They were efficient farms and manufacturing centers that produced meat and agricultural products for export. By the 19th century, most of them were producing henequen rope, a variety of agave cactus.

Haciendas had vast henequen fields tended by hundreds of workers, a chapel, the main house (usually the largest building) where the hacienda owner lived, and the administrative offices.

After the Caste War in Yucatán and the subsequent invention of synthetic fibers, most haciendas were abandoned.

In recent times, recognizing the beauty of these buildings and with the purpose of enjoying the countryside surroundings of Mérida, many haciendas have been renovated and converted into luxurious hotels, vacation homes, restaurants, or museums.

Some of the most important ones include Katanche, Kancabchén, Ochil, Petac, San José Cholul, Santa Rosa, Temozon, Teya, and Yaxcopoil, which was considered one of the most important rural estates in terms of size and magnificence and is now a museum.