Chenché de las Torres: a hacienda worthy of a chivalric novel

As you approach Hacienda Chenché de las Torres, in Temax, you can see a man in the distance fighting windmills.

It is one of Yucatán’s most famous haciendas for transporting us to a fiction of dragons, kings and princesses.

Hacienda Chenché de las Torres, in Temax, was founded in the 18th century, in colonial times. Its glory years were in the 20th century, when henequen was booming and Yucatán’s economy — like the hacienda — was a promising stronghold.

Yucatán’s tourist offer goes beyond its natural wonders and incredible archaeological sites. Its haciendas are an attraction that draws thousands of tourists a year, eager to know the history behind their walls.

The state’s route of old haciendas is one of the region’s most important. On it you can visit haciendas rescued from oblivion and turned into imposing hotels or restaurants.

Read more: Haciendas of Yucatán: places to stay on a journey back in time.

If you want to visit Yucatán’s haciendas, you can start with Chenché de las Torres, in Temax, almost 90 kilometres from Mérida. Its main feature is its medieval, mysterious style.

A history that refuses to be forgotten

The stories of the old haciendas are fascinating, and Chenché de las Torres is no exception. They are part of the state’s architectural heritage and a glimpse of old life in Yucatán.

This hacienda dates back to the 18th century; the story goes that it belonged to the Counts of Miraflores, then was acquired by the Manzanilla family of Yucatán.

Today the property is private and belongs to the Kimerman family, who restored it completely. With other buildings, it forms the state’s route of old haciendas and is a place of excellence in Yucatán tourism.

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Medieval architecture at Chenché de las Torres

Life in Yucatán enjoyed fame and glamour in the early 20th century. But in colonial times it also stood out for the splendour of its old haciendas, today one of the keys to Yucatán tourism.

At Chenché de las Torres, the distinctive element, compared with others, is its medieval style with towers 15 to 20 metres high — a singular contribution to the hacienda architecture of the era. That style shows the splendid life in Yucatán, where spending large sums on magnificent buildings was no problem.

Today, several elements of that vast past survive — furniture and coats of arms like those in Renaissance buildings in England or Germany.

Another feature of Yucatán’s old haciendas is their gardens. At Chenché de las Torres you can admire a variety of local plants and a small neo-Gothic chapel.

It is undoubtedly a magical place to visit in Temax.

Getting to Yucatán’s haciendas isn’t as simple as it sounds — or is it?

To reach Chenché de las Torres, take the Cansahcab–Temax road. Shortly before Temax, at kilometre 15, turn right. You can easily spot the entrance. Remember it is a private property — not open to the public, so you need an appointment.

Other haciendas in Yucatán

• Hacienda Xcanatún. One of Yucatán’s most exclusive hotels. 5 minutes from Mérida.
• Hacienda Chichí Suárez. Near Mérida, 10 minutes away, known for its architecture and comfort.
• Hacienda Tepich. With splendid gardens, a good place to stay, just 25 kilometres from the capital.
• Hacienda Sotuta de Peón. Another option to stay in a historic building that keeps its past. 34 kilometres from the capital.
• Hacienda Temozón. 50 kilometres away, notable for its 18th-century church and period decor.
• Hacienda Misné. Known for its spa and pools, ideal for relaxing. 15 kilometres from Mérida.
• Hacienda Kancabchén. Just 33 kilometres away. It has an old chapel and even a zoo.

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