Did you know that there are a few thousand cenotes in the Yucatán península? With so many to choose from, which are the best cenotes in Mexico to check out? Well we're here to help!
First things first: What is a cenote? Well it's something that is truly unique and that you can only find in Mexico! They are natural sinkholes that are formed from the collapse of limestone. They are hundreds and thousands of years old and are one of the most fascinating landscapes of the Yucatán Península.
Featuring crystal clear waters, lush greenery, and even fun activities, there are over 6,000 of them sprinkled around the area! Here are the best cenotes in Mexico to visit.
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The Best Cenotes in Mexico #1: Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is the most popular cenote in Mexico, and particularly for visitors to Tulum. While it can get pretty crowded, it is also obvious why. This place is absolutely beautiful.
There are actually two cenotes that are connected by a cave. Featuring crystal clear waters, turtles, and plenty of space to swim around, it's a great spot to cool off from the heat of Tulum.
Distance From:
Tulum: 8 minutes
Playa del Carmen: half hour
Cancún: 1 hour
Valladolid: 1 1/2 hours
Price:
Mexican: 300 pesos
US: $15
Hours:
8 AM- 4:45 PM
Restrictions:
- There are no tripods, professional cameras, or tripods allowed. (They will not store them for you either).
- You must wash your body and hair upon entry.
The Best Cenotes in Mexico #2: Cenote Calavera
Located right near Gran Cenote, cenote Calavera is just a half hour walking from the center of Tulum! (Or it is just a couple minutes in car). This place has just one cenote. However, there are actually several entrances.
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You can jump into the main cenote, or simply take the ladder down. Want a thrill? Well, Cenote Calavera features two small holes, where you can jump into the darkness to land in the water. Additionally, there is a super cute swing that sits across the open area of the cenote.
This is definitely one of the best cenotes in Mexico for an Instagrammable experience. So make sure to have your phone ready!
Cenote Calavera is full of adventure.
Distance From:
Tulum: 5 minutes
Playa del Carmen: half hour
Cancún: 1 hour
Valladolid: 1 1/2 hours
Price:
Mexican: 250 pesos (200 pesos for professional cameras or Go Pros & 300 pesos for drones). Tripods must have permission, and may be subject to a fee as well.
US: $12 ($10 for professional cameras or Go Pros & $15 for drones)
Hours:
9 AM- 5 PM
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The Best Cenotes in Mexico #3: Cenote Suytun
This is seriously one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico that we've been to! Cenote Suytun features a platform that juts out into the middle of an underground cave. Also, it is where you can experience a giant light beam shining down through the hole.
At certain times of the year the sun beam actually lands perfectly onto the platform. So make sure to head there in the summer (June-August) during midday. This way you will experience a truly magical moment!
Note: This picture was taken after a hurricane. Because of this, there was a rise in the water level, resulting in the platform being hidden that is normally there. When this happens, life jackets are required.
Distance From:
Tulum: 1 hour 15 minutes
Playa del Carmen: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cancún: 2 hours
Valladolid: 15 minutes
Price:
Mexican: 120 pesos
US: $6
Hours Open:
9 AM- 5 PM
To Be Considered:
- The time of year and time of day make a big difference in the famous light beam coming from the top.
- The water level varies depending on local storms.
- When water levels are high life jackets must be worn.
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The Best Cenotes in Mexico #4: Cenote La Noria
This is one of the off-the-beaten-path cenotes in Mexico, but does not disappoint! Just a half hour from Cancún, is an actual road called "Ruta de los Cenotes". This area is full of different cenotes. and one of our favorites is cenote La Noria.
This cenote features three different entrances. You can either walk down into the open cave through two different staircases, or you can jump in from the top into the middle. Furthermore, it has a kayak you can use to row and explore, as well as two swings. Perfect for some extra fun, and that instagrammable shot!
Cenote La Noria has a swing inside!
Distance From:
Tulum: 1 1/2 hours
Playa del Carmen: 50 minutes
Cancún: half hour
Valladolid: 2 hours
Price
Mexican: 200 pesos
US: $10
Hours
9 AM- 5 PM
To Be Noted:
This cenote is family run, so they are very flexible for times of closing. Also, they have a fabulous menu with local, all-natural food.
The Best Cenotes in Mexico #5: Cenotes Kin-Ha
Located right across from Cenote La Noria, you can also find some other really cool cenotes. Kin-Ha features two main cenotes. There is one that is open and has several jumping platforms and ziplines. While the other one is located inside a cave, that you can jump in from the top!
Kin Ha Cenotes offer a few different Cenotes on site.
Want to learn more about all that Kin Ha Cenotes has to offer? We've written a full Kin-Ha Cenotes article about any questions you may have.
