Lodging at Hacienda San Juan
With an Emphasis on Birding and Local Maya Culture

Host: Katharine Wingate When: All Year Round. The winter is very pleasant temperature-wise, the rainy season begins around June. Rates (as of 2005): Colonial bedrooms in main house 400 pesos per night, healthy breakfast included. Casa Juanita (2 double beds, living room area, kitchen, bathroom) 600 pesos per night. Casa Chi’ich, fully equipped—can be rented on a monthly basis. Casita: 200 pesos per night + 1 breakfast Bed&Breakfast and Neem tree farm: The century-old Hacienda “San Juan de Lizárraga” of Telchac Pueblo, is situated 40 minutes from Mérida, the Yucatecan capital, and 20 minutes from care-free Telchac Puerto on the Gulf coast. “San Juan” was constructed in the latter part of the 1800’s and was a principal producer and processor of Henequen fiber in the famous days of “green gold” - which is what henequen was known as in Yucatán. After the Revolution, it became a collective farm or “ejido” . It is now a family-type Bed & breakfast come Retreat, with delightful swimming pool area, many colourful flowering plants, endemic trees, rare species of palms, a Neem grove, native iguanas, not to mention the wide variety and abundance of bird-life to lullaby and relax the world weary. The exquisite beautiful native bird, the ’Toh’ is one of them. Hacienda San Juan is definitely not a “touristy-type” environment. It is rather a refuge for nature lovers and peace seekers and is full of local flavour. The propagation and protection of endemic flora and fauna is one of the Hacienda’s goals. Excursions to birding areas, Mayan ruins and other places of interest can be arranged upon request. The renting of a car is highly recommended, as the Hacienda is out in the countryside and local transportation is few and far between. Accommodation is varied for each type of budget & rates are reasonable. Special rates are negotiable for longer stays in the independent houses. The main house offers beautifully decorated colonial bed rooms with a private sala and porch area. Adjacent “Casa Juanita” is independent with sala, 2 double beds in sleeping area, kitchen & bathroom. On the grounds there is a larger fully equipped separate house for rent—Casa Chi’ich— with a secluded tranquil garden. “The Astronomers’ House”, also on the grounds will be available for rent at the end of 2005. As its name implies, this house is ideal for amateur astronomers as it has a huge flat terrace on the roof where the sky appears as a studded dome. Finally, there is a small, simple but cosy casita, with separate bathroom, where hamacs can be slung local style. Pool and shady terrace area Downstairs sala and library area Neem grove area Casa Juanita Casa Juanita (inside) Garden from upstairs