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The Yucatán is full of amazing wonders, including Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. One of the best things about visiting the state of Yucatán in Mexico is that you get to explore amazing cenotes. There are said to be over 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula. Some are even still being found after all these years because they are buried deep in a very lush jungle.

Although we would have loved to visit all these amazing cenotes, there are just too many to see in a lifetime! That’s why we asked our favorite bloggers to let us know which are the best cenotes near Merida, close to Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Cuzamá and Homún.

If you’re looking for other amazing cenotes, make sure you check out our article on the cenotes in Quintana Roo. These are located near Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Bacalar.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

Cenotes in the state of Yucatán

Cenotes are absolutely amazing! They were our favorite discovery in Mexico. On hot and muggy days, they’re the perfect place to cool down, especially when you’re nowhere near the beach, like in Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Homún or Cuzamá.

Sure, Merida is only 30 minutes away from the beaches of Sisal and Progresso, but they do tend to get really windy. And sometimes, you just want to chill out without finding sand in every crack possible!

So we’ve broken down these cenotes in Yucatán so that you know what town they’re closest to. This will help you plan your trip much more easily! Of course, there are a ton of other cenotes around. Just make sure you ask locals about where to go. They will have the best recommendations for you.

3 beautiful cenotes near Merida

Merida is known for so many amazing things. This colonial town is bustling with life. It’s one of the larger cities in the Yucatán peninsula. And it’s well worth a visit.

If you do come to Merida, you’ll find a bunch of articles on the best things to do here. And like most cities in the state, most will tell you to go visit a cenote. So here are the best cenotes near Merida.

1. Cenote Xlacah, a Yucatán cenote close to Merida

Contributed by Shelley of TravelToMerida.com

Cenote Xlacah is located on the grounds of Dzibilchaltun, one of the best Mayan Ruins in Yucatán. Entrance to the cenote is included with the cost of your admission to the ruins, so don’t forget a bathing suit when you visit. You’ll want to swim after exploring the ruins.

Dzibilchaltun (zee-bee-shall-tune) has ancient Mayan pyramids and ruins that you’re allowed to climb. There’s also the Dzibilchaltun Museum and a small sculpture garden with artifacts unearthed at excavations throughout Yucatán.

After you get your fill of exploring Dzibilchaltun, head to the restrooms, change into your bathing suit, and enjoy a refreshing swim in Cenote Xlacah. This is a swimming pool cenote (AKA open cenote), as it looks like a beautiful natural pool.

Cenote Xlacah is shallow and has very clear water, so you can see the plants and small fish just below you. It’s the perfect cenote to bring a mask and snorkel because visibility is usually great.

Cenote Xlacah is 45 minutes from Merida, Mexico, the capital of Yucatán state. You can visit from Merida by rental car or Uber, which is about $5-7 USD each way. It’s open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and admission is $227 MXN pesos ($11 USD).

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenote Xlacah in Yucatán:
– Entrance fee: $227 pesos, including access to the ruins
– Amenities: Bathrooms, life jackets
– Distance from Merida: 28 km or 17.5 miles, about 30-minutes driving
– Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm daily
– Best tip: Combine your visit to this cenote with the nearby ruins
– Best cenote near Merida for: Visiting ruins and snorkeling in a cenote, and only paying one entry fee

2. Cenote Mucuyché, a hidden gem of a cenote in Mexico’s Yucatán State

Contributed by Ashlea of SheRoamsAbout.com

Hacienda Mucuyché is one of the best off-the-beaten-path cenotes in the Yucatán, located in the town of Abalá just 45 minutes south of Merida. Located on the grounds of a stunning and picturesque 17th-century hacienda, this is the perfect place to spend the day exploring history and adventure.

The crystalline waters and the well-maintained surroundings make for a truly magical experience. It’s easy to see why the Mayas considered these sites to be sacred!

To visit this site, you will need to reserve a guided tour in advance via WhatsApp. Entrance is $590 pesos ($30USD/$37CAD) for adults but don’t be deterred by the price tag. Entrance includes a guided tour of the hacienda, entrance to the cenotes and life vests (although their use is mandatory). It also includes access to the pool, loungers, facilities, and on-site restaurant serving up excellent Yucateca cuisine.

