Best Cenotes of Mexico

One of the very best things to do in Mexico is visit the numerous ‘cenotes‘ or, sunken caverns. Although there are over 6000 cenotes in Mexico, this list rounds up the very best cenotes of Mexico.

Quick facts about Mexico

What are cenotes?

Cenotes were formed by limestone collapsing over millions of years. They were then filled with mostly with rainwater, but many near the coast were also exposed to the sea when the tide was much higher. Today, they are one of the most amazing formations to visit.

Usually you can swim in the cenotes, and many make for amazing dive sites. Each cenote is different so it’s definitely interesting to visit more than one on your next trip to Mexico!

They are usually found in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. This guide will group cenotes based on which town they are closest to!

Cenotes near Valladolid

Cenote Suytun

Contributed by Shelley from Travel Mexico Solo

There are more than 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, all unique in their own ways. However, some of the most beautiful cenotes in the country can be found in or near the city of Valladolid, Mexico — like Cenote Suytun.
Cenote Suytun is located in a cave, fully underground. There is a small hole above the cenote so a little ray of light gets in, and a circular platform in the center where many take their Instagram-worthy cenote photos.
This cenote isn’t very big, and quite popular, so it does fill up quickly. If you want it all to yourself, you’ll want to arrive by about 10am, and preferably on a weekday rather than a weekend.
Cenote Suytun is located about 45-minutes by car from the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins, and many combine these two popular places for a nice day trip. There are also other beautiful cenotes nearby, like Cenote Chukum and Cenote Xux-Ha.

Cenote Zaci

By Jori

Cenote Zaci is a beautiful cenote located right in the heart of the city of Valladolid. My expectations were low, as it’s right in the middle of several busy streets, but it happened to be one of the most beautiful cenotes that I’ve been to. The entrance cost is only 30 pesos (about $1.50 USD), which is way cheaper than any other cenote you will visit. There’s also the possibility to cliff jump off one side of the cave, so try to go early and avoid the crowds!

Cenote Dzitnup (X’keken)

Contributed by Akid from Chasing Continents

Cenote Dzitnup, also known as Cenote X’keken, is one of the prettiest cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula. Set in a limestone cave, there is one single opening in the ceiling where the opportunistic rays of sunlight dance to reflect the natural beauty of the water. After a humid trip to Chichen Itza, the clear blue water of the cave is a cooling respite and with the temperature staying consistent throughout. Our visit during the rainy season also added further tranquillity as the rain drops made their way through the cave roof clinging on to the stalactites off the roof, interacting with the nesting bats before dropping to play with the small black fishes in the water. Another fantastic reason to visit Dzitnup is that the entry fee grants you access to Cenote Oxman opposite so you can get a two for one trip! Although we stayed in Cancun and made it a day trip, the small cultural town of Valladolid is a few minutes away where you can stay.

Cenote Ik Kil

Contributed by Deborah from Passport the World

Ik Kil is known as the sacred blue cenote and is fully open to the sky. It is located, on the highway to Valladolid, only a few kilometers from the world famous Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is therefore best to combine your visit.

After you pass the entrance of Ik Kil, you have no idea where to go or look. Until you reach the edge of a giant hole in the earth, 60 meters by 28 meters deep.
The bright sunlight shining on the water, the lush environment with lianas all around make this natural swimming pool just breathtaking.

A slippery staircase will bring you down to the water of the cenote, where you can go swimming, snorkeling or even diving. The water is cool in the beginning but refreshing. Especially after a morning of strolling around ancient ruins. Find a place on one of the edges of the cenote and just enjoy the surroundings. When you look up you’ll realize that you are swimming in the most incredible pool ever! There are also several elevations on the side of the water, so don’t forget to go for a jump!

But even if you don’t feel like swimming, it is worth to take the stairs. Along the way you will find different viewpoints to take pictures.

Tip: Because Ik Kil is so close to Chichén Itzá, it is part of all day tours. Make sure you visit Cenote Ik Kil, as early as possible. Only then you are able to experience the magic of this place.