Distance From:
Tulum: 1 1/2 hours
Playa del Carmen: 50 minutes
Cancún: half hour
Valladolid: 2 hours
Price:
Mexican: Varies depending on tours or walk in
US: Varies depending on tours or walk in
Hours:
9 AM to 5 PM
To be Noted:
This place has several cenotes, and they offer different packages. It is best to rent a car to visit here, but can be done with a tour from Cancún. They have lockers, changing rooms, and a restaurant. Also, for the open cenote, there will be someone to take you, as it is 10 minutes away with their safari truck.
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The Best Cenotes in Mexico #6: Cenote Zaci
This is one of the most convenient cenotes in Mexico to visit. This is due to the fact that it's one of the only ones that you will find right in the middle of a city! It is walking distance, cheaper than most, and very easy to visit. It also has two swimming areas for families to bring their small children, making it great for all ages.
Cenote Zaci îs located right in the heart of Valladolid.
Distance From:
Tulum: 1 1/2 hours
Playa del Carmen: 1 hr and 40 minutes
Cancún: 2 hours
Valladolid: Inside City
Price:
Mexican: 30 pesos
US: $1.50
Hours
9 AM- 6 PM
The Best Cenotes in Mexico #7: Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman
Another one of our favorite cenotes in Mexico is located right outside the center of Valladolid. The hacienda features a swing inside the cenote, as well as a pool, restaurant, and gift shop offering local liquors. This cenote is unique because the roots from the surrounding trees hang into the sinkhole, giving a really magical atmosphere.
Distance From:
Tulum: 1 1/2 hours
Playa del Carmen: 1 hr and 40 minutes
Cancún: 2 hours
Valladolid: 15 minutes
Price:
Mexican: 120 pesos
US: $6
Hours:
9 AM-5 PM
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The Best Cenotes in Mexico #8: Hacienda Mucuyche
Hacienda Mucuyche is an ancient residence that offers two hour guided tours, They show you the ruins, as well as the beautifully well-kept cenotes.
The two are connected through caves, and even feature a waterfall at the end! In addition, Hacienda Mucuyche offers a restaurant, pool area, and gift shop with beautiful hand-made crafts & jewelry.
Distance From:
Tulum: 3 1/2 hours
Playa del Carmen: 3 hrs and 40 minutes
Cancún: 4 hours
Valladolid: 2 hrs 20 minutes
Merida: 1 hr
Price:
Mexican: 480 pesos
US: $24
Hours:
9 AM- 4 PM
Tuesday- Sunday (closed Mondays).
To Note:
Reservations must be made in advance to visit, and it is a guided tour. To swim you must wear a life jacket, which is included in the price of the ticket.
The Best Cenotes in Mexico #9: Cenote Nohoch
This cenote was one of the best hidden gems near Tulum. It is a little bit more under the radar, so it is not nearly as crowded. The water is crystal clear, and is surrounded with vines and caves. Here you can find two different swimming areas: one that is open, and one that is inside of a cave.
Distance From:
Tulum: 1/2 hour
Playa del Carmen: 50 minutes
Cancún: 1 hr 45 minutes
Valladolid: 1 hr 45 minutes
Price:
We are unsure of the price, but it was between 100 and 200 pesos (from $5-10 USD).
Hours:
8 AM- 5 PM
To Note:
The cenote charges until 3:00 pm, and after 3:00 pm it is free of charge.
The Best Cenotes in Mexico #10: Cenote Ik Kil
This cenote is a great choice if you are planning on visiting Chichen Itza, and is one of the most iconic cenotes in Mexico.
Located just 3 km away from this wonder of the world, it doesn't just offer a beautiful sinkhole. But it also has a hotel where you can stay, relax, and get ready to visit the most popular Mayan ruins.
Ik Kil is an open cenote (which means it's extremely old). However, that actually adds to its beauty. On the contrary, the natural architecture of it is just as fascinating as any other cenote.
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Distance From:
Tulum: 2 hours
Playa del Carmen: 2 hrs 15 minutes
Cancún: 2 1/2 hours
Valladolid: 45 minutes
Price:
Mexican: 80 pesos
US: $4
Hours:
9 AM- 5 PM
To Note:
The cenote was closed due to COVID-19. It may have reopened. Check before going.
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The Yucatán Península is full of gorgeous cenotes, all with their own special charm. These are just 10 of our favorites, but there are over 6,000 out there. So add these to your bucket list and keep exploring! Also, let us know in the comments which your favorite is!
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Wowwww these cenotes are so dreamy! We have been to Mexico but didn’t visit one cenote, so stupid. It was about 6 years ago, wasn’t that great in travelplanning back then haha. We would love to go back some time!
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