The easiest way to reach Hacienda Mucuyché is by rental car but if that’s not your thing you have options. You can take the bus from San Juan Park in Merida toward Sacalum. Tell the driver you’re going to the hacienda and you need a return service. The journey takes an hour and ride cost about $150 pesos ($7.50USD/$9.50CAD).

Alternatively, you can hire a driver to take you there and back. Expect to pay around $1,500 pesos ($77USD/$96CAD) from a local company. This is a popular spot and tour group sizes can reach up to 25 people. The site opens at 9:30 am so aim to visit mid-morning, during the week for the best experience.

Here, you’ll be able to swim in two cenotes: Carlota and Maya Azul. You have to swim in the canal to swim from one cenote to another. Carlota is a half-open cave while Maya Azul is a cave cenote. Both are wonderful to explore and swim in.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting Hacienda Mucuyché cenote in Yucatán:
– Entrance fee: $590 pesos, includes a guided tour of the hacienda, entrance to the cenotes and life vests
– Amenities: Life vests, bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, restaurants, pool, loungers, facilities, equipment rental.
– Distance from Merida: 45 km or 28 miles, about 45 minutes driving
– Opening hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm
– Best tip: Bring a waterproof camera or phone because you have to swim from cenote to cenote
– Best cenote near Merida for: Visiting an authentic hacienda as well as swimming in beautiful connected cenotes

3. Cenotes X’Batun and Dzonbakal, two beautiful cenotes near Merida

Contributed by Rebecca from Becksplore-Travel.com

If you would like to visit two cenotes that are located close to each other, head to cenote X’Batun and cenote Dzonbakal. A visit to these two cenotes makes for one of the best activities to do around Mérida, as they’re located about an hour car ride away from Yucatán’s biggest city. The best way to get there is by rental car.

Even though both cenotes are located almost right next to each other, they couldn’t be more different. Whereas cenote X’Batun is bright with clear blue water, and you will find lots of water lilies, cenote Dzonbakal is more of a semi-closed cave. Both places are absolutely beautiful. It is possible to snorkel and scuba dive in both cenotes! 

The cenotes are open every day from 9:30 am to 5 pm. However, since there isn’t so much space to swim, they can get quite busy, so it is better to arrive early. There was also a time limit of staying a maximum of 45 minutes per cenote. The entry fee is $100 pesos per person, which gives you access to both cenotes.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenotes X’Batun and Dzonbakal near Merida:
– Entrance fee: $100 pesos for 45 minutes in each cenote. Must pay extra for professional cameras
– Amenities: Bathrooms
– Distance from Merida: 51 km or 32 mils. About 1-hour drive from Merida
– Opening hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm, daily
– Best tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds
– Best cenote in the Yucatán for: Getting a 2-in-1 entry

5 amazing cenotes near Valladolid

Valladolid is a beautiful small colonial town in the Mexican state of Yucatán. One of the best things to do from Valladolid is to visit Chichen Itza. But for those you want to experience the true charm of Valladolid, you have to check out all the cenotes near Valladolid.

In fact, there are so many beautiful cenotes that are around Valladolid, but uniquely, there is also one that is in the heart of the city. Here are the must-see cenotes around Valladolid.

1. Cenote Zaci, a beautiful cenote in the heart of Valladolid

Submitted by Shelley of TravelMexicoSolo.com

After you check out all the best things to do in Valladolid, Mexico, head straight to Cenote Zaci for a refreshing swim. This cenote is only a 10-15 minute walk from Downtown Valladolid, an up-and-coming Mexico travel destination.

Cenote Zaci is a semi-open cenote, meaning it has large cave-like walls and an open-top. There are plenty of shaded areas to escape the direct sunlight while you’re swimming, and a few rocky cliffs where you can jump into the water.

It’s a deep water cenote, so it won’t have the crystal clear blue color of some others. The snorkeling visibility is pretty good, and you’re likely to see some small fish and maybe even a turtle or two.

After you swim, enjoy a traditional Yucatecan food meal at their onsite restaurant. Here, you can sample local dishes like cochinita pibil, poc chuc, sopa de lima and panuchos.

