Attraction Guide: Hacienda Mundaca, Passion Island, Mexico

Hacienda Mundaca Guide

Step Back in Time at Hacienda Mundaca: A Romantic Ruin Guide

Escape the beaches and delve into the intriguing history of Isla Mujeres at Hacienda Mundaca. This sprawling estate, now a romantic ruin, offers a glimpse into the life of Fermín Mundaca, a 19th-century pirate and slave trader who sought to create a paradise for the woman he loved. Wander through the overgrown gardens, imagine the grandeur of the past, and uncover the secrets hidden within the crumbling walls. Fermín Mundaca de Marecheaga, a Basque pirate and slave trader, arrived on Isla Mujeres in the mid-19th century. He fell deeply in love with a local woman known as "La Trigueña" (the brunette). To win her heart, he began constructing this elaborate hacienda, importing materials from Europe and employing hundreds of workers. The hacienda was intended to be a self-sufficient paradise, complete with orchards, gardens, and even a zoo. However, La Trigueña ultimately chose another man, leaving Mundaca heartbroken and his grand project unfinished. He died in Mérida, Yucatán, and the hacienda was left to decay. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of Mundaca's dream. Stroll through the botanical gardens, admire the ancient wells, and discover the crumbling arches and walls that hint at the hacienda's former glory. Look for the iconic archways with inscriptions dedicated to La Trigueña. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition directly tied to the Hacienda, you can find local restaurants in nearby areas offering traditional Yucatecan cuisine, such as cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and sopa de lima (lime soup).