While it isn’t imperative that every adventure has a “hook,” my latest one did. I wanted to try out the restaurant La Finca Puuc just outside Muna, because I’d heard great things about it before the stupid pandemic took away all our fun. So, when I saw that they reopened in early April I grabbed my family, chucked them in the car, and demanded they accompany me on yet another adventure (and yes, my kids do sometimes complain about all the outings and fun they’re forced to have, ungrateful little beasts).
La Finca Puuc is a great place to stop for a meal and a relaxing moment after a hard day exploring the archaeological sites in the area (for now, this is just Uxmal, but hopefully Ruta Puuc and Oxkintok will be open again soon). Or perhaps you’d prefer it paired with a day exploring cenotes, the closest are San Antonio Mulix, Kankirixché, and Yax Há; of course, there are plenty of others.
For our day we decided to visit a new cenote since we’ve spent plenty of time exploring the archaeological sites over the years. We picked Yax Há as the kids were recently at San Antonio Mulix (they also have cabins if you want to stay the night), and Kankirixché is our go-to cenote when site-hopping in this area.
Yax Há is fairly wild. It costs $30 pesos per person and there are no life vests available to rent, so if you want them you’ll need to take them with you. In fact, there is nothing at the cenote at all, which adds to its allure. Yax Há, by the way, means “blue-green water” in Maya, and this is a pretty accurate description of the clear, deep water that is lit only by the sunlight entering via the hole in the cave ceiling.
There are no steps down into the water, instead, there is an area at the back where you can lower yourself in and out with a short rope (my kids and I did it with no problems at all). You can also go nuts and just chuck yourself off the ledge like my husband and daughter did, repeatedly.
We spent around 45 minutes playing around before drying off and heading into Muna for a pre-lunch stroll. We checked out the Muna letters, the Plaza Grande, the church, and the closed playground.
If you have time, the lookout just outside Muna is worth a stop, too. We very much enjoyed frolicking in the gardens, playing in the small cave, and then climbing to the top where you get a gorgeous view of the jungle. We were also lucky enough to be treated to a small discussion about the importance of local Melipona (stingless) bees.
And then, phew, it’s time to relax and enjoy a delicious traditional meal at La Finca Puuc. I recommend reserving in advance if you want an outdoor table. The kids will be thrilled with the gorgeous pool (we could barely pull them out), the space to run, and the play equipment.
All the food is delicious and prepared by the owner in this delightful family-run restaurant. If you get the chance, have a chat with them as they couldn’t be friendlier or more welcoming. The attention to detail and love that goes into their restaurant is an absolute pleasure to experience.
La Finca Puuc
Carretera Uman – Hopelchen, just outside Muna
Tel. (999) 183 2717
FB: La Finca Puuc
IG: @restaurantelafincapuuc
Open daily: 12 – 6 pm
Editorial by Cassie Pearse
Freelance writer and blogger, born in the UK. Cassie has a BA from Oxford University and an MA from SOAS, University of London. She lives in Mérida and loves exploring Yucatán with her family.
Photography by Cassie Pearse for its use in Yucatán Today.
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