You can visit this cenote pretty much anytime, as it’s never super crowded and it’s quite big. Cenote Zaci is daily from 8 am to 5:30 pm (more or less).

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenote Zaci in Yucatán:
– Entrance fee: $30 pesos
– Amenities: Restaurant, bathrooms
– Distance from Valladolid: It’s in th heart of Valladolid
– Opening hours: 8 am to 5:30 pm daily
– Best tip: If you’re eating at the restaurant, you get free admission to the cenote. If not, admission is still just $30 pesos (about $2 USD), but do make sure to sample some local Yucatán food while in the Yucatán!
– Best cenote in Valladolid for: exploring a cenote without leaving Valladolid

2. San Lorenzo Oxman

Contributed by Karen from OutdoorAdventureSampler.com

A visit to San Lorenzo Oxman is the best of both worlds. It’s a beautiful cenote and also a charming hacienda to enjoy. It’s located only a 10-minute drive from Valladolid. It’s a quick cab ride or you can rent a bike and cycle there.

Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman is a historic building dating back to 1746. The yellow and red adobe walls form the entrance to the cenote property. There is also a swimming pool and a restaurant serving local food. Grab a cabana to relax by the pool with a drink and food after your cenote experience. It’s easy to spend 2-3 hours here.

San Lorenzo Oxman cenote in Yucatán is a deep open hole with steep walls and tree roots cascading down. You descend stairs until you reach wooden platforms for jumping or diving. A popular activity is to jump or flip off the rope swinging across the water. The deep water is a brilliant aqua blue. Visiting Oxman cenote is one of the many amazing outdoor adventures in the Yucatán.

The hours for the cenote are 9 am-6 pm every day. Get there early to avoid the crowds. Basic admission to the cenote is $150 MXN. Pay $250 MXN to get a $200 MXN credit to eat and drink in the restaurant. The buffet package is $300MXN. All include a mandatory lifejacket, use of the cenote and the pool.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenote San Lorenzo Oxman near Valladolid:
– Entrance fee: Basic admission: $150 MXN. Pay $250 MXN to get a $200 MXN credit to eat and drink in the restaurant. The buffet package is $300 MXN.
– Amenities: Bathrooms, restaurant, pool
– Distance from Valladolid: 6.4 km or 4 miles, about 10 minutes driving
– Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm, daily
– Best tip: Get the food credit with admission because the food is tasty and reasonable
– Best cenote near Valladolid for: Visiting a hacienda as well as a cenote

3. X’Can Ché, a nust-see cenote near Ek Balam ruins in Yucatán

Contributed by Daria from TheDiscoveryNut.com

Located near Ek Balam Mayan ruins, X’Can Ché is a hidden gem cenote in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Many travelers who visit Ek Balam miss out on X’Can Ché, as it’s located just over a mile away from the entrance to the archaeological site.

To get to X’Can Ché, you can take a walk or rent a bike for about $100 pesos. The entrance to Cenote X’Can Ché is $70 pesos. You could also enjoy fun activities like zip-lining over this cenote at an additional cost. 

There are also showers where you should take a quick wash before entering (like around other cenotes around Yucatán), as well as changing rooms and lockers where you can store your belongings.

To get to this cenote in Yucatán, walk down a set of steep wooden stairs. If you come here early morning or late in the afternoon, you might even have this cenote all to yourself, as there are generally few people here.

This Yucatán cenote is a big open sinkhole that is perfect for taking a swim after enjoying the educational tour of Ek Balam Mayan ruins. Like many archaeological areas around Yucatán, Ek Balam is located in the jungle and a stop at this cenote is a great way to cool down after spending time in the humid jungle.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting X’canche cenote near Valladolid:
– Entrance fee: $70 pesos
– Amenities: Showers, bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, zipline
– Distance from Valladolid: 28 km or 17 miles, about 30 minutes driving
– Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm, daily
– Best tip: Combine it with a visit to Ek Balam archaeological site
– Best cenote near Valladolid for: Ziplining and cooling down after visiting the nearby ruins

4. Suytun, the most famous cenote in Mexico

Contributed by yours truly from wediditourway.com

If you mention the words ‘cenote in Mexico’ to anyone, chances are really high that they will tell you about this amazing cenote they’ve seen on the internet, with a platform and a magical ray of light. Chances are, they’re talking about Cenote Suytun. This is the world’s most famous and most photographed cenote… well, we think so!

