Hacienda San Pedro Ochil Walking Tour and Meal, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Touring Hacienda San Pedro Ochil was a surprising experience. We had no knowledge of haciendas or expectations for our tour. We were pleasantly surprised to see we had Hacienda Ochil had in store for us. The history was interesting, the art was unique and the food was delicious.
If you haven’t already checked out our other articles about our other stops on our Yucatan Cenote Hole Enchilada Excursion please check out our Overview article , our Mayapan Ruins article and the Cenote Article.
What is a Hacienda?
The word hacienda comes from the Spanish word “haciendo” or “hacer” meaning making or to make. A hacienda is an estate or empire which has many similarities to Roman villas. Many haciendas combined mines, plantations and factories.
The History of Hacienda Ochil
The Hacienda San Pedro Ochil (Och-fox Il-lugar) means place of the fox in Maya. It is located near Merida on the Mérida-Uxmal highway. It is one of 7 haciendas within Abalá. Near the end of the 19th century it began producing henequen fiber which is made from agave plants. The main gate with a Moorish arch has been restored and really stands out. We saw the many aspects of the hacienda including clotheslines, machinery, and the original fireplace and chapel. We enjoyed seeing how the artisans work inside the workshops and even got to tour a museum of popular art. Our guide Renee explained everything to us and described all the many processes and ways the hacienda operated. I will be posting the video from the tour in the coming weeks so be sure to be subscribed to our YouTube Channel.
Galería de Arte de las Haciendas (Art Gallery)
The Hacienda Ochil had many different kinds of arts and crafts in the museum and shops. Some were for sale and some were on display.
The clay sculptures below were very detailed and colorful. The photo on the left is a representation of Alebrijes and the one on the right is skeletons from Dia de los muertos . There were many other sculptures, vases and types of art on display.
Crafts
In front of the storefronts a woman was weaving hammocks and embroidering white cotton dresses known as hipiles. She also created beautiful little turtle scrubbers. We purchased one for our son which he uses as a toy. There was also an area where men carved wood and stone.
The Restaurant
The restaurant was comfortable. The staff had a high chair readily available and they were very kind. The scenery was beautiful and calm it was great to be able to enjoy a delicious meal among such history and beauty.
The Food
The food and drinks were simply amazing and authentic Yucatecan regional food. We had no clue what to order at first, the menu had so many options. Thankfully our guide gave us some suggestions. There wasn’t one item from the menu we tried that we didn’t love. Even the kids enjoyed eating the different foods which was surprising because they usually don’t venture too far from pizza and mac n cheese. The food was authentic and hand made and I am seriously craving it while typing this. They had many food options including lime soup, panuchos, cochinita, black stuffing, pibil chicken and handmade tortillas.
Cenote Amphitheater
The grounds even has a Cenote which they built a amphitheater next to. It is called “Árbol de Luz” which means tree of light and it was made by Californian artist James Turrell. They didn’t have anyone performing while we were there but I am certain it would be quite entertaining.
Want to learn more about Hacienda Ochil?
Check out their official Facebook page for current information. You can also find more information about our tour and book your own from the Yucatan Cenote Excursions official site.
Where is Hacienda San Pedro Ochil?
Check out the Map below to see exactly where it is.
For more information about the other stops on the tour and an overview of the whole tour check out our articles below.
Each article includes our own story including photos, and will soon have videos and even 360 degree VR Videos detailing our experiences at each place.
The Best Cruise Excursions for Yucatan Progresso, Mexico
Yucatan Tour – Archaeological Site of the Mayapan Detailed Overview
Yucatan Tour – The Cenote Detailed Overview
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Have you ever visited a Hacienda?
Please leave us a comment below letting us know what you think. Have you ever visited a hacienda? What was your experience like? Is this something you would like to do and do you have any questions about our experience? We would love to hear from you.
The Yucatan region looks amazing and this hacienda tour is just the type of thing I love to do in exploring something unique and historic. Thanks for the great tour!
Hacienda Tours are always interesting. Ochil is no different. Do they have a cenote within the Hacienda? I thought you would present a photo. Is it at the center of the amphitheater?
Havent been to the Yucatan region yet but looks truly beautiful. I love to do tours like this and would love to hit this up.
I’ve love the Yucatan when we’ve visited, although I haven’t been here. The food made my mouth water though. My very favorite type of food. The parts of Mexico I’ve seen have been so lovely. I’d love to explore more sometime or just return to where I’ve been. Preferably in the the winter. Nice that your kids liked the food too.
I always thought that hacienda meant “house” So was interested to read that they are usually big houses like plantations and villas. I am sure it was interesting to see the artisans working at the Hacienda San Pedro Ochi. But the image of the Cenote Amphitheatre looked fascinating. I too am sure that a show in there would be great.
You had me at the palm tree-lined walkway and the clay sculptures sealed the deal. Would love to check this out and see a performance at the Cenote Amphitheater
I remember a friend bringing back one of those gorgeous clay sculptures after visiting the Yucatan back in the 80s. The food at the Hacienda San Pedro Ochi looks delicious – I love Pibil Chicken.
I would love to own those art pieces in my home!! The owners of these estates must have had a difficult time cleaning such massive properties! And it’s so interesting that they opened this to the public!
This looks a excelent way to spend the day. I quite like the colorful dolls (scuptures?) . I have Yucatan in my list for a while now. So adding this to that list!
I haven’t heard of Yucatan region before reading your article, but it seems like a fun place for a family to go with kids. The hacienda also seems like a great tour to learn about history