Cenotes in Cancun: everything you need to know

“Cenotes in Cancun: everything you need to know”, is an invitation to discover one of the many attractions that you can enjoy on your trip to Cancun and the Riviera Maya…

There are many experiences that the Mexican Caribbean offers, the beaches and its impressive sea are the main stars, but you also find incredible natural settings that promise to dazzle you.

Jungle, mangroves and cenotes are part of the beauties that nature has given to southern Mexico and that are really worth knowing; Here we tell you why…

What is a cenote?

In simple words, a cenote is a freshwater well located in geological depressions supplied by an underground river.

However, the word cenote is much richer in meaning since it comes from the Mayan word “dzonot” which means “abyss” and, as indicated by the INPI, they were considered by the Mayan culture as sources of life that provide the vital liquid . In addition, the cenotes were recognized as an entrance to another world and a center of communion with the gods.

The Yucatan Peninsula is the place where you find these incredible spring water deposits thanks to the fact that it is in that area, where the geological composition of the soil allowed the formation of caves that collapsed and gave rise to the most beautiful cenotes in a process of formation. It would take hundreds of thousands of years.

Useful information before visiting the Cenotes in Cancun

On your tour of the states of Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo you will find open, semi-open, ancient and cavern cenotes, each one with a particular beauty that will leave you speechless.

But, when the time comes to go to a cenote, it may help you to know some information such as:

It is good to keep in mind that the water in a cenote can be a bit cold, that is the opinion of many visitors, although in reality it is said that the average temperature is 24 degrees. You must consider that it is underground water and if it is a cavern-type cenote, the sun does not help. You can wear suitable bathing suit.

Another detail of the cenotes in Cancun and other destinations is that in order to access them you cannot use sunscreen, makeup and other products that may affect the water. For this reason, before entering, they will surely ask you to take a shower. And take the opportunity to go to the bathroom.

In addition to the above, the cenotes are very deep, so wearing a life jacket is essential; Even if you know how to swim, don’t trust yourself, find out why it is easier to swim in salt water (sea) than in fresh water (cenote)…

Finally, it is highly recommended to follow the guide for the responsible use of cenotes in order to preserve these treasures that nature gives us. This implies not damaging the natural environment, if there are stalactites or stalagmites, do not touch them, do not cut vegetation, respect the animals in the area, etc.

Route of the Cenotes

The number of cenotes in Mexico is enormous, according to various sources there are around 10,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, a number that is estimated to continue to increase.

Imagine all the incredible things you have to visit, but for starters, the Ruta de los Cenotes, located less than an hour from Cancun and close to Puerto Morelos, is a good idea.

This proposal is ideal for those who love sustainable tourism since they will enjoy a unique experience knowing fascinating places; In addition, they will have the possibility of practicing other activities such as camping, zip-lining, bungee jumping, mountain biking, rappelling, horseback riding, ATVs, bird watching, diving and snorkeling, etc.

The adventure begins at the Monument to the Ruta de los Cenotes in Puerto Morelos, it is there where the route begins, on the way to the town of Leona Vicario, which will take you to magical places.

Some of the cenotes that you can visit are:

Cenote Las Mojarras

Open, it is 14 meters deep and 65 meters in diameter.

Cenote Seven Mouths

It has seven vents that allow you to see the different faces of the cenote, some connected to each other.

Boca del Puma Cenote

It is an underground cenote located in an ecological reserve.

Cenote Verde Lucero

It is an open cenote, with a depth that goes from 3 to 30 meters; It has platforms from which to launch yourself on zip lines.

Cenote La Noria

Located in the Káat-Ha Recreational Park, with a depth of 18 m; To get to it you must go down some 10 m stairs.

Cenote Zapote

Open, it is 36 meters in diameter and 52 m deep, surrounded by nature, you get there by zip line or by going down stairs. In the same park you will find two other cenotes, Abuelo Che Che and Las Palmas.

Cenote Kin Ha

An underground cave that has an opening through which light enters, is 40 m deep.

White Flower Cenote

In the open sky, dare to jump into its waters from the zip lines or you can get on the platforms and jump from 14 m, it is for the brave.

Cenote Lu’um

It is a cave type formed by a vault of stalactites, impressive.

Popol Vuh Cenote

Open, it is surrounded by jungle and with many activities to enjoy the day.

The list does not end there, there are other cenotes on the same route, ask for a recommendation from the local people and discover much more.

It is worth clarifying that, due to the large number of these incredible formations, it is likely that several destinations in the south of the country talk about the route of the cenotes, do not miss the opportunity and go ahead and visit them.

Top 5 cenotes near Cancun

If you are looking for cenotes in Cancun you will have a huge list and it is necessary to mention that they are not in the same city but nearby.

The ones we mentioned before, on the Ruta de los Cenotes, are a very good proposal just 40 km from Cancun and you have all kinds of cenotes and activities to enjoy.

But, if your idea is to know much more, we will offer you other alternatives that you cannot miss.

1. Cenote Choj Ha

You can find it 30 minutes from the city, at km 218 of the Cancún – Valladolid highway, it is a cave with stalactites and stalagmites and it has a plus, there you can visit the Naranjal indigenous archaeological zone.

2. Cenote Rio Secreto

It is 1 hour 15 minutes from Cancun, 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen, ideal for adventurers who enjoy swimming in a cave and discovering the impressive underground world. You need a certain physical condition. You can also get married there.

3. Blue Cenote

Located 1 hour and a half from Cancun, it is ideal to enjoy with the family as it has shallow areas for the little ones in the house to have fun. Do not forget your snorkel equipment, the amount of fish is something that you will love to observe.

4. Cenote Chac Mool

Located 22 km from Playa del Carmen, it is a cavern and has a halocline, that is, where salt and fresh water come together and create visual effects; perfect for dawn diving. There you will find two other cenotes, the Little Brother cenote and the Kukulkan cenote.

5. Cenote Sac Actun

It is located 1 hour 50 minutes from Cancun, very close to Tulum, also known as “La Cueva Blanca”, it is the second largest underwater cave complex on the planet with 130 interconnected cenotes in it. There you will be able to visit the famous Cenote Dos Ojos, with its natural beauty during the day and a center for international electronic music events a few nights a year.