Haciendas Route
On the way south, these nine haciendas are just a few kilometers away:
Start with an early morning drive south towards Umán, following the signs to Muna on highway 261. After 35 minutes, at km 187, you will enter a small village near the hacienda of Yaxcopoil, which means in Maya "The place of the green poplars". You will recognize the hacienda by its beautiful archway, painted a strong mustard color. Park outside and walk through the archway, allowing your imagination to transport you 200 years back in time.Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Yaxcopoil is a hacienda where time does not pass. You will be able to wander freely through the bedrooms in the main house. There you will see the large dining rooms and attractive rooms with high ceilings, original mosaic tile floors and European furniture in each bedroom, as well as detailed hand paintings on the walls of the house. There is also an impressive machine house, with examples of the machinery used to process henequen.
www.yaxcopoil.com
Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 6 pm, Sat. 10 am - 3 pm
Admission: $125 pesos per person, free for children under 12 accompanied by parents.
Hacienda Temozón Sur
Continue on highway 261 south. At kilometer 182, you will find the sign for Hacienda Temozón Sur. As you get out of the car, you will feel the fresh air and hear the birds of Temozón, the most palatial of all the haciendas. The entrance leads you up the steps, past the unique dolphin-head fountain, to the large terrace. This hacienda, renovated by Salvador Reyes Ríos - Mérida's resident architect - for Roberto Hernández of Banamex, was chosen for a summit meeting between President Bill Clinton and President Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico in 1999. If you are hungry, you can enjoy a delicious gourmet meal at a good price. The service is impeccable, the food exceptional and the occasional sound of birds gives it an exotic feel. If you plan to spend the night here, be prepared for a luxury experience at a luxury price. But you don't need to spend the night to enjoy Temozón. Before you leave, be sure to explore the property, including what is probably the longest swimming pool in all of Yucatán.
Reservations for the restaurant are required at Tel: (999) 923 8089
www.thehaciendas.com
Guided tour: $100 pesos per person.
Hacienda Ochil
Return to highway 261 and continue south. After kilometer 176, look for signs for Hacienda Ochil on your right. Hacienda Ochil is of as much historical interest as Yaxcopoil, but with the added pleasure of several craft stores. Here you can find master craftsmen teaching young people to work in leather, stone, metals, wood and sisal. Although most of the products are commissioned, you can buy some of their work in the gift store. If you are looking for a genuine henequen hammock, you can find one here. Ochil is an intimate and charming hacienda that has an informal restaurant, a gift store, the artisans' workshops and a museum. The latter has many interesting photographs tracing the history and restoration of Ochil, as well as examples of products and artifacts from when the haciendas were in full operation. One of the pleasures of Ochil is simply to take a walk on the grounds, enjoying the exotic gardens. If you walk behind the restaurant you will be surprised by the semi-hidden cenote. Depending on the water level, you may be able to walk over one edge and observe the ancient Maya paintings on the cavern walls.
Closed due to pandemic
FB: Hacienda San Pedro Ochil
North of Merida on the road to Progreso:
Hacienda Xcanatun, Angsana Heritage Collection
Over the years, Hacienda Xcanatún has become a landmark for visitors and locals alike thanks to its privileged location close to the city of Mérida and standing out for its excellent customer service. In 2020, after an incredible renovation, Angsana took over the management of this property. Legendary gardens, luxurious suites, the magnificent Casa de Piedra restaurant and sumptuous spa continue to define this luxury hacienda that you can visit without reservations to either sample the dishes at Casa de Piedra, have a spa treatment or, if you're in the mood for pampering, both!
https://www.angsana.com/mexico/hacienda-xcanatun
In eastern Yucatan on the way to Cancun:
Hacienda Teya
If you don't have time to explore the haciendas for a full day, take an express trip on highway 180 from Mérida to Cancún. Turn left to reach Hacienda Teya. Teya has been renovated with a modern restaurant, large enough to accommodate tour buses and social events. It has conference rooms, a store, a chapel and beautifully appointed suites, but the ballroom with mirrors and sparkling pool will really impress you. The restaurant, which has excellent Yucatecan food, is open daily from 12 to 6 pm.
Hacienda Chichen
Chichen Itza is a fascinating world of magic and beauty and Hacienda Chichen is the perfect place to enjoy the Mayan culture and enjoy an intimate and serene environment surrounded by lush wild gardens. Hacienda Chichén is a Yucatecan paradise that offers a range of unique activities and experiences such as a private jungle, a museum, an authentic Mayan ceremonial center, gardens and Yaxkín Spa: a magnificent Mayan Eco-spa. With a rich history captured in every corner, Hacienda Chichén is today an exquisite boutique hotel recognized for its high quality services and hospitality. It has a fabulous location in Chichén Itzá that will allow you a place to rest before and after venturing to one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.
Author: Alicia Navarrete Alonso
Communicologist born circumstantially in México City, but who says “uay” since 1985. Life has allowed me to see the world, which in turn has allowed me to discover how much I love the place where I live.