It would be a mistake to venture into the Yucatán Peninsula and not explore its most exuberant side, and that is why you mustn’t miss the opportunity to visit a cenote. 

 The word “cenote” comes from the Mayan word “dz’onot”, which means “cavern with water“. It describes a natural pit in limestone terrain, formed by the collapse of the top of one or more caverns.

These huge water holes played a very important role in the life of the Maya. They were their main source of water in the jungle. This is evident from the fact that many cities and settlements were built near or around cenotes in Yucatán.

The cenotes in Yucatán also had great religious and symbolic importance for the Maya. They were considered portals to the world of the dead, as recounted in the Mayan book, Popol Vuh. The Maya believed that when people died they travelled along a long road to the underworld, called Xibalbá. A mythical place, home to ancestors, supernatural beings and gods, it was located underground and underwater. It was therefore very common for the governors of Mayan cities to erect altars or shrines near cenotes. They also made human sacrifices at the cenote as part of rituals for rain, fertility, rebirth, life and death.

Here are our top 5 best cenotes in Yucatán that we think you should visit:

1. Xcacelito Cenote 

Xcacelito Cenote is a hidden treasure for most visitors to Playa del Carmen. 

An open cenote located within a Federal Protected Reserve since 1998. It is surrounded by vast vegetation, creating a beautiful environment.

It has a very important feature: it is located next to Xcacel beach, a vast virgin beach measuring 2.6 km. It is called the Sanctuary of the Turtle, as every year it is visited by hundreds of white and loggerhead turtles that choose this beach as their nesting destination.

→ 50 minutes from the Princess Riviera Maya hotels.

2. Gran Cenote

The Gran Cenote de Tulum is one of the most famous in the region because it is a great place for snorkelling and cave diving. 

If you visit this cenote, you will be able to see the turtles and small groups of fish that live there, while enjoying a relaxing experience in the crystal-clear waters. 

This destination is perfect for the adventurous and for those who prefer to be in contact with nature.

→ 1 hour away from the Princess Riviera Maya hotels.

3. Suytun Cenote

Suytun Cenote, which means “stone centre“, is located 15 minutes from the centre of the Pueblo Mágico de Valladolid on the Rancho Ganadero-Ecologico Suytun de Fernández y Mendoz.

It is a closed cavern-like cenote. The vault has an entrance of light that illuminates its interior and highlights the beauty of the blue colour of the waters. It has a stone walkway that leads you to the centre where you can take one of the most beautiful pictures possible on the Yucatan Peninsula.

The cenote has been adapted so that you can access the stone walkway by a staircase and there is lighting. Look up to enjoy truly captivating natural formations.

→ 2 hours away from the Princess Riviera Maya hotels.

4. Zacil Cenote

Located in the city of Valladolid,  Zacil Cenote is the only one on this list that is located in the centre of this beautiful Mexican city. 

It is semi-open as the roof of the cave has partially collapsed, which further contributes to the astonishing beauty of the site. The depth of this cenote is variable and ranges from 25 metres to 100 metres in some parts of the cenote.

If you plan to visit Zacil, we also recommend that you spend a few hours discovering the colonial city of Valladolid (more information in the article on the Top 5 Excursions in Riviera Maya). It has many charms, in particular, delicious gastronomy.

→ 2 hours from the Princess Riviera Maya hotels.

5. Ik Kil Cenote 

If you’re planning to visit Chichen-Itza, then we recommend you take some time to visit and renew your energy in the Ik Kil Cenote after leaving the Mayan archaeological site. 

This cenote is one of the most famous in the region and there are luxury services such as air-conditioned palapas (huts) and jacuzzis. You will also enjoy the company of various species of bird, such as toucans, parrots, cardinals, turquoise motmots, among others.

An interesting fact: its turquoise waters are so deep that it was an important part of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, Mexico, in 2010.

→ 2 and a half hours away from the Princess Riviera Maya hotels.

Recommendation: Remember that cenotes contain delicate ecosystems and it is therefore essential that you use an organic sunscreen in order to avoid contaminating these magical places.

We hope you enjoy our suggested cenotes in Yucatán and that you can refresh and revitalise your body and soul in these sacred waters. Share your experiences with us!

Categories: Caribbean, Travel Tips, Riviera Maya