Best Cenotes to visit in Yucatan in 10 days, 2023 updated prices!
The Yucatan Peninsula is home to over 6,000 cenotes, each with its own unique beauty and charm. Planning a trip to visit all of them would be nearly impossible, so it's important to choose wisely. To help you narrow down your options, I've compiled a list of some of the most stunning cenotes I visited (and plan to visit) in the area. Whether you're looking for adventure, diving, swimming, relaxation, or just a beautiful place to cool off, there's a cenote for you. I've saved a surprise for the end, so be sure to read all the way through!
Keep in mind that there are many factors to consider when choosing which cenotes to visit, such as location, accessibility, activities offered, and popularity. Some cenotes are more crowded than others, while some are off the beaten path and offer a more secluded experience. We had one of the cenotes all for ourselves when we visited Mexico with my friend, and it was a truly magical experience!
Regardless of which cenotes you choose to visit, you're sure to be amazed by the crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and unique limestone formations.
Just a quick note before we start: Prices and opening hours are as of February 2023, entry fees to cenotes have tripled since the pandemic and prices keep changing.
So, without further ado, let's dive into some of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula!
1.Cenote Dos Ojos
The name "Dos Ojos" translates to "two eyes," which is a reference to the two nearly identical cenotes that are connected by a large underwater cave system. These two cenotes are known for their crystal-clear waters, large underwater cave systems, and stunning rock formations. The water in Cenote Dos Ojos is incredibly clear and has a bright blue hue, creating a breathtaking and otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. We went on one of the diving tours and it was mind-blowing! However, diving in this cenote is only for certified divers and a very good buoyancy is required for the dive.
The depth of the cenote varies depending on the location, but the deepest point in the system is around 119 meters. Although, the max depth you will reach if you are thinking about a diving tour is about 9.7 meters. The deepest parts of the cave system are not open for tourists. If you want to know more about it go check out my video and pictures on my Instagram or Facebook Page. If you are thinking of booking a dive already, I couldn’t recommend Dive Cenote Mexico more! We had an amazing experience with them, and it was basically just the two of us plus our instructor Gisela.
Entry fee: 350 Pesos per person (excluding the fee for any pre booked diving or snorkeling tour). The entry fee will give you access to both eyes.
Opening times: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: About 20 minutes north of Tulum and about 45 minutes south of Playa del Carmen.
2.Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera is a small sinkhole with three circular openings in the ground that give it the appearance of a skull, reason why it is also known as the Temple of Doom. It is a small cenote and only about 10 meters (33 feet) deep at its deepest point. Due to its size, it easily becomes crowded so make sure you go nice and early. There is a large opening that has a ladder for easy access with a swing hanging from the ceiling, which makes for a great picture spot. For the crazy and adventurous ones, you can jump down from the edge of the largest opening or from the biggest of the two smaller openings (the eyes of the skull basically).
We jumped from the second largest eye of the skull figure, but a lady decided to jump for the smaller opening and hit her head on the rocks while jumping down. She didn't take any precautions and jumped without assessing the risks. The eye she chose to jump from was smaller and the depth of the cenote beneath it was shallower and clearly not safe to jump as you do descend several meters when jumping. The heavier the further down you go, so keep that in mind if you are planning to eat a few more burritos the night before 😝. I went down a good 4 meters I believe!
If you are wondering what happened to the lady, she was conscious but suffered a severe injury on her head and had to be taken to the hospital. There was blood everywhere! You definitely don't want something like that to happen, so please priorities your safety at all times. Before attempting any jumps, make sure to assess if it's safe to do so. We checked the depth of the cenote directly beneath the eye we wanted to jump from and were confident it was safe to do so.
Entry fee: 250 Pesos excluding. Not included in this price is any possible fee for GoPro (I had to pay 200 Pesos for it), drone (400 Pesos) if you have one and professional camera (200 Pesos).
Opening times: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: 10 minutes drive from Tulum.
