I am originally from Chicago, although have lived in several different areas around the US and abroad. Now in my mid 60's I have 2 daughters Eloise & Estelle and a grandson Adrian. Passions are cooking and art though luckily I have a head for business as well. When you visit, you will see and experience the attention to detail and the love for entertaining we all share here at The Pickled Onion. My staff are extremely kind, knowledgeable and experienced. We make a GREAT team I am so very proud of. We hope you come to visit and create a special memory here with us. Uxmal is 10 minutes up the road and Kabah is 5 minutes down the road as well as the Chocolate Museum all in a few minutes drive. Our restaurant is highly rated and considered the best option for miles. Locals from Merida and all over the countryside come regularly to dine. We hope to see you as well. Thank you...Amy Jo.

The Maya style rooms are built by local Mayan people from the village using traditional organic material. They are created with mother nature in mind, wood being cut only on a full moon. They create a natural energy air flow keeping them cool in the day each one situated individually creating privacy in the peaceful garden surrounded by jungle, nature and impressive ruins . ALL the staff are from the village which has a long and interesting history . One will find all the amenities required to make your stay comfortable and relaxing including air conditioning in all the rooms. Our restaurant is recognized as the best in the area for freshness and typical Yucatan dishes which are reasonably priced . Apart from the Yucatan dishes we have a varied menu to suit every taste . We grow our own bananas, oranges, limes, plus many more local fruits for you to taste right here on the property The ruins of Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil Labnah and the Lol Tun Caves are easily accessible from our location as are other points of interest like many cenotes. Celestun for the Flamingoes, Becal famous for hat making, Campeche etc.

Santa Elena is a typical Mayan village still holding many traditional ceremonies dating back many years, two weeks in January being one of the most famous ... truly an experience. Do not be surprised to see pigs walking on the streets as well as hens and chickens cows in the backyard, it is part of the culture which one can find charming . You will find the local people very kind and helpful, the main language being Maya but being overtaken by Spanish and some even speak English! The local church is quite imposing on this small village but beautifully maintained inside, adjoining you can visit the mummy museum. We can arrange a tour around the village in typical transportation at your request visiting tortilla making visiting a local family etc. as well as tour guides for Uxmal and Kabah. There are a small number of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls in the village as well as mini supermarkets. The nearest large market is in Ticul which is located a 10min drive from here or you can venture further to Oxcutzcab a 40 min drive and well known for its citrus fruits. Apart from the very well known sites of Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Labnah, Xlapak and many of the nearby cenotes, we can advise you on other less travelled sites that are close by and well worth the visit.