A popular stop on half-, full-, or multi-day trips from nearby Mérida or even Playa del Carmen and Cancun, most visitors combine a stop at Hacienda Yaxcopoil with a visit to the Uxmal ruins and a cooling dip in a cenote. Some tours even feature chocolate experiences and all offer round-trip transportation. Highlights of the hacienda include an impressive collection of antique European furniture, the agave shredding machines, and oil paintings of the former owners.
Hacienda Yaxcopoil is a must for history buffs in Mérida who want to learn more about the region’s complex history.
Don’t miss the machine house, engine room, and workshops where you can learn about henequen production.
There’s an on-site guest house offering free Wi-Fi and traditional Mayan meals (for an additional fee) at Hacienda Yaxcopoil.
Hacienda Yaxcopoil may not be easily wheelchair accessible, due to the historic nature of the structure and grounds.
Hacienda Yaxcopoil is situated just 14 miles (22 kilometers) south of Mérida, at Km 220 on Highway 261. Easiest to reach by private vehicle, grab a taxi from the city center or arrive as part of an organized tour for extra convenience. Alternatively, you can reach Yaxcopoil by colectivo (shared minibus) from Mérida—head to “Uman” then transfer to another colectivo bound for Yaxcopoil there. Autobuses del Mayab also run to Yaxcopoil.
Hacienda Yaxcopoil is open year-round, with the exception of Sunday when the site is always closed to the public. From Monday to Friday, the hacienda is typically open from 10am to 6pm; on Saturdays, it closes a couple of hours earlier. To enjoy the hacienda in relative peace and quiet, arrive early and avoid the worst of both crowds and heat.
As a result of its history of Spanish colonization, the Yucatán is dotted with haciendas which are now open to the public. While Yaxcopoil is one of the most popular, if you’re interested in this period of Mexican history, don’t miss Hacienda Xcanatún, now a hotel; Hacienda Misné, home to preserved machinery; and scenic Hacienda Ochil, where you can learn about henequen production.
