Frequently Asked Questions
Safety:
Is the Yucatan safe?
The city of Merida is written about internationally for its safety and is considered not only one of the safest cities in Mexico but also in all of the Americas. If you are an LGBTQ+ traveller you will feel very welcome in Merida as well. The surrounding villages are quiet and peaceful. We have never had any problems in Sac Chich or while traveling throughout the Yucatan.
Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
Yes, especially in the Yucatan. Adhere to the rules of the road as you would anywhere. The highway between Cancun and Merida is well paved and marked and the speed limit is 90kmh. Side roads between villages are usually paved and are a safe adventure. On every road except highways you will encounter the speed bumps called ‘topes’, so always be aware of these as you enter and exit towns.
Is the Hacienda safe?
The area is quiet and filled with local families who have lived here for generations, many of whom are employees. We have full-time managers who live on-site and all rooms have safety boxes for your peace of mind. You can feel completely at home and safe to walk outside of our grounds.
In and around the Hacienda:
Are you open to the public?
No, we are not. We do not have a restaurant on site (although we provide meals if requested for those renting). We provide tours by appointment only for those with serious inquiries. This is to respect the privacy of our guests on-site.
Will my electronic devices work?
Electricity at the hacienda is 110 Volts, 60 cycles. All electrical plugs and receptacles are the same as in the US.
What time zone is the Hacienda in?
Central Time (GMT -06:00), the same as Chicago, Minneapolis, and Houston
Is there staff?
Yes. We have daily household staff who will make the beds, clean the houses, and wash the dishes. Linens are changed every three days. We also have daily garden staff who maintain the gardens and pools. The employees are on-premises from 7am-1pm. We offer additional services such as laundry or cooking, however, there are extra charges and these should be discussed with us before your visit.
Can I drink the water?
No. Although we have a filtration system at the Hacienda, the tap water is not for drinking. We provide purified water coolers in each kitchen for drinking. Purified ice is provided and additional can be purchased locally.
Do you have wi-fi?
Yes, we have Starlink satellite internet and it is reliable. During severe weather, it may go out but generally never more than for a few minutes.
Do you have AC?
All bedrooms have air conditioning. Additionally, some bedrooms have ceiling fans and we can provide floor fans as well if requested.
Are your swimming pools fenced in?
No. Our pools are not fenced in. We consider ourselves a very family-friendly property although small children should always have supervision.
Can I bring my dog?
We know pets are family members and we welcome well-behaved dogs with a small fee! Please let us know ahead of time.
What is the weather like?
Spring is hot and dry, Summer is hot and rainy, Fall is a little cooler and dryer and Winter is cooler and dry. In the cooler months, you may need a sweater for evenings. Hot can be 80-95+, cool is 65-70’s. Rains tend to come and go in the later afternoon. 2-4pm tends to be the hottest time of the day.
What are the check-in and check-out time?
Check-in time is after 3pm and check-out time is 11am.
Getting Around:
Do we need to rent a car?
This really depends on your personal interest and plans. If you like to do a lot of exploring, renting a car gives you more freedom. We are located amidst an array of cenotes, convents and ruins. Driving here is safe and roads well marked. If you prefer not to, we can help arrange private transportation and tours. From Merida airport and within Merida taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, Uber is available as well. Please note, however, departing from Sac Chich, taxis need to be pre-arranged as we are located 30 minutes outside of Merida.
Where can we rent a car?
Rental cars can be acquired at either the Cancun or Merida airports or downtown Merida at the Fiesta Americana Hotel. Car rentals are more competitively priced in Cancun. Sac Chich is 3 hours due West of Cancun or 45 minutes from Merida airport.
What about police stops on the highway?
Approach slowly and respectfully. The police here do not want to bother tourists. We have always been waved through.
Can I take the Tren Maya to the Hacienda?
The long-awaited Tren Maya does not have a firm completion date although the construction is advancing quickly. We expect it to be up and running within 2024 and will update here when the inauguration is scheduled. The main station for Merida is located at Teya, an easy 20-minute taxi ride from Hacienda Sac Chich. The Tren Maya should also streamline travel for those flying into Cancun. Guests can utilize the Cancun to Merida route, arriving directly at the Teya Station. More details to come soon.
Shopping:
Where do we buy food?
Guests most often stock up and buy groceries in Merida at one of the large chain grocery stores or Costco. The vegetables and meats are of good quality. We are located 5 minutes from the town of Acanceh. Here you can purchase very basic products but it is always best to plan ahead and stock up in Merida. The same applies to alcohol as only beer is available locally. We also provide pre-arrival shopping for a fee if this is easier for you and we do stock some alcohol for purchase during your stay.
Are vegetables safe to eat?
All fruits or vegetables that will be consumed raw need to be disinfected. We provide anti-bacterial wash in the kitchens. Our rule is no fruits or vegetables should be put in the refrigerator without first being washed so you never have doubts. This applies everywhere so you can have confidence in restaurants and eating street food as well.
What currency do I need?
Always best to have pesos on hand. The larger stores in Merida will accept credit cards. It is best to contact your bank prior to travel, and advise them you will be visiting Mexico so they do not block any charges. ATMs are available in the neighboring town of Acanceh and throughout Merida.