3.Cenote Zaci
Cenote Zaci is a large open-air cenote with a depth of about 45 meters surrounded by a lot of vegetation. If you are staying in Valladolid cenote Zaci is the perfect place for a nice and refreshing dip as it is a few minutes walk from the main square and also one of the cenotes with the cheapest entry fee. When we visited, Cenote Zaci was unfortunately closed for refurbishing and cleaning purposes, so we only saw it from the top. However, from other travelers' pictures it is truly a beautiful cenote for being right in the city center of Valladolid. There is also a restaurant next to it for a delicious Mexican meal!
Entry fee: 30 Pesos
Opening times: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Location: Cenote Zaci is located right in the heart of Valladolid.
Official Website: Cenote Zaci
4.Cenote SAC-AUA
Cenote SAC AUA is a natural beauty! It has a depth of around 10 to 15 meters and is a partially open cenote with a large opening at the top that lets in lots of natural light, which transforms the incredibly clear and blue water into a beautiful light-blue pool. While snorkeling in this cenote, you can see the sunbeams touching all the way down to the bottom of the cenote.
There is a small platform for jumping, and you can also rent kayaks for 100 Pesos and circle around the little island that characterizes this cenote. Apparently, it used to be a closed cenote until part of the roof collapsed, which is when the artificial circular island was created using parts of the collapsed roof.
The cenote is also home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life. We even saw a freshwater turtle happily swimming around while we were kayaking. Cenote Sac Aua is a beautiful and tranquil cenote that offers a refreshing break from the heat and a chance to explore the natural beauty that surrounds it.
For a few extra pesos, you can also visit part of the underground tunnels (400 Pesos in total with a guide). This cenote is a 40-minute drive from Valladolid, and not many people visit it. We went in the late morning and were the only two people in the cenote. It was truly magical!
Entry fee: 150 Pesos
Opening Times: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: 45 minutes drive from Valladolid
5.Cenote Syutun and Cenote Kaapeh
It is one of the most popular cenotes in the area due to its unique beauty and accessibility, and therefore, one of the most Instagrammed cenotes in the whole of Yucatan. Another natural wonder with crystal-clear turquoise waters where you can take stunning photos on the platform right in the middle of the cenote.
The cenote is located within a cave, with a small circular opening in the ceiling through which natural light streams down. If you visit during the month of May, the light stream will be right on the platform, creating a magical atmosphere. Unfortunately, we went in February so couldn’t see it happening, but the photos still look great!
In addition to its natural beauty, Cenote Suytun is also significant from a cultural standpoint. The site was used by the ancient Maya for ceremonial purposes, and there are still some remnants of their presence visible, such as stalactites that were shaped by the Maya into altars.
When buying the entry ticket to this cenote, you will also be able to visit another cenote, Kaapeh, located a few minutes' walk away from Suytun, which is also worth a visit.
Make sure to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon so you won’t have to queue for too long to take your amazing picture on the platform.
Entry fee: 200 Pesos
Opening times: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: 10 minutes drive from Valladolid
6.Cenote Ik Kil
Cenote Ik Kil is a beautiful natural sinkhole located near the archaeological site of Chichen Itza. The cenote is an almost perfectly round pool with crystal-clear waters that are approximately 60 meters deep. There are vines and tree roots hanging down from the roof, giving the place an almost magical feel. A diving platform is available for those who want to jump into the water from a higher height.
Cenote Ik Kil is also known for its significance to the ancient Maya. The site was considered a sacred place and evidence of ancient rituals that were performed at the site, including offerings of gold, pottery, and even human sacrifices have been found (yes, a little unsettling to go and swim in a cenote where pieces of bodies used to be thrown into, but thousands of years have passed now 😜). Even though this cenote is usually always crowded, it is definitely a must-visit after a long 3-4 hours visit to Chichen Itza, especially during the very hot summer months! We really needed a refreshing dip after all the walking.
Entry fee: 200 Pesos
Opening times: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: 10 minutes drive from Chichen Itza archaeological site
The ones we missed and regret not having visited.
