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Haciendas in Mexico
Haciendas -- large estates of land -- played a rich and important part of Mexico's history. Haciendas were a European concept, introduced by the Spaniards, that were to become industrial power-houses in Mexico as they reached their peak during the 18th Century. However, as the political and economic landscapes changed, the Haciendas fell into decline and, eventually, decay.
Today, a number of the ex-haciendas have been restored and converted into beautiful hotels. The hotels offer a unique opportunity for travelers to enjoy a relaxed, intimate and comfortable stay surrounded by beautiful architecture, historical echoes, and the natural, often rural, habitats where the haciendas began, over four centuries ago...
History of Haciendas in Mexico
The term 'Hacienda' refers to a parcel of land, or an estate, and may be well compared to American Plantations, where 'tied' laborers worked the land in return for basic provisions.
Haciendas were a Spanish import, implemented in Mexico during the 16th Century as part of an economic model that aimed to create efficient industrialized 'centers', overseen by powerful land-owners and their estate managers.
Enjoy an Hacienda Experience in Mexico
The Mexperience Hotels Collection features a number of Haciendas in the Yucatan region as well as haciendas near other historical colonial cities in Mexico
The Hacienda Economy
Mexico's vast lands, its rich natural resources and perfect agricultural climates in certain areas provided an ideal environment for haciendas to grow and flourish.
The haciendas themselves came about by a series of land-grants, given by the Spanish crown to some members of the nobility. Perhaps the first such grant was given to Hernan Cortes, the Spanish Conqueror; a grant which included the lands encompassing the present-day valley of Oaxaca and state of Morelos. Most grants, however, comprised of much smaller parcels of land, as the crown feared that granting too much dominion to one person may create to a threat to its authority. Notwithstanding this precaution, some of smaller estates eventually annexed additional lands surrounding the original boundary, and a few grew so large that they became, for a period, virtual fiefdoms.
It was not just the land that was granted to the new owner, but also the indigenous people living on those lands: at the flick of a royal quill their lives, too, became the 'property' of the grantee.
Haciendas were usually organized under the terms of a feudal economic model, run by powerful Hacendados as they were known (sometimes referred to as 'patron', a term still in use today which translates into 'owner-boss'), employing serf laborers in return for basic food, some medical treatment and a small stipend wage, although in practice, hacienda laborers lived in peonage; always in debt to the hacendado in some way.
Haciendas tended to focus on the production of one product, which was always purveyed from the local natural resources surrounding the hacienda.
Agricultural haciendas were the most common throughout Mexico; for example, in the Yucatan, heneken was grown and turned into rope, and in Morelos, sugar cane was the primary crop. Other haciendas, especially in the north, reared cattle, while haciendas in Jalisco grew the agave plants to produce pulque and tequila. Silver and other minerals gave rise to mining haciendas in places like Hidalgo, and the rich forested lands in the present-day state of Mexico fed lucrative lumber yards, also managed by means of haciendas.
For the gentry and nobility, haciendas were inns and stop-over points on long journeys, where the hacendado (and his wife) would be seen to entertain their 'guests' with comfortable accommodations and fine fare.
Haciendas evolved and developed into important economic and social centers; they also became influential in political circles. By the mid-eighteenth century, the average hacienda was a 'mini-town'. Overseen by the hacendados living in the main house, the haciendas also provided basic housing for the laborers, a 'factory' where the raw materials were processed into goods, horse stables, the 'hacienda store' (similar in practice to the 'company store' in the USA, which kept laborers in debt), a church or chapel, a school for children, storage units, and some also had their own forge and railway station.
Haciendas and their owners prospered greatly during the colonial era as they became efficient 'factories' which took advantage of the rich and abundant natural resources in the country, and processed these into sale-able goods. Huge fortunes were made by a small few and some owners became absentee landlords, living it up in Mexico City and Europe from incomes generated by the fruits of their hacienda-interests; and some only visiting their country estates from time to time, while their 'local managers' took care of the day-to-day operations.
Stories and tales abound about the life and times of people living in and around the haciendas during this period: when you visit most of the restored haciendas today, you will see paintings and photographs depicting that bye-gone era. Myths and legends have built-up around the stories, some by word-of-mouth handed down through generations, and others from diaries and other documents recovered from the time. Tomes have been written on the subject of haciendas not just in Mexico but also in other Spanish colonies.
The Fall of Mexican Haciendas
All things pass; and this was no less true for the lifestyles of the Hacendados on their vast Mexican estates.
Mexico's political landscape changed significantly during the later part of the nineteenth and early part of the twentieth centuries. The world economy, too, changed and, coupled together, these two forces brought down -- in dramatic fashion -- the era of haciendas in Mexico.
Enjoy an Hacienda Experience in Mexico
The Mexperience Hotels Collection features a number of Haciendas in the Yucatan region as well as haciendas near other historical colonial cities in Mexico
From 1876 to 1910, Porfirio Diaz (an era referred to as El Porfiriato) ruled Mexico by dictatorship. Regarded as a modernizer, his policies were not contra to the interests of the hacendados, for example, Diaz provided for additional lands to be made available for the establishment of new haciendas and existing estates to expand.
