Haciendas

Haciendas are large estates established during the colonial expansion of the Spanish Empire between the early 16th century and the 19th century. During this period, the Spanish Empire covered most of the American continents as well as territories in the Asian Pacific region, particularly the Philippines. Haciendas were agricultural or industrial centers and included all the facilities needed for self-sufficiency. This included large luxury residences for the hacendado (the Spanish nobleman granted land and the rights to exploit local populations). == Understand == The hacienda concept began in Spain when the moors were pushed out of the Iberian peninsula. Noblemen and military heroes were granted lands appropriated from the expelled Muslim kingdoms. That model was used as the Spanish Empire expanded through the Americas and the Asian Pacific. Haciendas were built over a 300-year period to expand Spanish industry in new territories. The haciendas had different purposes, but most exemplify a set of common architectural design elements. The large owner's residence was a constant and is often referred to as "the hacienda", although a hacienda in the larger sense included all lands granted by the crown and all buildings on that land, often including manufacturing facilities, a church, slave quarters and more. In warm, wet coastal regions, and in areas throughout the Caribbean, haciendas were likely to be sugar plantations. In the Bajio region of Mexico, they were usually mining centers. In areas with expansive plains, like in Argentina, they were ranches for raising cattle or horses. In forested regions, they might be lumber operations complete with sawmills to prepare the wood for market. In the Yucatán Peninsula, many plantations grew henequin, used to make sisal rope. Haciendas prospered during the colonial period because they had no real competition, the land costs were nothing, and they had the right to enslave indigenous peoples, giving them free labor. Later, as English colonies in North America began kidnapping Africans and selling them as slaves, Africans were also sold to hacienda owners in New Spain (Mexico). The encomienda system that allowed haciendas to exist began to crumble by the waning years of the 18th century and by the early 19th century completely shattered as country after country declared its independence from Spain. In Mexico, the Mexican War of Independence resulted in outlawing slavery, putting most haciendas out of business. Across South and Central America, other countries also banned slavery as they declared their freedom from Spain. Unfair land appropriations and widespread corruption allowed some haciendas to continue operations, but the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920 ended many of the most egregious land abuses (not to mention that the revolutionary armies burned haciendas whenever practical). By 1920, haciendas ceased to exist as a viable business model. Haciendas were generally forced to give up all but small areas and the land was more equitably distributed among the peoples from whom the hacendados stole it. Most haciendas were left in ruins. In some parts of South America, haciendas would hang on until well into the 20th century. Haciendas continued to operate in Bolivia until 1952 and until 1969 in Peru. In 20th-century Mexico, interest grew in haciendas as an important part of colonial history and they began to be recognized as historical landmarks. In Mexico, the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia y Historia (INAH) lists more than 2,600 haciendas as historical properties. Today, many historic haciendas have been purchased by private investors who turned them into luxury boutique hotels or as upscale event venues for weddings and quinceañera. A few operate as regional history museums or other public functions. A few are maintained as private residences for the upper class. Some are well-preserved, but most have been ignored with many haciendas lying as little more than ruins in an abandoned field. == Architecture == The design and construction of any particular hacienda depends greatly on the tastes of its owner and you find tremendous variation in the layout and construction of haciendas. There are, however, a number of elements that are traditionally common in most haciendas in all parts of the former Spanish Empire. These include: single-story square structure built around an open central courtyard arched doorways and arched porticoes along interior walkways around the courtyard clay semi-circular roofing tiles stone exterior or stucco walls clean, relatively unadorned style intricate tile floors, iron rails and window and door hardware rough-hewn rustic wood ceiling beams Interior spaces are usually refined and meant to impress visiting dignitaries. Rooms are often decorated with European luxury goods. Many haciendas supported missionary work and included a church or chapel. This was also in keeping with the philosophy of a self-contained community. Some early 16th-century haciendas would be designed with elements commonly associated with fortifications or castles. This was because the haciendas also served a defensive function against native uprisings. (Some haciendas incorporate such elements for purely ornamental purposes.) == Destinations == === Mexico === ==== Guanajuato ==== 1 Hacienda Jaral de Berrios, San Felipe, Gto.. One of the largest and richest haciendas in Mexico, the hacienda was established by Miguel de Berrio y Zaldívar in 1774. The hacienda was essentially a small town housing 6,500 people, it had a church, two schools, and its own railway station. The main house was one of the grandest and most lavishly decorated of the Mexican haciendas with frescoes, grand staircases, and massive rooms. ==== Hidalgo ==== Hidalgo had many haciendas brewing pulque. Corporate marketers from beer companies in Mexico City began a slander campaign, spreading lies about pulque, and irreparably damaging Hidalgo's pulque industry. Several of the pulque haciendas are still standing, but only two operate as wedding and event venues while the others are likely closed to the public. 