Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Hacienda Yaxcopoil was once considered one of the most important rural estates in the Yucatan. At one time it covered nearly 22,000 acres that were used for cattle and henequen. It rose to its height at the end of the nineteenth century when the henequen industry was booming.
Today you can visit this large hacienda and get a feel for the history. Hacienda Yaxcopoil is a short driver from the city of Merida and near the beginning of the tourist route called the Ruta Puuc.
The hacienda and Mayan ruins nearby both have the same name. The name “Yaxcopoil” comes from Mayan which means “the place of the green Alamo trees“.
The main house of Hacienda Yaxcopoil
The “casa principal” or main house, consist of four main rooms that have been kept in their original state. The décor reflects the time period of the glory of Hacienda Yaxcopoil in the late 1800’s.
You will see the beautiful pasta tile floors, high ceilings and European influences in the furnishings.
In the second part of the main house you will find the dinning room and kitchen. Today there is also a small store where you can find some souvenirs and drinks for sale.
In the photo below you see the office. Here there is a collection of books, maps, documents and other items of historical note from when this was the administration center of the hacienda.
Also attached to the main house is the chapel. This charming room hosts the patron saint San Geronimo of Yaxcopoil.
Mayan room full of artifacts
Near to this hacienda are the Mayan ruins of Yaxcopoil. These ruins are not open to the public but you are still able to see some remnants of it. One room of the hacienda is dedicated as a small museum of artifacts. Here you can see Mayan pottery and archaeological relics from the classic period (250 AD-900 AD).
Henequen shredding plant
Henequen is what built most of the haciendas in the Yucatan Peninsula. The plant of henequen looks like agave. The green spikey plant was very profitable because it could be processed to make rope from its fibers. This rope was especially important in marine environments due to its durability. Until synthetic fibers were invented, this was the best material to use on ships and for other things.
Because henequen grows so well in the Yucatan Peninsula, large plantations were developed.
Other things to see at Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Since haciendas were centers of production of mainly henequen, these were factories with often hundreds of people working there. Because these haciendas were built in rural areas there was a whole host of things that were needed.
Around this area you will see the workshop, storehouses, school, hospital, the store and some housing for some of the workers.
Spend the night at Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Visiting this hacienda will bring you many thoughts of what life was like back in the day. Spending the night at Hacienda Yaxcopoil will be even more special. There is just one guest room available for stays.
The guest room is in the back of the main house. It has a porch, large colonial room with high ceilings, a dining room table, two double beds and a bathroom. This is not a luxury room per se but what does make it special is the fact there is only one room and will make for a memorable occasion. You will be ensconced by old charm and colonial living.
The thick walls and colonial doors with windows create a breeze. There are fans to keep the room cooled. Most of the time this is all that was needed to keep the room comfortable.
Meals while you stay at Hacienda Yaxcopoil
If you stay at the hacienda, they will offer dinner and breakfast to you. This can be a good option since there are no restaurants in the small town of Yaxcopoil. Dinner can be Yucatecan food of lime soup and tamales with seasonal fruit for dessert. Breakfast can be coffee, juice, fruit and fresh cornbread. Lunch is also available but advance reservations are needed for the meals.
Booking a stay at Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Since there is only one room it is good to book in advance as much as possible. The rates are $90 double occupancy for the night. To book you send request to: [email protected]
How to get to Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Hacienda Yaxcopoil is about 37 Km. south of Merida and takes about 40 minutes to get to. The makes it a great day trip or part of a trip to see the Ruta Puuc. Coming from the north or south you take 261 to the town of Yaxcopoil. The town is small enough you can see the hacienda from about anywhere in town. Parking is in front of the hacienda.
Tip: There are no restaurants in Yaxcopoil town. So, if you are planning on visiting the area you have either Uman or Muna to visit and stop at a restaurant. There are more restaurants in Muna, which is to the south of Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Entrance cost and hours
The hacienda is open Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-3:00pm. You should plan at least one hour there if not more just to see everything and take photos.
The entrance cost is 100 pesos per person.
Other things to check out in this area
Hacienda Yaxcopoil is on the Ruta Puuc which is a tourist route south of Merida. There is a lot to visit. Here are just a few options for you.
- Uxmal Mayan ruins. The archeological site is one of the best to visit. Done leave this area without going here.
Have you been to Hacienda Yaxcopoil? What did you think? Let us know your comments below, we would love to hear from you.
About The Author
Such a great article. Good work! I am definitely going to plan a day trip there or better yet rent the room.
I enjoy reading your articles.
Thank you so much Cecile. We never know who is going to read them but we do love promoting all the things that are here and nearby. We have many more interesting places coming.