Cenotes near Tulum

Cenote Caracol

Contributed by Nate from Travel Lemming

Cenote Caracol is part of a labyrinth of stunning underground caves located just a few kilometers north of the Tulum Mayan ruins. Some of these caves have platforms built for pedestrians, which makes it perfect for casual travelers looking to see the gorgeous insides of the caves.

But, after you’re done exploring the caves, you still have the actual cenote itself to swim in! You’ll need to feel comfortable climbing down a small ladder, but inside you’ll find an expansive subterranean cenote perfect for escaping from the Mexican heat. Life jackets are available, and there are several rope swings over the cenote (cannonball anyone?).

Note that you’ll need to drive several kilometers into the jungle and off the main road to find Cenote Caracol, and that cars with low clearance may have issues with the access road.

Dos Ojos

By Jori

Dos Ojos is most famous for being an amazing dive site. Although you can snorkel here as well, the diving is unreal so I completely recommend it. As you dive inside you are surrounded by beautiful rock formations. I felt like I was suspended in midair as I floated around the cavern. Truly a magical experience.

Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take a camera inside the water at Dos Ojos. Too many people accidentally dropped their camera and they are working hard to maintain the cenote in pristine condition.

Cenote Calavera

By Jori

Cenote Calavera, meaning skull, is located right outside Tulum. It’s small, but really different from other cenotes, as it’s just a sinkhole in the ground. It’s a great snorkeling spot, and you’ll see many people diving in this cenote. There’s a ladder to enter the water, but Calavera is also popular for the jump to get inside.

Cenotes near Playa del Carmen

Cenote Cristalino

Contributed by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

The Cenote Cristalino is located just 20 minutes by car south of Playa del Carmen and one of the best places to see in all of Mexico. You’ll most likely need a car to get here although there are some public transport options if you need them. The Cenote Cristalino is located close to a group of other cenotes so there is plenty to see and do. This cenote is known for its crystal-clear waters and it’s perfect for a swim so pack your swimsuit. There is an entry fee of 8$ per person which is a little bit pricey but definitely worth it if you’re staying the entire day. Definitely pack your camera; this cenote is stunningly beautiful.

Chikin Ha

Contributed by Tristan from Traxplorio

We traveled to Mexico completely unprepared and honestly did not even know that there are cenotes (shame on us :D). During an excursion (whale shark diving – also highly recommended!) we met a Mexican couple. They told us for the first time about the cenotes and recommended their favorite cenote in Playa del Carmen – Chikin Ha. We went straight to this cenote on the same day. The best way to reach Chikin Ha is with a rental car, because the bus only stops at the main road and you have to drive/walk a bit deeper into the jungle.

So what can you expect in Chikin Ha?

Cenotes are simply beautiful! Chikin Ha is a little paradise in the Mexican jungle. It is like a small jungle village with several cenotes to swim and also the possibility to eat something. You will quickly forget about time here and will want to spend the whole day in this incredible place. If you hike a little deeper into the jungle you can even discover something that looks like an old Mayan memorial site. In order to be perfectly prepared, we recommend you to check out this Mexico packing list beforehand 😊 Have fun exploring and enjoying!

Cenotes near Merida

Cenote Uinic

Contributed by Marco from Nomadic FIRE

Tourists, digital nomads, and expats are flocking to the low-cost city of Merida, Mexico. But there is more to this colorful colonial city than affordability and tasty street eats. Merida is the epicenter of the Ring of Cenotes. With over 6000 cenotes to choose from in Mexico, these natural sinkholes run the gamut from isolated to overrun with tourists (*cough, cough* Gran Cenote).

Cenote Pool Uinic is an hour outside of Merida near the town of Homun. This hidden gem cenote has only recently opened to the public and is nowhere near as popular as other cenotes near Merida. Family-run and concealed in the fields of a former corn farm, Cenote Pool Uinic is clean with crystal clear waters where the lights dance on the mirror-like surface. Best of all, you might be the only person there. The cenote is even open for night swimming. The entrance fee is 50-80 Pesos.

What are some of your favorite cenotes in Mexico?