Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Certainly one 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 find out 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 recent 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 world. 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 dwelling in and usually 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 seek out separate layers marking the route and factors of curiosity. You possibly can 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 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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Finest Cenotes In Mexico
What Precisely Is A Cenote?
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is known for its superb cenotes — pure swimming pools of recent water positioned 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” could have most or all of their roof nonetheless intact.
Many cenotes in Mexico are residence to quite a lot of fish and vegetation, some even have turtles!
There are supposedly over 6000 completely 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.
Finest Cenotes In Tulum
Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí)
Certainly one 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 place for snorkeling. It’s slender however VERY lengthy, so that you would possibly 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 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 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 highly regarded for scuba diving, as a result 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 might 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 will probably get crowded quick. It’s truly a part of an enormous cenote complicated, 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. Actually it’s doable to trip 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 over time, and might see enormous crowds typically.
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 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 best way, 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 value to enter in comparison with others.
Entrance Charge: 500 MXN ($24 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Automotive Wash (Aktun Ha)
The Automotive Wash Cenote is positioned 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 on occasion.
Automotive Wash has a couple of wood leaping platforms, a rope swing, and is one other cave diving spot. There are loads of downed timber on the backside too, making for a singular 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 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 edges (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 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 considered one of my favourite cenotes close to Tulum.
The shallow water makes this an awesome 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 considered one of 3 cenotes positioned 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 brilliant 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 could climb for an awesome view of the entire space.
Entrance Charge: 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.
Finest Cenotes In Cancun
Cenote La Noria
One of the best 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 completely different cliff leaping spots and even a zipline! A highly regarded 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 few 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 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 offered (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 known as 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. Certainly one of 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. You must bathe earlier than getting in, and there’s a bit of 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!
Finest 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 plenty 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 12 months, and time of day, it will probably get crowded right here. Nonetheless 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’ll be able to bounce from, a wood boardwalk, and some shaded areas to hang around.
There’s plenty of small fish on this cenote too, who will nibble in your useless pores and skin in the event you put your ft within the water. A pure Mexican fish spa! Make certain 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 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 might be a part of the identical complicated.
There are grills and campsites obtainable to lease too. Maintain 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
Finest Cenotes Close to Valladolid
Ik-Kil Cenote
Cenote Ik-Kil is a brilliant 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 usually filled with folks. 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 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 straightforward bike trip from wherever on the town. It’s not fairly as common as others, however has a couple of completely different cliff jumps, some huge black fish swimming round, and typically a bit of waterfall.
Entrance Charge: 30 MXN ($1.50 USD)
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Suytun
One of the crucial photogenic cenotes within the Yucatan, Suytun Cenote has turn into an Instagram sensation. Daylight streams down from a gap within the ceiling, making for a really dramatic scene. On account of its reputation, it will probably 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 images, earlier than they blow a whistle and let the following individual in line get their flip. Makes an exquisite photograph, however just isn’t a really magical expertise like another cenotes may 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 in addition they provide bicycles to lease.
To get right down to the water itself, it’s essential 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 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 complicated. 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
One of the crucial 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 cook 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 a large colourful mural to get pleasure from while you’re accomplished 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 Automotive
One of the best website to e-book a rental automotive in Mexico is with Uncover Automobiles. They search each native and worldwide automotive rental corporations that can assist you discover the absolute best value. That is the best solution to lease a automotive and drive in Mexico.
Renting a automotive presents one of the best flexibility for exploring and visiting a few of the extra distant cenotes across the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favourite solution 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 choice leaving from Cancun is the Xenote Expertise.
Bicycle Or Taxi
Among the Tulum cenotes may be reached by bicycle, in addition to some cenotes close to the city of Valladolid. For many others, except you might have your personal rental automotive, you’ll want to rent an area taxi to take you. Typically taxi drivers will provide you with their enterprise card, permitting you to name them while you’re accomplished 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 robust swimmers. Most cenotes don’t have a shallow space — they are often tremendous deep.
- Some cenotes embody rope swings, leaping platforms, zip traces, and can lease you snorkeling gear.
- Cave divers frequent some cenotes, so ensure to offer 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. In the event you 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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READ MORE MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS
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