Cenote Aqua Dulce and Palomitas
These two cenotes are located a few minutes' walk from each other and about a 10-minute drive from Cenote SAC-AUA. We actually made it to the entrance, but Aqua Dulce was closed for a private tour, so we decided to leave and go back after visiting Cenote SAC-AUA. Unfortunately, we lost track of time, and it was too late to visit these two cenotes as well, but they are a must-see for sure.
Cenote Aqua Dulce is an enclosed cave and a very picturesque cenote. The water is a beautiful turquoise color and is incredibly clear and calm, making it a serene and tranquil spot.
Cenote Palomitas, on the other hand, has a more open and exposed feel. It is larger than Cenote Aqua Dulce and is surrounded by rocky cliffs and vegetation.
Both of these cenotes offer unique and beautiful natural settings that are well worth exploring. Even though Palomitas is somewhat similar to Ik Kil, I would suggest visiting both while you're there.
Entry fee: Both cenotes have two separate entry fees of about 180 Pesos
Opening times: 8:00 AM - 18:00 PM
Location: About 40 min drive from Valladolid
Cenote Oxman
Cenote Oxman is a 30 meters deep open-air cenote, on the grounds of Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman, a former sisal plantation that has been converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant.
One of the most popular attractions at Cenote Oxman is the large rope swing that hangs above the water which allows you to jump into the crystal-clear waters of the cenote. The swing is located on a platform high above the water, and one can just swing out over the cenote before letting go and plunging into the water below. Please try it also for me! It adds to the sense of adventure and excitement that makes the cenote such a unique attraction but unfortunately this is one of the cenotes we did not manage to visit while in Mexico 🙁.
Entry fee: According to some of the latest blogs the fee is about 150 Pesos and there is also a second option with available credit to use in the restaurant for about 250 Pesos. Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: 10 minutes drive south of Valladolid
Casa Cenote
This cenote is a natural open-air cenote located very close to the sea and has a unique feature: Panchito, a crocodile who lives in the cenote and whom you can actually swim with! Panchito is now so used to tourists that he doesn't mind having you around. Swimming with him is definitely on my list, and the first thing I will do when I am back in Mexico!
The cenote is connected to the ocean through an underground river system and is very popular for snorkeling and diving, so make sure to bring your snorkeling gear with you. It is also a great place for paddleboarding and kayaking. One thing to note is that you should double-check whether Panchito was moved to a more protected area of the cenote, away from the one where tourists hang out. Some blogs suggest this, while others say he is still around the main area of the cenote. Please let me know if you visit before me so that I can update this blog post accordingly.
Entry Fee: Last updates on the internet is of 150 Pesos but again, it is probably more now.
Opening times: 9:00 AM - 16:15 PM
Location: Between Playa del Carmen (56km) and Tulum (12km)
More information on this here: Meet Crocodile Panchito and more info and the cenote here
Just a little note here…
Cenotes are a unique and delicate ecosystem that are home to a variety of plant and animal species. It's important to preserve the biodiversity and natural beauty of cenotes in Mexico to ensure that they remain a unique and valuable ecosystem for generations to come.
To help protect cenotes, it's important not to litter and to use environmentally friendly products. Avoid using sunscreen, lotions, insect repellent and other products that contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the water and harm the plants and animals that live in the cenote. While in the cenote, it's important not to disturb the plants and animals that live there, and to avoid removing any plants or rocks from the area.
Lastly, always follow the rules and regulations in place at each cenote to protect the environment, such as taking a shower before entering the cenote.
In addition to the ecological and environmental importance of cenotes, it's also worth noting that they are a crucial source of freshwater for many communities in the Yucatan region. The underground rivers and aquifers that feed the cenotes are an important resource for drinking water, irrigation, and other uses. By respecting the rules and guidelines for cenote conservation and preservation, we can help protect this vital resource and ensure that it remains available for local communities now and in the future.
That said... Happy Travel Projects everyone! And if you want to have a look at my full Mexico road trip itinerary have a look in here.
