Hacienda Mundaca originally covered almost forty percent of the island. Built by Fermin Mundaca after he "retired" from pirating and slave trading around 1858, the hacienda was surrounded by magnificent gardens including the solar clock garden called "The Rose of the Winds".

Mundaca dedicated his hacienda to a local beauty, 37 years younger then himself, known as "La Triguena" (the brunette). The arches above the gates were known as "The Entrance of the Triguena" and "The Pass of the Triguena".

His dedication was in vain, she married a man closer to her own age and as legend tells it, Fermin Mundaca slowly went insane and died, alone in Merida. His empty tomb still awaits him in the Isla Mujeres cemetery.

Carved by his own hands are the skull and cross bones, in memory of his pirating days and the words meant for his love, "As you are, I was. As I am, you will be".

Today, the Hacienda's remaining structures, gardens and pathways are being restored and recently a small zoo has been added. You will see monkeys, various birds, crocodiles, pythons and even a Jaguar. The entrance fee is $10 pesos and well worth a visit. The best time to go to Mundaca is in the morning before it gets too hot.

Admission is $2

The fortress is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.