Mexico Cenotes: The Ultimate Guide

Hi there! Welcome to my first post from my trip to Tulum, Mexico. To start off this series, I thought I would share one of my favorite experiences from Tulum: Gran Cenote.

Cenotes (or “wells” in the Mayan language) are underwater sinkholes filled with groundwater. They’re connected to other cenotes through underground rivers, and the Yucatan Peninsula is full of them. The Mayans believed that cenotes were entrances to the underworld. They used some cenotes for fishing and others for religious rituals and sacrifices. Cenotes are unique to this part of the world, so they’re a must-see on any visit to Tulum.

On my trip to Mexico, so I decided to visit one of the more famous cenotes in Tulum: Gran Cenote. There are thousands of cenotes across the Yucatan, but Gran Cenote has a reputation as one of the most beautiful.

It’s no secret that Gran Cenote is one of the most scenic cenotes. So it should come as no surprise that it’s one of the most popular ones too. Gran Cenote opens at 8:00am. So you should visit right at 8:00 to avoid crowds or people in your shots. Trust me, it’s worth getting up early for.

Entry costs around 180 pesos (or about $9.50 USD). You can also rent snorkeling gear or lockers for an extra fee. Once you pay your admission fee, you’re required to shower off to get rid of any bug spray or sunscreen. Showering keeps the cenote water free of any contaminants.

There are two entrances to the cenote. The first is the main entrance, which is fairly crowded. There’s also a second entrance further down the path that makes for some beautiful staircase photos. This is where you’ll find that hidden spot that’s all over Instagram. You can actually swim between the two entrance points in the cenote. But keep in mind, the cave ceiling comes down very low to the waterline. So if you’re claustrophobic or don’t like bats, it’s easy to walk between the two instead!

The first entrance to Gran Cenote has a turtle zone area that’s filled with tiny turtles and lots of colorful fish! The second entrance is preferable for swimming since it’s less crowded.

• 

• 

Since cenote water makes for a cool a swim (about 75 degrees Fahrenheit), I’d definitely recommend wearing a one-piece. I’m normally not a huge one-piece person. But this lattice one-piece from Lilly Pulitzer is amazing quality and very on trend with the lace-up back! I linked it in the photo above 🙂

The Yucatan is full of cenotes worth seeing. I’d highly recommend visiting as many as you can as they all have a unique vibe. Here are a few other cenotes to add to your bucket list:

• Cenote Dos Ojos: Next to Gran Cenote, this is the most popular cenote in Tulum. The blue water is absolutely gorgeous; this is definitely a great option for getting a more “cave-like” cenote experience.
• Cenote Calavera: Also known as “The Temple of Doom”…enough to pique your curiosity, right? This cenote has three entrances from above that look like the eyes and mouth of a skull. You can jump straight down, but be careful since the edges can be a little closer than they appear. Also very Instagrammy with the swing setup and ladder for a good photo op!
• Il-Kil Cenote: This is a more adventurous spot. After a long day of touring Chichen Itza, you can swing from vines into the crystal clear water below.
• Cenote Suytun: Located near Valladolid, this Cenote is stunning for photos. There’s a walkway leading out to the middle with rays of light shining down in the center. It looks like something straight out of a movie (kinda reminds me of the way I pictured that lake scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince). Definitely adding this one to my itinerary for my next trip to Mexico!

Pin It!

For an in-depth look at Tulum, visit my Tulum Travel Diaries here:

Tulum Travel Guide | Akumal Turtles Snorkeling Adventure | Gran Cenote | Exploring Coba Mayan Ruins in Mexico | Sunset Photoshoot on Tulum Beach