Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
One among my favourite issues to do in Mexico is swim within the lovely cenotes of the Yucatan. Listed below are suggestions for visiting a cenote in Mexico, and how you can get pleasure from them responsibly.
Cenotes in Mexico are tremendous cool! The Mayan individuals used cenotes to provide their historical cities (like Chichen Itza) with contemporary water, in addition to a sacred place to conduct sacrificial choices to their gods.
Historic artifacts and even human bones have been found in lots of.
Choices had been made to the Mayan god Chaac, the god of rain, when drought threatened the realm. The Maya additionally believed these underground wells had been entrances to the afterlife.
Regardless of their barely creepy historical past, lately 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 dwelling in and commonly touring to Mexico as a digital nomad, I needed 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 knowledgeable photographer & author. I hope you get pleasure from my Mexican cenote suggestions! For those who discover them helpful, utilizing my affiliate hyperlinks to guide one thing will give me a small fee, at no further price 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 seek out separate layers marking the route and factors of curiosity. You’ll be able to disguise and present completely 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 personal Google Maps, or open the map in a brand new window for a bigger model. Take pleasure in!
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 situated in limestone caves. These swimming pools are related to one another by the world’s largest underground river system.
Rain water seeps by the porous limestone, accumulating underground.
Cenotes themselves are created when the limestone floor collapses, making a cave opening into this river system. Some cenotes are “open air” which means the roof has utterly 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 vegetation, some even have turtles!
There are supposedly over 6000 completely different cenotes situated in Mexico. Some have been become swimming holes for vacationers, others are used for technical cave scuba diving, and plenty 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 vegetation go proper as much as the sting of it, and it’s a great spot for snorkeling. It’s slim however VERY lengthy, so that you may wish to use a life jacket (they’ve them) in the event you’re not a powerful swimmer.
Locals name it “Cenote Manati”, as a result of there was once a inhabitants of Manatees dwelling in it. Whereas they’re 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 without doubt one of the coolest cenotes close to Tulum. It’s very talked-about for scuba diving, as a result of its “two eyes” (sinkholes) separated by a 400m lengthy underwater tunnel. But it surely’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 without doubt one of the most well-known cenotes within the Yucatan Peninsula, it may well get crowded quick. It’s truly a part of an enormous cenote advanced, and there are numerous completely different ones you’ll be able to 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 without doubt one of the closest cenotes to Tulum. In actual fact it’s doable to journey a motorbike right here if you wish to. It’s not tremendous large, however has two cool chambers separated by a cave tunnel. Additionally they have a mini turtle sanctuary!
A pleasant cenote for swimming and snorkeling, additionally they have showers and restrooms on website. It’s grown in recognition over time, and might see enormous 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 saved trying 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 loads scuba divers disappear into the abyss past.
It’s usually one of many less-crowded cenotes in Tulum, partly as a result of its steep worth 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 situated proper off the highway from Tulum to Coba, and was once the place locals would wash their automobiles! Now it’s a correct Tulum swimming cenote the place you’ll see tons of fish, water lilys, iguanas, and even some turtles infrequently.
Automobile Wash has a number of wood leaping platforms, a rope swing, and is one other cave diving spot. There are a whole 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 edges (there’s even a slim opening you’ll be able to drop into).
It’s generally known 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 situated subsequent to the ruins of Coba (about 45-minutes from Tulum). It boasts crystal clear blue water and plenty of stalagmites hanging from the ceiling. It’s a dramatic trying cenote, and certainly one of my favourite cenotes close to Tulum.
The shallow water makes this an important 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 situated round Coba, and it’s doable 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 toes, the waters of this cenote supposedly have magical properties.
Kaan Luum can also be excellent 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 could climb for an important view of the entire space.
Entrance Charge: 300 MXN ($15 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Location: Click on For Map
Tulum Cenotes Tour
Want 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 very best cenotes close to Cancun are situated alongside the Ruta De Cenotes (Cenote Route) simply exterior the 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 completely different cliff leaping spots and even a zipline! A very talked-about cenote that many excursions cease at. Additionally they have kayaks to lease right here. If you’re staying at a lodge 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 an enormous advanced, that includes the cenote itself, in addition to a pool, waterslides, temazcal sauna, ATV rides, and extra. The cenote is massive and inexperienced, with enjoyable zipline and a few leaping platforms. Lifejackets are offered (and required) right here.
