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Are you going to travel to Mexico soon ?
Are you planning to visit the Yucatán and Quintano Roo regions ?
This article is for you !
We've selected the 5 best cenotes to visit in Mexico.
Before you start, be aware that each cenote will ask you for a mandatory shower before letting you in the place.
In addition, life jackets will be provided to you in an almost mandatory way if you want to swim there.
Sunscreen will not be allowed in these places to preserve the biodiversity as much as possible.
Best cenotes to visit in Mexico - Our guide
Suytun
Credit Photo : Vamonos to Mexico
This cenote will remain a magical place for us.
At 2km from Valladolid it is a must see !
Already the place is beautiful, you enter a kind of cave quite dark, a place almost "mystical"...
You will then discover big stalactites above you and a water basin at the bottom of the steps.
The most beautiful thing is probably the stone structure that directs you to the centre of the cenote.
And that's not all when you look up, a hole lets out an entrance of light, which if you're lucky, will illuminate this central point.
It's a splendid place, giving you the opportunity to take some great shots.
Some people even talk about the most "Instagrammable" cenote !
You also have a second cenote on the same site, which is much less worth the detour, but if you are on the spot and have paid the entrance fee we advise you to go there !
Recommended time : As soon as it opens or late morning to have the light beam on the central platform.
Price : 200 pesos/pers (about 10€).
Chichikan
Credit Photo : Oleh Ekinox Tours
This cenote is not one of the most talked about, and yet ! It was our favourite !
A little further from the center (7km from Valladolid), this cenote is outside.
Once you have entered the site and passed the shower stage, you will head towards a large round precipice.
This is where the cenote is !
Even before going down to the heart of it we were subjugated by the place.
Greenery emanates almost 360 degrees on the walls, a waterfall flows in the middle, a real pleasure for the eyes.
To reach it there is a big wooden staircase which will make you arrive on a platform a little lower.
And there, it is even better ! Proximity with water, waterfall flowing in front of your eyes.
The water is a bit cool but it's well worth the swim to pass under the waterfall !
In short, a beautiful green cenote with a waterfall and an incredible beauty.
If you are lucky, you may come across a small turtle like us !
Recommended time: 9‑11am
Price: 150 pesos/pers (about 7€)
Oxman
Another cenote near the city of Valladolid : the Oxman cenote (5km from Valladolid), one of our favorites.
Are you a fan of acrobatic jumps in the water ? This cenote is made for you !
Needless to say, we loved the place and had a blast !
The site has a rope in the middle of the cenote to jump like Tarzan in the middle of the water.
There is also another small wooden structure that allows you to jump 4‑5m !
For those who would like to opt for a little more tranquility, the site offers a pool to relax in the sun or enjoy a cocktail.
Recommended time : late morning or late afternoon
Price : 150 pesos/pers (about 7€)
Ik Kil
Credit Photo : The Whole World is a Playground
This cenote is rather far from the centre of Valladolid (40km).
That doesn't stop it from being one of the most famous, as it is close to Chichen Itzá (7th wonder of the world) !
Speaking of Chichen Itzá, we were a bit disappointed.
Indeed the site is very touristy and we saw other archaeological sites much more beautiful and cheaper !
If you are not planning to see this wonder of the world, don't make the effort just for this cenote !
If not, you can go there (it's just next door at 2km).
After a visit in 30 degrees and a sun that hits as early as 8:30 in the morning, a refreshment on the road won't hurt.
This cenote also has a platform to try your hand at jumping !
And a little special feature : it is home to quite a few bats.
Don't be surprised to see them circling the cenote !
Recommended time : before 11am
Price: 150 pesos/pers (about 7€)
Samaal
Credit Photo : Raw Mal Roams
Last cenote in the surroundings of Valladolid (12km).
Particularly pretty, unfortunately we met more people at this cenote as we went in the afternoon.
As you can see from the photo below, the entrance to this cenote is beautiful.
A passage in the stones and a big wooden staircase are waiting for you there !
Once again you will find an outdoor cenote, with very clear water and beautiful vegetation.
At the bottom, a wooden platform (quite big) is waiting for you 🪵!
You will be able to put your towel and a few things !
This cenote has 2 accesses to the water :
• A quiet access via stairs
• A more acrobatic access via a jump (once again, thrill seekers will be delighted)
As on the Cenote Chichikan, you will also find a small waterfall that flows into the water !
Recommended time : early morning
Price : 150 pesos (about €7)
Azul (near Tulum)
Credit Photo : Tours la Riviera Maya
Let's change region and go to Tulum in Quintana Roo !
You will find there one of the most beautiful cenotes, the cenote Azul, and it lives up to its name.
To get there it takes 40km from downtown Tulum !
The cheapest solution is to take a collectivo (a kind of mini bus) that will drop you off in front of the place on the way from Tulum to Playa del Carmen.
This cenote is completely outside ! The path to get there is super cute, still a lot of vegetation.
When you get there you will discover this beautiful clear water in the middle of the rocks.
The swimming area is separated into 2 pools !
One part ideal for those who want to do some snorkelling and observe what is going on below.
Another with more depth for swimming, diving or jumping.
A colourful cenote that will require you to open your eyes underwater !
Don't forget your masks.
Recommended time : open in the morning until 10:30 (after there is much more people)
Price : 150 pesos/pers (about 7€)
Calavera
Credit Photo : This Rare Earth
Much closer to the centre, you will surely have time to go to this cenote which we really recommend you to do !
It's one of the smallest we've done but it's still one of the most fun !
Indeed, it has small holes allowing you to jump into the water (almost making it look like a magical disappearance).
A bit scary at first but a really cool experience !
Besides this fun side, the cenote has chairs all around so you can relax in the sun.
We went in the late afternoon and it was very nice, there was even music !
Recommended time : first thing in the morning or late afternoon
Price : 250 pesos/pers (about 12€)
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