The Museum Route

If you are headed south of Mérida on the Puuc Route, you can fit these three museums in along the way. They are all different and all offer a glimpse into the history and the people of Yucatán.

Hacienda Yaxcopoil

A visit to this hacienda is a trip into the past. It has been preserved almost intact, frozen in time. Hacienda Yaxcopoil demonstrates, with the most accuracy and simplicity, the spaces and furnishings that the hacienda owners were accustomed to using at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. The visitor can admire the various articles and utensils used in the era of the splendor of the hacienda. The hacienda also has a beautifully restored guest room for overnight stays, with delicious regional meals served at whatever time you desire.

Hacienda Yaxcopoil is 33 km. south of Mérida on the way to Uxmal.
Entry: $100 pesos. Mon.-Sat. 8 am – 6 pm. Sun. 9 am – 3 pm.
www.yaxcopoil.com

Hacienda San Pedro Ochil

This beautifully restored hacienda has a small museum of six henequén haciendas, with photos and descriptions: Hacienda Ochil, Hacienda Temozón Sur, Hacienda Santa Rosa, Hacienda San José, Hacienda Uayamón, and Hacienda Puerta Campeche. There is also a museum of Mexican folk art, as well as craft workshops, “truck” (train) tours, a gift shop, and a swimming area. The terrace restaurant offers a delicious buffet of Yucatecan cuisine.

The hacienda is just 10 minutes south of Hacienda Yaxcopoil.
Open every day 10 am – 6 pm.
www.haciendaochil.com

Choco Story Museum

This interactive museum takes you on a historical tour of cacao, an important ingredient in the history of the Maya. As you walk the peaceful grounds of the museum, you will see the animals who form part of the wildlife refuge at Choco-Story: jaguars, spider monkeys, and deer. You will see a demonstration of ceramic making, using techniques more than 2000 years old. You will also witness a ceremony in honor of the rain god Chaac, to ask him to help the cornfields to develop and grow. You will get to taste chocolate prepared with an ancestral recipe.

Choco-Story is located across the road from the Uxmal archaeological site.
Entry $165 pesos. $100 pesos (Yucatecans)
Open every day 9 am – 7.30 pm.
www.choco-storymexico.com