Hacienda Sotuta de Peón: Live Henequén Museum

Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, built at the end of the 19^th C. in Tecoh, Yucatán, is one of the few henequén haciendas which is still in full production; the history is “live”. Walking through its installations represents an extraordinary experience in which beauty, comfort, and adventure are the protagonists of a journey to this peninsula’s glorious past.

The tour begins with a visit to the Casa Principal (main house), where the architecture and décor express the elegance and tradition associated with the grand lifestyle in the successful era of the Oro Verde (green gold).

Then you will walk to the Casa de Máquinas (machine house) where you will have the chance to see the scraping of the henequén leaves with antique machinery. Here you can also see the rope-making process, by hand, which, although simple, visitors always mention as one of the highlights of the tour, especially as it is a place where you can participate. To observe the manufacture of rope is something everyone enjoys and is very entertaining.

The next part of the tour is on the wooden platforms hauled by mules, with metal wheels that roll on Decauville rails, imported from Europe. Extensive plantings of henequén welcome you as the preamble to the tour that will allow you to learn more about Sotuta de Peón, live hacienda.

From here the tour crosses a beautiful henequén field and takes you to the Casa Maya (Maya house), with its typical and functional construction made of “Pak luum”, material derived from a mixture of earth and grass. In the Casa Maya you will meet Don Antonio, who will tell you about the customs and traditions of the Maya and the way they used to live, and in many cases, still do. We are sure that when you leave Sotuta de Peón, one of your favorite memories will be of the time you spent in the Casa Maya with Don Antonio!

From here you will be able to venture underground to experience the extraordinary beauty of the cenote Dzul-há (gentleman of the water), where natural stone sculptures frame a natural spa of fresh crystalline waters, where you can swim safely in an unforgettable surrounding.

At the end of the tour, make sure you try the food at Sotuta de Peón. The restaurant is open every day from 12 pm to 6 pm; here you can enjoy delicious Yucatecan food, one of the pillars of Mexican gastronomy.

The hacienda offers this tour seven days a week at 10 am and 1 pm. There is also transportation for travellers who do not have a car and wish to take the tour.

We look forward to seeing you at Hacienda Sotuta de Peón where you will enjoy the great hospitality that characterizes the Yucatecan people.

Tour times: 10 am and 1 pm, Monday to Sunday
Distance from Mérida: 45 kilometers (25 miles)

Tour rates: click here.

From a reader, Lucinda Young, 2017:

“Thanks for telling me about the horseback riding opportunities at Sotuta de Peon: a possibility that would never have occurred to me and which I enjoyed immensely. The ride itself was slow, gentle, and inevitably tame; however, the horses, as you said, are really the best looking and best trained I’ve ridden so far in the Yucatan, impeccably groomed and the most beautiful, traditional “Charro” style saddles. Plus, you ride through and around the henequen fields, no garbage, all also quite manicured and lovely. $200 pesos for an hour, with Victor, our charming, informative, and interesting young groom as guide (though Spanish only here, I think). After my great ride experience, we suggested to some visiting chums that they spend the night there and they loved it. They took a private sunset tour up to the cenote on the mule cart!”

Tour Henequenero

Includes: guided tour, welcome cocktail (non-alcoholic), Corchada Manual, Raspa, Tendedero, Prensa, Corchería Motor Strength Museum, truck ride, Maya house, visit to the Dzul-Ha cenote and the Main House.

Language: Spanish, English and French.

Tel. (999) 941 6441
www.haciendaviva.com
FB: Hacienda Sotuta de Peon
Thu. – Sun*. 10 am
Adult: $700
Children 4 – 12 years: $350

Not included: food, drinks, transportation, and additional experiences
*Machines are not seen in operation on Sundays