Mexico - Cenotes
Cenote [se-no-te] is one of the most sacred and important nature resources in the Mayan culture. Back in the days, it was their source of water so that they can grow their communities. It also had religious meanings that the trees' long roots extend from the ground level into the blue cenote water underneath. This symbolizes the connections to heaven and the Gods. In the modern days, the cenotes are great for the local businesses and are beautiful natural swimming pools for the visitors to cool themselves in days that reach 90 degree Fahrenheit.
The word, cenote, means sinkhole in English. It was formed with collapse of limestone rock bed thus showing the fresh underground water beneath the ground level. The cenotes can be very deep into the water and are often connected with one another through underground water channels. This offers an exciting and unique experience to cave divers. If you are not an experienced diver, try snorkeling. It is entirely different from ocean reef snorkeling and you can easily see little fish and turtles.
Two cenotes I visited during my trip:
Gran Cenote
Location: on the highway to Coba. About 10 minute taxi ride from Tulum town
How to get there:
Costs:150 Pesos entrance fee. 80 Pesos for renting snorkeling gear. 50 Pesos for renting life vest. 30 Pesos for rent lockers
One of the famous cenotes close to Tulum town. If you can, go the minute it opens at 8am. The cenote is not large and gets swamped with tourists very quickly. By 10am, you will be mostly taking pictures of people instead of the beautiful scenery.
Cenote Yokdzonot
Location:Calle 20 S/N entre 27 y 29, Yokdzonot, Yaxcabá, Yucatán, México
How to get there: You can visit via Mexigotour or click the link at the Cenote Yokdzonot title to see their website
Costs: 70 Pesos include life jacket (cost included if you join the tour with Mexigotour)
This cenote is a hidden gem near the famous Chichen Itza. Since it is relatively less known to tourists, you will get to enjoy your almost private time with the scenery.
The word, cenote, means sinkhole in English. It was formed with collapse of limestone rock bed thus showing the fresh underground water beneath the ground level. The cenotes can be very deep into the water and are often connected with one another through underground water channels. This offers an exciting and unique experience to cave divers. If you are not an experienced diver, try snorkeling. It is entirely different from ocean reef snorkeling and you can easily see little fish and turtles.
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| Cenote network system |
Gran Cenote
Location: on the highway to Coba. About 10 minute taxi ride from Tulum town
How to get there:
Costs:150 Pesos entrance fee. 80 Pesos for renting snorkeling gear. 50 Pesos for renting life vest. 30 Pesos for rent lockers
One of the famous cenotes close to Tulum town. If you can, go the minute it opens at 8am. The cenote is not large and gets swamped with tourists very quickly. By 10am, you will be mostly taking pictures of people instead of the beautiful scenery.
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| As you enter the garden of the cenote |
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| On site shower |
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| Path walking down to the cenote with a platform built in the middle of the cenote |
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| You can rent lockers, snorkeling equipment, life jackets here on the platform |
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| Beautiful cenote with rope leading into the dark cave |
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| Or you can just snorkel by the shallow water |
Location:Calle 20 S/N entre 27 y 29, Yokdzonot, Yaxcabá, Yucatán, México
How to get there: You can visit via Mexigotour or click the link at the Cenote Yokdzonot title to see their website
Costs: 70 Pesos include life jacket (cost included if you join the tour with Mexigotour)
This cenote is a hidden gem near the famous Chichen Itza. Since it is relatively less known to tourists, you will get to enjoy your almost private time with the scenery.
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| View from atop |
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| On the way to the cenote |
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| Walking down the path to cenote |
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| Beautiful Cenote Yokdonot |
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| Mayan dish can be ordered at on-site restaurant if you are hungry |
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