most beautiful cenotes

Manage Settings Required fields are marked *. This cenote is one of the most beautiful attractions in Mexico that attracts nearly 1 million visitors annually. Best adventure park with cenote: Extreme Adventure or Selvatica. Explore the history of the ancient Maya civilization with a visit to the archaeological site of Tulum and learn more about the former city and its landmark monuments. 25 Most Surreal Places on Earth (with Photos) - Touropia Cenote Dos Ojos 6. The Yucatn Peninsula of Mexico boasts a renowned diving spot called Cenote El Pit, also known as The Pit Cenote. Tortuga is a nature park with a lovely cluster of four cenotes, all located about 15 minutes from Tulum. Those rivers eventually meet huge cavities where they form crystallinewater lakes. Located in the beautiful Yucatn Peninsula of Mexico, the renowned tourist spot known as Cenote Dos Ojos (Two Eyes Cenote) boasts a breathtaking spectacle that is sure to amaze visitors. Best time to visit: November and early December are the best months to visit Cenote Suytun. Sometimes you can borrow snorkeling equipment on site but personally, we wouldnt do it. Here visitors can find an oasis of life in the midst of the surrounding deciduous forest, near the ruins of Ek Balam. Being one of the most incredible cenotes in the Mexican State of Quintana Roo, Cenote Angelita offers a unique experience for professionals divers. Best time to visit: November and early December are the best times to visit the Yucatan Peninsula. Taxi drivers in Tulum can be pretty mean. The fact is: there are far too many to visit in one lifetime, let alone in one trip. Vines and creepers hang low over the water, while ancient stalactites and stalagmites complete the picture. Also, they remain the property of the local people who own the land, sometimes is one family but most of the time a group of family called Ejido. This cenote is one of my favorites and when you visit you will understand why. Wooden stairs lead down to the clear water, where limestone rocks hang low over the cenote. Although the cenote is comparatively small, underwater athletes like to dive into it. The name of the cenote comes from the word pig. There was once said to be a family whose pig disappeared into the forest every day. Well, this is a tricky question. Hi, we are Kathi and Romeo. Enjoy swimming, canoeing, zip-lines, and jungle trekking before heading to a Mayan village and trying some exquisite traditional Mayan cuisine. If you are a water lover, do visit these natural cenotes once in a lifetime. It is worth mentioning that cenotes are generally formed when the soft limestone is eroded over hundreds of years. Entrancefee MX$180 (or $10, they accept dollars) and renting snorkeling kit- MX$80, locker MX$30, life jacket MX$50. 10 minutes drive Chichn Itz. The horses are not in the best condition. It is spectacular because it is an open-air cenote with certain parts of it concealed. This is actually a network of cenotes connected by wooden walkways that course along a verdant jungle and are surrounded by craggy rock formations. Cenote Dos Ojos, Tulum. In the same area as the above cenotes is the equally beautiful Cenote Cristalino. If you want to bring your mask and snorkel in some cenotes it will turn out useful, but you can find gear rental on-site almost everywhere. If something tickles your feet, dont be afraid, its likely just a small fish! The entrance fee is only 120 MXN and you can spend there all day, swimming, jumping, snorkeling, and relaxing. Cenote Xbatun is found a one hour drive south of Merida, and its hardly the most well known cenote in the Yucatan. This way you might get the chance to get in alone and you will experience the real magic, just like I did. Cenote Dos Ojos Located in the beautiful Yucatn Peninsula of Mexico, the renowned tourist spot known as Cenote Dos Ojos (Two Eyes Cenote) boasts a breathtaking spectacle that is sure to amaze visitors. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Unfortunately, the cenote is fairly gloomy. I got there by 8.30 and I was all by myself. 