Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
One among my favourite issues to do in Mexico is swim within the lovely cenotes of the Yucatan. Listed here are ideas for visiting a cenote in Mexico, and tips on how to get pleasure from them responsibly.
Cenotes in Mexico are tremendous cool! The Mayan folks used cenotes to produce their historic cities (like Chichen Itza) with contemporary water, in addition to a sacred place to conduct sacrificial choices to their gods.
Historical artifacts and even human bones have been found in lots of.
Choices have been made to the Mayan god Chaac, the god of rain, when drought threatened the world. The Maya additionally believed these underground wells have been entrances to the afterlife.
Regardless of their barely creepy historical past, as of late cenotes in Mexico are loved by foreigners and locals alike as refreshing jungle swimming holes and cave diving hot-spots. No journey to Mexico is full with out swimming in a cenote!
Right here you’ll discover particulars about Tulum cenotes, in addition to cenotes close to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Valladolid too.
After spending years residing in and repeatedly touring to Mexico as a digital nomad, I wished to place collectively a useful information to my favourite cenotes all through the Yucatan Peninsula.
Hello, I’m Matthew Karsten
I’ve been touring the world for 10+ years as an expert photographer & author. I hope you get pleasure from my Mexican cenote ideas! Should you discover them helpful, utilizing my affiliate hyperlinks to e-book one thing will give me a small fee, at no further value to you. Thanks!
Mexico Cenotes Map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you’ll discover a map of cenotes in Mexico. Click on on the highest left of the map to search out separate layers marking the route and factors of curiosity. You’ll be able to cover and present totally different layers, or click on icons on the map to see the names of locations I point out on this journey information. “Star” the map to put it aside to your individual Google Maps, or open the map in a brand new window for a bigger model. Get pleasure from!
Greatest Cenotes In Mexico
What Precisely Is A Cenote?
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is legendary for its wonderful cenotes — pure swimming pools of contemporary water positioned in limestone caves. These swimming pools are linked to one another by the world’s largest underground river system.
Rain water seeps by the porous limestone, gathering underground.
Cenotes themselves are created when the limestone floor collapses, making a cave opening into this river system. Some cenotes are “open air” that means the roof has fully collapsed, whereas “cave cenotes” might have most or all of their roof nonetheless intact.
Many cenotes in Mexico are dwelling to quite a lot of fish and flora, some even have turtles!
There are supposedly over 6000 totally different cenotes positioned in Mexico. Some have been became swimming holes for vacationers, others are used for technical cave scuba diving, and lots of extra are merely inaccessible – hidden within the distant Mexican jungle.
Greatest Cenotes In Tulum
Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí)
One among my favourite Tulum cenotes, Casa is an open-air cenote that appears extra like a river than a typical cenote. Jungle crops go proper as much as the sting of it, and it’s a great place for snorkeling. It’s slender however VERY lengthy, so that you may wish to use a life jacket (they’ve them) in case you’re not a powerful swimmer.
Locals name it “Cenote Manati”, as a result of there was once a inhabitants of Manatees residing in it. Whereas they’re now not there, a pleasant crocodile named “Panchito” does generally make appearances to swim with vacationers. I wouldn’t pet it, however in any other case there’s nothing to be afraid of!
Entrance Charge: 150 MXN ($7 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Dos Ojos
Dos Ojos Cenote is among the coolest cenotes close to Tulum. It’s very talked-about for scuba diving, on account of its “two eyes” (sinkholes) separated by a 400m lengthy underwater tunnel. Nevertheless it’s additionally enjoyable for snorkeling, as there are many caves to discover which can be simply above the water line.
As a result of Dos Ojos is among the most well-known cenotes within the Yucatan Peninsula, it could possibly get crowded quick. It’s truly a part of an enormous cenote advanced, and there are various totally different ones you possibly can go to within the space.
Entrance Charge: 350 MXN ($17 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Gran Cenote Tulum
Gran Cenote (aka Nice Cenote) is among the closest cenotes to Tulum. In truth it’s attainable to journey a motorcycle right here if you wish to. It’s not tremendous huge, however has two cool chambers separated by a cave tunnel. Additionally they have a mini turtle sanctuary!
