Mexico
Overview
Sotuta de Peón is a living museum: a restored hacienda where the old machines still turn agave leaves into rope. You ride a mule-drawn cart on narrow rails through the henequen fields, meet a family in a traditional Maya house and finish with a swim in an underground cenote. It is one of the best ways to understand the history of Yucatán in one morning.
The hacienda has operated since 1858. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Yucatán became extremely rich from henequen, an agave whose fibre was used to make ropes and twine for ships and farms around the world; it was called "green gold". Hacienda owners grew wealthy, while Maya workers lived in very hard conditions, often in debt to the hacienda. When synthetic fibres arrived after World War II, the industry collapsed and most haciendas were abandoned. Sotuta de Peón was restored and is one of the few that still processes henequen.
How long to stay: the tour takes about 3 hours; allow 5 to 6 hours from Mérida.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
In the municipality of Tecoh, Yucatán, about 45 minutes south of Mérida.
Budget
Per person.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour | MXN 875 adults, MXN 550 children 4–12 | MXN 875 | Private tour or overnight stay |
| Transport | Rental car share | MXN 1,000–1,500 (driver or tour) | MXN 2,500+ |
| Food | MXN 250–400 (Kih restaurant) | MXN 400–600 | MXN 800+ |
| Total | MXN 1,300–1,700 ($72–94) | MXN 2,300–3,000 ($128–167) | MXN 4,000+ ($222+) |
Things to Do
A guide explains the whole process: cutting the spiky leaves in the field, crushing them in the 19th-century machines (still running), drying the fibres in the sun and twisting them into rope by hand and by machine.
Price: MXN 875 · Time needed: about 3 hours including the cenote.
You ride through the henequen fields on a small cart pulled by a mule on narrow-gauge rails, the same system used to move leaves a century ago.
The restored owner's house shows how wealthy hacienda families lived, with original furniture and photos from the henequen boom.
A visit to a Maya home with its oval shape, palm roof and hammocks, where the family explains daily life and traditions.
An underground cenote with clear, cool water where you swim for about an hour at the end of the tour.
Tip: wear water shoes; the steps can be slippery.
The on-site restaurant serves Yucatecan food like cochinita pibil and sopa de lima. The hacienda also has cabins if you want to stay overnight.
Transit Tips
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Fly into Mérida (MID).
By car: about 45 minutes south of Mérida; the best option.
Tour or private driver: many tours from Mérida include transport.
Public transport: not practical; connections are limited.
The guide leads the whole visit on foot and by cart.
Keep in mind that you should book the tour in advance, especially in high season, and arrive 15 minutes early.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Spanish can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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