There’s a small town in Yucatán that, until recently, went almost completely unnoticed by most tourists. Travelers driving between Mérida and Campeche would pass by it without a second thought, but everything changed on May 20, 2026, when the world’s most prestigious gastronomic guide turned its spotlight toward it.
The town is Chocholá, a community that has officially entered Mexico’s Michelin map thanks to the quality and service of the restaurant Ixi’im — although the town itself has much more to offer than most people would imagine.
Where is Chocholá, Yucatán?
Chocholá is located just 36 kilometers southwest of Mérida, along Federal Highway 180 connecting Mérida and Campeche. Its name comes from the Mayan words Chhochhol-Há, meaning “Brackish Water.” Despite its modest appearance, the town hides a fascinating personality among its jungle landscapes, historic haciendas, and unforgettable cuisine.
Popularly known as “Chocholá de los Venados” because white-tailed deer can still be spotted in the surrounding forests, this Yucatán town has everything needed to become one of southeastern Mexico’s most surprising getaway destinations.
Ixi’im: the Michelin Green Star restaurant that changed everything
On May 20, 2026, Ixi’im received a Michelin Green Star, the award granted by the famous French guide to restaurants recognized for sustainable gastronomy practices. It was a historic achievement for Yucatán and a moment that placed Chocholá on the global culinary map.
The restaurant is located inside Chablé Yucatán, a luxury boutique hotel built around the old machine room of a 19th-century henequen hacienda — a place where history and nature become part of the dining experience before the first dish even arrives.
The chef behind the experience
Leading the kitchen is chef Luis Ronzón, who trained under renowned chef Yuri de Gortari and later expanded his culinary vision during a stay at Noma, long considered one of the best restaurants in the world.
Since joining Chablé in 2017, Ronzón has developed a cuisine that, in his own words, “tastes Yucatecan without being traditionally Yucatecan.”
His philosophy is simple: out goes sous-vide cooking, in comes the underground earth oven. The concept combines ancient Mayan agricultural techniques, smoky pib flavors, Lebanese influences found throughout the region, and the finest seasonal local ingredients.
As a curious detail, the restaurant also houses one of the world’s largest private tequila collections, featuring 3,435 bottles, including pieces dating back to 1845 and labels painted by Rufino Tamayo.
Dishes you absolutely should try
If you manage to get a reservation — booking in advance is essential — these are some of the restaurant’s signature dishes:
- Piglet lechón al pib, slow-cooked underground with sour orange, white recado seasoning, and banana leaves
- Creamy rice with tzic of local white-tailed deer, pickled radish, and xcatic chili
- Campeche shrimp aguachile with sour orange, guajillo chili, seaweed, and pickled white cucumber
- Fish tiradito with jícama from Maxcanú, cured in coconut cream, habanero, onion, and cilantro
Traditional flavors of the town
While Ixi’im is the crown jewel, Chocholá is also full of traditional market food, family recipes, and authentic Yucatecan cooking without unnecessary embellishment. Some local dishes worth trying include:
- Cochinita pibil with pickled red onions and habanero
- Poc-chuc, grilled pork marinated in sour orange
- Lime soup with chicken and crispy tortilla strips
- Panuchos and salbutes topped with shredded turkey
- Relleno negro (also called chirmole), one of Yucatán’s most iconic stews
- Papadzules, tortillas filled with egg and covered in pumpkin seed sauce
For travelers on a tighter budget, these are also excellent places to eat in Chocholá:
- Xtabentún — a popular stop among travelers, serving Mexican and international dishes at affordable prices
- Kooten Hanal — a small local restaurant specializing in homemade regional cuisine
- Caliza Cafetería — a modern café ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack
Beyond food: what to do in Chocholá
This Yucatán town nourishes more than just your appetite. Here are some attractions visitors should not miss:
- Cenote San Ignacio — crystal-clear waters and an illuminated underground river
- Exhacienda de Chocholá — a 19th-century hacienda reflecting the region’s henequen history
- Templo de la Purísima Concepción — the town’s colonial church
- Grutas de Calcehtok and Tzukán — limestone caves perfect for adventure lovers
- Uxmal — one of the most impressive Mayan cities in the world
- Oxkintok — a lesser-known but fascinating archaeological site
How to get there
Chocholá is one of those places that surprises you when you least expect it. You arrive because of a cenote, stay because of the food, and leave wondering when you’ll come back — especially now that it can proudly claim a Michelin Green Star restaurant.
- From Mérida: drive 36 kilometers along Federal Highway 180. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Shared vans and local buses also depart regularly from Mérida’s center.
- From Campeche: the drive along Highway 180 takes approximately two hours.
- From other Mexican cities: the nearest airport is Mérida International Airport, with direct flights from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Cancún. From there, Chocholá is less than 40 minutes away by car.
Source: guacamole.radioformula
