Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
One in all my favourite issues to do in Mexico is swim within the lovely cenotes of the Yucatan. Listed here are suggestions for visiting a cenote in Mexico, and the way to 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.
Historic 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 realm. The Maya additionally believed these underground wells have 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 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.
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 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 superb cenotes — pure swimming pools of contemporary water situated in limestone caves. These swimming pools are linked to one another by way of the world’s largest underground river system.
Rain water seeps by way 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” 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 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 become 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 all 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 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 robust swimmer.
Locals name it “Cenote Manati”, as a result of there was once a inhabitants of Manatees residing 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 Payment: 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 highly regarded 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 among the most well-known cenotes within the Yucatan Peninsula, it may get crowded quick. It’s truly a part of an enormous cenote complicated, and there are lots of 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 among the closest cenotes to Tulum. The truth is it’s attainable to experience 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, in addition they have showers and restrooms on web site. It’s grown in reputation through the years, and may see enormous crowds typically.
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 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 lots scuba divers disappear into the abyss past.
It’s typically 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 Automotive Wash (Aktun Ha)
The Automotive 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.
Automotive Wash has a couple of picket 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 Payment: 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 typically 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 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 lots of stalagmites hanging from the ceiling. It’s a dramatic wanting cenote, and one in all my favourite cenotes close to Tulum.
The shallow water makes this a terrific cenote to go to with a household or small children, though the steps down are fairly steep and slippery. So simply be further cautious! Choo Ha is definitely one in all 3 cenotes situated round Coba, and it’s attainable 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 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 you can climb for a terrific view of the entire space.
Entrance Payment: 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 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 highly regarded cenote that many excursions cease at. In addition they have kayaks to hire right here. In case you are staying at a resort in Cancun, these are a few of 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
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 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 all them wouldn’t go away 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 known 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 way of the caves beneath is tremendous enjoyable. It’s a must to 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. Contains 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 amazing spot for snorkeling!
Relying on the time of 12 months, and time of day, it may get crowded right here. Nevertheless as a result of it’s massive, there may be 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 picket 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! Make sure 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 a superb cenote in Mexico for households and youngsters. This is because of its giant shallow areas, one thing that the majority cenotes don’t have. In addition 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! Generally 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 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 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 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 in style as others, however has a couple of totally different cliff jumps, some massive black fish swimming round, and typically a bit waterfall.
Entrance Payment: 30 MXN ($1.50 USD)
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Suytun
One of the crucial 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. As a consequence of its reputation, it may 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 subsequent particular person in line get their flip. Makes an exquisite picture, however will not be a really magical expertise like another cenotes may be. A little bit of a vacationer entice.
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 right down to the water itself, it’s essential 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 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 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 an enormous 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 Payment: 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 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. In addition they have a cavern (cave) you possibly can go to, and can prepare dinner a standard 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 once you enter, you’re handled to a standard Mayan blessing. There may be additionally meals, a swimming pool, hammocks, and an enormous colourful mural to take pleasure in once you’re achieved 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 Automotive
The very best web site to ebook a rental automotive in Mexico is with Uncover Automobiles. They search each native and worldwide automotive rental corporations 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 one of the best flexibility for exploring and visiting a few of 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 in style choice leaving from Cancun is the Xenote Expertise.
Bicycle Or Taxi
A number of the Tulum cenotes may be reached by bicycle, in addition to some cenotes close to the city of Valladolid. For many others, until you might have your personal rental automotive, 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 achieved 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 sure that 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 is likely to be 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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