Cenote Suytun is located just outside of Valladolid. It’s a fairly easy and straightforward route to get to it. And once you’re close, you’ll see a ton of signs for it. You can even choose to stay on the premises if you’d like, as they have 18 cabins for rent.

Suytun is a mystical place. At the right time, around noon (sometimes just before, sometimes, just after, depending on the time of year), the light beams in from the opening in the cave and creates an epic ambiance.

Of course, most people come to take their pictures at Suytun and then leave, but the truth is, it’s a fabulous place to swim as well! Not many people take the time to jump in. Yet, a life jacket is included with your entry ticket.

You also have access to another cenote, Suytun Kaa Pe, which is located on the same premises as the main attraction. The great news about this cenote is that it is also quite beautiful, it’s a half-open cave, but you have to go in through a tunnel and stairs. And no one comes to visit this cenote. So make sure you take the time and go. While we visited, it was not possible to swim in this cenote.

Entry to Suytun will set you back $150 pesos per person (or $130 if you buy your ticket online). It includes a life jacket. You also have access to bathrooms, showers and changing rooms. There is also a restaurant, a bar and a gift shop on the premises.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenote Suytun in Yucatán:
– Entrance fee: $150 pesos in person, or $130 online (life jacket included)
– Amenities: Bar, restaurant, bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, accommodations
– Distance from Valladolid: 8 km or 5 miles, about 15 minutes by car or scooter
– Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily, last admission at 4 pm
– Best tip: Arrive at opening. Crowds start to fill in around 11-11:30 am. If you want to be alone, head to the cenote next to it: Suytun Kaa Pe.
– Best cenote near Valladolid for: Getting your most Instafamous shot

5. Xlakaj, a very local Yucatán cenote to visit near Valladolid

Contributed by yours truly from wediditourway.com

Xlakaj is a beautiful open cenote near Valladolid. This cenote is a hidden gem for locals. In fact, when we went, we were the only foreign tourists around… mind you, there were less than 10 people there!

Xlakaj cenote is located in a biopark about 15 minutes outside of Valladolid. Entrance will cost $50 for foreigners, but $25 for locals. A life vest is not included in the price, but you can rent one. However, the cost of the rental is unclear.

When we visited, the man who rented life vests was not around, so we took 2 of them and made our way down to the cenote. The sign said $25 per hour for the jackets, and we figured we would pay that on our way out when the guy was back. However, when we returned them, he proceeded to tell us that the cost was actually in USD, not in pesos. We didn’t buy this. He tried to argue with us and asked that instead, we give him $150 pesos. We refused – this was clearly a scam. We gave him $50 pesos, which is what it probably cost anyway, and left. Make sure you don’t fall for this scam. Costs are rarely written in USD, especially in such a local spot.

Anyway, the cenote itself is quite beautiful. It’s in this deep pit you need to take stairs down to access. It’s also surrounded by lush Yucatán jungle. You can see trees and plants growing all around it. And there are a ton of birds that call this place home.

The cenote is a deep dark blue, so if you want to see what lies below, make sure you bring some snorkeling equipment.

The biopark also has accommodations to rent, if you’d like to stay here longer.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenote Xlakaj in Yucatán:
– Entrance fee: $50 pesos
– Amenities: Bathrooms, changing rooms, life jackets for rent, accommodations
– Distance from Valladolid: 9 km or 6 miles, about 15 minutes drive
– Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm daily
– Best tip: Don’t pay $25 USD for a lifejacket!
– Best cenote near Valladolid for: chilling with locals, swimming around without crowds

The must-see cenote near Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is an attraction all to itself! But for those who want to make their trip even more special, make sure you check out this amazing cenote that is a short drive from the Mayan Ruins.

1. Ik Kil, Chichen Itza’s impressive cenote

Contributed by yours truly from wediditourway.com

Cenote Ik Kil is located about a 10-minute drive away from Chichen Itza. This cenote is also one of Mexico’s most famous ones. In fact, in 2014, it was home to the Red Bull cliff diving competition. In fact, they have a small platform you can also jump in from.