2 Hacienda Chimalpa, Apan, Hidalgo. Beautifully renovated 2-story hacienda with a chapel on-site. Now operating as an upscale wedding venue with a hotel for wedding guests and an on-site museum explaining the history of the hacienda. ==== Jalisco ==== 3 Hacienda El Carmen, Ramón Díaz Ordaz #2-1, El Carmen de Ordaz. The hacienda was established in 1573 by Francisco Merodio de Velasco as the Hacienda de Santa Maria de Miraflores. Merodio's daughter Isabel built the Casa Grande (Great House) in 1606. In 1727 the hacienda was given to the Carmelite religious order and was renamed to Hacienda del Carmen. The hacienda underwent extensive, careful renovations in the late 1990s and in 2001 was opened as a luxury boutique hotel. Today, visitors can stay in one of the large guest rooms, each with a personal identity and each with period furnishings from one or more of the many periods the hacienda has witnessed. ==== Mexico State ==== 4 Hacienda San Onofre, San Onofre. Established as a cattle ranch, the hacienda became known as a lumber mill producing fine woods. They had a diverse business also mining coal and raising sheep for wool. The Mexican Revolution put the hacienda out of business. Parts of the property are ruined but the chapel and the great house have been restored. 5 Hacienda Panoaya, Amecameca. Historic hacienda that is famous for being the childhood home of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, one of Mexico's most famous poets. Today, the hacienda welcomes visitors with a number of family-friendly attractions including a waterpark, a petting zoo (with giraffes, camels, capybaras, etc.). They operate an upscale hotel and restaurant as well. The most unusual attraction is their traditional English labyrinth of manicured shrubbery. If there weren't enough to do on the hacienda grounds, it lies in the shadows of Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park with hiking trails up two of Mexico's most iconic volcanoes. ==== Morelos ==== 6 Hacienda San Jose Acamilpa, Niños Héroes 20, Acamilpa, Morelos. The hacienda was established in 1604 as a sugar cane plantation. At its peak, they put that sugar cane to good use producing almost half a million liters of rum per year. The hacienda has been restored and operates today as a luxury boutique hotel, restaurant and events venue. 7 Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas, Amacuzac, Morelos, ☏ +52 751 348 0636. A 16th-century hacienda established by Franciscan monks, the property has been extensively renovated and operates today as an upscale boutique hotel with several swimming pools, a temazcal, and spa services, not to mention landscaped gardens and an on-site restaurant. 8 Hacienda Cocoyoc, Cocoyoc. A 17th-century hacienda established by Antonio de Mendoza, first viceroy of New Spain. The hacienda has been extensively renovated and re-purposed as an upscale luxury hotel with 284 rooms, a 9-hole golf course, three outdoor swimming pools (one heated for year-round use), and a full-service spa that includes a temazcal facility. It is a popular wedding venue. ==== Queretaro ==== 9 Hacienda el Lobo, El Marques. 17th century hacienda, restored and operating as an upscale hotel with a full-service restaurant and events venues for wedding and social occasions. ==== Yucatán ==== The Yucatán haciendas most famously thrived as henequin plantations, growing a stringy fibrous species of maguey that was used to make sisal rope in the 19th century. The Yucatán has several of Mexico's best-preserved haciendas, many of which operate as upscale boutique hotels. The city of Merida was one of the first local governments in Mexico to recognize the historical and cultural value of haciendas, which probably accounts for the large number of well-maintained haciendas in the area. 10 Hacienda Chenché de las Torres, Temax, Yucatán. Henequin plantation established by the Count and Countess of Miraflores. The hacienda is now privately owned and not open to the general public. It features castle-like architectural features such as ramparts, towers, and heraldic shields. 11 Hacienda Chichen. A 16th-century henequin hacienda operating as a boutique luxury hotel, eco-friendly with land dedicated to the protection of local flora and fauna. Maya Nature Reserve and Bird Refuge. Dr. Merle Greene's "Rubbing Collection," Gallery and Yaxkin Spa are open to site visitors. 12 Hacienda Petac, Petac, Yucatán. A 17th-century henequin plantation on 250 acres. Renovated and operated as a private hotel and event venue that is only rented out as an entire property. 13 Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima, Santa Rosa, Yucatán. 19th century henequin plantation that was renovated in 1998 and turned into a luxury hotel and spa with a gourmet restaurant. Now operated by the IHG hotel conglomerate. 14 Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, Mérida. 19th century henequin plantation opened for business in 1858 and operated well into the 20th century. The property has been extensively restored and operates as a luxury boutique hotel, wedding venue, spa, and restaurant. They also provide tours and various activities including horseback riding, bicycle treks, and ATV rides. 