Uaymitun 2014-Blog Post #10 “Hacienda Sotuta de Peon!”

This blog post highlights our visit with Doug and Janine MacDonald to the Hacienda Sotuta de Peon.

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Some introduction from the Hacienda Sotuta de Peon website:

Welcome to the Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, built in the late 1800`s in Tecoh, Yucatán.

Sotuta de Peón, Live Hacienda, is the restoration project of a landmark located in the heart of the ancient henequén zone in the Yucatan state, and gives a true glimpse of what was once a fully operational Henequen Hacienda in the grand style and tradition of this period.

When touring Sotuta de Peon… transported on wooden platforms called “Trucks” which are pulled by ‘mules’ over Cauville rails, as were originally used by the workers.

…witness the step-by-step process of the transformation of the Henequen (or Green Gold as it was known throughout the region), from plant to fiber and from fiber to finished product.

…see the antique machinery that has been rescued from the ravages of time and rebuilt to precise operational capacity.

…the unique geological formations of our secret attractions, the Cenote or beautiful underground rivers of crystal clear water, highly sought after, alkaline waters. Take the time for a refreshing swim at the end of your tour, where you can safely swim in the cool waters of the Cenote. Or, if you prefer, we have a huge swimming pool, surrounded by lush gardens of tropical flowers and brilliant green trees and indigenous plants.

The outside grounds of the Hacienda are a very enjoyable place to relax before the tour begins.

The fountain at Sotuta de Peon
The fountain at Sotuta de Peon
The pool
The pool
Another view of the fountain with the Hacienda main building in the background.
Another view of the fountain with the Hacienda main building in the background.
Gorgeous flowers abound!
Gorgeous flowers abound!

We were part of group of about 30 people who congregated at the starting point from many locations across the world. Our tour guide, Jose, delivered the audio portion of our tour in both Spanish and English.

The first part of the tour was through the main house of the Hacienda.

The west facing balcony overlooking the fountain.
The west facing balcony overlooking the fountain.
Our guide, Jose!
Our guide, Jose!
A sneak peak of the east gardens...
A sneak peak of the east gardens…
... and the view down the length of the main house.
… and the view down the entire length of the main house.
More of the east gardens
More of the east gardens with the restaurant at the end of the path
Not a shabby kitchen sink!
Not a shabby kitchen sink!
This chandelier has the family crest all around the rim!
This chandelier has the family crest all around the rim!
The east balcony overlooking the gardens and the restaurant.
The east balcony overlooking the gardens and the restaurant.

Then we were shown how the henequen fibres were stipped by hand and then by machinery out of the leaves of the henequen plants.

A demonstration of the by-hand method of stripping fibres
A demonstration of the by-hand method of stripping fibres
Some of the machinery to somewhat automate the process.
Some of the machinery to somewhat automate the process.
Sorting the bundles of fibres as the machine spits them out
Sorting the bundles of fibres as the machine spits them out
The sign on the side of the machine building.
The sign on the side of the machine building.

Our final leg of the tour was through the grounds out to the Cenote.

One of the original gates into the hacienda grounds.
One of the original gates into the hacienda grounds.
The grounds are now somewhat manicured for the guests and tour groups.
The grounds are now somewhat manicured for the guests and tour groups.
Our transport through the henequen plantation to the cenote is via horse drawn carts.
Our transport through the henequen plantation to the cenote is via horse drawn carts.
Taking a short break along the route.
Taking a short break along the route.
The Hacienda Sotuta de Peon now offers accommodations too.
The Hacienda Sotuta de Peon now offers accommodations too.
Acres and acres (or to be very metric hectares and hectares)...
Acres and acres (or to be very metric hectares and hectares)…
... of the agave family plants that provide the henequen fibres from the spiny leaves
… of the agave family plants that provide the henequen fibres from the spiny leaves
Our favourite stop on the tour is having the history of the hacienda told in Mayan by an original employee, Don Antonio!
Our favourite stop on the tour is having the history of the hacienda told in Mayan by an original employee, Don Antonio!

At the end of the cart ride is a fabulous cenote and a refreshment card! 🙂

Unfortunately, I didn’t have professional lighting to take pictures of the cenote so I’ve used a couple from their website to do it justice!

Down the winding staircase to the bottom of the cenote!
Down the winding staircase to the bottom of the cenote!
The sun shines through a hole in the ceiling!
The sun shines through a hole in the ceiling!

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Hacienda Sotuta de Peon… we stopped in the restaurant for lunch and Elaine picked up a bottle of Izamal tequila liquor as a ‘take home’ surprise!

Elaine with Bill's present!
Elaine with Bill’s present!

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Watch this space for the next blog post which will highlight a homemade Yucatecan supper and a visit to Merida!

Love to all!

Cheers!

-doug and elaine

 

2 thoughts on “Uaymitun 2014-Blog Post #10 “Hacienda Sotuta de Peon!””

  1. Fabulous photos Doug, you and Elaine really pack it in when visiting. I would have loved a swim in that centre.

    I don’t post much but do look forward to the escape from work reality your updates bring me

    Take care
    Kiwi Tim

  2. Wow…..looks amazing. We would really like to see this on our next visit:) Miss you both!

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