Cenotes in Yucatán: swimming in crystal-clear water, in the middle of the jungle or deep underground. For us the cenotes were one of the highlights of our trip through Mexico. In Valladolid we even rented bikes to discover as many as possible. In this blog you’ll read what a cenote is, where to find the most beautiful cenotes and what to look out for. A true ‘Let Us Stay For A Day’ recommendation…

What is a cenote?

A cenote is a natural sinkhole in the limestone, filled with clear groundwater. The Yucatán peninsula has no rivers above ground; the water flows through a huge network of underground caves. Where the roof of such a cave has collapsed, a cenote forms. For the Maya, cenotes were sacred: they saw them as the entrance to the underworld.

There are roughly three types: open cenotes (a kind of natural swimming pool), semi-open cenotes (partly covered, often with beams of light through a hole in the ceiling) and cave cenotes (completely underground). The water in the cenotes of Yucatán is cool all year round, around 75 to 77°F. Wonderfully refreshing after a hot day!

Cenotes near Valladolid

In our opinion Valladolid is the place for cenotes in Yucatán. We rented bikes here and mainly went looking for the many cenotes in the area. Recommended, because most are within biking distance.

• Cenote Zací: in the middle of town, within walking distance of the central square. Lovely for cooling off between sightseeing.
• Cenote Samulá and X’kekén: two cave cenotes right next to each other near the village of Dzitnup. Biking from the center is very doable.
• Cenote Suytun: known for the photos with the stone platform in the middle of the water and the beam of light from above.
• Cenote Oxman: a deep open cenote at an old hacienda, with a rope swing to jump into the water.
• Cenote Ik Kil: close to Chichén Itzá. Combine it with a visit to the ruins.

👉 Chichén Itzá and cenotes from Valladolid:

Cenotes near Mérida

Around Mérida too there are hundreds of cenotes. The cenotes in this corner of Yucatán are also often quieter. At Cuzamá you ride in a cart pulled by a horse over old rails from cenote to cenote. Around the village of Homún there are also dozens of cenotes. That makes them perfect for a day trip.

👉 Uxmal and cenotes from Mérida:

Cenotes near Tulum

Around Tulum there are also many cenotes in Yucatán, including some of the best known in Mexico. Gran Cenote is perfect for snorkeling among turtles and stalactites. Cenote Calavera is a small hole in the ground that you simply jump into. At Dos Ojos you snorkel or dive through a huge cave system. And Casa Cenote lies close to the coast, among the mangroves.

👉 Cenotes around Tulum:

Bacalar: Cenote Azul and more

Finally, you’ll find beautiful cenotes near Bacalar too. Cenote Azul lies just outside town: a huge, deep cenote where you can swim. And in the lagoon itself there are cenotes you’ll see on a boat trip, such as Cenote Esmeralda. Our favorite nearby is not a cenote, but just as clear: Los Rápidos, where you let the current carry you along.

Tips for visiting cenotes in Yucatán

• No regular sunscreen: in many cenotes sunscreen is not allowed, or only biodegradable. That keeps the water clean.
• Shower first: at many cenotes you have to rinse off before you can get in the water.
• Bring cash: you often pay the entrance fee in cash, in pesos.
• Go early: the famous cenotes are quietest in the morning, before the tour buses arrive.
• Bring a snorkel and water shoes: handy at cave cenotes and rocky entrances.
• Life jacket: at some cenotes a life jacket is mandatory; you can often rent one on the spot.

Frequently asked questions about cenotes in Yucatán

¡A nadar!

The cenotes in Yucatán are among the most beautiful things Mexico has to offer. So always bring your swimsuit, because you never know when you’ll come across one. Want to combine them with the rest of Yucatán? Then check out our Mexico itinerary through Yucatán or the route Yucatán in 2 weeks.

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