15 Hacienda Temozón, Temozón Sur. A 19th-century henequin plantation that has been operating as an upscale boutique hotel for more than 25 years. It is operated by IHG hotels. 16 Hacienda Yaxcopoil. This 17th-century hacienda began as a cattle ranch, then operated as a henequin plantation in the 19th century. One of the best haciendas in the Yucatan for those who want to know what haciendas are. Very well maintained but not updated or made to pander to the plastic Disney-esque traveler. Much of the estate's machinery is left intact where it was used. Many rooms appear as they did a century ago. Very authentic and utterly fascinating. === Puerto Rico === 17 Hacienda Santa Ana, Bayamón. In 1787, Fernando Fernandez of Santander, Spain was granted a tract of land in the colony of Puerto Rico. He built the Hacienda Santa Ana to grow sugar cane. In the 1860s, his grandchildren began distilling rum and found a loyal local following. In 1880, Pedro Fernandez perfected his recipe and began bottling the rum for sale and export. Since then, his family has continued operating the distillery under the name Ron del Barrilito. Today, the Fernandez family welcomes visitors to the hacienda for tours of the distillery, sample drinks from the outdoor bar, or even to sign up for mixology classes. === United States === 18 Hacienda los Martinez, Taos, New Mexico. Built in 1804 by Severino Martinez as a trading center, the 21-room grand house features two courtyards. It now hosts a regional history museum operated by the City of Taos. (updated Sep 2025) 19 Peralta Hacienda, Oakland, California. In 1820, Sergeant Luís María Peralta was granted 44,800 acres of land as a reward for serving the Spanish king for more than 40 years. His family operated the hacienda as a farming ranch. No grand house was built at the property, but rather Peralta's four sons each built a house where they would live and raise their families. Most of the lands were sold over time and the current site preserves a single house built in 1870 that operates as a regional history museum. === Central and South America === ==== Colombia ==== 20 Hacienda El Paraiso, Valle del Cauca. Historic 19th-century coffee plantation, restored and open to visitors for tours. The hacienda is famous as the setting of the novel Maria by Jorge Isaacs. 21 Hacienda Castilla, Pereira. Built in 1716, the classic Colombian plantation home is renovated and operating as an upscale boutique hotel. ==== Costa Rica ==== 22 Hacienda Santa Rosa, Guanacaste. Established no later than 1663 (and possibly much earlier), the hacienda is one of the oldest farming communities in Costa Rica and is an important historical site. The Battle of Santa Rosa took place here in 1856 when Costa Rican army troops defeated a rag-tag bunch of misfit merceneraries and rabble-rousers under the command of William Walker, an American pirate and rabble rouser who was seeking to take over Central American countries where he had no business being. Sadly, the Costa Ricans didn't watch their prisoners very well and they escaped to cause more trouble in other Central American countries until the Hondurans finally executed Walker, restoring peace to the region. Battles between Costa Rican and Nicaraguan army units took place here in the early 20th century. The Great House (La Casona) is open for tours and an on-site museum tells the historical tales of the hacienda. ==== Ecuador ==== See main article Haciendas of Ecuador. ==== Honduras ==== 23 Hacienda La Esperanza, Copán Ruinas. Historic hacienda owned by Paramedics for Children who operate it as a bed and breakfast hotel with 100% of the profits supporting a clinic for Mayan children. ==== Peru ==== 24 Hacienda Sarapampa, Taray, Sacred Valley of the Incas. An 18th-century farming plantation that operates as an upscale boutique hotel and restaurant while also operating as a farm growing traditional varieties of corn, including the famous Inca giant kernel corn. ==== Venezuela ==== Haciendas in Venezuela were primarily agricultural, particularly sugar cane, coffee, and cocoa plantations. 25 Hacienda la Vega, Caracas. Established in 1590, the Hacienda la Vega was a sugar cane plantation that spanned more than 1,500 hectares. It was a fashionable residence through the centuries receiving many celebrity guests including both Spanish and English royalty. The property includes the main house and a series of gardens. It is used for historic exhibits (open to the public) and hosts various social events. 26 Hacienda La Victoria, Mérida. Established in 1854 as a coffee plantation the well-maintained hacienda now houses two museums: an immigration museum and a coffee museum. === Philippines === In addition to haciendas based on the encomiendo model of colonial economic expansion, the Philippines had thousands of hectares of land that was held by religious orders, up until 1898 when American imperialists replaced Spanish imperialists in the Philippines (Spanish-American War). Little is left of these friar haciendas. Most of the historic haciendas in the Philippines were broken up in the 20th century. The largest of the historic haciendas was Hacienda La Esperanza, which held more than 39,000 hectares of land. 27 Hacienda Rosalia, Manapla, Negros Occidental. Established as a sugar and tobacco plantation by Yves Leopold Germain Gaston, who is credited with introducing sugar to the province. The mansion was built in the 1930s by his descendants, who still live at the property. Although privately owned, the owners occasionally conduct house tours and explain the history of the hacienda. == See also == Fortifications Grand and Great houses