Beautifully restored, Hacienda San Pedro Ochil (“place of the fox” in Maya) is one of seven haciendas whose production of henequén fiber at the end of the 19th C gave prosperity to the surrounding municipality of Abalá (“place of the plums” in Maya).
It was built among the ruins of pre-Hispanic settlements and has been repeatedly modified until acquiring the characteristic features of the late 19th C. One of its most notable details is the beautiful main door, with a Moorish style arch and neo-classic influences. The façade of the “casa principal” (main house) has four molded arches and a fountain; the main house is now used as a restaurant, due to its ample space. A stone staircase gives access to a roofed terrace with its original roof tiles. Notice the main terrace, the foreman’s house, the hacienda’s original chimney, and the former machine house that still contains the machinery that operated the fiber shredder.
San Pedro Ochil currently boasts an installation by California artist James Turrell, situated at the opening of the hacienda’s cenote: “Árbol de Luz” (tree of light). It is an artistic lighting concept, a symphony of light inside an amphitheater. As if that were not enough, it has been the setting for mystical and sophisticated performances by various artists including renowned pianist Philip Glass. This space is becoming a cultural center showcasing the highest level of performances of various types of artistic expressions.
During your visit, you can see the hacienda’s henequén plants, as well as its original drying racks, machinery, chimney, and chapel, visit the cenote, watch the artisans creating magic in their workshops, and have a look around the small folk art museum.
One of the highlights of your visit can be a walk around the grounds, a ride on the “truck” that goes along the ancient rail track, still intact, or a horseback ride around the henequén fields.
In the restaurant, your tastebuds will be thrilled with the variety of Yucatecan specialties, either a la carte or on the buffet, including sopa de lima, panuchos, cochinita, relleno negro, and pollo pibil with fresh homemade tortillas, all in a setting surrounded by nature, history, handcrafts, and culture.
Without a doubt, this is the perfect place to visit and have a meal on your way to or from Uxmal and the Puuc Route. Hacienda San Pedro Ochil is an intimate, charming space that will surely make you want to return.
It is open from 10 am – 6 pm. Reservations are required for groups.
Km. 36 Mérida-Uxmal Highway
Tel. 999 924 7465
Email: [email protected]
www.haciendaochil.com
Facebook: Hacienda San Pedro Ochil
Photos by Laura Pasos
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