Maya Sihó, Where Ancient Ruins Meet Haciendas and Rural Life
To the west of Halacho in Yucatán is the timeless Mayan community of Sihó. Far from the bustling tourist trails, this small pueblo offers an authentic glimpse into the region’s rich Maya heritage, colonial history, and rural way of life. Maya Sihó’s cobblestone streets, centuries-old church, and even more ancient Mayan temples give off the feel of a time warp.
Maya Sihó’s roots stretch deep into the pre-Hispanic era when it was part of the Cochuah Maya territory. The surviving archaeological remains of Sihó are a couple of kilometers away from the contemporary town.
Once within the archaeological site, it’s impossible not to notice large mounds and the remains of ancient plazas across the landscape. Though these ancient temples have not been restored, several interesting architectural features remain.
Maya Sihó is Worth Exploring
It is possible to enter some of these structures, which, despite the ravages of time, still have standing vaults. However, entering can be hazardous because there are plenty of loose stones one would not want to dislodge
One of the most interesting features of these structures is the relatively well-preserved doorways, complete with ancient stone lintels. Because the sections of the structures these doorways lead into have now collapsed partially or entirely, going any further is not a good idea.
The site also contains some fairly large pyramidal structures, but these are in even more precarious condition, so climbing them is not recommended.
Another interesting architectural feature of Sihó is a series of stone cylinders that likely served as pillars to hold up the ceiling of structures. Judging by their size, distribution, and architectural features, it’s likely that these temples were similar to those found at nearby Xcalumkín in the state of Campeche—though this is conjecture.
The archaeological site also features a Sacbé, or Mayan road, which is kept in remarkable condition and continues to be used to this day by agricultural workers. Speaking of agriculture, this activity remains the backbone of Sihó’s economy as it has for millennia. Farmers still tend to milpas, the traditional Maya cornfields intercropped with beans and squash, while beekeepers harvest the prized Yucatán honey, renowned for its floral sweetness.
After the Spanish conquest, Sihó became a colonial-era hacienda, where the cultivation of henequen (sisal) once thrived. Today, remnants of this past can still be seen in the town’s rustic architecture and the enduring presence of Hacienda Sihó, a silent witness to Yucatán’s boom-and-bust plantation history.
At the center of the contemporary community stands the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, a modest yet evocative 16th-century structure built by Franciscan missionaries. Its weathered stone walls and simple facade speak to the enduring faith and traditions of Sihó’s people. Like in many towns in Yucatán, examples of religious syncretism between ancient beliefs and Catholicism abound.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer, adventure leader, and PhD candidate. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
