Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
One in all my favourite issues to do in Mexico is swim within the stunning cenotes of the Yucatan. Listed below 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 folks 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.
Historical 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 world. The Maya additionally believed these underground wells had 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 dwelling in and recurrently 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 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 reserve it to your personal Google Maps, or open the map in a brand new window for a bigger model. Get pleasure from!
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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 linked to one another by means of the world’s largest underground river system.
Rain water seeps by means of the porous limestone, amassing 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” could have most or all of their roof nonetheless intact.
Many cenotes in Mexico are residence to quite a lot 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 plenty of extra are merely inaccessible – hidden within the distant Mexican jungle.
Greatest Cenotes In Tulum
Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí)
One in all 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 may need to use a life jacket (they’ve them) when 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 Payment: 150 MXN ($7 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Dos Ojos
Dos Ojos Cenote is likely one of the coolest cenotes close to Tulum. It’s very talked-about for scuba diving, attributable to 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 can 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 could actually get crowded quick. It’s really a part of an enormous cenote complicated, and there are various totally different ones you possibly can go to within the space.
Entrance Payment: 350 MXN ($17 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Gran Cenote Tulum
Gran Cenote (aka Nice Cenote) is likely one of the closest cenotes to Tulum. In reality it’s potential to experience a motorcycle right here if you wish to. It’s not tremendous massive, 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 web site. It’s grown in recognition through the years, and might see large crowds generally.
Entrance Payment: 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 trying pure, which I like. The water is tremendous clear, and snorkeling right here makes you are feeling like a cave diver. Which, by the best way, you’ll see lots scuba divers disappear into the abyss past.
It’s usually one of many less-crowded cenotes in Tulum, partly attributable to its steep worth to enter in comparison with others.
Entrance Payment: 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 vehicles! Now it’s a correct Tulum swimming cenote the place you’ll see tons of fish, water lilys, iguanas, and even some turtles every now and then.
Automobile Wash has just a few wood leaping platforms, a rope swing, and is one other cave diving spot. There are numerous downed timber on the backside too, making for a singular underwater world to view whereas snorkeling round.
Entrance Payment: 200 MXN ($10 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Calavera (Temple Of Doom)
Cenote Calavera will get its identify 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 Payment: 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 considered 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 considered one of 3 cenotes situated round Coba, and it’s potential to purchase a ticket that covers all of them.
Entrance Payment: 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 stop entry to swimmers. There are water hammocks, swings, and small tower you can climb for an amazing view of the entire space.
Entrance Payment: 300 MXN ($15 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Location: Click on For Map
Tulum Cenotes Tour
Desire 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 most effective 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 Payment: 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 among the closest cenotes to go to.
Entrance Payment: 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 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 Payment: 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 known as Boca de Puma (Mouth of the Puma). It’s really 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 in all them wouldn’t depart Anna’s facet!
Entrance Payment: 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 under. There are leaping platforms as much as 20 ft excessive, and swimming by means of the caves under is tremendous enjoyable. You must bathe earlier than getting in, and there’s a bit place to purchase lunch right here too.
Entrance Payment: 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 standard 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. A fantastic spot for snorkeling!
Relying on the time of 12 months, and time of day, it could actually get crowded right here. Nonetheless as a result of it’s massive, there’s often loads of room to unfold out.
Entrance Payment: 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 possibly can bounce 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 lifeless pores and skin when you put your ft within the water. A pure Mexican fish spa! Ensure that to stroll the jungle path that circles the cenote too, it’s tremendous cool.
Entrance Payment: 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 youngsters. This is because of its giant shallow areas, one thing that the majority 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 complicated.
There are grills and campsites obtainable to hire too. Preserve an eye fixed 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 Payment: 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 standard 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 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 Payment: 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 experience from wherever on the town. It’s not fairly as standard as others, however has just a few totally different cliff jumps, some massive black fish swimming round, and generally a bit waterfall.
Entrance Payment: 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 recognition, it could actually 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 pictures, earlier than they blow a whistle and let the subsequent particular person in line get their flip. Makes a beautiful picture, however is just not a really magical expertise like another cenotes could be. A little bit of a vacationer lure.
Entrance Payment: 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 web site. 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 provide bicycles to hire.
To get all the way down to the water itself, you might want 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 just do for an additional charge.
Entrance Payment: 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 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 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 Payment: 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 conventional Mayan meal for lunch too.
Entrance Payment: 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 if you enter, you’re handled to a conventional Mayan blessing. There may be additionally meals, a swimming pool, hammocks, and an enormous colourful mural to take pleasure in if you’re performed with the cenote. Liked this one! It wasn’t too crowded both.
Entrance Payment: 200 MXN ($10 USD)
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
How To Go to Cenotes
Rental Automobile
The most effective web site to e-book a rental automotive in Mexico is with Uncover Vehicles. They search each native and worldwide automotive rental firms that can assist you discover the very best worth. That is the best strategy to hire a automotive and drive in Mexico.
Renting a automotive provides the very best 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 standard possibility leaving from Cancun is the Xenote Expertise.
Bicycle Or Taxi
A number of the Tulum cenotes could be reached by bicycle, in addition to some cenotes close to the city of Valladolid. For many others, except you’ve gotten your personal rental automotive, you’ll want to rent an area taxi to take you. Usually taxi drivers provides you with their enterprise card, permitting you to name them if you’re performed visiting the cenote to get a experience 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 certain to present 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 may be 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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