Exploring nature’s wonders: four less known cenotes in Yucatán
We explored a few cenotes while in Yucatan and although all were beautiful, these were our favourites!
A cenote is a natural sinkhole found in limestone rock formations, often filled with crystal-clear groundwater. It is said they could have been formed by the famous asteroid that killed the dinosaurs when exploded over the Gulf of Mexico.
Yucatan is packed with cenotes. There are thousands of them. But not all are open to the public.
Cenotes hold cultural and historical importance, especially to the ancient Maya civilization. They were considered sacred and often used for rituals and offerings.
I always recommend to treat these places with respect and never wear any sunscreen as it will endanger the biodiversity of the waters.
Let’s start with our first two cenotes stop in the Valladolid area: Chichikan and Uayma-Ha.
Chichikan
Chichikan cenote is well known but I’ve included it in the list because it is beautiful!
Cenote Chichikan is a stunning open cenote located near Valladolid in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.
- It is 24 metres high
- It has a depth of 8 metres.
- It features a central island
- A beautiful natural waterfall adds to the serene atmosphere.
Showering and life jackets are mandatory.
It can get pretty busy during peak times, but it is usually quiet in the morning and late afternoons.
How to get there
There are several tours that include a stop at Chichikan. Some include Chichen Itza and Valladolid.
Here are some:
It is only a 15-mins drive away from Valladolid, so a taxi would not be too expensive, likely around £5 one way.
Or you can hire a car for one day and tour the area that offers a multitude of cenotes.
Chichikan cenote is open every day from 9am to 6 pm and entrance cost is about £10.
Cenote Uayma-Ha
It is my absolute favourite.
It’s an hidden gem located in the lush jungles of Yucatán, near the little town of Uayma, around 25 mins drive from Valladolid.
Uayma itself is worth a stop as it has a beautiful church!
This cenote features stunning blue waters, reaching a depth of about 27 meters and a diameter of approximately 80 meters. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling, with wooden platforms providing access to the refreshing waters.
And the best part is: no one really knows it, including most locals!
Here is the complete post on cenote Uayma-Ha: https://blog.worldswithout.net/uayma-ha-cenote/
The entrance is $175 MX pesos and we had the cenote for ourselves.
The scenery is just pure magic.
How to visit
I recommend either having your own car or hiring a private driver.
To visit Cenote Uayma-Ha, you can also take a private or group tour from nearby towns like Valladolid or Chichén Itzá.
Here are some options for booking a tour to Cenote Uayma-Ha:
- GetYourGuide: They offer private tours from Valladolid that include visits to Chichén Itzá and two cenotes, including Cenote Uayma-Ha. Prices start at around $45.60 per person
Cenote Uayma Ha, Uayma – Book Tickets & Tours | GetYourGuide
- Tours by Locals: You can book a full-day private tour that includes a visit to Valladolid Market, Uayma Town, and Cenote Uayma-Ha. This tour includes a picnic with local flavours
- Xentour MX: They offer collective tourist transport from Valladolid to Chichén Itzá and two cenotes, including Cenote Uayma-Ha. The tour includes round-trip transportation and starts at around $45.60 per person
https://www.facebook.com/xentouristica
Our second stop is in the Merida area, with two cenotes and one entrance ticket.
Cenote X’batun and cenote Dzonbacal
They are, in fact, in the same location and for 175 MX$, you can visit both.
They are usually not busy at all, except maybe weekends. I went on a Sunday and I met a school trip.
Cenote X’batun is a beautiful and serene natural sinkhole located near San Antonio Mulix in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.
Here are some key features:
- Depth: Approximately 40 meters
- Surroundings: Lush vegetation and abundant wildlife
- Activities: Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving
- Opening Hours: Generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Usually, it is a peaceful oasis of blues and greens and birds chirpings.
It is easily accessible without having to climb down stairs.
Cenote Dzonbacal is a semi covered cenote on the same site.
- Depth: Approximately 30 meters
- Water Clarity: Crystal-clear waters with a deep blue hue in the deeper parts
- Size: The water mirror measures about 25 meters long by 15 meters wide
- Access: Descend via a masonry staircase to reach the water
It is usually less popular than X’batun and often empty.
It was blissful!
To get to Cenote Dzonbacal and X’batun, you have a few options:
By Car
- From Mérida: It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive from Mérida to Cenote Dzonbacal via the Mérida-Muna highway. You’ll take the highway south and then follow the signs to the cenote.
- From Chichén Itzá: It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive from Chichén Itzá to Cenote Dzonbacal. Follow the signs to San Antonio Mulix and then to the cenote.
By Taxi
For a more comfortable option, you can take a taxi from Mérida. The fare typically ranges between $200 and $400 Mexican pesos ($10-$20 USD).
By Bus Tour
There are guided bus tours available that include visits to Cenote Dzonbacal and other nearby attractions. This is a great option if you prefer a guided experience and want to explore multiple sites in one trip.
https://www.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/cholul/cenote-x-batun-58290920
By Car and Driver
We opted for this option and hired Oscar for the day.
Here is our post about the best driver in Yucatan: https://blog.worldswithout.net/oscar-the-best-driver-in-yucatan/
