Hacienda Sotuta de Peón in Yucatan
This hacienda is a unique tourist experience. Sisal is a type of Henequen agave which is cultivated extensively for its strong fibers, which were traditionally used in the production of rope, twine, and other cordage materials.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, sisal production was a major industry in Mexico, particularly in the Yucatán Peninsula. The fibers were exported worldwide and played a significant role in the economy of the region.
This was the best era in Yucatan. Sotuta de Peón is one of the few places where the Henequen traditions and creativity that led to the economic development of the state between 1850 and 1950 have been preserved.
Henequen was the great promoter of Yucatán in the world. When its people began to sell ropes, ropes, well, and export it to the whole world, Yucatán lived its time of splendor. All kinds of ropes were made, even to stop the huge ships from those times.
Originally the hacienda had about 3000 sq m. Today it only has 300 sq m. The hacienda only receives tourists to learn how henequen worked, an industry that for a century was the basis for the development of Yucatán.
The hacienda has eight guest houses and amenities such as horseback riding and ATVs.
The silence and tranquility of the place are surprising.
Sotuta de Peón tour
Visitors can see enormous machines for the production of rope and twine that at some point in history were the basis for about 50 local families to provide work for almost 85% of the Yucatecan population at that time.
More than 80 years ago, the advent of plastic put an end to the Henequen era because plastic was much cheaper.
The hacienda keeps many of the original aspects from the old times. The famous basements were built at floor level because the ground in this area is extremely hard and therefore construction began at ground level.
After visiting the factory, the tour continues with a ride in two horse-drawn wagons. These wagons take visitors to the Dzul Ha cenote, a natural sinkhole with fresh water that welcomes visitors to the hacienda.
There are also several cenotes, two of which are open to the public. After a 15-minute tour, visitors arrive at the entrance to the cenote. To maintain its beauty and mystery, only a limited number of visitors are allowed to visit each day.
The Dzul Ha cenote has a depth of about 10 m in its lowest part. The crystal clear waters of the cenote, darkness, and the fact of being about 10 meters underground, make this experience to remember for a lifetime.
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