Tasty Authentic Mayan Lunch in the village of Santa Elena - Close to Uxmal and the Ruta Puuc!
I visited Restaurant Chac-Mool for lunch on November 23rd with a friend, after touring the Uxmal Ruins and on my way to the Kabah Ruins.
This local restaurant was located along Highway 261 (left hand side if coming from the Uxmal), between Uxmal and Kabah in the small and traditional Mayan village of Santa Elena. For those renting a car, like I did, there was a gravel area for parking across the highway (on the right hand side) from the restaurant.
My friend and I were the only ones at the restaurant for lunch, which made for a cozy, peaceful and relaxing environment. We chose to sit on the second floor balcony, which had a nice view of the surrounding jungle. There was also seating inside on the main floor as well as outside on the ground level. The décor and look of the restaurant was very charming, colourful and unique.
I ordered the pollo pibil with a side of guacamole and chips. The food was so delicious and everything tasted very fresh and authentic. While eating my meal, I kept hearing what sounded like chickens squawking from behind the restaurant and I couldn't help but wonder if that was where my meal came from.
The restaurant serves a large variety of traditional Yucatecan, Mexican and Mayan dishes.
The staff were so friendly, attentive, charming and warm and the service was excellent.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at this local, family-owned restaurant and would highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Uxmal and/or through the Ruta Puuc! read more