Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Step back in time at Hacienda Yaxcopoil, a living museum showcasing Mayan, colonial, and henequén eras in Yucatán.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Hacienda Yaxcopoil, a living museum showcasing Mayan, colonial, and henequén eras in Yucatán.
"A truly amazing place. An eerie ruined hacienda, part of which was restored to host a restaurant and a small museum."
🚗 Drive from Mérida
About 35-40 mins from Mérida. Road can be bumpy, allow extra time.
💰 Entrance Fee
Around 150-200 pesos. Worth it for the history and photo ops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main House Museum
Main building
Step back in time with original furniture and decor from the henequén boom era.
Henequén Production Machinery
Former factory area
Explore the impressive, often eerie, abandoned machinery used for processing 'green gold'.
Mayan Artifacts
Within the main house
Discover remnants of the site's pre-Hispanic Mayan past, adding layers to its history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Understanding the Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive from Mérida
About 35-40 mins from Mérida. Road can be bumpy, allow extra time.
💰 Entrance Fee
Around 150-200 pesos. Worth it for the history and photo ops. +1
🗣️ Spanish-Speaking Guides
Guides are passionate but primarily speak Spanish. Slow Spanish is understandable.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Excellent opportunities for unique shots of history and architecture.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive from Mérida
About 35-40 mins from Mérida. Road can be bumpy, allow extra time.
💰 Entrance Fee
Around 150-200 pesos. Worth it for the history and photo ops. +1
🗣️ Spanish-Speaking Guides
Guides are passionate but primarily speak Spanish. Slow Spanish is understandable.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Excellent opportunities for unique shots of history and architecture.
🚫 Check for Closures
Can be closed for private events. Check website before visiting.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities on-site; a store in town has drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hacienda Yaxcopoil as a beautifully restored historical gem, offering a deep dive into Yucatán's past, particularly the henequén era. The passionate guides and the well-preserved artifacts and machinery are frequently highlighted as exceptional. Some minor concerns include the need for better upkeep of non-restored buildings and general waste management, which are noted as country-wide issues.
"We had a fantastic visit to this beautifully restored hacienda! The property is stunning, full of history, charm, and original furniture that really transports you back in time.
Our guide, Arsenio, was truly exceptional. Although he doesn’t speak English, he spoke slow and clear Spanish, which made it easy for us to understand. His passion and knowledge were obvious, especially since he actually worked on the hacienda when he was younger! He gave us a full tour of the grounds, explained the fascinating history of the place, and even demonstrated how henequén was made.
At 200 pesos per person, it’s more than worth it for the experience. Plus, it’s just a short 35-minute drive from Mérida. Highly recommended if you’re looking to explore a hidden gem with a personal, authentic touch"
Yannick Chauvette
"I love the place. I wish they had better founding to maintain other buildings too. One thing that needs improving is cleaning up and management of rubbish (unfortunately it's a country wide issue). Well worth a visit."
Norbert G
"Excellent hidden gem for those who love old things and taking great photos. About 40 minutes from Merida by car, and there were very few people (I think I was the first visitor in the morning). It's basically one big museum, not a hotel or pool. You can see the old abandoned machines that were used for henequen production, and much of the old furniture is there. Entrance was 150 pesos, check the website ahead of time because some days they are closed for private functions. Highly recommended."
Csaba Csaki
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hacienda Yaxcopoil is about a 35-40 minute drive from Mérida. The route involves a road that can be a bit bumpy, so factor in a little extra travel time. Some visitors mention it's a stone road after turning off the main highway.
Public transport options are limited and not directly to the hacienda. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange private transport for easier access.
While the main highway is paved, the final stretch to the hacienda can be a stone or dirt road with potholes. Driving slowly and carefully is recommended.
Signs might be minimal, especially on the final approach. It's advisable to use GPS or a map application to ensure you don't miss the turn-off.
The drive typically takes around 35 to 40 minutes from Mérida, but this can vary depending on traffic and road conditions. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is generally around 150-200 pesos per person. It's considered very reasonable for the historical experience and photographic opportunities offered. +1
Information on specific discounts isn't widely available, but the current entrance fee is considered affordable. It's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly for any potential offers.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival. However, it's wise to check their website for any booking requirements or to confirm operating hours, as they can sometimes be closed for private events.
Hacienda Yaxcopoil is generally open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. However, it's crucial to verify these hours as they can change and the hacienda may be closed for private functions.
Saturdays have limited hours (9:00 AM to 2:00 PM), and it's important to check if they are open on Sundays or if private events are scheduled, as these can affect public access.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Hacienda Yaxcopoil is a photographer's dream, offering stunning opportunities to capture the history, architecture, and unique atmosphere of the henequén era. The restored main house and the abandoned machinery provide incredible backdrops. +1
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed and encouraged. However, for professional shoots like weddings or commercial photography, specific permissions and fees might apply. 