12 of the Best Cenotes in Yucatan Peninsula - Red White Adventures Then refresh at the most famous cenote in the area: Cenote Dos Ojos. A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole that has been forming for several centuries or thousands of years. Here visitors can enjoy many leisure activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving in low-lit caverns with natural pools & stalactites. Cenote La Noria 60.7 km/ 37.7mi 6. Entrance fee: 150 MXN Opening hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm. The entrance hides an underground labyrinth of waterways and caves, so dont be fooled by the outside look of the place. Sun rays make their way through the cave opening, the water inside glitters turquoise, lianas curl down to the water on the walls cenotes seem like theyre from another world. Ceremony: Important Quotes Explained | SparkNotes It encompasses plenty of stalactites in its crystal water and also fishes and turtles. La Noria was my favorite of these cenotes. (! A cenote is a term that comes from the Maya word Dzonot meaning abyss( wells of freshwater created by the erosion of limestone). How to reach: You can use public transportation to reach this Cenote and then walk for a few miles from the main gate to reach this location. This cenote, for being so close to the city and very accessible is often very crowded. Accompanied by all the amenities visitors can spend a full day in this beautiful place. Cenote Selvatica is located along the Ruta de los Cenotes, probably the most famous cenote Cancun. I would rather go early in the morning if you decide to visit. ct intro final View All Trips Cenote Dos Ojos, Tulum They are used as swimming holes, natural adventure playgrounds, and even cave diving sites. The soft limestone of the Yucatan has allowed cenotes to form when the ground above these water reserves collapses. Speaking of swimming: wearing a lifejacket (provided) is mandatory. Its name is derived from the Mayan word that means place of the blue waters, which is fitting since the cenote boasts of crystal-clear blue waters that are surrounded by lush greenery, giving visitors a sense of tranquility and serenity. Opening Hours: 8am to 6pmEntrance Fees: 150 pesos. One of the best cenotes to dive in Mexico is El Pit Cenote, which is found just 3 kilometers down the road from the entrance to Cenote Dos Ojos. This natural wonder is a paradise for water enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving. All Rights Reserved. Mexico is famous for its cenotes natural sinkholes filled with freshwater that have opened up below the earths surface. Required fields are marked *. If you are looking for more inspiration, I wrote a separate article about Mexicos 10 mostbeautiful beaches. At the Garden of Eden you will find an open cenote surrounded by greenery, hidden away in the jungle. The Mayans saw these cenotes as a connection with the underworld and the afterlife and often used them as burial pits or places of ritual sacrifice. Entrance:150 Pesos per personDeparture point:ValladolidAccommodation tip:La Flor Casa BoutiqueGetting there:approximately 15 minutes drive from Valladolid. Kaak meaning fire is an open cenote with underground currents, surrounded by vertical walls and interesting landscapes located in the middle of the jungle. I would love to hear your thoughts once you have read the post. How to Visit and Enjoy the Yucatan's Most Beautiful Cenotes Explore the ancient Mayan city, then cool off with a refreshing dip in Cenote Xlacah. Read more,Best Swimming Holes in the World. This means you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore the hidden areas of the cenote. It is probably the most Instagrammable cenote on the Yucatn Peninsula. The most beautiful Cenotes in Yucatan - Flash Trip Tips However, there are a couple of communities, one close to the other which are worth mentioning. It is in fact calledChicxulub crater. Cenote Zapote 65,2 km/ 40.5 7. If you dont have the equipment, I am sure the diving companies will have them available to rent. 1) Gran Cenote 2) Cenotes Casa Tortuga 3) Cenotes Sac Actun 4) Native Park Tulum 5) Cenote Carwash 6) Cenote Dos Ojos 7) Cenotes Kantun-Chi 8) Cenote Calavera 9) Cenote Azul 10) Cenote Jardin del Eden What are cenotes? The Gran Cenote is one of the most illustrious cenotes in Mexico, renowned for its exceptional cavern and cave diving, as well as for snorkeling. Cenote Yax Kin Riviera Maya cenotes past Tulum The Most beautiful Cenotes in Mexico - Full Guide - Terrified Tourist Scuba Diving is the most amazing activity here. Hey there! However, to visit the Cenotes of Cuzama you have necessarily to buy a tour, which is actually not expensive. Regarded as Mexicos best Cenote, Rio Secreto is a stunning underground river with thousands of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Divers can also encounter an abundance of sea creatures, such as fish, turtles, and