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 ideas for visiting a cenote in Mexico, and take pleasure in them responsibly.
Cenotes in Mexico are tremendous cool! The Mayan folks used cenotes to produce their historic 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 world. 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 residing in and commonly 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 possibly can 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 put it aside 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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Finest Cenotes In Mexico
What Precisely Is A Cenote?
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is legendary for its wonderful cenotes — pure swimming pools of contemporary water positioned in limestone caves. These swimming pools are linked 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” 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 house to a wide range of fish and flora, some even have turtles!
There are supposedly over 6000 totally different cenotes positioned 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.
Finest 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 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 residing in it. Whereas they’re now 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 Price: 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 extremely popular for scuba diving, as a consequence of 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 without doubt one of the most well-known cenotes within the Yucatan Peninsula, it may possibly get crowded quick. It’s really a part of an enormous cenote complicated, and there are lots of 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 on For Map
Gran Cenote Tulum
Gran Cenote (aka Nice Cenote) is without doubt one of the closest cenotes to Tulum. In actual fact it’s potential to experience a motorbike right here if you wish to. It’s not tremendous large, 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 over time, and might see large crowds generally.
Entrance Price: 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 trying pure, which I 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 a lot scuba divers disappear into the abyss past.
It’s usually 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 on For Map
Cenote Automobile Wash (Aktun Ha)
The Automobile Wash Cenote is positioned 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 so often.
Automobile Wash has a number of wood leaping platforms, a rope swing, and is one other cave diving spot. There are plenty of downed bushes 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 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. Good for leaping from the perimeters (there’s even a slender opening you’ll be able to drop into).
It’s generally 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 Price: 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 trying cenote, and one in all 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 further cautious! Choo Ha is definitely one in all 3 cenotes positioned round Coba, and it’s potential to purchase a ticket that covers all of them.
Entrance Price: 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 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 you could climb for an awesome view of the entire space.
Entrance Price: 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 stunning cenotes in addition to some Mayan ruins.
Finest Cenotes In Cancun
Cenote La Noria
The perfect 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 Price: 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 extremely popular 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 a few of the closest cenotes to go to.
Entrance Price: 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 massive 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 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 every of them wouldn’t depart Anna’s aspect!
Entrance Price: 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 via the caves beneath is tremendous enjoyable. It’s a must to bathe earlier than getting in, and there’s a bit of place to purchase lunch right here too.
Entrance Price: 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 in style with locals and expats, with a number of shady bushes, a number of decks for leaping or sunbathing, and loads of little fish swimming round. An awesome spot for snorkeling!
Relying on the time of 12 months, and time of day, it may possibly get crowded right here. Nevertheless as a result of it’s large, there’s often loads of room to unfold out.
Entrance Price: 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 beautiful blue water. The “blue” cenote boasts a pleasant small cliff you’ll be able to leap from, a wood boardwalk, and some shaded areas to hang around.
There’s a number 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! Be sure 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 on For Map
Cenote Yax Kin
Cenote Yax Kin is a superb cenote in Mexico for households and youngsters. This is because of its massive shallow areas, one thing that almost all 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 accessible to hire too. Maintain an eye fixed 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 Price: 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 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 typically filled with folks. Huge vines stretch all the way 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 on For Map
Cenote Zaci-Ha
Cenote Zaci is positioned proper within the coronary heart of the Mexican city of Valladolid, and a simple bike experience from anyplace on the town. It’s not fairly as in style as others, however has a number of totally different cliff jumps, some large black fish swimming round, and generally a bit of waterfall.
Entrance Price: 30 MXN ($1.50 USD)
Location: Click on For Map
Cenote Suytun
One of the photogenic cenotes within the Yucatan, Suytun Cenote has turn out to be an Instagram sensation. Daylight streams down from a gap within the ceiling, making for a really dramatic scene. As a result of its recognition, it may 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 images, earlier than they blow a whistle and let the subsequent individual in line get their flip. Makes an exquisite photograph, however just isn’t a really magical expertise like another cenotes could be. A little bit of a vacationer entice.
Entrance Price: 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 supply bicycles to hire.
To get all the way down to the water itself, it is advisable 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 simply do for an additional price.
Entrance Price: 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 high that enables 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 on For Map
Cenote Sac-Aua
One of the distinctive cenotes I visited in Mexico, Sac-Aua has an enormous 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. Additionally 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 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 once you enter, you’re handled to a conventional Mayan blessing. There’s additionally meals, a swimming pool, hammocks, and an enormous colourful mural to take pleasure in once you’re finished with the cenote. Beloved this one! It wasn’t too crowded both.
Entrance Price: 200 MXN ($10 USD)
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm
Location: Click on For Map
How To Go to Cenotes
Rental Automobile
The perfect web site to e-book a rental automobile in Mexico is with Uncover Vehicles. They search each native and worldwide automobile rental firms that can assist you discover the very best worth. That is the simplest solution to hire a automobile and drive in Mexico.
Renting a automobile 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 should use my Mexico cenote map on the high 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 could be reached by bicycle, in addition to some cenotes close to the city of Valladolid. For many others, except you’ve gotten your individual rental automobile, you’ll want to rent an area taxi to take you. Typically taxi drivers provides you with their enterprise card, permitting you to name them once you’re finished 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 coming 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 traces, and can hire you snorkeling gear.
- Cave divers frequent some cenotes, so ensure that to offer them loads of room, and watch out the place you leap!
- 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 likely to 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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