If not, Il Kil cenote is known for being a dramatic semi-open cenote with lush gardens around it, in fact, looking up, you see a ton of trees roots, vines and plants hanging down. The cenote is about 60 meters in diameter and about 50 meters deep.

Entrance to Ik Kil will cost you either $150 per person and includes a life jacket and a locker. If not, you can choose to pay $350 and it will give you access to the life jacket, locker, a buffet meal and a drink. On-site, you will find restrooms, a snack bar (the buffet is only for those who buy the ticket), changing rooms, accommodations and even a Mayan Ruin.

Although Il Kil is quite popular, it’s still worth a stop. We combined it with an early morning visit to Chichen Itza. In fact, most tours will bring you to both these sites, but it’s easy to do them without a tour. Just take a colectivo from Chichen Itza – about $20 pesos a person. Since tours show up to the Ruins around 10 am, expect them to come to the cenote around 12-1 pm.

Even if Ik Kil cenote near Chichen Itza is busy, you don’t really feel like it’s overcrowded. You still have the ability to swim around and enjoy the view. This cenote is even more impressive because it’s about 26 meters below ground level. You have to take a carved stairway down (about 100 steps) to get to it.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenote Ik Kil near Chichen Itza in the state of Yucatán:
– Entrance fee: $150 pesos
– Amenities: Changing rooms, lockers, life jackets, showers, restaurants, accommodations
– Distance from Chichen Itza: 6 km or 4 miles, about an 8 minute colectivo ride
– Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily
– Best tip: Combine this visit with a trip to Chichen Itza
– Best cenote near Chichen Itza for: being close to Chichen Itza, getting increadible views of a beautiful cenote

5 cenotes in the Ring of Cenotes near Homún & Cuzamá

Homún and Cuzamá are home to a ton of cenotes. In fact, here, you’ll find their own respective rings of cenotes where you have a high concentration of cenotes all within a short drive of each other.

If you’re looking to do a day of cenote-hopping, this is the place to be! You can rent a car from Merida and drive out here on a day trip. From here, you can visit some of the best cenotes in the Yucatán.

Here are the ones our favorite bloggers recommended.

1. Cenotes Santa Barbara, three must-see cenotes in Homún

Contributed by Brodi from OurOffbeatLife.com

The Santa Barbara Cenotes are a collection of three separate cenotes located within the same complex. It’s a one-hour day trip from Merida, so the best way to get there is either by private car or by hiring a guided tour.

On arrival, you either ride bicycles or on a horse-drawn cart to access the first cenote from the entrance. The ride is hilly, so the cart is popular with most visitors. Life jackets are available to all swimmers, both adults and kids.

The first cenote is fully underground, so visitors must access it by wooden stairs. The second and third cenote are walkable from the first. The second is semi-enclosed while the third is mostly open to the sky. However, it is still accessible only by stairs leading down to the water’s surface.

There is a restaurant on-site as well as lockers at the front entrance. If you choose to take your belongings with you to the cenotes, there is nowhere at each cenote to securely store them. 

The Santa Barbara Cenotes get a little busier in the afternoons, so it’s best to go shortly after the open at 8 am. Alternately, you can go a few hours before they close at 5 pm. However, if you do that you may not have all the time you like to actually swim there. 

Because there are three cenotes on-site, it’s best to plan at least three and a half hours at Santa Barbara. That allows for one hour at each cenote as well as some travel time between them. The price is $350 pesos per person. Kids are discounted. 

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenote Santa Barbara in Yucatán:
– Entrance fee: $350 pesos for the three cenotes
– Amenities: Lockers, restaurant, life vests
– Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm
– Best tip: If you want to stay here for a long time, arrive early, at opening
– Best cenote near Homún for: visiting 3 cenotes all in the same spot

2. Cenote Tres Oches, a must-see in the heart of the Homún ring of cenotes

Contributed by Sally of SallySees.com

Cenote Tres Oches is located in the small town of Homún, around one hour from Merida. One of the least developed cenotes in the area, it has a very natural and untouched feel. A steep ladder-style staircase leads you down into the small semi-open cenote, with lush greenery growing all around you. The water here is electric blue, and you can see meters down to the bottom so bring snorkeling gear, if you have it.