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful, soft light that enhances the textures and colors of the hacienda. Morning light is also excellent for capturing details without harsh shadows.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to inquire directly with the hacienda management before your visit to understand any regulations or permit requirements for drone photography.
It's ideal for historical photography, architectural shots, portraiture (especially engagement or wedding photos), and capturing the rustic charm of Yucatan's past.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Founded in the 17th century, Hacienda Yaxcopoil has a rich history spanning Mayan settlement, colonial cattle ranching, and the henequén boom, earning it the nickname 'green gold' of Yucatan.
In Mayan, Yaxcopoil means 'place of the green alamos' or 'place of the green trees'.
The hacienda showcases the machinery and processes used in henequén production, offering insight into this vital industry that shaped Yucatan's economy.
Yes, the site has a history that includes a Mayan settlement, and remnants or artifacts from this period can be found and explored.
It serves as a living museum, preserving and showcasing Yucatan's historical periods, from its Mayan roots to its colonial and henequén eras, offering a tangible connection to the past.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While some reviews mention a restaurant, others state they didn't see one. It's best to confirm current dining availability directly with the hacienda. A store in the nearby town offers cold drinks.
If a restaurant is operating, it likely serves regional Yucatecan cuisine, reflecting the local flavors and traditions.
The hacienda is somewhat remote. For more extensive dining options, you would likely need to return to Mérida or explore restaurants in nearby towns.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally good practice to consume your own food and drinks in designated areas or outside the main historical exhibits.
Yes, Hacienda Yaxcopoil is a popular venue for weddings and events, suggesting they can accommodate catering and dining services for such occasions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for Mayan artifacts and imagine life on the hacienda during its henequén heyday. The open spaces around the property allow for some freedom to explore, but always supervise children closely, especially around the historical machinery and structures. Bringing snacks and water is advisable, as on-site facilities are limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for the most dramatic and beautiful lighting. The contrast between the old stone, weathered metal, and vibrant greenery provides a rich palette for your shots. Be sure to check the hacienda's schedule for private events, as this can impact your access and photography opportunities.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
+1The guided tours, even if in Spanish, offer deep insights from guides who often have personal connections to the hacienda's history. The preserved artifacts and machinery offer a tangible connection to the lives and industries that shaped this region. It's an immersive experience that goes beyond textbook learning.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Layers of Hacienda Yaxcopoil
The colonial era brought a new chapter, transforming the land into a cattle ranch. This period laid the groundwork for the hacienda's development. However, the most prominent era, and the one that defines much of its current structure and exhibits, is the henequén boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Henequén, often called 'green gold,' was a vital export for Yucatán, and Yaxcopoil was a major producer. The impressive machinery and infrastructure dedicated to its processing are a testament to this prosperous, yet often harsh, period.
Today, Hacienda Yaxcopoil stands as a meticulously restored testament to these eras. The main house offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the henequén barons, filled with original furniture and decor. Simultaneously, the preserved factory buildings and machinery evoke the industrial might and labor of the time. This blend of Mayan history, colonial past, and the henequén era makes Yaxcopoil a uniquely comprehensive historical site.
The 'Green Gold' Era: Henequén Production at Yaxcopoil
Visitors can explore the remnants of the henequén processing plants, where the tough leaves were mechanically separated to extract the valuable fiber. These machines, some of which are remarkably preserved, offer a tangible connection to the industrial processes that fueled Yucatán's economy. Understanding this era is key to appreciating the wealth and social structures that emerged, as well as the labor conditions that often accompanied it.
The term 'green gold' aptly describes henequén's impact. It brought immense wealth to landowners and transformed the landscape with vast henequén fields. Hacienda Yaxcopoil's exhibits provide a crucial educational component, allowing visitors to grasp the economic and social significance of this once-dominant industry in Mexican history.
Photography at Hacienda Yaxcopoil: Capturing Timeless Beauty
Beyond the main house, the abandoned henequén machinery presents a more rugged and industrial aesthetic. These imposing structures, often set against the backdrop of lush vegetation or the open sky, are incredibly photogenic and evoke a sense of mystery and history. The contrast between the decaying industrial elements and the vibrant natural surroundings is particularly striking.
Golden hour is highly recommended for capturing the hacienda's beauty. The soft, warm light enhances the textures of the stone walls, the patina on the machinery, and the overall romantic ambiance. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, Yaxcopoil offers endless possibilities for creating stunning, evocative images that tell a story of Yucatán's past.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit