All about Hacienda Mucuyché in Mexico

The history of Hacienda Mucuyché dates back to colonial times in Mexico: The hacienda was built in the 17th century. Originally, it was dedicated to the cultivation and processing of henequen, an agave plant used to make fiber.

During the henequen boom in Yucatán in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many haciendas prospered thanks to the export of henequen fiber. With the end of the henequen boom, the era of the great haciendas also came to an end.

Meanwhile Hacienda Mucuyché is designed for tourism. The hacienda is one of the most beautiful on the Yucatán Peninsula and perfect for a day trip from Mérida. The former plantation has many original buildings with arches in Arabic and French styles.

However, it is the hacienda's cenotes that are the main attraction for most visitors. The entrance fee is comparatively high (but worth the money) and sometimes it can be quite crowded, especially when larger cruise ship groups arrive.

Restauration of the hacienda

The Hacienda Mucuyché (like the nearby Hacienda Yaxcopoil) has largely original unrestored buildings (actually more ruins than buildings). And as always, it depends on your wishes and expectations what you like better.

Also the machine room with a large engine, which in its time drove two enormous belts can be visited. While the engines at Hacienda Sotuta de Peon have been brought back to life, the engines at Hacienda Mucuyche, however, are completely rusty.

Cenote Carlota and Azul Maya

There are two cenotes at hacienda Mucuyché: Cenote Carlota (the first one) is a aboveground cenote in luscious vegetation and - the true star - Cenote Azul Maya is an underground cenote with many great stalactites that reach into the water.

An atrificial channel has been created that allows swimming (or walking) between the two cenotes. The cenotes are among the most beautiful and impressive in the area.

Especially the underground cenote Azul Maya is characterized by huge stalactites which sparkle in the light (due to minerals) and also stalagmites under the water.

Through an elaborate underwater lighting the cenote is well accentuated.The reddish color is caused by the minerals and can only be seen when the cenote is illuminated (the light is only fully on during a guided tour).

The world of cenotes

Some interesting figures about cenotes:

The very best cenotes tour

If you are interested in getting to know the two best places with six cenotes and a 17th century hacienda in a private tour (Santa Barbara Cenotes and Hacienda Mucuyché), you should take a look at this Viator Tour. It's not really cheap, but a memory for life.

Facilities

There is a spacious parking lot, lockers (actually large bags with a lock for 30 peses), bath and showers, a restaurant and a large swimming pool.

The guided tour of the hacienda lasts about 45 minutes and you will learn about the history of the hacienda and the cultivation and production of henequen. Afterwards you can swim in the two cenotes.

Swimming in the cenotes is only possible during the guided tour but you can also come back afterwards, for example to take photos. A restaurant visit (with yucatecan specialties) is possible and the large pool (including a pool bar) of the hacienda can be used after the tour.

A few tips

Depending on the route you take, Hacienda Yaxcopoil (highway 180 and 261) or the Hacienda Sotuta de Peon (via the country roads) is on the way and you can also combine two hacienda visits (if it works with the times of the specific tours).

Hacienda Yaxcopoil and Hacienda Sotuta de Peon are both located about 15-25km (20 min. by car) before Hacienda Mucuyché. Important: If you want to visit the Hacienda Mucuyché, you have to make a reservation in advance. Access to the Hacienda is only possible through a booked tour, not individually.

How to get to Hacienda Mucuyché from Mérida?

The easiest way to get there is by car. Take the highway to Uxmal, passing Hacienda San Pedro Ochil. The next pueblo is Abalá, follow the signs to Mucuyché until you arrive at the hacienda.

Or you can take a colectivo to Sacalum at the bus station San Juan Park in Mérida. Sacalum is a few kilometres behind the hacienda, so you have to tell the driver where you want to get off. You can then also make an arrangement for the return journey.