Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Certainly one of 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 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 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, 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 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 seek out separate layers marking the route and factors of curiosity. You may conceal 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. Take pleasure in!
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Finest Cenotes In Mexico
What Precisely Is A Cenote?
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is known for its wonderful cenotes — pure swimming pools of contemporary water situated in limestone caves. These swimming pools are related 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 a wide range of fish and vegetation, 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.
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 spot for snorkeling. It’s slim however VERY lengthy, so that you would possibly need to use a life jacket (they’ve them) if you happen to’re not a robust 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 likely one of 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. But it surely’s additionally enjoyable for snorkeling, as there are many caves to discover which are 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 possibly 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 Charge: 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 actual fact it’s attainable to journey 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, additionally they have showers and restrooms on website. It’s grown in reputation through the years, 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 stored trying pure, which I really 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 loads 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 Charge: 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 automobiles! Now it’s a correct Tulum swimming cenote the place you’ll see tons of fish, water lilys, iguanas, and even some turtles once in a while.
Automotive Wash has just a few wood leaping platforms, a rope swing, and is one other cave diving spot. There are a number of downed bushes 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. Good for leaping from the edges (there’s even a slim 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 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 one among my favourite cenotes close to Tulum.
The shallow water makes this an incredible cenote to go to with a household or small children, 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 attainable 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 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 which you could climb for an incredible view of the entire space.
Entrance Charge: 300 MXN ($15 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Location: Click on For Map
Tulum Cenotes Tour
Favor a guided tour? Discover a few of Tulum’s lovely cenotes in addition to some Mayan ruins.
Finest Cenotes In Cancun
Cenote La Noria
One of the 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 Charge: 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. Additionally they have kayaks to lease right here. In case you are 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 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 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. 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 means of the caves beneath is tremendous enjoyable. It’s a must to bathe earlier than getting in, and there’s a little bit 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 totally different cenotes on a guided tour from Cancun. Contains 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 a lot of shady bushes, 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 could possibly get crowded right here. Nevertheless as a result of it’s huge, there’s 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
Situated proper subsequent to Backyard of Eden, Cenote Azul has beautiful blue water. The “blue” cenote boasts a pleasant small cliff you possibly can soar 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 if you happen to put your ft within the water. A pure Mexican fish spa! Be sure 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 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 are a part of the identical complicated.
There are grills and campsites out there to lease 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 bushes. 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 typically filled with individuals. Large 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 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 simple bike journey from anyplace on the town. It’s not fairly as common as others, however has just a few totally different cliff jumps, some huge black fish swimming round, and generally a little bit 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. Resulting from its reputation, it could possibly get fairly busy as everybody waits in line for a photograph on the round walkway.
Every individual will get a few minute to pose on the walkway for photographs, earlier than they blow a whistle and let the following individual in line get their flip. Makes a beautiful photograph, however is just not a really magical expertise like another cenotes will be. A little bit of a vacationer entice.
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 few mile (1.5 km) stroll from the Mayan ruins, however additionally they provide bicycles to lease.
To get all the way down to the water itself, you must 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 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 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 course of it, making a doughnut form. They lease 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 Charge: 345 MXN ($17 USD)
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Secreto Maya
There’s heaps 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 conventional Mayan blessing. There may be additionally meals, a swimming pool, hammocks, and a large colourful mural to take pleasure in while you’re completed with the cenote. Beloved 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 firms that will help you discover the very best worth. That is the best technique to lease a automotive and drive in Mexico.
Renting a automotive provides the very best flexibility for exploring and visiting a number of the extra distant cenotes across the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favourite technique to get round! You need to use my Mexico cenote map on the prime of this text that will help 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 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 might have your personal rental automotive, you’ll want to rent an area taxi to take you. Usually taxi drivers offers you their enterprise card, permitting you to name them while you’re completed visiting the cenote to get a journey again into city.
Ideas 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 embrace rope swings, leaping platforms, zip strains, and can lease you snorkeling gear.
- Cave divers frequent some cenotes, so ensure to provide them loads of room, and watch out the place you soar!
- 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 perhaps price 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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