How to visit Cenote Yax-kin: Info & Prices
Cenote Yax Kin is a beautiful open cenote that is relatively new compared to the most popular ones. The water here very shallow which makes it the perfect spot with family with young kids.
Strategically located on the Riviera Maya along the Carretera Federal it’s also easily accessible even by bus.
If you are undecided on which cenotes to pick between the Tulum Cenotes, this one makes it a good option if you want to spend a day relaxing surrounded by a lush tropical jungle.
We live in the area, and we have seen quite a few cenotes, and cenote Yax-kin was a beautiful surprise when we visited.
Read on to learn more about Cenote Yax-kin (pronounced Yash-kin).
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Cenote Yax-kin Overview
Cenote Yax-Kin is a very popular cenote among locals because it’s not very touristy and it’s less crowded than many others in the area.
You can get there by car or a small local bus (colectivos). Once you enter, you will find an ample parking space and a huge open cenote with crystal clear water surrounded by spectacular lush vegetation that protects the area from the noisy highway, forming a small oasis of peace.
Surrounding the cenote an ample rocky platform offer a shady area with lounge chairs for relaxation and an easy access to the water for kids and adults alike.
Although the water is shallow at the entrance, you can swim all the way to the opposite side where it’s deeper.
In fact, it looks like a small cenote, but it’s actually quite large.
Where Is Cenote Yax-kin located
The Yax-kin cenote is located on highway 307 Tulum – Cancún, 15 km north of Tulum and 40 km south of Playa del Carmen, just past Cenotes Hidden Treasures Park.
It’s closer to Tulum, only 15 km away, while it’s 50 km away from Playa del Carmen.
Cenote Location Map
How to get to Cenote Yax-kin
There are different ways to get to Cenote Yax Kin and although our favorite one is by renting a car, here are all the options available.
How to get to Cenote Yax-kin by Car
We believe that renting a car in the Yucatan peninsula is always a good choice because it gives you the freedom to move around and visit more places in one day at your own pace without having to depend on crowded buses with unreliable schedules.
Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is very easy but we would recommend including full insurance with 0 deductible when you rent a car, for your peace of mind.
We recommend Discover Cars because on their website you can compare different companies and their prices and you can choose between their car insurance or the ones offered by the car rental directly, or both.
So, how do you get to Yax-kin by car? Easy! You will have to get on the Carretera Federal (Federal Highway) Playa del Carmen – Tulum and stop by the sign Cenote Yax Kin right after the Cenotes Hidden Treasures Park right before getting to Tulum.
If you are coming from Tulum, just follow the directions to Playa del Carmen, and you will find the cenote on your left-hand side.
Keep driving until you find the next “retorno” and make a U-turn, respecting the road signals.
How to get to Cenote Yax-kin by Local Bus
If you’d rather travel by local bus, whether you are in Tulum or Playa Del Carmen, it’s straightforward to get to the Cenote Yax-kin by local bus. You can get on a “colectivo” and let them drop you off at the entrance of Cenote.
There you just walk by the entrance where you would purchase your tickets and get directions on where to continue on foot. The cenote is very close to the entrance, so there is not much walking to do.
How to get to Cenote Yax-kin by taxi
Hiring a Taxi could be another option. We can’t give you rates because they may change and, besides every taxi driver may have their own. However, we suggest you should ask a recommended and trustworthy taxi driver from the reception of your hotel or your host.
Also, ensure you agree on the rate before getting in the taxi and arrange when he will pick you up, as there are no taxis on site.
Things to do in the Cenote Yax-kin
Iguanas may be roaming around, and birds chirping.
✅ Swim and Relax—As mentioned before, Cenote Yax-Kin is a great place for relaxing and swimming. There are some old sun beds that you can use and tables with chairs for a picnic or to hang out and enjoy the tranquility of the place. Enjoy a leisurely swim, float in the refreshing waters, or simply unwind on the benches dotted along the banks.
✅ Snorkeling – This cenote is perfect for snorkeling, offering a chance to discover the wonders beneath the rock formations.
✅ Photography Opportunities – Cenote Yax-kin provides breathtaking views for photography.
