Frequently Asked Questions
Safety
Is the Yucatán safe?
Yes. Mérida is internationally recognized for its safety and is considered one of the safest cities not only in Mexico, but in all of the Americas. LGBTQ+ travelers will also find Mérida to be welcoming and inclusive.
The surrounding villages near the Hacienda are peaceful and community-oriented. We have never experienced any safety issues in Sac Chich or while traveling throughout the Yucatán.
Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
Yes, especially in the Yucatán Peninsula. As with driving anywhere, simply follow normal road rules and use common sense.
The highway between Cancún and Mérida is well maintained, clearly marked, and has a speed limit of 90 km/h. Smaller roads connecting villages are generally paved and safe to explore.
One important thing to know: throughout the Yucatán you will encounter speed bumps called “topes,” particularly when entering and exiting towns. Always slow down and stay alert for them.
Is the Hacienda safe?
Yes. The area surrounding the Hacienda is quiet and filled with local families who have lived here for generations, many of whom work with us directly.
We have full-time on-site managers, and all bedrooms include safety boxes for your peace of mind. Guests regularly enjoy walking both within and outside the Hacienda grounds comfortably and safely.
In & Around the Hacienda
Are you open to the public?
No. Hacienda Sac Chich is a private property and is not open to the public. We do not operate as a public restaurant or hotel.
Meals may be arranged for guests staying at the Hacienda, and tours are offered by appointment only for serious inquiries. This allows us to maintain the privacy and tranquility of the property for our guests.
Will my electronic devices work?
Yes. Electricity at the Hacienda is 110 volts / 60 cycles, and outlets are the same as those used in the United States.
What time zone is the Hacienda in?
We are in Central Time (GMT -06:00), the same time zone as Chicago, Houston, and Minneapolis.
Is there staff on-site?
Yes. We have daily housekeeping staff who make beds, clean the homes, and wash dishes. Linens are changed every three days.
We also have daily garden and pool staff who maintain the grounds. Staff are typically on-site from 7:00am to 1:00pm.
Additional services such as laundry, grocery shopping, or cooking may also be arranged for an extra fee. Please discuss these requests with us prior to your arrival.
Can I drink the water?
No. While the Hacienda has a filtration system, tap water is not recommended for drinking.
Each kitchen is supplied with purified drinking water dispensers, and purified ice is provided. Additional purified water and ice can also be purchased locally if needed.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes. We use Starlink satellite internet, which is generally very reliable.
During severe weather there may occasionally be short interruptions, though outages are typically brief.
Do you have air conditioning?
Yes. All bedrooms are equipped with air conditioning. Some rooms also include ceiling fans, and additional floor fans can be provided upon request.
Are the swimming pools fenced?
No. The pools are not fenced.
We consider ourselves a very family-friendly property, however children should always be supervised around the pools and throughout the grounds.
Can I bring my dog?
We know pets are part of the family, and we welcome well-behaved dogs with a small additional fee. Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring a pet.
What is the weather like?
The Yucatán has a warm tropical climate year-round.
Spring: hot and dry
Summer: hot with afternoon rains
Fall: slightly cooler and less humid
Winter: warm days with cooler evenings
During the cooler months, a light sweater may be comfortable in the evenings.
Typical temperatures:
Warm months: 80–95°F+ (27–35°C+)
Cooler months: 65–70s°F (18–24°C)
Rain showers are often brief and commonly occur later in the afternoon. The hottest part of the day is usually between 2pm–4pm.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in begins after 3:00pm and check-out is at 11:00am.
Getting Around
Do we need to rent a car?
This depends on your travel style and how much exploring you plan to do during your stay.
If you enjoy discovering cenotes, Mayan ruins, small villages, beaches, and convent routes at your own pace, renting a car is highly recommended and gives you the greatest flexibility. Driving in the Yucatán is generally safe, and roads are well maintained and clearly marked.
If you prefer not to drive, we are happy to help arrange private transportation, airport transfers, and guided tours.
Within Mérida, taxis and Uber are plentiful and inexpensive. Please note that because Hacienda Sac Chich is located approximately 30–40 minutes outside the city, taxis departing from the Hacienda must typically be arranged in advance.
Where can we rent a car?
Rental cars are available at both the Cancún and Mérida airports, as well as in downtown Mérida near the Fiesta Americana Hotel.
Rental pricing is often more competitive in Cancún. Hacienda Sac Chich is located approximately:
3 hours west of Cancún
40–45 minutes from Mérida International Airport
What about police stops on the highway?
Police checkpoints are common throughout the Yucatán and are routine and non-confrontational.
If you encounter a checkpoint, simply slow down, remain respectful, and follow instructions if given. Tourists are rarely bothered, and in our experience visitors are waved through without issue.
Can I take the Tren Maya to the Hacienda?
Yes. The Tren Maya now connects several destinations throughout the Yucatán Peninsula and can be a convenient option for travelers arriving through Cancún or exploring the region.
The closest station to Hacienda Sac Chich is the Teya station near Mérida, located approximately 20 minutes away by car or taxi.
Guests arriving through Cancún may choose to take the Tren Maya to Mérida/Teya and then arrange private transportation to the Hacienda. We are happy to assist with transportation coordination if needed.
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.