The best way to reach the cenote is via a rental car from Merida. There are many cenotes in the Homún area, and having your own wheels gives you the flexibility to visit multiple in one day. However, it is possible to reach Tres Oches via public transport. From Merida, catch a colectivo to Homún from Terminal Noreste on Calle 67. The colectivo will drop you off in the square in the center of Homún town. From here, it’s under 2 km to the cenote. You can choose to walk or take one of the many moto-taxis.

There are barely any facilities at Cenote Tres Oches, which is part of the appeal. You enter along a very bumpy dirt road, and once you arrive you will find a small palapa where you pay your entrance fee, a bathroom and that’s it! The hero here is the cenote itself, and besides the wooden staircase and platform to access the pool, it has been left in its natural state.

The entrance fee is $50 pesos per person, and life jackets are not mandatory. They are available to rent for an extra fee if you require them. The cenote opens from 9 am – 5 pm but be warned that opening hours have loose enforcement in Mexico!

This cenote is not as popular as others in the areas, so you have the chance to have it to yourself no matter what time of the day you visit. But first thing in the morning is always best to beat the crowds.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenote Tres Oches in Yucatán:
– Entrance fee: $50 pesos
– Amenities: bathrooms, life jackets, that’s it!
– Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
– Best tip: Come prepared as there are no amenities here.
– Best cenote in Homún for: avoiding crowds and being in a natural cenote

3. Cenote Mani Chan, a hidden cenote in the Cuzamá Ring of Cenotes

Contributed by yours truly from wediditourway.com

Mani Chan is a small family-owned cenote near Cuzamá. It’s located in the famous ring of cenotes. However, if you don’t type it in as a destination in your Google Maps, there are no signs around to point you to the right direction.

However, Mani Chan is an amazing cave cenote to visit. Since it’s off the beaten path, not many people come here. What we loved about it was that we had the cenote to ourselves for a good 2 hours. Also, we adored the fact that you didn’t need to take a horse and buggy to get to the cenote, as you have to do with most other cenotes in the area. We also loved the low $50 pesos entrance fee (compared to $300+ for some)

To access Mani Chan, you have to drive down a dirt road for a good 10 minutes. Then you’ll arrive at this little area that the owners have started to decorate with picnic tables, arches of flowers, landscaping and more. The owner will greet you, then take you down the cenote where he’ll give you the background story of cenotes in general, and this one specifically.

You have to walk down a cavern path to get to this cenote, but the walk down is awesome! Cenote Mani Chan’s water is crystal clear, it’s filtered through the soil and rock. In fact, you can even see water dripping down. You can hang on a rope in the cenote in the deeper part. However, there is also a shallower part where you can walk around.

Overall, this cenote is really lovely, especially for the price, which includes a life jacket. On site, you can find bathrooms (though they are in need of repair) and a snack shop.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenote Mani Chan in Yucatán:
– Entrance fee: $50 pesos
– Amenities: bathrooms, snacks, life jacket
– Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
– Best tip: Combine it with a visit to the next cenote
– Best cenote in Cuzamá for: avoiding crowds and supporting a local family

4. Clotilde cenote, a hidden cenote in Cuzamá

Contributed by yours truly from wediditourway.com

Clotilde cenote in Yucatán state is a hidden gem. It’s not indicated on any maps and there are no signs pointing to it. The only way to access it is by going to Mani Chan cenote first. In fact, for $100 pesos, you can gain access to both cenotes.

Clotilde is a closed cenote that only has a small opening to go down into it. Like other cenotes with a big hole opening in the cave, there are many roots and vines that almost reach the ground. This gives the cenote an eery, cool and very Indiana Jones feel to it.

Going up and down the stairs, you have to be careful not to bump your head (Yes, Derek totally bumped his!). You also can’t be scared of bees. Truth is, when we got down there, there was a swarm of bees. But if you stay cool and let them be, they won’t do anything.

Cenote Clotilde has crystal clear water and the view with the light and the hanging roots is really something spectacular! We had this cenote all to ourselves. It was such a fun experience.

Make sure you visit this Yucatán cenote along with Mani Chan and a few of the other cenotes on the Cenote Route of Cuzamá and Homún.