stingrays, making the dive all the more thrilling. How to reach: You can hire a taxi, cab from Valladolid to reach the site. The cenote is illuminated by a small squeeze of light at the very top of the cave. Boundless Roads is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You can jump in from the limestone cliffs above or snorkel beneath them. Located outside of Tulum on the 307 highway, Grand Cenote is one of the best Cenotes you have ever visited. Its an open cenote surrounded by rocks and vegetation and you also have a lovely natural platform from where to jump. : Due to changing advisories, please check local travel guidelines before visiting! You can get the best travel experience if you ever get a chance to visit the Cenotes. These Are The 10 Most Beautiful Countries In The World For 2023 - MSN Best time to visit: December and January is the peak travel season. Crazy, right? You will certainly be amazed here! In the Yucatan Peninsula, there are at least 6,000 recorded cenotes of varying size, and many more are likely hidden away deep in the jungles. Cenote Oxman. The best way to explore the cenote is through a diving excursion. Travel insurance covers you in the event of medical emergencies or evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost, damaged, or stolen luggage. 5 minutes) or by bike (approx. Entrance:225 Pesos per personDeparture point:Chichn ItzHotel reccommendation:Mayaland Hotel & BungalowsGetting there:approx. For this cenote, its very important to leave early morning to avoid the heat because you would be completely exposed to the sun. Open to sunlight and providing a choice of turquoise fresh water pools is Cenote Azul, a popular watering hole just south of Playa del Carmen, not far inland from the coastal road. The most exciting part: many cenotes are connected with each other underground. You can of course take it, but you dont have to. The Gran Cenote is absolutely picturesque. This exceptional cenote is a part of the Sac-Aktun system, which translates to Cave in the Mayan language. Cenote Eden 5. How to reach: Visitors can hire a private taxi and at the main gate and walk 15 to 20 minutes through the jungle to reach the Cenote. I can safely say that the cenotes around Valladolid, in Yucatan, are my favorites. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. The most beautiful one is the first one. A cenote is an open karst cave that can be increasingly found in Mexico, but also in the Dominican Republic. The cenote is open-air and therefore flooded with light. Those who are a little bolder dont take the steps, but instead jump into the cold water. I love these two cenotes because they are at easy reach from Tulum. 307 Highway south. 12 Best Cenotes in Yucatan You Can't Miss | She Wanders Abroad You can swim quietly and snorkel to observe the rocks, plants and fish. A cenote is a sinkhole (or a natural pit) that occurs when the limestone foundation above it collapses. The most common types of cenotes are Cave, Semi-Open and Open Cenotes. The unique open cave shape is created by a hole in the grotto that lets in both sunlight and freshwater, or by the collapse of the ceiling. The largest cave at Cheek Tun has just one source of light, which is a narrow hole in the limestone ceiling and creates an enchanting underground atmosphere. Wooden stairs take you directly to the water. Please be aware that information on fees, transportation, entrance, restrictions, etc., is subject to change. Cenote Jardin del Edn is an authentic giant pool surrounded by the most exuberant vegetation. The cenote is in fact very small apt for jumping and continuing the exploration underneath the surface. It is part of a more extensive complex that comprises a restaurant, a store, changing rooms, and charming cottages that can be rented for a comfortable stay. Both the Cenoten Samula & Xkeken are located in the same area. This enormous cenote is almost perfectly circular, with steep walls hiding the deep blue water below. Most people visiting the historical Chitzen Itza pyramids also make a stop at the stunning Ik Kil cenote within a short 10-minute drive from the pyramids. This will not change the price for you at all. Erected to celebrate Ugandan independence in October 1962," according to the bank note society's official announcement of the 2010 award. