Best Cenotes to Visit in Yucatan

Best Cenotes to Visit in Yucatan

There are thousands of cenotes dispersed all over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Cenotes are natural sinkholes with fresh water, created by the collapse of the limestone ceiling and the word ‘cenote’ is derived from the Yucatec Mayan word dzonot, meaning “well”. The beauty of those places is something that attracts loads of tourists to the region. That being said, as there are literally thousands of sinkholes in Mexico, in this guide you will find a summary of the best cenotes to visit in Yucatan.

The ancient Maya civilization understood the importance of cenotes as they provided year-round access to fresh water. In addition, the Maya also believed that those holes were gateways to Xibalba, the underworld, where at the bottom of those sacred wells lived the god of rain Chaac. The Maya performed rituals and ceremonies at sacred cenotes to ask for rain and good crops. Stepping inside any of these magnificent caves makes it easy to imagine how cenotes were life-bringers for Mayans, and also considered sacred passages to their afterlife. 

1. Cenote Azul and Cristalino

Located just 20 minutes outside of Playa of the Carmen. Both those cenotes are incredibly beautiful relaxing spots where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in their crystal-clear waters. Those cenotes are open- meaning not located inside a cave, and set in a beautiful green & lush jungle.  

Practical Infos

Entrance fee: 70 pesos/Azul | 100 pesos/Cristalino
Opening hours: 8AM- 5PM

2. Cenote Ik-Kil

One of the most popular cenote in Yucatán, it’s a giant hole with stunning vegetation. As it’s located close to Chichen Itza it’s usually crowded. 

Note : The showers before entering cenotes are obligatory and usage of sunblock is forbidden before entering water. There’re lockers available at the site for small charge where you can leave your belongings

Practical Infos

Entrance fee: 70 pesos
Opening hours: 8AM- 5PM

3. Cenotes Samula and Xkeken

Located just few meters from each other both of these cenotes are located underground in caves. It’s an absolutely incredible experience to swim in a small lake with a giant cave ceiling above. 

We arrived really late to the site, it was already dark when we entered and we were the only ones in the caves. Nonetheless, there are artificial lights installed at both the cenotes as daylight doesn’t enter almost of all. 

Practical Infos

Entrance fee: 80 pesos for 1 cenote | 125 pesos to visit both
Opening hours: 8AM- 7PM

Note : There’s plenty of small catfish in the cenotes, they are harmless and won’t touch you, even if they swim closeby.

4. Cenote Suytun

Located just outside of Valadolid, on the way to Tulum. This incredible place was my favorite cenote that we have visited. Absolutely breathtaking cave with stunning light coming from a hole in the ceiling. We were lucky enough to arrive early afternoon when the place wasn’t crowded and everyone present kept quiet, so we could truly feel the magical atmosphere.

But if you aim for the iconic picture with the light falling from the sky, you should be there from 11AM to 3PM.

Practical Infos

Entrance fee: 70 pesos
Opening hours: 8AM- 5PM

5. Cenote Tankach- Ha and Choo- Ha

Located off the main road, hidden deep in the forest, those cenotes are not popular with tourists.

Both located underground in caves, they are small, yet very beautiful. The entrance to Tankach-Ha is a wooden staircase, spiralling down, with platforms to jump from 6m and 9 m high. Fun & safe.

Practical Infos

Entrance fee: 55 pesos each
Opening hours: 8AM- 6PM

6. Gran Cenote

One of the most beautiful and popular cenotes, a perfectly picturesque spot. The afternoon light beautifully reflects on the limestone and on the water giving it  stunning turquoise color. 

Note : The facilities at this cenote are very nice, with showers, bathrooms and planted grass which makes it a perfect spot to relax after the refreshing swim in the cold waters of this cenote. 

Practical Infos

Entrance fee: 180 pesos
Opening hours: 8AM- 4.45PM

7. Cenote Calavera

A small yet very fun site with a big hole in the ground, one wooden ladder and a swing brushing the water. The best part of this cenote are the small holes in the ground (around the main one) with signs “jump here” right next to them. Overall, this jump is quite scary because of the dimension of the hole, but if you can aim, its a thrill!

Practical Infos

Entrance fee: 50 pesos
Opening hours: 9AM- 4PM

8. Cenote Dos Ojos

This stunning sinkhole is called “Two Eyes” in Spanish. It consists of 2 cenotes connected by a 400 m longer underwater passageway. Without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatan so it gets pretty crowded during the day. To avoid the crowds come early and don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear. It’s a beautiful place to admire the underwater cave. 

Read : For an even more thrilling experience try Cavern Diving in Dos Ojos!

Practical Infos

Entrance fee: 350 pesos
Opening hours: 8AM- 5PM

Note : The water in this cenote is around 24- 25° which makes it a rather cold swim, but totally rewarding and worth it. 

What to bring to Cenotes

  • swimwear
  • Flip-flops
  • Towel
  • Underwater camera
  • Money for the entrance fee
  • Water in a reusable bottle

Some of the cenotes, like Gran Cenote or Ik-Kil have lockers at the site, where you can leave your belongings for a small fee. For the rest of the cenotes we suggest you keep your belongings to minimum and pack them in one small backpack which you can leave on the bench or closeby, keeping an eye on it. 

Life vests are handed out to everyone at all the cenotes, and you are obligated to wear them while swimming. If you choose not to, it’s your won responsibility. 

Read : In case you’d need other reasons to visit Tulum: 7 Reasons to Visit Tulum Beach.

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