Hacienda Mucuyché and its 2 cenotes are ideal for tourists and empresses alike
With a long history dating back several centuries, impressive architecture, and pristine cenotes, Hacienda Mucuyché has a lot to offer.
The hacienda itself dates as far back as the 17th century, but most of its remaining architecture dates no earlier than the 19th century.
Upon inspection, it is clear that several of the materials used to build the hacienda, especially large slabs of carved stone, date back to the time of the Maya.
At its height in the late 19th and early 20th century, the sisal-producing hacienda was one of many owned by the Peon family.
Though it’s a little hard to imagine just how important this crop once was, henequen fiber production and exports once made Yucatán tremendously wealthy and greatly fueled the architectural renaissance the state experienced starting in the early 19th century.
When touring the hacienda, it’s possible to see a great many of the tools and machinery used in the production of henequen produced from an agave whose scientific name is fourcroydes.
But aside from the hacienda’s grand architecture and interesting history as a plantation, the main attraction at Mucuyché is definitely its two gorgeous cenotes.
The first is called Cenote Carlota, named in honor of Emperess Carlota of Mexico, the wife of Emperor Maximilian who ruled Mexico from 1864 to 1867.
The imperial couple visited the hacienda on their way from Campeche to Mérida, spending the night in its opulent casonas. It is said that Carlota was the first person to swim in the cenote that now bears her name — though this claim seems unlikely and is easily disputable.
Mucuyché’s second cenote, known as the Cenote Azul Maya, is completely underground and may cause claustrophobia for some people.
Both cenotes at Hacienda Mucuyché can only be accessed as part of a tour and require the use of a life jacket, which is included in the cost of entry.
If you go
Hacienda Mucuyché is located in the village of the same name, roughly 30 miles south of Mérida.
Aside from the tour which includes a guided visit of the hacienda itself and its cenotes, Mucuyché also has a lovely pool with restaurant service which is surprisingly good.
Given its fantastic infrastructure, hacienda Mucuyché is an ideal destination for people traveling with children or folks with limited mobility.
That being said, admission to Hacienda Mucuyché does not come cheap, with general admission for adults starting at 590 pesos and for children at 350 pesos.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht, PhD, is a journalist, photographer, and expedition leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway. Most recently, he earned a doctorate in Heritage Studies in 2026.