A pleasant cenote for swimming and snorkeling, in addition they have showers and restrooms on website. It’s grown in reputation through the years, and might see large crowds generally.
Entrance Charge: 180 MXN ($8 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Taak Bi-Ha
This cenote hidden within the jungle of Tulum is a particular one. A full on cave cenote, it’s lit with led lights, however nonetheless stored wanting pure, which I really like. The water is tremendous clear, and snorkeling right here makes you’re feeling like a cave diver. Which, by the way in which, you’ll see lots scuba divers disappear into the abyss past.
It’s typically one of many less-crowded cenotes in Tulum, partly on account of its steep value to enter in comparison with others.
Entrance Charge: 500 MXN ($24 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Automobile Wash (Aktun Ha)
The Automobile Wash Cenote is positioned proper off the highway from Tulum to Coba, and was once the place locals would wash their vehicles! Now it’s a correct Tulum swimming cenote the place you’ll see tons of fish, water lilys, iguanas, and even some turtles once in a while.
Automobile Wash has a couple of picket leaping platforms, a rope swing, and is one other cave diving spot. There are quite a lot of downed timber on the backside too, making for a novel underwater world to view whereas snorkeling round.
Entrance Charge: 200 MXN ($10 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Calavera (Temple Of Doom)
Cenote Calavera will get its title from the looks of a cranium, with three openings into the bottom. It’s a really deep cenote in Tulum which cave divers love. Excellent for leaping from the perimeters (there’s even a slender opening you possibly can drop into).
It’s generally referred to as The Temple Of Doom by skilled scuba divers. There’s a swing, in addition to a climbing rope. They’ve lounge chairs for sunbathing too.
Entrance Charge: 250 MXN ($12 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Choo Ha
This shallow water cave cenote is positioned subsequent to the ruins of Coba (about 45-minutes from Tulum). It boasts crystal clear blue water and lots of stalagmites hanging from the ceiling. It’s a dramatic wanting cenote, and certainly one of my favourite cenotes close to Tulum.
The shallow water makes this an amazing cenote to go to with a household or small youngsters, though the steps down are fairly steep and slippery. So simply be further cautious! Choo Ha is definitely certainly one of 3 cenotes positioned round Coba, and it’s attainable to purchase a ticket that covers all of them.
Entrance Charge: 100 MXN ($5 USD)
Location: Click on For Map
Kaan Luum
Laguna de Kaan Luum is a transparent shallow lake with shiny blue water which encircles a deep cenote (sinkhole). With a depth of roughly 262 ft, the waters of this cenote supposedly have magical properties.
Kaan Luum can also be good for scuba diving or freediving with the deeper space cordoned off to forestall entry to swimmers. There are water hammocks, swings, and small tower you can climb for an amazing view of the entire space.
Entrance Charge: 300 MXN ($15 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Location: Click on For Map
Tulum Cenotes Tour
Favor a guided tour? Discover a few of Tulum’s lovely cenotes in addition to some Mayan ruins.
Greatest Cenotes In Cancun
Cenote La Noria
The most effective cenotes close to Cancun are positioned alongside the Ruta De Cenotes (Cenote Route) simply exterior town of Puerto Morelos. La Noria was my favourite of those cenotes. It boasts milky blue water, some rope swings, a leaping platform, and dramatic cave stalactites hanging from the roof.
Entrance Charge: 300 MXN ($14 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Location: Click on For Map
Verde Lucero
Cenote Verde Lucero is a enjoyable one, with totally different cliff leaping spots and even a zipline! A very talked-about cenote that many excursions cease at. Additionally they have kayaks to hire right here. If you’re staying at a resort in Cancun, these are a number of the closest cenotes to go to.
Entrance Charge: 300 MXN ($15 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Sol & Luna
Cenote Sol y Luna is the primary cenote you’ll encounter on the Ruta de Cenotes. It’s a giant advanced, that includes the cenote itself, in addition to a pool, waterslides, temazcal sauna, ATV rides, and extra. The cenote is giant and inexperienced, with enjoyable zipline and a few leaping platforms. Lifejackets are supplied (and required) right here.
