you can find the hacienda's original machinery for processing henequen.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Hacienda Ochil
Hacienda Ochil is as interesting for its history as Yaxcopoil, but with several added artisan workshops, a museum that tells its story in detail and a boutique. Here one can delight in watching the masters mentor the young artisans as they work with leather, limestone, metal, wood, and of course, henequen. Although most of the products are made to order, a selection can be purchased in the boutique. But if you are looking for a henequen or fine cotton hammock, you can find them here at reasonable prices.
Ochil is a charismatic and intimate hacienda that also has a casual restaurant where you can sample typical Yucatecan dishes. The museum has many photographs tracing its history and restoration, as well as various artifacts that were used when the hacienda was in full operation.
One of the pleasures of this hacienda is simply strolling around the property and enjoying its gardens. Behind the restaurant, almost hidden is a cenote and depending on the water level, you can walk inside and see Mayan paintings inside the cave walls.
Hacienda Xcanantun
This hacienda is home to one of the best restaurants in the region, Casa de Piedra. Owners Jorge and Tina bought the hacienda in 1993 and began renovations in 1994, which took six years to complete as it was practically a ruin.
And although they bought a diamond in the rough before other people started buying and renovating haciendas in the Yucatán, they saw the potential and realized that the location north of Mérida was perfect, just minutes from the city and with easy access to the coast.
Originally a henequen hacienda, Xcanatún was built in the 17th century. In addition to its renowned restaurant, the hacienda has a luxurious spa and 18 suites, each decorated in a different style.
Hacienda San José
Magical dirt roads, bordered by archways of flowers, welcome you at the entrance of Hacienda San José. Vibrant colors soak the walls of this hacienda, which make the days brighter and the nights more mystical by reflecting the dancing candlelight.
San José is a smaller hacienda hotel, also part of the Luxury Collection, southeast of Mérida, near the ruins of Chichen Itzá. The 15 suites are decorated with exceptional detail around the 18th-century main house. The lush gardens are spectacular and invite you to relive the splendor of bygone eras. All the luxury amenities and services expected of a 5-star hotel are available.
You can learn about its history and the important role it occupied within the social context of this ever-changing land in contrast to ancient and modern cultures.
Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima
Located in the picturesque town of Santa Rosa, the hacienda of the same name was formerly the property of an illustrious and eccentric nobleman who took care of the architecture and every detail of the hacienda. Its carved columns, ornate gardens and distinctive arches make Santa Rosa de Lima one of the most beautiful haciendas in the area. In 1996 it became a luxury hotel, now part of the Marriot chain and has 11 rooms and suites.
Near the hacienda there are several Mayan archaeological sites and several typical handicraft shops in town.
Hacienda Yokat
Yokat, which means "on mud" in Mayan, is situated on unusually high ground, which allows you to see the densely green surroundings, as well as the only hill in all of Yucatan.
It is not unusual for visitors to feel as if they are transcending the boundaries of time as they encounter different rooms where every piece of furniture, every painting and decorative artifact has been painstakingly chosen to weave a singular story.
The former machine room is now the Museo Casa de Barro which displays an impressive collection of Yucatecan ceramics. It also houses a private collection of pieces found on the property, valuable historical objects, perfectly preserved antique furniture and maps, and other items that enrich the history of this impressive hacienda.
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