Haciendas

Haciendas were large estates or plantations common in colonial Latin America, particularly during the Spanish colonial period. They typically focused on agriculture, mining, or livestock, often relying on Indigenous peoples and later enslaved workers for labor. Haciendas served as self-sufficient units, producing goods for both local use and export. They played a significant role in the economy and social structure of the region, contributing to the wealth of landowners while often perpetuating social inequalities. Today, many haciendas have been preserved as historical sites or converted into tourism destinations, offering insight into the colonial past.