Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
One in every of my favourite issues to do in Mexico is swim within the stunning cenotes of the Yucatan. Listed here are suggestions for visiting a cenote in Mexico, and how you can take pleasure in them responsibly.
Cenotes in Mexico are tremendous cool! The Mayan individuals used cenotes to provide their historical cities (like Chichen Itza) with recent water, in addition to a sacred place to conduct sacrificial choices to their gods.
Historical artifacts and even human bones have been discovered in many.
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, today 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 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.
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 may disguise 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 reserve it to your individual Google Maps, or open the map in a brand new window for a bigger model. Take pleasure in!
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Greatest Cenotes In Mexico
What Precisely Is A Cenote?
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is known for its superb cenotes — pure swimming pools of recent water situated in limestone caves. These swimming pools are related to one another via the world’s largest underground river system.
Rain water seeps via 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 fully collapsed, whereas “cave cenotes” could have most or all of their roof nonetheless intact.
Many cenotes in Mexico are house to a wide range of fish and flowers, some even have turtles!
There are supposedly over 6000 totally different cenotes situated in Mexico. Some have been was 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 in every of 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 slender however VERY lengthy, so that you would possibly need to use a life jacket (they’ve them) should you’re not a powerful swimmer.
Locals name it “Cenote Manati”, as a result of there was a inhabitants of Manatees residing in it. Whereas they’re not there, a friendly crocodile named “Panchito” does typically make appearances to swim with vacationers. I wouldn’t pet it, however in any other case there’s nothing to be afraid of!
Entrance Price: 150 MXN ($7 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click For Map
Dos Ojos
Dos Ojos Cenote is likely one of the coolest cenotes close to Tulum. It’s very popular for scuba diving, as a consequence of its “two eyes” (sinkholes) separated by a 400m lengthy underwater tunnel. However it’s additionally enjoyable for snorkeling, as there are many caves to discover which might be simply above the water line.
As a result of Dos Ojos is likely one of the most well-known cenotes within the Yucatan Peninsula, it might probably get crowded quick. It’s really a part of an enormous cenote complicated, and there are various totally different ones you’ll be able to go to within the space.
Entrance Price: 350 MXN ($17 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click For Map
Gran Cenote Tulum
Gran Cenote (aka Nice Cenote) is likely one of the closest cenotes to Tulum. In truth it’s potential to trip a motorbike right here if you wish to. It’s not tremendous massive, however has two cool chambers separated by a cave tunnel. In addition 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 through the years, and may see large crowds typically.
Entrance Price: 180 MXN ($8 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click 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 wanting pure, which I like. The water is tremendous clear, and snorkeling right here makes you are 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 as a consequence of its steep worth to enter in comparison with others.
Entrance Price: 500 MXN ($24 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click For Map
Cenote Automobile Wash (Aktun Ha)
The Car Wash Cenote is situated proper off the street from Tulum to Coba, and was 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 now and again.
Automobile Wash has a number of picket leaping platforms, a rope swing, and is one other cave diving spot. There are a number of downed timber on the backside too, making for a novel underwater world to view whereas snorkeling round.
Entrance Price: 200 MXN ($10 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Location: Click 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’ll be able to drop into).
It’s typically 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 Price: 250 MXN ($12 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click 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 lots of stalagmites hanging from the ceiling. It’s a dramatic wanting cenote, and one among my favourite cenotes close to Tulum.
The shallow water makes this a fantastic cenote to go to with a household or small youngsters, though the steps down are fairly steep and slippery. So simply be additional cautious! Choo Ha is definitely one among 3 cenotes situated round Coba, and it’s potential to purchase a ticket that covers all of them.
Entrance Price: 100 MXN ($5 USD)
Location: Click For Map
Kaan Luum
Laguna de Kaan Luum is a transparent shallow lake with vivid 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 be excellent for scuba diving or freediving with the deeper space cordoned off to stop entry to swimmers. There are water hammocks, swings, and small tower which you could climb for a fantastic view of the entire space.
Entrance Price: 300 MXN ($15 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Location: Click For Map
Tulum Cenotes Tour
Want a guided tour? Discover a few of Tulum’s stunning cenotes in addition to some Mayan ruins.
Greatest Cenotes In Cancun
Cenote La Noria
The perfect cenotes close to Cancun are situated 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 Price: 300 MXN ($14 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Location: Click For Map
Verde Lucero
Cenote Verde Lucero is a enjoyable one, with totally different cliff leaping spots and even a zipline! A extremely popular cenote that many excursions cease at. In addition they have kayaks to hire right here. In case you are staying at a hotel in Cancun, these are among the closest cenotes to go to.
Entrance Price: 300 MXN ($15 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click 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 complicated, 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 Price: 350 MXN ($15 USD)
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm
Location: Click 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 really comprised of two totally different cenotes, one in a cave, the opposite open-air. In addition 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 in every of them wouldn’t go away Anna’s facet!