Entrance Charge: 350 MXN ($15 USD)
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Boca de Puma
An excellent enjoyable cenote to go to close to Cancun is known as Boca de Puma (Mouth of the Puma). It’s truly comprised of two totally different cenotes, one in a cave, the opposite open-air. Additionally they have a zipline course right here, in addition to a handful of rescued spider monkeys who roam free within the jungle, however aren’t afraid of individuals in any respect. One among them wouldn’t depart Anna’s facet!
Entrance Charge: 400 MXN ($20 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Ojo de Agua
This cool cenote referred to as Ojo de Agua has a number of openings (eyes) into the crystal clear water beneath. There are leaping platforms as much as 20 ft excessive, and swimming by the caves beneath is tremendous enjoyable. It’s important to bathe earlier than getting in, and there’s slightly place to purchase lunch right here too.
Entrance Charge: 250 MXN ($12 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Journey Tour
Go to 4 totally different cenotes on a guided tour from Cancun. Consists of kayaking, zip-lining, rappelling, and extra!
Greatest Cenotes In Playa Del Carmen
Backyard Of Eden Cenote
Cenote Jardin del Eden (Backyard of Eden) is a big open-air cenote simply exterior Playa del Carmen. It’s fairly well-liked with locals and expats, with numerous shady timber, a number of decks for leaping or sunbathing, and loads of little fish swimming round. An awesome spot for snorkeling!
Relying on the time of yr, and time of day, it could possibly get crowded right here. Nevertheless as a result of it’s huge, there may be normally loads of room to unfold out.
Entrance Charge: 100 MXN ($4.75 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Azul
Positioned proper subsequent to Backyard of Eden, Cenote Azul has gorgeous blue water. The “blue” cenote boasts a pleasant small cliff you possibly can bounce from, a picket boardwalk, and some shaded areas to hang around.
There’s numerous small fish on this cenote too, who will nibble in your useless pores and skin in case you put your ft within the water. A pure Mexican fish spa! Ensure to stroll the jungle path that circles the cenote too, it’s tremendous cool.
Entrance Charge: 100 MXN ($4.75 USD)
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Yax Kin
Cenote Yax Kin is a superb cenote in Mexico for households and youngsters. This is because of its giant shallow areas, one thing that almost all cenotes don’t have. Additionally they have lounge chairs, and pathways that take you to much more cenotes which can be a part of the identical advanced.
There are grills and campsites out there to hire too. Preserve an eye fixed out for all of the HUGE iguana lizards who like to hold round this cenote! Generally they chase one another up timber. It’s fairly entertaining.
Entrance Charge: 150 MXN ($7 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Greatest Cenotes Close to Valladolid
Ik-Kil Cenote
Cenote Ik-Kil is a brilliant well-liked cenote close to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, and is usually included as a cease on guided bus excursions. As such, it’s usually full of folks. Huge vines stretch all the way down to the water, making it look very dramatic. Whereas cool, because of the crowds, it’s not my favourite cenote within the space.
Entrance Charge: 350 MXN ($17 USD)
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Zaci-Ha
Cenote Zaci is positioned proper within the coronary heart of the Mexican city of Valladolid, and a simple bike journey from anyplace on the town. It’s not fairly as well-liked as others, however has a couple of totally different cliff jumps, some huge black fish swimming round, and generally slightly waterfall.
Entrance Charge: 30 MXN ($1.50 USD)
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Suytun
Probably the most photogenic cenotes within the Yucatan, Suytun Cenote has develop into an Instagram sensation. Daylight streams down from a gap within the ceiling, making for a really dramatic scene. Attributable to its reputation, it could possibly get fairly busy as everybody waits in line for a photograph on the round walkway.
Every particular person will get a few minute to pose on the walkway for photographs, earlier than they blow a whistle and let the following particular person in line get their flip. Makes a beautiful photograph, however will not be a really magical expertise like another cenotes could be. A little bit of a vacationer lure.
