All about Hacienda Sotuta de Peón in Mexico

You will take a peek into Yucatán’s henequen/sisal past: Hacienda Sotuta de Peón is a restored plantation that features many recreation’s of the lifestyle of that era.

Built in the mid-nineteenth century, it began operating in 1858 and after 100 years of prosperity, resulting from its original sisal production vocation, it was abandoned for three long decades.

After being abandoned for that long time, the Hacianda was rescued from the ravages of time and restored in a project that lasted for years, with great dedication, perseverance and attention to detail. Today it is a widely known tourist destination and also functions as a hotel.

A field of agaves

Production process of Henequén

The special thing is, Sotuta de Peón is the only hacienda that can show the whole production process of Henequén using the old original machines. It is probably the only working henequén hacienda in the world.

The tour explains how the product henequen is obtained from the agaves. It lasts about 2 hours and you get to see the old sisal production machines in operation - and you hear them too, because they make a hell of a racket.

Processing the agave leaves

Cenote Dzul Ha

On the territory of the hacienda there is the beautiful cenote Dzul Ha that is reached by a horse-drawn train. Translated, Dzul-Ha means "Lord of the Water".

You sit directly on wooden planks, your dangles out in the open, ride through the former agave plantation and are shaken to the core. Before you arrive at the cenote, there is a stopover at an old Mayan farmhouse, which you can visit.

A break from the tourists

The visit of the cenote can be booked as an option to a guided tour and we recommend to do so. It is a nice end to the tour and - depending on the outside temperature - a welcome cooling.

Inside the Dzul Ha cenote

The world of cenotes

Some interesting figures about cenotes:

Guided tours and prices

Sotuta de Peón is probably the most popular hacienda near Mérida, but this is also reflected in the price. There are two guided tours per day (provided in Spanish, English, and French). To visit the hacienda and you have to book a guided tour in advance.

Optionally, you can book a trip to the beautiful underground cenote on the property (where you can also swim), and a meal at the restaurant, both of which we recommend.

Also the visit of the colonial main house with its premises is on the program. And you can swim in the hacienda's large swimming pool, which is surrounded by a green garden with tropical plants, trees and flowers.

The colonial main house

In addition to the Henequén tour there are other offers. If you are looking for a little more adventure, you can also book a quad bike tour that will take you to two further rustic cenotes.

A few tips

If you are in Mérida and want to know everything in detail and need further advice: There is also an office of the Hacienda Sotuta de Peón on Calle 55 between Calle 58 and Calle 60.

On site you should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you can also walk on dirt tracks. If you want to visit the cenote, of course, swimming gear and a towel.

And as always, only use biodegradable sunscreen when swimming in a cenote. There are showers at the cenote where you can shower off beforehand.