The architecture of the ruins is from the Early Classical period (250–550 CE).

Aké is bounded by two concentric walls, one defines the core of the settlement with an area of 4 sq km, while the other protects the core housing. The core is large and square surrounded by tall buildings measuring about 25 sq m.

A great sacbé (white road) of 32 km in length connects the central group of buildings of this site to the archaeological site of Izamal. This fact underscores the importance of Aké as a hub for regional interactions and trade.

Part of this sacbé was covered later by the wall that surrounds this Mayan city and its residential area, to protect it from invasions. As you walk within the area you will see a large esplanade called the Great Plaza, where the most important buildings are.

The Pilastras Structure is located in the North, and you will see a stele in the south-center of the Great Plaza.

Structure One, also called the Palace, with rows of stone columns atop a step-pyramid platform, is the site’s most impressive feature. While most Maya pyramids are built steeply with many narrow steps, Structure One is a gradual climb of huge, flat stone slabs.

This megalithic architectural style is an Early Classic diagnostic, and may also be seen at the sites of Izamal and Ek Balam.

Dating back to the 19th century, the hacienda’s sprawling grounds served as a hub of henequen production, showcasing the economic importance of the industry in the region during that era.

Henequen is a fibrous agave plant that was cultivated extensively for its durable fibers that were transformed into ropes, textiles, and various industrial products. Henequen played a pivotal role in the economy of Yucatán.

The main house of Hacienda San Lorenzo de Aké reveals its historical layers through its architecture.

With three distinct construction periods – wooden beams, iron elements, and masonry – the main house stands as a physical timeline, reflecting the changing architectural styles and materials employed over time.

This evolution provides a glimpse into the progression of construction techniques and the adaptation to new materials.

As a henequen plantation, the hacienda is a window into the social and economic dynamics of the past. The lives of workers, the management of resources, and the relationships between different classes of society are etched into its walls.

Today, Hacienda San Lorenzo de Aké stands as a living testament to history, offering visitors a chance to step back in time. Visitors can wander through its corridors, envisioning the hustle and bustle of its industrial days.

The Aké chapel

The Aké chapel stands on a Mayan pyramid and two more hills are also located on the land. In this chapel, the tradition of the Black Christ is celebrated every Holy Saturday, which is more than 137 years old.

Every Glory Saturday of Holy Week, Catholics visit the Aké chapel to take the Holy Christ to Cacalchén on a pilgrimage. More than two thousand people from the town of Cacalchén go to look for the Black Christ to honor him with prayers.

It is said that years ago the town of Cacalchén was filled with death and disease and people prayed to the Black Christ to free them from these evils. This is how this tradition was born.

Aké is located 32 km from Mérida, on Highway 80 to Tixkokob, deviation to the right in km 25.

The easiest and most cheap way to get there is by bus or by un “colectivo” from Mérida.

During its heyday, the massive estate boasted its own railroad station and post office.

The remains of the Hacienda del Jaral de Berrios, one of the largest in Mexico, still hint at its former grandeur. The old buildings beckon explorers willing to brave buckling floors and crumbling walls to step inside an estate rich with history.

The hacienda was appointed to the then-Mayor of Mexico, Miguel de Berrio y Zaldívar, in 1774. It housed several generations of the Berrio lineage. Among them was Juan Nepomuceno de Moncada y Berrio, who was considered the richest man in Mexico during the 1830s.

During its heyday throughout the 19th century, the estate housed somewhere around 6,500 people and boasted its own railroad station, post office, parish church, and two primary schools.

The main building featured frescoed walls and lavish furniture and was surrounded by numerous buildings with massive rooms and grand staircases.

One of the horses kept on the estate was called El Tambor. He was used as the model for the famous equestrian statue of King Carlos IV of Spain, which spent some time in the area before being moved to Manuel Tolsá Square in Mexico City.

The dilapidated estate that sits in what is now Guanajuato is still considered among the area’s most beautiful buildings. It’s currently a hotspot for paranormal investigators. The main building now houses a tequila factory.

To reach Hacienda del Jaral de Berrios in San Felipe (Guanajuato), follow these instructions:

Rent a car to reach the hacienda. The approximate driving distance from Guanajuato City to Hacienda del Jaral de Berrios is around 85 km, which can take around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus to the municipality of San Felipe, Guanajuato. Once you arrive in San Felipe, you may need to take local transportation or a taxi to reach the hacienda.

It’s recommended to inquire about the specific directions to Hacienda del Jaral de Berrios from locals or at information centers once you’re in the San Felipe area. These directions might include landmarks, road names, or other cues to help you find the hacienda.

Contact local tourism offices or visit their websites for up-to-date information about visiting Hacienda del Jaral de Berrios. They can provide guidance on transportation options, tours, and any special events that might be taking place.

Consider joining a guided tour to Hacienda del Jaral de Berrios. Many tour operators provide transportation and knowledgeable guides who can offer historical and cultural insights about the hacienda and its surroundings.

Always make sure to check for any travel advisories, road closures, or other factors that might impact your journey. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and have a map, GPS, or navigation app to ensure a smooth trip to this historical site.