We eventually got on our way to an even smaller town of Ticopo that was two hours along the road towards Merida. Because it was New Year’s Eve, tour options for the haciendas were unavailable, but we enjoyed the local food and local feel for the day before heading back to Cancun.
The history of sisal fiber was fascinating and something I knew nothing about previously. It was derived from the henequen plant and was cultivated extensively in the Yucatán Peninsula until the early 20th century.
The henequen industry provided employment to thousands of people and generated significant revenue for the region. Sisal fiber was used in a wide range of industries, including rope making, sack manufacturing, carpet weaving, and paper production until it was displaced due to competition from synthetic materials. I would love to go back and take one of these tours in the future.
I can’t leave my description of Ticopo without mentioning our breakfast there. With a sign out front like this, how could we resist:
Feel free to translate those cuts of pork on your own. Joking aside, it was great food and the owner was a joy to visit with. He treated our family like we were his family! I definitely recommend stopping by.