Entrance Charge: 150 MXN ($9 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote X’Canche
X’canche cenote is subsequent to the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam, and a part of the archaeological website. It’s fairly cool, and appears like a round crater within the floor with steep sides. It’s a few mile (1.5 km) stroll from the Mayan ruins, however in addition they supply bicycles to hire.
To get all the way down to the water itself, you want to stroll down a few very steep picket staircases. The water is much less clear than another cenotes, so there isn’t a lot to see with snorkeling gear. There are some leaping platforms, a free rope swing, plus ziplines & a rappel that you just do for an additional charge.
Entrance Charge: 70 MXN ($3.50 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 3:30pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Palomitas
This cenote in Mexico is a bit off the overwhelmed path, about 30-minutes from Valladolid. It doesn’t see as many vacationers as others do. It’s truly a part of a 3-cenote advanced. It’s a large cave cenote, with a single gap within the prime that enables daylight to stream in. There’s additionally a knotted rope hanging down for climbing!
Entrance Charge: 150 MXN ($7 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 4:30pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Sac-Aua
Probably the most distinctive cenotes I visited in Mexico, Sac-Aua has a large island in the course of it, making a doughnut form. They hire kayaks right here, so you possibly can cruise across the island. There’s additionally a leaping platform, and a bunch of iguanas hanging round. Additionally they have a cavern (cave) you possibly can go to, and can prepare dinner a standard Mayan meal for lunch too.
Entrance Charge: 345 MXN ($17 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Secreto Maya
There’s heaps to do at this cenote close to Valladolid. A 22 meter leaping platform, 10 meter rope swing, caves to discover, and once you enter, you’re handled to a standard Mayan blessing. There may be additionally meals, a swimming pool, hammocks, and a large colourful mural to get pleasure from once you’re completed with the cenote. Cherished this one! It wasn’t too crowded both.
Entrance Charge: 200 MXN ($10 USD)
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
How To Go to Cenotes
Rental Automobile
The most effective website to e-book a rental automobile in Mexico is with Uncover Vehicles. They search each native and worldwide automobile rental firms that will help you discover the very best value. That is the best solution to hire a automobile and drive in Mexico.
Renting a automobile provides the very best flexibility for exploring and visiting a number of the extra distant cenotes across the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favourite solution to get round! You should utilize my Mexico cenote map on the prime of this text that will help you discover all of them.
Listed here are some helpful ideas for renting a automobile and driving in Mexico too. We do it rather a lot!
Take A Guided Cenote Tour
There are a number of tour choices for visiting cenotes leaving from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum. Some are a part of Mayan Ruins excursions, whereas others mix cenote visits with ziplining, ATV’s and different journey actions. One well-liked choice leaving from Cancun is the Xenote Expertise.
Bicycle Or Taxi
Among the Tulum cenotes could be reached by bicycle, in addition to some cenotes close to the city of Valladolid. For many others, until you’ve gotten your individual rental automobile, you’ll want to rent a neighborhood taxi to take you. Usually taxi drivers offers you their enterprise card, permitting you to name them once you’re completed visiting the cenote to get a journey again into city.
Lease A Automobile In Mexico
Search each native and worldwide automobile rental firms that will help you discover a whole lot.
Ideas For Visiting Cenotes In Mexico
- To keep away from polluting the water in cenotes, most locations require you to bathe earlier than getting into. Please don’t use sunscreen both, as it may be dangerous to wildlife.
- Many cenotes in Mexico present life jackets for people who find themselves not robust swimmers. Most cenotes don’t have a shallow space — they are often tremendous deep.
- Some cenotes embody rope swings, leaping platforms, zip strains, and can hire you snorkeling gear.
- Cave divers frequent some cenotes, so be sure to provide them loads of room, and watch out the place you bounce!
- Some cenotes can get very crowded, relying on the season and time of day. Should you arrive at a cenote and see a bunch of tour buses, it is likely to be price in search of one other if you wish to keep away from crowds.
- The water in most cenotes is fairly chilly, as they’re fed from underground sources.
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