Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a land steeped in ancient history and full of beauty, mystery and wonder. With its centuries-old Maya civilization, the tropical jungles, and grand temples, it’s a place that offers a unique glimpse into the past. But the real magic of this area lies in its natural phenomenon – the cenotes. Visit cenotes in the Yucatan for an experience like no other.
Honestly, this is one of our family’s favorite things to do in all of Mexico. We love to visit cenotes and have probably done this more than five times over the last several years.
At Coba near Tulum.What is a Cenote?
First things first. Cenotes are like natural swimming holes that have been formed over time from pockets of limestone, fed by fresh rainwater and filtration from above. They are interconnected by a network of tunnels that flow the clean water through the rivers and out to sea. These cenotes are like deep water wells, with refreshing, clear water.
Since they are millions of years old, their origins are uncertain. However, many scientists conclude that cenotes were formed as part of the Big Bang. A meteor hit the Earth nearby, forming the Gulf of Mexico and spraying rock and debris for hundreds of miles. Looking at a map, the cenotes encircle the meteor’s impact point like an arc.
Regardless of origin, cenotes today beckon visitors to take a dip in their calm, clear waters. Visit cenotes for recreation, a bit of lore and perhaps a glimpse into our ancient history.
Ziplining near TulumTypes of Cenotes
There are different kinds of cenotes, each with its unique features. The Maya believed these cenotes were sacred gateways to the underworld, where their gods and ancestors resided.
Open Cenotes – Where sunlight dapples the water, fern grottos form along the walls, and vines dangle down the sides.
Semi-Open – Where natural light still filters through, but mostly under a rocky overhang.
Cave Cenotes – Where visitors climb down man-made staircases into darkened caverns, many with stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting rock formations.
Ancient Cenotes – Where they have been designated as special to the local Mayan and Aztec people, who used them for religious rituals and spiritual honors.
Descending into Cenote Cascabel at Santa Barbara Cenotes near MeridaDay Trips to Visit Cenotes
The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for having thousands of cenotes that dot the thick, tropical jungles. Many of them have been discovered and prepared for visitors to enjoy. Some are trek-worthy from most major resort destinations around the area, while others are even located in city centers, within restaurants, and on hotel grounds. Most are privately owned.
There are plenty of cenotes located very close to the major destinations in this area, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Merida.
Visit Cenotes Near Cancun
Nearest to Cancun is the Ruta De Los Cenotes (Route of the Cenotes) with more than ten options within a 30-minute drive of the Cancun resorts. Some of the best include Kin Ha, a cave cenote that has deep blue waters you can step into or jump from a platform, and La Mojarras, one of the more active cenotes equipped with ziplines where you can drop directly into the water below.
Another exciting option is Siete Bocas (Seven Mouths), which has seven entrances (or mouths) to the underground network of rivers that flow into a beautiful turquoise pool. And for those who like a little adventure, La Noire is a darker cave cenote with zipline and jumping platform, as well as bats lurking in the hollows.
Tour companies near Cancun: Maritur DMC is a destination management company that is great for larger groups and organized tours from a number of destinations including Cancun.
Lu’um Cenote in part of the Xenotes Tour by XcaretVisit Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen
If you’re staying in Playa Del Carmen, you must check out the Cenote Azul, one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area and popular because it is open to the sky and great for visitors of all ages.
You can also book a special Xenotes Tour with Xcaret that visits several special cenotes. The tour includes Ha Cenote, a semi-open cenote with vines and tree roots hanging down from the rocky cliffsides. Snorkeling and kayaking are available here. At nearby Iik Cenote, you can enjoy ziplines over the water, along with a cliff jump more than 20 feet high. Another exciting option is the Lu’um Cenote, where you can rappel into a cavern cenote with ancient rock formations and an underground pool for swimming. There’s also K’aak’ Cenote, which is like a waterpark with natural water slides, ziplines, and cliff jumps into the blue waters.
Ziplining into the refreshing waters of cenotes is such a blast!Tour company near Playa Del Carmen: The Xcaret Tour called Xenote is great for guests staying at any of the three Xcaret resort properties. Tours are available daily from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen areas. Even if you are not a resort guest, it’s possible to book their tours.
Kayaking through the cenotes near Cancun.Visit Cenotes Near Tulum
If you’re staying in Tulum, there are several great cenotes nearby. One popular option is the Cenote Dos Ojos Park, which is an all-purpose cenote. It offers ample sunlight, beautiful cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites, and even hammocks for relaxing.
There are also several underground cenotes located near the Mayan ruins at Coba, including Cenote Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha, all with interesting rock formations. For an Instagram-worthy experience, check out the Suytan cenote, famous for its stone path and circular platform that juts out into the deep blue pool.
Rapelling into a cenote near TulumTour company near Tulum: AllTournative Adventures is a private tour company with many options for authentic adventures and excursions that include cenotes in a respectful and educational approach. We had a blast spending the day with them and touring the ruins at Coba along with some fantastic cenotes nearby.
Visit Cenotes Near Merida
If you’re staying in Merida, there are several great cenotes nearby, including the Ik Kil Cenote, located in the city of Valladolid near Chichen Itza. This enormous cenote is popular as a refreshing and beautiful reward after visiting the Mayan ruins. Another popular option is the Santa Barbara Cenotes, the most visited in the Merida area. This location offers three gorgeous cenotes, each offering a different experience, one blue, one green, and one turquoise. For a more gentrified experience, check out the Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche. It’s located on the property of a private 18th-century plantation, complete with a restaurant, shop, and other amenities.
The crystal clear waters at Xooch’ Cenote, at the Santa Barbara Cenotes near MeridaTour company near Merida: Merida Gay Tours, owned by Ricardo Godoy, is an excellent guide for cenotes, ruins, and other excursions in Merida and throughout the Yucatan. (Even if you are not a member of the LGBTQ+ community – allies welcome!) His tours include cenotes near Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum in addition to Merida. He also has other tours of interest if you want to visit the ruins, etc.
Safety first!Grab Your Swimsuit. Or Don’t!
Visiting cenotes is an absolute must-do activity when visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. With thousands of cenotes to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your interests. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a place to relax and cool off, or a bit of both, cenotes are the perfect destination for adventuresome travelers. Some locations are private and you could even do a little skinny dipping.
So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and take a dive into these cool cenotes.
Cenote Ik Kil is located in Valladolid near Chichen Itza.Other Stories About Cenotes
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Mayan Experiences at the Ruins of Coba