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience, please click Accept., Copyright 2023 Travels Illustrated. Thanks, we really appreciate it! Encompassing a perfect mix of shallow pools filled with tiny fish and deeper waters, Cenote Azul attracts divers, swimmers, snorkelers, and visitors too. Cenote Calaverais situated at about 10 km from the Grand Cenote, on the way to Coba. In short, cenotes are ancient sinkholes that have, over time, filled with fresh water. Light only comes through a tiny hole in the caves ceiling. 25 minutes), free parking is available. Walk-in off the busy street, and youre in the midst of the cenote. A beautiful swimming hole with clear blue water. Mexico is famous for its cenotes - natural sinkholes filled with freshwater that have opened up below the earth's surface. Its not all about the photographs though, and you should take a dip in the cold water too. I had an ethical conflict about purchasing a cenote tour in Cuzam because to reach the cenote they use horses pulling a very cranky carriage. The term, "Dos Ojos" means two eyes and thus the cenote is literally split into two parts. You dont need to be a good swimmer or a diver to enjoy it. How to reach: You can reach by using the public Colectivo vans, and hopping off on the highway i.e. 1. If youre looking for a more cavernous space more typical of Mexican cenotes, head inland from Playa del Carmen to Cenote Chaak Tun. The name of the cenote really sums this place up, as it is quite simply a deep pit carved into the ground. Our tip: Come first thing in the morning! Also, you should visitTrip.comand book your Mexico vacation before the others do. The Cenote Cristalino near Playa del Carmen lives up to its name because the water is crystal clear. How to reach: You can hire public transportation from Playa Del Carmen to reach this cenote at a cost of about 30 pesos. How to reach: Visitors can take one of the public transit vans located between 15th and 20th streets. What do I need to look out for when visiting a cenote? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Cenote Ik Kil is a highly sought-after tourist attraction that is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Theres usually a queue for this spot though, so arrive early if you dont want to spend an hour waiting in line just for the gram! Ranking as the 10th most beautiful country in the world for 2023, Turkey offers diverse landscapes of fairy chimneys and caves in Cappadocia to a picturesque skyline overlooking the . Your email address will not be published. It is very unique because its completely unsuitable for swimming. Thats how I got there. With nearly 10,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, there is plenty to get lost in when planning your trip to Mexico. If it was not for the cenotes probably the Mayan civilization wouldnt be able to survive. Visit the ruins of Tulum and Coba as well as a cenote all in one day. Once you pass Puerto Aventuras you will go about 4 minutes more to reach this site. What are the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula? Throw yourself into the deep, startlingly blue water of Cenote La Noria to cool off from the humidity of the Cancun jungle by swinging off one of the rope swings. Cenotes of Yucatn in Mexico (with our personal experiences and tips), 2. Best time to visit: The months from October to December is the best time to visit. In my opinion some of the most beautiful and underrated in the area at only 50-minute drive from Tulum . But there is not much space for swimming around and enjoy it. But if you love adventure and like to try a different diving experience you should try it. Cenote Ix-Ha Cancun Cenotes | La Ruta de los Cenotes, Puerto Morelos 2. Azure blue water & secret charm Mexicos cenotes are a highlight for many on their travels. Located in a remote town just kilometers away from the famed archaeological site of Chichn Itz, Cenote Yokdzonot is the freshwater Cenote run by a group of Mayan women. Also be sure to take some cash with you paying with card is not very standard. Entrance:100 Pesos per personDeparture point:TulumRecommended accommodation:Biwa TulumGetting there:On the road from Tulum to Cob (on the left side), approximately 8km out of Tulum; from Tulum Pueblo with the car (approx. Casa Cenote ( O Cenote manati) 10. It is located around 5 minutes drive out of Tulum, one of the tourist towns in Yucatn. Required fields are marked *. However, when you come closer, you discover a ladder that leads you about 33 ft (10 m) into the crystal clear, cold water. However, the salted water, filtrated by the limestone rocks gets sweet once it gets on the surface. Since the waters of Cenotes Dos Ojos