Uayamón

Uayamón is the seat of the old Hacienda Uayamón. It's some 30 minutes just about directly south of Campeche city. The Mayan language name means where the spirit descends and that even gets translated to something like place where the sorcerers come down. The place was recorded as a cattle ranch late in the 17th century. But it fell victim to pirate raids and marauders, and languished until the 19th century, when the buildings we see today served as the center of a giant henequen plantation. At its height it was one of the biggest in the state. 

The Big House today serves as a luxury hotel today and visitors come to stroll the gardens even in the midst of the ruins of some of the old equipment. The grounds are centered around a majestic aqueduct and an old chimney hasn't smoked in years, but still sets a mood unmatched anywhere in the surrounding landscape. The setting is one of tropical elegance, with restored furniture, super high ceilings and private terraces.

Perhaps most famously, the swimming pool is within the ruins of the old chapel, and this serves as the focal point for any visit. The grounds are surrounded by the Campeche jungle, and the Uayamón area is surrounded by hiking areas and sites perfect for setting off into the jungle. People also visit en route to the famous Monastery and Santuario del Inmaculado Corazón de María. It's about a five-minute drive north of the big house, but can be reached by walking an hour to the north, too. 

People get to Uayamón, the town, from the city of Campeche on Federal Highway 261 towards Edzná. At kilometer 20, signs direct you to Uayamón. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes but there are also numerous cooperativos runing the route. For those not staying in the hacienda proper, there are other lodgings available in town, along with just about every other service you might need.