Yaxcopoil


There are many places of interest that are less than two hours away from Progreso.  One worth the trip is the Hacienda Yaxcopoil, in Mayan language “The Place of the Green Alamo trees.”   Located 20 miles south of Merida, it is about one hour’s driving time from Progreso.  Built in the 1700’s, it was one of the most important haciendas in all the Yucatan, more than 22,000 acres at the time of its greatest splendor.  In the boom years, cultivation of  henequen (sisal), a plant used to make rope during the nineteenth century, and raising cattle were the main activities.


Sold to Don Donaciano Garcia Rejon and his wife Dona Monica Galera in 1864, the hacienda has been passed from parents to children to its present owner, a descendant of Don Donaciano and Dona Monica.  The hacienda has a wonderful collection of photographs, maps, books, and furniture from the eighteenth century. There is a whole room dedicated to the Mayan artifacts and pottery found on the grounds of the hacienda dating from the classic period (A.D 250-900). There is also a small chapel with an oil painting from the colonial period with the image of its patron saint, San Geronimo de Yaxcopoil.  No part of the hacienda is off limits, from the bedrooms to the Don’s office to the kitchen.  The entrance fee is $5.00 or fifty pesos.


Dzibilchaltun


In the Mayan language, Dzibilchaltun means “the place where there is writing on stones,”.  alluding to the numerous commemorative stele (mayan sculptures) found throughout the site.  Located at km 14 on the Merida-Progreso Highway, it is literally only minutes from Progreso. 


The most dramatic structure at this site is the “Temple of the Seven Dolls” or “Temple of the Sun,” with a quadrangle substructure of what was once a monumental temple.  The building is the site of a solar

phenomenon every equinox, where due to the mathematical precision of the ancient Mayas, the fiery plumage of the Mayan god of the sun can be seen through the doors of the temple on the first day of spring and autumn (March 21st  and September 21st) . This event helps us today to understand the level of knowledge of this ancient civilization. 


Near the “Temple of the Sun” is a cenote, a natural freshwater pool formed by underground rivers.  This is a great place to cool off after walking through the site, so be sure to bring your bathing suit!  There are many other interesting things at the site, including a wonderful museum at the entrance to the park itself.  Entrance fee is 63 pesos or  about  $6.00;  parking is 10 pesos or $1.00.

Day Trips