Hacienda Rancho Chable
A Slow Tourism Refuge in Yucatan
Hacienda Rancho Chable
The balance between a space to enjoy and a commitment to honor the environment
In the heart of Yucatan, Mexico, a few hours from Playa del Carmen, lies a story where history, culture and nature intertwine. Hacienda Rancho Chable is an ancient hacienda now transformed into an innovative concept where Slow Tourism takes center stage, setting a new trend in the region. Managed by Evelina Marchesini — a professional journalist and tourism administrator — Hacienda Rancho Chable has become a model of sustainable tourism that combines enjoyment and respect for the environment.
A Philosophy Rooted in Sustainability
Evelina Marchesini, a journalist by training with a solid career in travel and tourism, found her second calling in promoting sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship in a uniquely personal way. As she explains: "the planet is a matter of daily care, and that same principle should apply to how we travel..." For Evelina, Hacienda Rancho Chable is far more than a tourist destination — it is a space of spiritual reconnection and respect for the environment, enriched with activities such as horse-guided yoga, meditations, therapeutic sessions, and simply exploring the land.
Evelina Marchesini
The Magic of the Cenotes and Horses of Hacienda Rancho Chable
One of the hacienda's greatest attractions are its cenotes. These gatherings of water and stalactites are considered sacred by the Maya culture, and offer a unique experience for guests who can swim and relax in complete privacy — easily accessible on foot or on horseback from the historic chalet.
Cenotes in Yucatan near the Maya Train
..."guests have access to the Sacred Cenote, just a few minutes' walk from the chalet and the hacienda's center; the Hidden Cenote deep in the jungle, reachable on horseback or after a long hike; and the Blue Cenote, accessible on horseback or on foot.
While the Sacred Cenote offers easy access with carved stairs that preserve the beauty of the site, along with two platforms for meditation or relaxation, the Hidden Cenote is entirely pristine, characterized by poplar trees whose roots have pierced through the ceiling, forming a magical ancestral space where guests can swim or use a small canoe. The Blue Cenote is an open cenote in the middle of the jungle — for now admirable only from its edges, in a wild and unspoiled natural setting. The cenotes are private. This means guests can experience the unique Maya connection between the World and the Underworld in complete privacy, without other paying visitors, unlike almost all other Mexican cenotes."
And speaking of horses — the hacienda's horses are another hallmark of this place. Raised in freedom, Rancho Chable's horses not only offer unique rides through the jungle and cenotes, but also play a crucial role in the emotional healing of visitors. Evelina explains that "the relationship with these horses is special — since they live free and maintain their natural dynamics, they choose with whom to connect, creating a healing experience for those who approach them."
Traditional horse rides to the cenotes are available for adults and children over 12 years old. For younger children, riding experiences are organized near the main house. Hacienda Rancho Chable also welcomes pets.
Guests can stay at the hacienda — a renovated structure that preserves the original wooden ceilings of the last century and artisan details evoking the history of the ancient henequen haciendas of Yucatan. The chalet offers camping grounds, and guests may even stay in the historic cultural chapel.
Slow Tourism, the key concept at Hacienda Rancho Chable, invites travelers to disconnect from the accelerated pace of daily life and immerse themselves in an experience where time seems to stand still.
For Evelina Marchesini, this approach is a response to a tourism that too often prioritizes quantity over quality. "Instead of rushing from one place to another, visitors to Chable can take the time to enjoy, explore and reconnect with themselves."
Hacienda Rancho Chable features a tranquil and silent setting, with hammocks and spacious outdoor areas to enjoy the sunsets.
Spiritual Reconnection with Nature
Beyond slow tourism, Hacienda Rancho Chable has also become renowned for offering spiritual reconnection retreats. Visitors can participate in cenote meditation sessions, constellation therapy and horse-guided yoga.
The hacienda features a traditional chapel that has been converted into a spiritual temple — open as a cultural and contemplative space connecting with oneself and with imagery from diverse traditions.
Evelina Marchesini's goal through Hacienda Rancho Chable is clear: to change the way people think about travel. As she says, "When we go on vacation, we tend to forget the sustainable principles we apply at home. My mission is to change that and make conscious tourism the norm, not the exception." Her project has not only promoted slow tourism in a region dominated by mass tourism — it has also demonstrated that it is possible to offer a luxury for the soul.
Access to the Hacienda and the Comfort of the Maya Train
Hacienda Rancho Chable is strategically located in central Yucatan, giving guests easy access to some of the region's most iconic sites.
With the inauguration of the Maya Train, the hacienda has become a hub for exploring Chichen Itza, Tizimin, Valladolid and surrounding villages. The nearest station, Nuevo Xcan, is just 20 minutes by car — connecting guests to the main destinations of the Yucatan Peninsula.
As Evelina Marchesini explains: you can arrive from Playa del Carmen by road in approximately one hour and 15 minutes; about two hours by car from Tulum and Cancun.
"You can now arrive at Hacienda Rancho Chable with the new Maya Train: the newly inaugurated Nuevo Xcan station is just about 20 minutes away, so you can combine the experience of the new train with a stay at the hacienda, then continue by train to Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Izamal and Merida."
"The hacienda sits in a privileged location — at the center of a circle within which you can reach: Holbox (1.5 hours from Chiquila), Ek Balam ruins (1h45m), Valladolid (1.5 hours), Chichen Itza (2 hours), El Cuyo / Las Coloradas (1h15m), Rio Lagartos (2h15m).
Hacienda Rancho Chable is therefore a perfect base for visiting Yucatan's main points of interest. Guests love to spend the night at Chable, ride horses to the cenotes in the morning, and then set out to explore different sites from early afternoon."
Everything at Hacienda Rancho Chable speaks of history, nature and authenticity — the opposite of all-inclusive tourism where spectacle replaces substance. That is why the motto of Hacienda Rancho Chable is Slow Tourism and its luxury is a "luxury for the soul."
"Even today you can see the original main house (soon to be renovated), the administrator's house (the chalet where guests can spend the night), the chapel (the multi-faith temple), the original corrals, and the ancient Noria (still in use today with its original wind system)."
Author's Reflections:
I met Evelina at Mundolingo, in Playa del Carmen — a language exchange event. I approached her when I heard her speak Italian, as I had lived several years in Italy and it brought back memories of my travels there. We talked about many topics — her country, her work as a prominent journalist for an Italian newspaper, the flavors of Italian cuisine, the experience of cultural adaptation while traveling — until we circled back to Mexico, and she told me about her innovative project that unites nature with the spiritual dimension. I was deeply moved, especially the way she described every detail of the place with the flair of a seasoned travel journalist. One weekend I organized myself and decided to visit the ranch, coinciding with a yoga retreat by the cenotes where I also offered sessions on astrology focused on professional development — one of the crafts I practice in parallel with communications.
By:
Creative Communicator and Graphic Design Professional.
CEO Visibles.World