Entrance Price: 400 MXN ($20 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click 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 via the caves beneath is tremendous enjoyable. It’s important to bathe earlier than getting in, and there’s just a little place to purchase lunch right here too.
Entrance Price: 250 MXN ($12 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click 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 common with locals and expats, with numerous shady timber, a number of decks for leaping or sunbathing, and loads of little fish swimming round. An ideal spot for snorkeling!
Relying on the time of yr, and time of day, it might probably get crowded right here. Nevertheless as a result of it’s massive, there’s normally loads of room to unfold out.
Entrance Price: 100 MXN ($4.75 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click For Map
Cenote Azul
Situated proper subsequent to Backyard of Eden, Cenote Azul has gorgeous blue water. The “blue” cenote boasts a pleasant small cliff you’ll be able to 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 lifeless pores and skin should you put your ft within the water. A pure Mexican fish spa! Make sure that to stroll the jungle path that circles the cenote too, it’s tremendous cool.
Entrance Price: 100 MXN ($4.75 USD)
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5pm
Location: Click For Map
Cenote Yax Kin
Cenote Yax Kin is an excellent cenote in Mexico for households and youngsters. This is because of its giant shallow areas, one thing that almost all cenotes don’t have. In addition they have lounge chairs, and pathways that take you to much more cenotes which might be a part of the identical complicated.
There are grills and campsites out there to hire too. Preserve 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 Price: 150 MXN ($7 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click For Map
Greatest Cenotes Close to Valladolid
Ik-Kil Cenote
Cenote Ik-Kil is an excellent common cenote close to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, and is usually included as a cease on guided bus excursions. As such, it’s typically filled with individuals. Huge vines stretch right down to the water, making it look very dramatic. Whereas cool, as a result of crowds, it’s not my favourite cenote within the space.
Entrance Price: 350 MXN ($17 USD)
Location: Click For Map
Cenote Zaci-Ha
Cenote Zaci is situated proper within the coronary heart of the Mexican city of Valladolid, and a simple bike trip from anyplace on the town. It’s not fairly as common as others, however has a number of totally different cliff jumps, some massive black fish swimming round, and typically just a little waterfall.
Entrance Price: 30 MXN ($1.50 USD)
Location: Click For Map
Cenote Suytun
Some of the 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. On account of its recognition, it might probably get fairly busy as everybody waits in line for a photograph on the round walkway.
Every particular person will get a couple of minute to pose on the walkway for photographs, earlier than they blow a whistle and let the subsequent particular person in line get their flip. Makes an exquisite picture, however is just not a really magical expertise like another cenotes might be. A little bit of a vacationer lure.
Entrance Price: 150 MXN ($9 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click 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 supply bicycles to hire.
To get right down to the water itself, that you must 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 simply do for an additional payment.
Entrance Price: 70 MXN ($3.50 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 3:30pm
Location: Click For Map
Cenote Palomitas
This cenote in Mexico is a bit off the crushed path, about 30-minutes from Valladolid. It doesn’t see as many vacationers as others do. It’s really a part of a 3-cenote complicated. It’s a large 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 Price: 150 MXN ($7 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 4:30pm
Location: Click For Map
Cenote Sac-Aua
Some of the 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’ll be able to cruise across the island. There’s additionally a leaping platform, and a bunch of iguanas hanging round. In addition they have a cavern (cave) you’ll be able to go to, and can cook dinner a conventional Mayan meal for lunch too.
Entrance Price: 345 MXN ($17 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click 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 once you enter, you’re handled to a conventional Mayan blessing. There may be additionally meals, a swimming pool, hammocks, and a large colourful mural to take pleasure in once you’re executed with the cenote. Cherished this one! It wasn’t too crowded both.
Entrance Price: 200 MXN ($10 USD)
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm
Location: Click For Map
How To Go to Cenotes
Rental Automobile
The perfect website to guide a rental automotive in Mexico is with Discover Cars. They search each native and worldwide automotive rental corporations that can assist you discover the absolute best worth. That is the simplest strategy to hire a automotive and drive in Mexico.
Renting a automotive affords the most effective flexibility for exploring and visiting among the extra distant cenotes across the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favourite strategy to get round! You need to use my Mexico cenote map on the prime of this text that can assist you discover all of them.
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 common possibility leaving from Cancun is the Xenote Experience.
Bicycle Or Taxi
Among the Tulum cenotes might 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 automotive, you’ll want to rent a neighborhood taxi to take you. Typically taxi drivers gives you their enterprise card, permitting you to name them once you’re executed visiting the cenote to get a trip again into city.
Suggestions 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 sturdy 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 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. If you happen to arrive at a cenote and see a bunch of tour buses, it is perhaps value 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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