remain around 77F year-round, and visitors can enjoy a pleasant experience. Since there is a variety of cenotes at Playa del Carmen and other resorts, Ill reveal the top 10 cenotes in Mexico in this article. With more than 30 meters of depth, this cenote makes the trip really a memorable one because of its incredible scenery and this unique feature makes Cenote Angelita the best-explored site by the experienced divers. It came back wet in the evening, although it hadnt rained. Opening Hours: 8am to 5pmEntrance Fees: 120 MXN. The fact that territory is so full of holes made it impossible for rivers to form, but favorssubterranean rivers, instead, which eventually would end up in a hole forming big or small subterranean lakes, the cenotes. 2016 - 2023 Boundless Roads |Privacy Policy|Disclosure Policy|Cookie Policy | Accessibility Statement The Cenote Tsukn is located in a very well-maintained and beautifully landscaped park. This cenote is notable for its spacious cave, a large platform surrounded by rich blue-green waters. You can decide to go on your own or hire a bicycle taxi to take you. Three of the cenotes are cavernous, so you'll see rock formations like stalagmites . You can find Cenote Xkeken just a short ten-minute drive outside of Valladolid, on the road towards the town of Dzitnup (Cenote Xkeken is also often called Cenote Dzitnup!). But in order to reach the water visitors have to climb down 26 meters. The cenote Suytun opens at 9, officially, but if you bike around the restaurant on the right and keep going to the cabaas entrance they would let you in from 8 am. Where one side is open while the other has a ceiling with stalactites and stalagmites formation. The Best Cenotes in Tulum You Need to Visit - Insider's Tulum Something that is pretty cool:Instead of climbing down the ladder, you can simply jump into the depths through an inconspicuous hole in the ground. It is located around 5 minutes' drive out of Tulum, one of the tourist towns in Yucatn. Formed when the soft limestone is eroded over hundreds of years, they are essentially sinkholes, often connected by underground cave systems and while there are more than 7,000 across Mexico (not just in the Yucatn! If you have time you can even consider spending some time in the town of Coba where you can relax around the lagoon and enjoy village life. Cenotes of Yucatn in Mexico (with our personal experiences and tips) Gran Cenote Let's start with one of the most well-known, and also one of the most beautiful cenotes, the Gran Cenote (also called the Grand Cenote). A small island of rocks rises in the center of the cave, surrounded by water and long vines reaching down to the island from the roof of the cave. Our tip: arrive either early or late in the day that way youre able to avoid the crowds a little. They are very simple and the cenote closes in the night so I dont really see the point in staying there. 2023 Road Affair, LLC. The first question you're probably asking right now is: " What is a cenote ?" The 10 Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico - Travels Illustrated The 10 most beautiful cenotes near Cancun - Mr Hudson There are thousands of photos of this cenote on Instagram. There are lots of facilities, including lockers and changing rooms at Cenote Dos Ojos. The cenote is made all the more spectacular by the fact that its located amongst the archaeological ruins of Dzibilchaltun. If you dont have a car and get there by colectivo, you can get transportation from the entrance to the cenote. Its pretty dark in the cenotes and the atmosphere is very mystical with gigantic stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Luckily though, you dont need to launch an expedition to find the best cenotes in the Yucatan, many of the most spectacular ones are located close to the tourist hub of Cancun, major towns and cities, or accessible Mayan archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza. You can swimat your own riskin the cenotes. These were the 10 most beautiful cenotes in Mexico. The Yucatan Cenotes originate in the limestone grounds that favor river formations underneath the entire territory. The cenote azul is a beautiful place with paths that lead to different water sources. One area of the pool is bathed in the sun, and the other is immersed in mysterious darkness. It is a great destination where visitors can also enjoy a lot of sea life. The Top 8 Most Amazing Cenotes Near Cancun Entrance: 150 MXN ($8.50 US) or 350 MXN ($20 US) Opening hours: Daily, 