During Diaz's tithe, facilities and buildings at haciendas were improved. However, his wider ambitions -- to modernize Mexico's economy and open it up to American-led capital -- ran against the interests of the hacendados who enjoyed the spoils afforded to them by protected markets and peonage labor.
The era led by Diaz brought some prosperity to Mexico, but at a high human and social cost: his policies and will to maintain a grip on power sparked events which led to the Mexican revolution between 1910-1917.
This tumultuous period dealt a fatal blow the era of the all-powerful haciendas in Mexico as revolutionary armies stormed estates across the country, burning down the buildings and destroying the infrastructure within them which had been built-up over the centuries since they were first established.
The lands were eventually returned to the indigenous people by means of a series of laws which created ejidos -- land parcels owned by one or more people consisting of areas no more than 200 acres in size -- and which still exist in many parts of Mexico today.
The few haciendas which remained, like those in Yucatan growing and processing then highly sought-after (and thus lucrative) heneken, principally for rope manufacture, went broke when synthetic fibers emerged in the early part of twentieth century; this advent caused the price of natural fibers to collapse, thus making the viability of the haciendas producing and processing heneken untenable.
Mexico's haciendas fell into ruin and decay and, even today, many shell buildings and ruins, often characterized by a chimney stack nearby, may be found beneath the undergrowth of lush natural foliage where once large, prosperous, haciendas stood and operated.
If you are interested in the history and architecture of the haciendas, some of the ruins might be explore-able, particularly in the Yucatan region: check locally for details, directions and access. Exploring any abandoned ruins requires extreme care in regard to potentially unstable structures and -- especially -- hidden wells which pose a significant (potentially fatal) danger to intrepid explorers.
The Rise of Hacienda Restoration in Mexico
Between 1940 and 1990 the haciendas were all but forgotten; the buildings of these once-powerful rural estates were left to be consumed by nature's forces.
Some haciendas are still owned by descendants of the original owners; others have been sold-off to new owners and some are in a state of legal limbo: with proper title to the lands and ruins unclear.
Enjoy an Hacienda Experience in Mexico
The Mexperience Hotels Collection features a number of Haciendas in the Yucatan region as well as haciendas near other historical colonial cities in Mexico
During the 1990's wealthy Mexicans began to take a new interest in Mexico's derelict haciendas, spotting an opportunity for the creation of a comfortable family home in the country and some also saw commercial opportunities through the restoration of old ruins and conversion of the estates into luxury hotels, meeting centers and, in fewer cases, museums or restaurants.
Some hacienda ruins have been left purposefully un-restored, but cleared of foliage and made accessible, so as to provide access to the area for visitors interested in the architecture and atmosphere of these places which reflect significant echoes of Mexican history.
For those estates which have been chosen for restoration, the real-estate boom which began in the mid-to-latter part of the 1990's accelerated the process, providing an abundance of capital for commercial property investments, including hacienda restorations.
The influx of new capital has breathed new life into the old haciendas which had been otherwise left to the elements. And far from being commercial obscenities, this new rise of the haciendas has taken place with a colossal amount of care and attention to original architectural detail.
Visit a restored hacienda today and you'll likely meet someone there who was present and over-seeing the restoration; they'll show you the archives and the pictures and restored buildings which demonstrate how each phase of the restoration was considered in intimate detail -- including the use of materials and building techniques employed during re-construction -- in a bid to replicate and honor the design of the original residence.
In most cases, the main residence and its adjoining buildings have been restored; in some others, the old factories, stables, chimney and other features too, have been restored and/or tastefully converted so as to make up part of the facilities of the hotel or meeting center. In some instances, out-buildings have been converted into museums which document the history of the hacienda in detail, drawing upon original archives, letters, notes, diaries, books, photographs and other memorabilia left behind by the antecedents of the property.
Some of the restored properties have been bought-up by international hotel groups; others remain independently owned, sometimes by the descendants of the original owners, or new owners who bought the property with the precise intention of restoring it to its former glory and opening its doors to the public as a hotel.
In all cases where investment and care has been exercised, magnificent results have been realized through the process of hacienda restoration. Today, some of these restored haciendas offer truly exceptional accommodation experiences for travelers in Mexico...
Hacienda Accommodation Experiences in Mexico
Choosing to stay at one -- or more -- of the converted haciendas in Mexico is a travel experience in its own right. Most of the haciendas offer the comfort afforded by exquiste hotels and Boutique Hotels in Mexico; indeed, some haciendas also share a boutique category in addition to being 'haciendas'.
Enjoy an Hacienda Experience in Mexico
The Mexperience Hotels Collection features a number of Haciendas in the Yucatan region as well as haciendas near other historical colonial cities in Mexico
By staying at a restored hacienda, you create a focal point for your entire itinerary. The hacienda becomes a vital ingredient of the journey; a sanctuary that provides both the pleasure of comfortable accommodation and a source of inspiration that emerges from being somewhere special and unique.