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenote Clotilde in Yucatán:
– Entrance fee: $50 pesos
– Amenities: Changing rooms (maybe bathrooms though we didn’t see any)
– Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily
– Best tip: Don’t pay attention to the bees, just enjoy it
– Best cenote in Cuzamá for: Incredible views and having a cenote to yourself.

5. Chunkuy cenote, a relaxing cenote in Cuzamá

Contributed by yours truly from wediditourway.com

Cenote Chunkuy is a beautiful cave cenote in Cuzamá. To access it, you need to walk down a few steps. Then, you’ll enter into this really large cave with crystal clear water and small black catfish swimming in it.

Entrance to Chunkuy cenote will cost you $50 pesos. You can also combine your visit with a stop to Cenote Yaxbacaltun, and they will give you a 20% discount on the entry price. They even have a package that includes a meal. Your entrance fee also gives you access to a lifejacket, as well as to the hammocks that are hanging outside the cenote. This is the perfect place to hang and dry off before heading on your way to explore more cenotes in Homún or Cuzamá.

Although Chunkuy cenote is artificially lit, it’s still a very cool cenote to swim around in. The sheer size of it makes it super impressive to explore. Plus, the lighting lets you see details you wouldn’t normally see.

We visited this cenote in the afternoon and there were not that many people. It seems like this is not a super popular cenote, so you can visit anytime!

Here’s what you need to know when visiting cenote Chunkuy in Yucatán:
– Entrance fee: $50 pesos
– Amenities: Bathrooms, hammocks, life vests
– Distance from Valladolid: 
– Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm
– Best tip: Combine your visit here with a stop at Cenote Yaxbacaltun
– Best cenote in Cuzamá for: Relaxing on hammocks and swimming in a huge cave cenote

How to get to the best cenotes in Yucatán

There are many different ways you can reach the best cenotes in the Yucatán. It will all depend on your budget, the time you have available and what you want to do during your day.

Renting a car to visit cenotes in Homún or Cuzamá

If you plan on visiting many cenotes in a day and exploring places where they are concentrated like the ring of cenotes in Homún or Cuzamá, your best option is to rent a car. This will give you the flexibility and freedom to explore at your own rhythm.

Car rental in Mexico is fairly inexpensive and driving around in the Yucatán is very safe. In fact, we not only rented a car while we were here, but we also rented a scooter. Both times, we had no problems, either with law enforcement or with locals.

If you are planning on renting a car, we recommend doing it in Merida. It’s the closest city to Homún or Cuzamá. Since they are a good hour away from the city, a scooter might end up being a pain in the butt! (Literally). This will also allow you to visit some of the cenotes near Merida. There is not much to do in Homún or Cuzamá so we won’t recommend staying in those towns.

Plus, if you end up being a group or meeting people on your trip, you can band together and reduce the cost of the rental.

Renting a scooter to explore cenotes near Valladolid

We absolutely loved staying in Valladolid and highly recommend it. It’s a small and cute colonial town that is beautiful to explore.

While you’re here, you don’t need a car as most of the cenotes near Valladolid are about 15-20 minutes away. This is why we recommend renting a scooter in Valladolid.

The cost of the scooter rental will be about $500 pesos for 24 hours. This will allow you to visit quite a few nearby Valladolid cenotes without having to worry too much about gas prices or parking.

Taking a colectivo to Yucatán cenotes

Another option is taking colectivos to the many cenotes in Yucatán. Although they are quite cheap, colectivos are not always the best way to get around in terms of flexibility or comfort.

Note that most colectivos don’t have air conditioning. Plus, they are often filled to capacity, which can make for a sticky ride. And, they only run when they are full, so you may sometimes have to wait to get a ride… or to find one if you are not leaving from the main destination.

This said, colectivos are still a great option to get to certain places. For example, we took a colectivo to get to Chichen Itza, and to Ik Kil cenote from there. This was a very cheap and convenient way to get there from Valladolid. It’s a also a great way to meet locals (it’s a plus if you can speak Spanish)!

Taking a moto-taxi to get around the cenotes in Cuzamá and Homún

Once you get to Cuzamá and Homún, you will notice a bunch of moto-taxis. This is a fun way to get around the different cenotes.

