Expansive grounds, lush gardens, dreamy trees, historic architecture… There are countless reasons to want to celebrate a special occasion in what are now the remnants of these stunning constructions.
At one time, more than 1,400 haciendas operated in Yucatán, ranging from cattle ranches to henequén and sugar estates. While only a fraction of that number still exists today, there’s still a wide variety of venues to choose from when planning an event, whether it’s a work session or spiritual retreat, a christening or a wedding. Here are a few options.
Hacienda Chenkú
Hacienda Chenkú is a not-so-hidden gem that evokes the essence of old Yucatecan haciendas without having to leave the city. As its name suggests, it’s located in the Chenkú neighborhood, so there’s no need to cross Periférico to reach this place full of history, nature, and beauty.
Although its urban location might lead you to think it's a small venue, crossing its gates reveals quite the opposite. The hacienda features spacious gardens stretching between imposing colonial arches, lush greenery, and a lily-covered pond that welcomes you from the entrance, giving the space a magical and charming atmosphere.
Hacienda Chenkú is perfect for those looking to celebrate in a colonial setting that’s in contact with nature yet still close to the comfort of the city. Its versatility allows it to adapt to all kinds of events: weddings, birthdays, formal dinners, photo sessions, or social gatherings. Additionally, its large promenade is ideal for setting up stages, dance floors, or lounge areas that blend into the surroundings without losing style.
Calle 27 S/N x 30 y 34, San Vicente Chuburná
999 968 1365
haciendachenku@hotmail.com
FB: Hacienda Chenkú
Hacienda Chichí Suárez
Founded in the 16th century, Hacienda Chichí Suárez, located to the northeast of Mérida (just past Periférico), is one of Yucatán’s oldest and most iconic architectural gems. Its striking presence and historical charm make it the perfect setting for unforgettable celebrations.
Its spacious gardens, framed by the majestic façade of the main house in its iconic orange hue—which becomes the perfect backdrop for stunning photos—as well as the area of the old Machine House, offer versatile spaces ideal for weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, and all kinds of social events.
As night falls, the hacienda transforms into a visual spectacle. Carefully designed lighting and an immersive atmosphere create a romantic and sophisticated setting that elevates any celebration to the next level.
Calle 35 s/n, Chichí Suárez
999 292 4904
ventas@haciendachichisuarez.com
Hacienda Chuntuac
Immerse yourself in Yucatán’s rich history as you discover Hacienda Chuntuac, an architectural gem built in 1620 that stands as one of the oldest and most truly beautiful haciendas in the region. Hacienda Chuntuac is strategically located within the stunning Cuxtal Reserve, just thirty minutes south of Mérida’s bustle. Once here, the lush tropical vegetation and the melodic songs of a variety of colorful birds will envelop you, creating an atmosphere of peace and an unparalleled connection with nature.
With over 400 years of history behind it and a deep desire to share the intrinsic magic of this place, the hacienda’s owners undertook a meticulous restoration and renovation project. Every detail was handled with love and respect for its legacy, allowing them to open the doors in 2022. Today, Hacienda Chuntuac stands as an exceptional and versatile property, designed to host dream events for up to 500 guests and offer luxury accommodations where the past meets modern comfort. Hacienda Chuntuac has four rooms designed for maximum comfort: one master suite, one junior suite (both very spacious), and two standard rooms, accommodating up to 12 guests, with breakfast included.
The name of the hacienda, Chuntuac, translates from Maya as “beginning,” while Cuxtal, the name of the reserve, means “life.” Together, they embody the true and emotional meaning of what we represent for such a special day: “The beginning of a life together.” This beautiful symbolism resonates with the essence of every celebration we host.
Whether it's the vibrant splendor of its natural landscape or the elegance and flexibility of its indoor and outdoor spaces, Hacienda Chuntuac creates the most spectacular and unforgettable setting for your celebration, promising an event as unique and timeless as the hacienda itself.
Calle 21, Molas
Tel: 999 169 6902
IG: haciendachuntuac
Hacienda Poxilá
Hacienda Poxilá is a short drive southwest of Mérida, but once you step out of your car, you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time to a breathtaking historical property. This hacienda has it all, making it an ideal venue for weddings, birthday celebrations, retreats, and corporate team-building events, as well as esoteric and spiritual gatherings such as cacao ceremonies and the sacred Temazcal experience.
The hacienda was designed to work with nature. Below nearly all the windows of various buildings and throughout the property, you have lotus ponds filled with white and purple flowers, teeming with tiny fish that help provide freshness during the hotter periods while controlling the mosquito population. We spotted several egrets on the grounds, as well as saw and heard the distinct call of several pairs of the beautiful and elusive Toh birds, which nest in cenotes and old wells.
