The Top Haciendas To Visit Near Merida Mexico

The countryside around Merida is home to scores of plantations, or haciendas, that made the region rich during the colonial period. Here are the best ones to visit.

Hacienda San Antonio Millet

The $500 per night price tag means this place is firmly at the luxury end of the spectrum. It’s a spectacular place to stay, with antique furniture from France, so if you want to treat yourself then it’s a great option.

Hacienda Yaxcopoil

Hacienda Xcanatun

This grand hacienda is just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, so it’s perfect for those who don’t have much time. After years in disrepair, Xcanatun was recently restored by new owners. It now houses luxurious suites, a renowned restaurant and beautiful gardens. Pop in for a sundowner on the veranda.

Hacienda Sotuta de Peon

In addition to rooms and a restaurant, this hacienda has an onsite museum dedicated to the henequen trade that made Merida rich. Visit the grand hacienda, and then take a tour around the museum to see the terrible conditions that Mayan workers were subjected to during the boom years for the industry. It’s a stark reminder of the brutal history that brought the haciendas into existence, and well worth a visit.

Hacienda Chichen

The 16th-century hacienda is lauded for its eco-friendly practices, onsite spa and proximity to the popular Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza. It’s so close that there’s an entrance to the archaeological park at the edge of the hacienda grounds. There are wellness services available during your stay, and the focus is on getting in touch with Mayan culture and your own well-being.

Hacienda Santa Cruz

Another luxurious option is Hacienda Santa Cruz, where you will really feel as though you are going back in time to experience colonial opulence. It’s well-placed for access to archaeological sites at Uxmal, Mayapan and Chichen Itza, and just 20 minutes from the center of town. Non-guests are free to visit the restaurant and enjoy the gardens.

Hacienda Misne

Misne is surrounded by wonderful gardens, and there are plenty of attractions just outside the hacienda walls too. There is a local golf course, fishing and sailing, and yacht tours along the coast. This 19th-century hacienda has a slightly French influence, which marks it out from the others on this list.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.