Hacienda Chichen was among the first of Yucatan’s Haciendas. Built 1523 it is famous among Mexico’s haciendas due to it being the place where in the 1920’s National Geographic set up their archaeology base fro nearby Chichen Itza.
The original cabins the archeologists stayed in are now guest cabins. This was the view from ours into the lush gardens. One benefit of staying here is that the grounds of Chichen Itza are at the bottom of the garden.
Below- A hostess in typical Mayan dress.
Below– the old chapel on the grounds.
Below inside ruins on the property.
Below– the traditional Mayan house with plaster walls and thatch roof. the two below are on the grounds of nearby Mayaland hotel and are guest cottages.
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Hacienda Yaxcopoil-
a 17th century hacienda located south of Merida.
Above- Not the main gate -just a side gate !
Once inside the main facade is less colorfull.
Going up the steps to the entrance giant iguanas maybe 4-5 feet in length scurried underneath. (Photo above and below via Wiki-courtesy Magister Mathematicae)
Below– The Haciendas of the Yucatan had a boom making “sisal” rope in the sailing ship period. The Hennequin plant they made it from is in the foreground.
Below the rather grand edifice for the machinery room. Inside was rusting machinery made in England and Germany late 1800’s
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