The ride will cost you about $25 pesos per person. however, you can try and negotiate a better rate or a daily rate if you plan on using the same person. You can also ask them for personalized recommendations.

However, know that often, these moto-taxis have partnerships with cenotes. They get a small cut by bringing people to certain places.

Going on a cenote tour in Yucatán

Another way to visit many cenotes (and other sites), is to join a tour. This is a great option for those who are either solo travelers or for those who want to make the best of their short time in the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s also perfect for people who want to get more information on the places they are going.

There are so many tours available that leave from Merida, Valladolid, or even Cancun, and that go to the cenotes in the area.

Avoid riding the horse and buggy to the cenotes in Cuzamá and Homún

One of the most popular ways we saw to get to the cenotes in Cuzamá and Homún was to take a horse or donkey-led buggy to the cenote. Many owners will tout this as an extra attraction. However, we urge you not to visit cenotes that have these horses and buggies.

You’ll notice as soon as you see these animals that they are malnourished and poorly treated. Visiting these cenotes only contributes to the cycle of animal abuse.

And while we understand that this is a way for owners to make money, and that even they have a hard time making ends meet, this is not a solution.

5 important things to know before visiting cenotes in Yucatán

Here are some basic eco-friendly rules to follow to make sure you respect the delicate balance and ecosystem of the cenotes.

1. Shower. Before entering any cenote, it’s highly recommended that you take a quick shower. Most cenotes will have a shower available for you and will ask you to shower before going in. Yes, they even have staff making sure you do it. Cenotes are their own little eco-systems, so showering before entering is meant to keep them as it is, and not introduce anything new into them.
2. Don’t wear sunscreen or bug spray. Even if it’s reef-safe or environmentally friendly, it’s highly discouraged to wear sunscreen or bug spray in cenotes. The chemicals will unbalance the environment and cause long-lasting harm. That’s why it’s more recommended to wear long sleeves to protect your skin from the sun and mosquitoes or flies.
3. Don’t wear creams, perfumes or hair products. As we mentioned, chemicals of any kind will cause irreparable damage to cenotes and their fragile environments. They also pollute the waterways of the local people. If you plan on going to a cenote, make sure you don’t wear any chemical products on your skin or in your hair.
4. Don’t litter. These places are beautiful and need to be preserved for future generations and local populations, so please don’t litter if you visit a cenote, please don’t litter. And if you can, bring your trash home with you. Often, clean-up efforts are scarce in certain remote locations, so if you can, bring your trash home with you. Even if you throw it in a trash bin nearby, animals can rummage through it and spread the trash around. Also, pick up any litter you see, at cenotes or anywhere else in nature.
5. Don’t stand on the rocks or touch the formations. As we mentioned, the ecosystem in cenotes is fragile, so please don’t stand on the rock formations in the water. For example, in Bacalar, the stromatolites are living ecosystems that can be damaged when you touch them. The same goes for the different formations you see in the water or in the caves. Plus, the more you touch them, the more they are prone to erosion and damage.

These are some basic tips to follow to make sure we keep the cenotes clean and ready for others to enjoy. If you want a few more tips to be more of an eco-friendly traveler, here are some tips you can follow.

Want to visit other cenotes? Check out our article on the best cenotes in Quinatana Roo. These are the best sinkholes near Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Bacalar.

Top 14 Yucatán cenotes to visit

There you have it! The top 14 cenotes in the state of Yucatán that you need to add to your list! Of course, there are a ton of other cenotes all around the state and in the Yucatán Peninsula, but if you want to make the best of your time here, we recommend checking these out. They are the top cenotes we have visited, along with the best ones our favorite travel bloggers recommend.

1. Santa Barbara
2. San Lorenzo Oxman
3. Xlacah
4. Zaci
5. X’Can ché
6. X’Batun & Dzonbakal
7. Tres Oches
8. Mucuyché
9. Ik Kil
10. Suytun
11. Xlakaj
12. Mani Chan
13. Clotilde
14. Chunkuy

Let us know in the comments which cenote you’re most excited to visit. Is there any other information you’d like about these cenotes? Are there any others we should be adding to the list?

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