In addition to the main house, which features a classic long corridor lounge with drop ceiling fans and caned rockers, a library, a large scenic roof terrace, a dining room, a sitting room, a primary suite, and a small chapel, the property comprises several other buildings hidden throughout the extensive lush grounds as well as four pools of varying sizes, the most significant which measures 40 meters in length.
The machinery room, once used to process henequén, remains intact, along with the cart and rails, and even a small terrace where one can sneak away for a morning coffee or meditation. Other attractions include a museum featuring a large dining table reminiscent of the Last Supper, a fruit orchard, a space for temazcal ceremonies, a cenote, and several wells, including a unique wishing well. Behind the museum, you will find the equestrian wing, which includes stables and a former bullfighting ring. However, the pièce de résistance is a stunning archeological site with majestic Maya pyramids.
The main challenge in organizing an event is deciding which part of the hacienda to use! The hacienda staff can help organize events, including but not limited to providing wedding planners and caterers, as well as arranging special regional ceremonies. The staff are bilingual, and there are several kitchens dotted around the property to facilitate catering.
The Hacienda features 10 oversized bedrooms, each of which can accommodate a second king-size mattress, available upon request.
Tel. 999 160 2833
Tel. 999 197 6032
IG: Hacienda Poxila
FB: HaciendaPoxila
Hacienda San Antonio Tahdzibichén
Founded in 1873, this charming hacienda is a perfect option for those looking to celebrate an event without going too far from Mérida. Located just 4 minutes from Periférico and close to the Cuxtal Ecological Reserve, it sits in the town of Tahdzibichén, which shares its name.
The hacienda offers different spaces that can be adapted for all kinds of celebrations. From the main garden, ideal for outdoor receptions, to the backyard or the elegant main house, each corner has its own personality and charm, and can be easily adjusted for the type of event or guest count you require.
Surrounded by lush native vegetation, its arches, corridors, and high walls create a unique visual contrast and provide beautiful spots for photos that will immortalize your special day.
Km. 5, Carretera Mérida - Timucuy
999 328 9198
ykassis.haciendas@dreamdaycollection.com
FB: Hacienda para Bodas y Eventos Tahdzibichen
IG: haciendatah
Hacienda San Diego Tixcacal
If you love unique and memorable settings, this hacienda should be on your radar. Among its gardens, you’ll not only find lush vegetation but also replicas of two iconic Maya archaeological treasures: the Temple of the Seven Dolls from Dzibilchaltún and the famous arch of Labná. It's a simply spectacular backdrop for your most special photos.
Its location, just two kilometers west of Mérida’s Periférico, makes it an accessible and convenient option for those who want to celebrate without leaving the city. And if you’re looking to extend the experience, the hacienda also offers lodging options so you and your guests can fully enjoy this majestic place.
San Diego Tixcacal strikes the perfect balance between the historic essence of ancient Yucatecan haciendas and the comfort of renovated, functional spaces. Its main garden can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, so you can plan your celebration without worrying about space.
Calle 21 S/N x 22, Tixcacal
999 960 4006
haciendasandiegotixcacal.com.mx
FB: Hacienda San Diego Tixcacal
Hacienda San Juan Opichén
To enjoy the colonial beauty of Yucatecan haciendas, you don’t even have to leave the city of Mérida. Within the city’s Periférico, on the west side, lies the picturesque and quiet San Juan Opichén—once a cattle and henequén hacienda, founded in 1779, abandoned during the Mexican Revolution, and later restored in the late 2010s by the Arceo family. Its name comes from John the Baptist, a Catholic saint, and “Opichén,” which in Maya means “place where sugar apples grow.”
This venue is essentially an open-air art gallery where you can spend hours exploring every nook and cranny. One space worth a good snoop is the main house, decorated with paintings and murals by José Luis Bolio. Inside, you’ll find curiosities like French furniture from the Louis XV era, family heirloom china and crystal from the Regil family, and a vast collection of antiques from various regions of México and Europe. In the chapel of the same building, you’ll also find a Mexican baroque-style interior crafted by Agustín Parra, an artist from Guadalajara who is an official supplier to the Vatican.
Another area of interest is the machine room. This space, once used for processing henequén, is now air-conditioned and still houses the original equipment used to process what was known as "green gold." Outside, don’t miss the mural by artist Pedro Guillén.
If you’re lucky enough to host an event or stay overnight at San Juan Opichén, the best part (in my opinion) is that you can request a range of unique experiences from the administration, like breakfast in the picturesque on-site bar or even private yoga sessions in the property’s cenote!
Without a doubt, a hidden gem tucked within Mérida’s Periférico.
Calle 81-Diagonal x 138-A y 136, Hacienda Opichén, Mérida
Cel. 999 386 3914
haciendasanjuanopichen@gmail.com
Lun. - vie. / Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 4 pm
Written in collaboration by Carlos Argüelles, Sharon Cetina, and Cordelia Newlin.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 452, in August 2025.
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