As part of the experience, here are some of the features you may expect to take pleasure in during your stay at a Mexican hacienda:
Historical Heritage
The buildings, the grounds, and the atmosphere at restored Mexican Haciendas which have been converted into hotels will exude an authentic historical tone. One of the principal attractions, besides the beautiful aesthetic of the buildings, is the feel of the space which haciendas occupy. Often rural and secluded, they are surrounded by nature and offer a serenity and character all their own.
Authentic Decor, Modern Amenities
The haciendas which have undergone extensive restoration present original features as well as authentic decor, in line with the era they reflect. In addition, the facilities have been modernized so as to provide guests with all of the services and comforts discerning travelers may expect in a modern, luxury hotel.
Beautiful Environment
One of the delights of staying at a restored hacienda is the access to the natural grounds and landscaped gardens around the hacienda buildings. Wake up to the sound of wild birdsong and crisply-moist, fresh air; wander quietly through orchards or rose gardens; sit and contemplate in stillness under the shade of a tree next to a fountain or pond; enjoy the peaceful flow of a local stream or simply find a spot to relax and while away the afternoon; take in the detail of the architecture and admire the artwork and stone masonry. Haciendas are as much a sanctuary proffering release from the pressures of modern-day living as they are accommodation.
Exceptional Accommodations
You'll find modern, comfortable amenities in your accommodations -- everything you may expect to find in a hotel of character and class -- surrounded by original architecture of the period including, in some cases, antique furniture and restored original room fittings. The bathing areas will be amply furnished with the standard of facilities discerning travelers expect and your room should be pleasantly cool or warm, depending on the region and the season: a true refuge and 'home and away from home' where you may rest and relax in total comfort.
Some haciendas may or may not provide facilities like TV's, telephones, DVDs, iPod docking stations, et al, in the rooms. Most people visit haciendas to get away from technology and the noise of everyday life. Our hacienda hotel listings give details of room amenities at each hacienda hotel.
Outstanding Cuisine
Haciendas will provide a choice of local dishes and international fare. They will usually source their foods locally, and some will even grow their own food on the estate. And because this is Mexico, you can also expect to encounter a panoply of flavors to tease your senses and make your dining, too, an experience in its own right.
Spa and Pool Facilities
Many haciendas offer pools and some offer extensive spa facilities too; check the individual listing on Mexperience for details of spa services they may offer. You can learn more about Spas and the facilities they offer on our guide to Spas in Mexico.
The Yucatan region, especially, gets very hot during the summer months, and there is nothing quite as refreshing as returning from a day's exploration to a cool-water swimming pool.
Local Tours and Excursions
There is much to explore around the haciendas. Some people choose to use an hacienda as a base to explore the local area, instead of using a hotel or inn.
You will need to rent a car if you plan to do a lot of day-trips; haciendas often offer car rental services; if you don't feel like driving, many also offer hire cars with a driver who will take you where you want to go for a fixed daily fee.
Local attractions will vary, depending on the location. In the Yucatan area, the most popular and accessible day trips are to Mayan ruins and cenotes:underground caverns with water pools, beautiful and ideal for bathing.
Wherever you are in Mexico there is always history, culture, nature, art and markets to discover and explore. Read the relevant travel guide on Mexperience for details of each location.
Specialist Activities
Some haciendas offer access to specialist activities such as horse-riding, mountain biking, walks and hikes, eco/adventure tours, etc. Check the hotel's listing on Mexperience for details of local activities available from the hacienda.
Impeccable Service
You can expect the smaller haciendas, which are often family-owned, to provide a most intimate welcome and friendly service. Larger haciendas should have staff who have been comprehensively trained to attend to you and your needs throughout your stay at the estate, and will be pleased to assist you and provide help, guidance and local knowledge.
An Experience in its Own Right
Taking your accommodation at a Mexican hacienda provides a quieter, more serene environment for your stay in Mexico.
Whether you stay at just one hacienda and use it as a base to explore the area, or tour a region and make hacienda stays an integral part of your travel experience, you will not be left disappointed. Your stay at the hacienda will become entwined within the overall experience and serve to enhance your visit in Mexico.
Some people choose to stay at an hacienda for two or three nights as part of a broader itinerary that may include a stay at a beach resort or big city. If you would like to experience Mexico's haciendas and still enjoy a 'traditional vacation', splitting your itinerary this way may work well for you.
As you consider your options for accommodation in Mexico, take into account the possibility of a stay at one of the fine haciendas. We've brought together a collection of haciendas in Mexico for you to browse and choose from in various locations.
Each listing provides a detailed description of the property along with photographs and local information and you can make secure reservations online with Mexperience.
Find and Book an Hacienda Experience in Mexico
The principal region where haciendas have been restored and converted to hotels in Mexico is the Yucatan (near the city of Merida), and there is also a fine hacienda next door to the Chichen-Itza archaeology park.
However, haciendas are not confined to the Yucatan: you will also find haciendas near Campeche, Oaxaca, Puebla and Queretaro.
Mexperience Hotels Collection: Browse Haciendas in Mexico