Entrance Charge: 350 MXN ($15 USD)
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Boca de Puma
A brilliant enjoyable cenote to go to close to Cancun is named Boca de Puma (Mouth of the Puma). It’s truly comprised of two completely 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 go away 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 known as Ojo de Agua has a number of openings (eyes) into the crystal clear water under. There are leaping platforms as much as 20 toes excessive, and swimming by the caves under is tremendous enjoyable. You need 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 completely 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 in style with locals and expats, with a lot of shady timber, a number of decks for leaping or sunbathing, and loads of little fish swimming round. An incredible spot for snorkeling!
Relying on the time of yr, and time of day, it may well get crowded right here. Nonetheless as a result of it’s large, there’s often loads of room to unfold out.
Entrance Charge: 100 MXN ($4.75 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Azul
Situated proper subsequent to Backyard of Eden, Cenote Azul has beautiful blue water. The “blue” cenote boasts a pleasant small cliff you’ll be able to leap from, a wood boardwalk, and some shaded areas to hang around.
There’s a lot of small fish on this cenote too, who will nibble in your useless pores and skin in the event you put your toes within the water. A pure Mexican fish spa! Be certain that 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 an excellent cenote in Mexico for households and children. This is because of its massive 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 accessible to lease too. Hold a watch out for all of the HUGE iguana lizards who like to hold round this cenote! Typically 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 an excellent in style cenote close to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, and is commonly included as a cease on guided bus excursions. As such, it’s usually full of individuals. Large vines stretch right 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 situated proper within the coronary heart of the Mexican city of Valladolid, and a straightforward bike journey from wherever on the town. It’s not fairly as in style as others, however has a number of completely different cliff jumps, some large black fish swimming round, and generally slightly waterfall.
Entrance Charge: 30 MXN ($1.50 USD)
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Suytun
One of the vital 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 recognition, it may well get fairly busy as everybody waits in line for a photograph on the round walkway.
Every individual will get a couple of minute to pose on the walkway for pictures, earlier than they blow a whistle and let the following individual in line get their flip. Makes a beautiful photograph, however will not be a really magical expertise like another cenotes will 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 couple of mile (1.5 km) stroll from the Mayan ruins, however additionally they provide bicycles to lease.
To get right down to the water itself, it’s essential to stroll down a few very steep wood 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 simply do for an additional price.
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 an enormous cave cenote, with a single gap within the prime that permits 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
One of the vital distinctive cenotes I visited in Mexico, Sac-Aua has a large island in the midst of it, making a doughnut form. They lease kayaks right here, so you’ll be able to cruise across the island. There’s additionally a leaping platform, and a bunch of iguanas hanging round. Additionally they have a cavern (cave) you’ll be able to 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 tons to do at this cenote close to Valladolid. A 22 meter leaping platform, 10 meter rope swing, caves to discover, and while you enter, you’re handled to a standard Mayan blessing. There’s additionally meals, a swimming pool, hammocks, and an enormous colourful mural to get pleasure from while you’re finished with the cenote. Liked 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 very best website to guide a rental automobile in Mexico is with Uncover Automobiles. They search each native and worldwide automobile rental firms that can assist you discover the very best worth. That is the best solution to lease a automobile and drive in Mexico.
Renting a automobile affords the most effective 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 use my Mexico cenote map on the prime of this text that can assist you discover all of them.
Listed below are some helpful suggestions for renting a automobile and driving in Mexico too. We do it loads!
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 in style choice leaving from Cancun is the Xenote Expertise.
Bicycle Or Taxi
A number of the Tulum cenotes will be reached by bicycle, in addition to some cenotes close to the city of Valladolid. For many others, except you have got your personal rental automobile, you’ll want to rent a neighborhood taxi to take you. Usually taxi drivers gives you their enterprise card, permitting you to name them while you’re finished visiting the cenote to get a journey again into city.
Lease A Automobile In Mexico
Search each native and worldwide automobile rental firms that can assist you discover a whole lot.
Suggestions For Visiting Cenotes In Mexico
- To keep away from polluting the water in cenotes, most locations require you to bathe earlier than coming 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 embrace rope swings, leaping platforms, zip traces, and can lease you snorkeling gear.
- Cave divers frequent some cenotes, so be certain to provide them loads of room, and watch out the place you leap!
- Some cenotes can get very crowded, relying on the season and time of day. For those who arrive at a cenote and see a bunch of tour buses, it is perhaps value searching for 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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