Galopina Casa Silvestre

A Jungle Sanctuary in the Heart of the Yucatán

Rising from the limestone soil of a former henequen plantation, Galopina Casa Silvestre is a collaboration between owners Elisa and Guillaume and the architects at Taller de Arquitectura Contextual (TACO). The property serves as a domestic-scale laboratory for Yucatecan vernacular, eschewing luxury cliches for a tactile palette of calcarenite stone, burnished stucco, and exposed concrete.

Inside, the scent of cedar wood mingles with the coolness of concrete floors. Each room uses natural light to highlight the texture of local stone masonry. Windows are open to passing breezes, fitted with concrete lattices and mosquito netting instead of glass, ensuring a constant connection to the surrounding jungle.

The seven-hectare estate is a preserved ecosystem where only the immediate footprints of the buildings were cleared. Two guest suites are embedded into the sloping terrain, mimicking the cool, subterranean feel of a cenote. A geometric outdoor pool is framed by endemic vegetation, offering a stark, architectural contrast to the untamed vines and ancient trees of the lower jungle.

What we love

We fell for this one the moment we understood what TACO were actually doing: not building in the jungle, but building with it. The way the five suites are split between sunken "Tierra" rooms embedded into the hillside and elevated "Cielo" rooms above the canopy is a genuine spatial argument about how to inhabit a seven-hectare ecosystem, and owners Elisa and Guillaume sealed the deal by filling the interiors with flea-market finds rather than a procurement catalogue — which is the difference between a place with character and a place that's performing it. At 35 kilometres from Mérida, you're close enough for a morning at the mercado, and far enough that the only thing audible at dusk is the jungle politely reminding you who was here first.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Seyé sleeps up to 10 guests and is divided into two distinct volumes. The main house contains the common social areas, library, and kitchen. Five suites are distributed across the site: two "Tierra" (Earth) rooms are sunken into the hillside with private patios, while two "Cielo" rooms are elevated to capture canopy views. One further suite, the "Jabin," features a private balcony. All rooms feature king beds and en-suite bathrooms.

Experiences

Galopina offers a comprehensive guide to the surrounding area so guests can plan their stay (Plantel Matilde, visits to haciendas, visits to Melipona bees, and much more). All meals can be prepared on-site by Galopina's staff and chef, using fresh ingredients from nearby orchards. Rejuvenating massages and birdwatching from private terraces offer a tranquil and meditative experience.

Good to know

Renting a car to explore the beautiful surroundings of Galopina is highly recommended. However, if you need a chauffeur service to get to Galopina or to explore the surroundings, please inquire.

Amenities & services

Pool, daily housekeeping, breakfast with extra cost (250 pesos per person, rate correct as of 3/6/2026), in-house restaurant, private chef (on request), honesty bar, library, Starlink internet, parking, terrace, mosquito nets, ceiling fans, air conditioning, airport transfer (surcharge), massage (on request), yoga classes (on request)

Around

Galopina is located 35km away from the heart of Mérida, surrounded by low Yucatecan jungle within the Cenotes Rings State Reserve. The villa also offers easy access to the region’s Convent Route, ideal for visiting numerous colorful churches and convents, as well as archeological ruins. The landscape is a low-lying jungle, a place where the living is easy and simple. Birdwatchers will love the variety, and the small towns closest to the property offer a chance to stroll through tropical fruit-laden markets and rural town squares.