The story of 4 haciendas in Yucatán: discover their history!

Visit Yucatán’s old haciendas and let the voice of their architecture wrap around you.

Yucatán is a land full of history; wherever you look, you’ll witness scenes rich in architecture and culture.

Known as a state rich in culture and history, Yucatán is home to one of the best-kept secrets in the whole country: the haciendas.

There was a time when henequen haciendas were one of the most important banners of southern Mexico. For the estate owners, the haciendas were often a rest house; for the workers, they were where they spent most of their lives.

And although henequen stopped being an active part of the Mexican economy decades ago, it left the state the treasure and history of the haciendas.

These are places where history, art and architecture come together, and which have recently become a place where domestic and foreign tourists find rest from the city.

When it comes to haciendas, the list is quite long — but don’t worry, today we present four where you’ll find everything you want for your holidays.

4 old haciendas to hear the voice of architecture

Hacienda Teya

You can’t leave Yucatán without visiting Hacienda San Ildefonso Teya.

It was built in 1683, and for two centuries it operated as a henequen factory that contributed to the economic wealth for which Yucatán was known in those years.

When the factory’s production collapsed, in part due to conflicts between owners and ejidatarios, the hacienda stood abandoned for several years. It wasn’t until 1987 that a new owner began restoring what is now one of the most emblematic places not only in Mérida but in all of Yucatán.

It is at kilometre 12.5 of the Mérida–Cancún federal highway, and today it hosts all kinds of events — from weddings and baptisms to cultural events and concerts.

Sotuta de Peón

Here you’ll get to experience what life was like on 19th-century haciendas, since the current management has taken care to preserve the details that most define this place.

Don’t miss the chance to ride the truks, the carts once used to transport henequen. Today these carts still work, but now they carry tourists on a tour of the whole hacienda.

The hacienda has a hotel, a restaurant and an area for events such as weddings, spiritual retreats and tours. A visit that can’t be missing from your schedule while in Yucatán.

Temozón

In the 20th century, Hacienda Temozón became one of the most important haciendas in the whole state of Yucatán.

The earliest records of this hacienda go back to 1655, when it grew maize, henequen, sugar cane and tobacco, among other things.

But what really turned Temozón into a regional icon was henequen production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A little farther from the capital, it is at kilometre 182 of the Mérida–Uxmal federal highway, though the experience is worth the distance. You’ll find restaurants, spa services and the experience of walking through places that once witnessed one of the most important chapters in Yucatán’s history.

Xcanatún

This old henequen hacienda is just 15 kilometres from Mérida.

Today it operates as a hotel, with 18 rooms equipped to offer visitors a unique experience where luxury and comfort go hand in hand. It also has a spa and a restaurant, and is a venue for all kinds of events.

Although these are just four of the state’s most important haciendas, when it comes to visiting one the options are quite numerous — it’s just a matter of deciding which hacienda fits your tastes, needs and budget.

Don’t miss the experience!

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