Cenote Yax-kin Practical information
Remember there is no restaurant, just a small snack bar with limited options, so you should bring your own food and drinks if you want to snack or have lunch.
Cenote Yax-kin Facilities
- Showers.
- Deckchairs.
- Swimg
- Restaurant.
- Restrooms.
- Parking lot.
- Camping site.
- Tables and grills to cook out using charcoal.
Entrance fees
Cenote Yak Kin entrance fee: $100 mxn / $5 usd
Camping price per person: $200 mxn / $12 usd.
Cenote Yax-kin Opening Hours
Cenote Yax-kin Opening Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, every day.
How to visit Cenote Yax-kin and respect the environment
Protecting the beautiful nature we live in is our main concern and an aspect of traveling that is so dear to us.
Besides, if we want to continue to enjoy the incredible natural wonders on this earth, it is very important that we respect the environment and help preserve it.
The good part is that it’s not that difficult. Here we are sharing some simple rules to follow so that we may make as little impact as possible on this earth.
- Bring trash with you
- Don’t be loud
- Don’t use any kinds of cream spray or protectors on your skin as it would contaminate the environment (even the so-called – eco friendly)
- Always take a shower before entering a cenote
- Don’t hang on trees
- Just don’t do any silliness that can damage the environment
If we appreciate the environment we will learn to respect it.
What to bring to Cenote Yax-kin
- Swimsuit
- Change of clothes
- Towel to dry off
- Mosquito repellent to wear after you come out of the water as there may be many mosquitos around
- Mask and snorkel gear and life jacket are available for rent but it would be much better if you have your own, both for hygienic purposes and for saving
- You can walk on your flip-flop although I always like to wear closed shoes when I am in the wilderness, mainly to avoid bugs bites. But it’s totally up to you
What we like about Cenote Yax-kin
We love that it’s peaceful, quiet, and less crowded than other cenotes near Tulum. The lush vegetation surrounding the cenote and the wildlife that it attracts is a great vantage point, together with the crystal clear water.
What we don’t like about Cenote Yax-kin
If we really have to find a negative point is the shallow water, but it’s not so bad and you can still swim in some areas.
Tips for photographing the cenote Cenote Yax-kin
Being an open cenote it’s very easy to photograph because you can always find the right angle depending on what time of the day and where the sun is. It’s probably best to avoid the bright midday light for better results.
What you can visit nearby
Near the cenote Yax-kin, there are many other cenotes and mayan ruins that you can visit. Here are a few ideas:
- Caleta Yalku 18.3 km /11 mi
- Casa Cenote 9.2 km / 5.5. mi
- Tulum Mayan Ruins 11km/ 6.2 mi
- Xel-ha Ruins 8.1 km /5 mi
Where to stay near Cenote Yax-kin
Barcelo Maya Beach – One of the most popular All inclusive hotels in the area, it’s been there for ages. They offer different types of accommodation for different budgets. Located on the spectacular beach of Xpu-ha
Hotel Esencia—This hotel is one of the most luxurious and exclusive in the area. It is definitely a treat if you are ready to splurge.
Frequented Asked Questions about Cenote Yax-kin
What is the most beautiful cenote?
It’s impossible to say; there are so many, and in this guide, we pride ourselves on bringing the best to you. So keep on reading, and you will find the best cenote for you.
What is the most visited cenote in Mexico?
The most visited cenotes are probably Cenotes Suytun, Grand Cenote, Taak-bi-ha, and Cenotes dos Ojos
What is the most photographed cenote?
The Cenote Suytun is definitely the most photographed for its spectacular settings. However, it’s not our favorite one. Read the above linked post to find out why.
What is the least crowded cenote in Tulum?
To find less crowded cenotes, you will need to go inside the Yucatan Peninsula, either to the cenotes near Valladolid or the Homun Cenotes.
Is it safe to swim in Cenotes, Mexico?
Yes, it’s very safe to swim in the cenotes, but it’s always a good practice to follow the local rules and, if you don’t feel comfortable, wear a life vest.
Cenote Yax-kin: Our rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ 5/5
Category: Family Cenote