7 am - 5 pm. While in the ancient Mayan times they were used for water provisions and religious ceremonies, nowadays, with the development of tourism, the cenotes have been turned into tourist attractions. If you are scuba diving in a cenote (usually near Cancun) then your dive shop should organize transport to the cenote for you. On weekends though, it can get busy with locals escaping the city. Infos about Cenote Cristal 8 am - 5 pm Price: $$ Beauty: 4/5 This is one of the most Instagrammed cenotes of Yucatan and I am sure you will recognize it from the picture, even if you didnt remember the name. Take a 30-minute scuba diving course before plunging into these beautiful natural swimming pools. Kin-Ha - 63.4 km/39.39 mi 5. The limestone rocks allow the rainwater to filtrate through the cracks in the soil, favoring the erosion of rocks and, for centuries, allowing caves and water deposits to keep forming until the roof collapses as well. We were there in the late afternoon and were lucky that there were only a few other guests in the cenote. For example, Cenote Dos Ojos is one of them. Cenotes (also called cenotes in Spanish) are karst caves filled with freshwater. In order to make the best of it, its advisable to avoid Saturdays and Sundays as its going to be crowded. 10 kilometers inland from Tulum along the road that leads to the ruins of Coba you can find the unusually named Carwash Cenote. Regarding point 7, make sure you choose a good dive shop with updated equipment in good condition. Entrance:150 Pesos per personDeparture point:Chichn ItzHotel tip:Mayaland Hotel & BungalowsGetting there:approx. Entrance: 80 Pesos per person (for one of the cenotes), 125 Pesos per person (combo ticket for both cenotes), 20 Pesos per cenote for the life jackets (unfortunately a requirement since 2021)Departure point:ValladolidAccommodation tip:La Flor Casa BoutiqueGetting there:approximately 15 minutes drive from Valladolid. Those are my favorite as they evoke mystery and myths. Have already been toYucatn and visited a cenote? Playa del Carmen and Tulum are the main hub, closer to the most beautiful cenotes to dive. The clarity of the water is nothing short of amazing, affording visitors a stunning view of the underwater cave formations. In order to enjoy it fully, you should avoid weekends and prefer the early hours. Unlike her big sister Ik Kil, the Cenote Tsukn remains a secret spot near to Chichn Itz. Here is the list of the most beautiful underground water caves in the world. 20 Best Cenotes in Mexico You Must Visit Richard CollettJune 26, 2023 Share TwitterPinterestFacebookFlipboardEmail Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article. The water here is incredibly clear and beautiful, the caves are filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and the snorkeling is simply fantastic. If youre brave it is possible to jump from the edge into the depths. 5 minutes) or with a bicycle (approx. Or you can just swim around. Cenote Samula is actually found right next to Cenote Xkeken and confusingly, is often also called Cenote Dzitnup. The 17 Most Beautiful Mexican Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula By Isabella 29/05/2023 The Mexican cenotes are a wonder of nature worth seeing. The 20 Best Cenotes Near Tulum That You Must visit - Lets Travel to Mexico TIP: Dont forget an underwater light! Your email address will not be published. Take a towel with you and be careful when descending into the underworld, it is often slick because the stones are covered with algae. Its name is derived from the vertical shaft that extends down to a remarkable depth of 131 ft (40 m). Carwash Cenote looks more like a lake than a cenote, as the water rises to groundwater and there are no steep ladders to climb down. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Register now for our free newsletter and receive regular updates on the best insider tips and the most beautiful travel stories around the world. If you book or buy something via the links, we will receive a small commission. Cenote Azul, Playa del Carmen. The cenote is also home to a variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, and stingrays. Each cenote has its own special appearance depending on how it was created while some look like large, open lakes, others are small, angular, and eerily beautiful. You can also categorize cenotes as Cave, Young Cenote, Mature Cenote and Dry Cenote. This cenote is located in South Yucatns, very close to the majestic lagoon, Bacalar.