Mérida & the Northwest
Private Hacienda Tours
A private hacienda tour from Mérida is a day trip with your own vehicle, driver and local guide, planned around your group's pace instead of a fixed bus schedule. The haciendas we visit are about 30 to 60 km from Mérida, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by road. Request a quote with your dates and group size and we will arrange pickup at your hotel.
Private Hacienda tour options
Haciendas were the great estates of Yucatán's henequen (sisal) boom, and many have been restored as hotels, museums or event spaces. Depending on what you prefer, we can arrange a visit to a working henequen hacienda such as Sotuta de Peón, a museum-like estate such as Yaxcopoil, or a hotel hacienda for lunch.
A hacienda private guide on the day explains what you are looking at, while the driver handles the road and parking.
- Working henequen hacienda with a rope-making demonstration and a cenote swim
- A restored hacienda museum with guided history
- Lunch at a hacienda restaurant with a short tour of the grounds
- Two haciendas in one day, one for history and one for lunch
What's included
Bottled water can be arranged.
Entrance and activity fees vary by hacienda and are usually paid on top of the tour; ask us for the current rates.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver
- Local guide for the main site, in English or Spanish, and other languages on request
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Mérida, arranged on request
- Fuel and highway tolls
- Not included: entrances, meals, drinks, tips
Sample private itinerary
Here is a typical day.
Some haciendas require reservations or limit visits to certain hours, so book ahead.
- 9:30 Pickup in Mérida
- 10:30 Arrive at the first hacienda and tour the buildings and grounds
- 12:00 Cenote swim or the working-plantation demonstration
- 13:30 Lunch of Yucatecan food
- 15:00 Second hacienda or a short drive through nearby villages
- 16:00 Return to Mérida
Private tour prices by group size
The private hacienda tour price depends mostly on the vehicle and the length of the day.
| Group size | Vehicle | Typical total (USD) | Approx. per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | Sedan or SUV | about $210 to $260 | about $105 to $130 |
| 4 people | SUV | about $230 to $290 | about $60 to $70 |
| 6 people | Van | about $270 to $330 | about $45 to $55 |
| 10 people | Van (up to about 10) | about $330 to $410 | about $35 to $40 |
Private vs. small-group tours
Neither option is better for everyone.
| Factor | Private | Small group |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Set by you | Set by the operator |
| Pace | Flexible, with extra time at your favorite stops | Fixed stops and times |
| Cost per person | Lower with larger groups | Lower for solo travelers |
| Pickup | Your hotel only | Often several hotels |
| Interests | Tailored | General |
Related private tours
FAQs
How long is the tour?
Plan on 5 to 7 hours door to door, depending on your pace and any added stops.
How much does a private hacienda tour cost?
Typical prices start at about $210 to $260 total for two people, and the cost per person falls as the group grows. Entrances and meals are generally extra.
Can the tour be changed on the day?
Within reason, yes. A private vehicle and guide can adjust stops and timing, as long as closing hours and the drive time allow.
Can we stay overnight at a hacienda?
Several haciendas operate as hotels. We can include an overnight in a custom itinerary.
Is pickup available outside Mérida?
Pickup can be arranged from other towns on request, and the price changes with the extra distance.
Want this trip planned for you?
Tell us your dates, group size and where you are staying. We check availability with local guides and send back a price.