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Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
One in every 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 the best way to take pleasure in them responsibly.
Cenotes in Mexico are tremendous cool! The Mayan folks used cenotes to produce 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 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 dwelling 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 may conceal 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 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 known for its wonderful cenotes — pure swimming pools of contemporary water positioned 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, 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 fully collapsed, whereas “cave cenotes” might have most or all of their roof nonetheless intact.
Many cenotes in Mexico are residence to quite a lot of fish and plants, some even have turtles!
There are supposedly over 6000 completely different cenotes positioned in Mexico. Some have been was 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 may need to use a life jacket (they’ve them) in the event you’re not a robust swimmer.
Locals name it “Cenote Manati”, as a result of there was 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 Price: 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. Nevertheless it’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 will possibly get crowded quick. It’s truly a part of an enormous cenote advanced, and there are a lot of completely different ones you possibly can 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 likely one of the closest cenotes to Tulum. The truth is it’s attainable to experience 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 may see enormous 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 way in which, you’ll see a lot 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 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 street from Tulum to Coba, and was 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 every so often.
Automobile Wash has just a few wood leaping platforms, a rope swing, and is one other cave diving spot. There are quite a lot of downed timber 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 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 perimeters (there’s even a slender opening you possibly can 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 every 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 additional cautious! Choo Ha is definitely one in every of 3 cenotes positioned round Coba, and it’s attainable 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 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 that you could climb for an amazing view of the entire space.
Entrance Price: 300 MXN ($15 USD)
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Location: Click on For Map
Tulum Cenotes Tour
Choose 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 positioned alongside the Ruta De Cenotes (Cenote Route) simply outdoors the 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 completely 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. In case you are staying at a resort in Cancun, these are among 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 an enormous advanced, 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 is 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. 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 under. There are leaping platforms as much as 20 ft excessive, and swimming by means of the caves under is tremendous enjoyable. You need to bathe earlier than getting in, and there’s somewhat 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 completely 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 outdoors Playa del Carmen. It’s fairly widespread 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 important spot for snorkeling!
Relying on the time of 12 months, and time of day, it will possibly get crowded right here. Nevertheless as a result of it’s huge, there’s normally 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 gorgeous 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 plenty of small fish on this cenote too, who will nibble in your lifeless 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 an excellent cenote in Mexico for households and children. 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 advanced.
There are grills and campsites obtainable to hire 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 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 a brilliant widespread 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 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 straightforward bike experience from anyplace on the town. It’s not fairly as widespread as others, however has just a few completely different cliff jumps, some huge black fish swimming round, and generally somewhat waterfall.
Entrance Price: 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. Because of its reputation, it will possibly 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 subsequent individual 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 lure.
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 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 hire.
To get right 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 charge.
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 truly a part of a 3-cenote advanced. It’s a large cave cenote, with a single gap within the high that permits 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 crucial 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 Price: 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 whenever 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 whenever you’re achieved 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
One of the best website to guide a rental automotive in Mexico is with Uncover Vehicles. They search each native and worldwide automotive rental corporations that will help you discover the very best worth. That is the simplest technique to hire a automotive and drive in Mexico.
Renting a automotive gives one of the best flexibility for exploring and visiting among 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 high 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 widespread 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, until you’ve gotten your individual rental automotive, you’ll want to rent a neighborhood taxi to take you. Typically taxi drivers gives you their enterprise card, permitting you to name them whenever 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 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 hire you snorkeling gear.
- Cave divers frequent some cenotes, so be certain that 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. In the event you arrive at a cenote and see a bunch of tour buses, it may be price 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
I hope you loved my information on cenotes in Mexico! Hopefully you discovered it helpful. Listed below are just a few extra wanderlust-inducing articles that I like to recommend you learn subsequent:
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