Hacienda del Lencero

Hacienda del Lencero is a large colonial estate near Veracruz with a two-story main building and several outbuildings spread across the grounds. Inside are rooms displaying weapons and hunting trophies, bedrooms with period furnishings, and a striking bird corridor with tropical plants.

Juan Lencero, a soldier under Hernan Cortes, founded the estate in the 1520s as a control point on the main trade route to Veracruz. It grew into a seat of power for generals and merchants and shaped the economic life of the region for centuries.

The home served for centuries as a residence for military leaders and wealthy merchants who held power in the region. Visitors can see how these affluent residents lived and what objects mattered in their daily routines.

The estate sits on extensive grounds with paved paths connecting the buildings, making it easy to explore on foot. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and plan for 1 to 2 hours to thoroughly see the main rooms and outbuildings.

General Antonio López de Santa Anna, one of Mexico's most powerful politicians in the 1800s, owned the estate for over a decade and left his mark on it. Traces of his time here remain visible in certain rooms and in local stories.