The Hacienda Santa Maria Regla

Looking down over the ridge from the park where Igor has spent the last two nights, we could see a large and interesting looking estate. Further research showed that it is an old silver mining hacienda built between 1760 and 1780 that has been turned into a hotel and event center.

They charge 100 pesos ($7.65 CAD, $5.45 USD) to access the grounds, and we thought it was well worth it!

It was spitting with rain for most of the morning, so we didn't head down until after lunch.

There was a lot to explore!

The hotel swimming pool.

There are a lot of "ovens" to do with the refining processes.

But there are no informational signs, and you are free to wander wherever you want.

Even down into the dungeons.

Ruth, looking back out.

We felt like we were exploring an old castle.

There are 51 hotel rooms.

Fountain.

Hotel grounds.

Interesting ceiling.

The courtyard.

The chapel.

Inside the chapel.

Don't forget to look up!

Inside looking out.

Me, with the big old heavy wood doors.

They have a big garden where they do weddings and events.

They were getting set up for one this weekend.

We have no idea if these water spouts had a purpose during the mining days, and they have adapted them as decorative.

More exploring!

Very cool how this tree grew down here!

The movie The Mask of Zorro (1998) filmed some of its scenes here, specifically the one where  Alejandro ( Antonio Banderas ) partially undresses Elena ( Catherine Zeta-Jones ), marking the letter "Z" for Zorro on her corset.

Now we have to watch that movie again to see if we can recognize it!

There is a trail leading out the back of the hacienda that takes you to the base of the basalt columns and a waterfall.

Ussie at the waterfall.

A big beetle!

We had a lot of fun exploring and were there for about two hours. A very scenic spot!

Ruth says thanks for all the birthday wishes and that she had a great day with phone calls from both our son and daughter.

Today we are heading back towards Valle de Bravo. We're going to stop in again at the same place we went hiking when we first came out this way three weeks ago. Planning to be "home" on Monday the 1st.

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