Experience this journey through the history of Campeche through its beautiful haciendas, old buildings that now revive as top quality hotels.
The savannah of rest
Our tour began in the city of Campeche, where we took federal highway 180, which goes to Mérida. At kilometer 87, we were already in the municipality of Hecelchakán, towards the north of the state, where the Hacienda Blanca Flor is located, with a rustic atmosphere. It is the perfect place to relax and admire the beauty of the area, rest in the ancient armchairs and observe the range of colors that are tinged with orange, yellow, sky blue and white of the flowers, with the predominant smell of orange blossom. In "the savanna of rest" as Hecelchakán is translated, the simplest and most everyday things become noticeable, from the swaying of the leaves, the path of the clouds, the passage of the wind; natural gifts that are accentuated and appreciated with a special charm.
Hacienda Blanca Flor has 20 rooms inside what used to be the big house, but if you want something more intimate, you can hire any of the six villas built in the original Mayan style. Among the services are the tours of the roads that surround this 17th century construction, either to observe the birds, see the garden and eat some freshly cut fruit, take a ride in a buggy or on horseback. The landscape that surrounds the hacienda makes it ideal to rest, taste the traditional dishes made with the products obtained from the garden, food that ranges from the delicious gorditas de chaya with ground seed, the stuffed roast beef and the pibil chicken, to others. delicacies of the Campeche gastronomy. Due to its location, it can be the starting point to visit Mérida, Becal, Uxmal, Kabah, Edzná, Isla Arena, Labná, the Grutas de Loltún and Campeche.
The place where the spirit descends
After a very pleasant stay, we return to Highway 180 and head to Hacienda Uayamón. This farm is located 29 kilometers from the city of Campeche on the state highway to Chiná. Stepping on this hacienda was most pleasant, its green-painted gardens and on one side the large and old ceiba tree, 70 years old, transported us to another era. The large fireplace and the main house, now converted into a restaurant, with a splendid viewpoint, from where you can see the entire estate, were attached to this dreamlike landscape.
Uayamón preserves its Mayan roots for a long time, it is a mixture of the old construction, with modern details, that project it luxurious and comfortable. It was only enough to enter the rooms, old houses of peons, and we were in another little paradise. They are spacious and very comfortable, with quiet music and a plate of fruit to welcome us. The living room, the study, and even the bathrooms are finely decorated with flowers and plants from the region. The tubs are built in the style of the Mayan haltuns, which were stone ponds in which they stored water for the dry season. This custom has been taken up in the concept of jacuzzis in these types of hotels.
And what about the food! The old quarter of the main house now serves as a restaurant and we were able to taste the delicacies of traditional hearty and international food; It can be enjoyed in the town itself or on the terrace, under the shade of the imposing ceiba, or in any setting you choose on the hacienda. Walking along the trails and entering the jungle area of the place, visiting the old buildings such as the power house, the chapel and the stables, are other options.
Siho-Beach Toucan
Words are hidden when we meet places full of charm and magic, this forces us to continue with the journey. So we go through the city of Campeche again and continue along Highway 180 to feel the breeze from the warm waters of the Gulf. We were at kilometer 35 of the Campeche-Champotón highway, in Sihoplaya.
Built on the seashore, here there is one of the most important henequean estates of the 19th century, today known as Hotel Tucán Siho-Playa. With an enviable view of the sea, the wind and the palm trees, they asked us to stay and learn about their history that is magnified by the sunsets. Although its facilities are modern, some spaces keep their original construction, such is the case of the fireplace, set up as a chapel, where weddings are held, in a very peculiar style.
This is how we enjoy and feel Campeche. The image of its streets and its friendly people, its dreamy landscape, the fascination of its farms and the continuous surprises of its Mayan heritage, made our tour an unforgettable stay.
