4 cenotes with zip lines near Valladolid
If you love jumping into the water from a zip line, you’re in luck: near Valladolid, you can enjoy several cenotes equipped with zip lines. Have fun jumping into the crystal-clear waters of these cenotes—here are the options.
Valladolid has some truly amazing open cenotes nearby. We’ll tell you about each one, with detailed information to help you choose which to visit on your trip. We hope this helps! 🩵🙏🩵
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1- CENOTE OXMAN
Cenote Oxman is one of the most popular cenotes around Valladolid, thanks to its beauty and convenient location. You can even reach it by bike from Valladolid’s town center.
The cenote is located within Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxmán, a historic estate built in 1746. Today, it’s a great place to spend a couple of hours relaxing, with an on-site swimming pool and restaurant. Cenote Oxman is a very popular spot, and for good reason. It has a lot to offer.
JUMP 💙 It is one of the most popular cenotes for jumping off the zip line that crosses over the water. Plus, the place is very photogenic; you won’t want to miss it—you can get some of your best photos here while jumping into the water. Just make sure to pick the right angle for the shot. Wearing a life jacket is mandatory, though—something we didn’t exactly enjoy while jumping.
What to Know About Cenote Oxman
- CENOTE OXMAN ENTRANCE FEES: Entrance costs 150 pesos per person, with reduced rates for children. They also offer packages that include food for 250 pesos. Life jackets are mandatory and included in the admission price.
- FACILITIES: Restrooms, changing rooms, and showers are available. Cenote Oxman is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The restaurant and swimming pool are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is a popular place, especially because of its proximity to Valladolid.
- ABOUT ITS NAME: Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxmán was located at the intersection of three ancient roads leading from Mérida, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, and Valladolid. The name Oxmán means “three roads” in Maya.
- FEATURES OF CENOTE OXMAN: It is a naturally preserved open cenote with crystal-clear water and a depth of around 45 meters. Its walls rise approximately 20 meters above the water.
- ACCESS TO THE CENOTE: A stone staircase, followed by sections of wooden stairs, leads comfortably down to the cenote. The view becomes more impressive as you make your way down.
- WHAT WE LIKE MOST: The tree roots cascading down toward the water are one of the most beautiful features of Cenote Oxman.
- WHAT WE LIKE LEAST: Because it is so close to Valladolid, it can get quite busy. If you want a peaceful experience surrounded by nature, the crowds and noise can take away from the atmosphere.
- A LITTLE SECRET: The vine swing at Cenote Oxman is one of the best in Yucatán and is especially popular with visitors who love jumping into the water. It is also a great spot for fun action photos.
- PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: There are several great angles for photographing this cenote, so don’t miss the view from above. Move around and experiment with different perspectives to highlight the features that interest you most. Its proximity to the water also makes it a great place to photograph people jumping in.
- PERSONAL OPINION: The cenote itself is absolutely beautiful. We have visited several times to photograph it, and we love it. If you are looking for a cenote where you can spend a fun few hours with family, friends, or your partner in a relaxed and lively setting, this is a great choice. It is beautiful, easy to reach, and comfortable to visit.
Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Category – Familiar/ Jump (Zipline)
How to get to Cenote Oxman
Cenote Oxman is located just 4.5 kilometers from the beautiful colonial city of Valladolid. Take Calle 54 along a road that crosses the old railway tracks, and a small sign bearing the name Cenote Oxman will let you know that you are close to the entrance.
- HOW TO GET TO CENOTE OXMAN BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: A taxi will cost around 100 pesos. The cenote is the ideal distance to reach by motorbike or bicycle. You can easily rent them in Valladolid. Si no estás en Valladolid, toma el periférico de la ciudad, está bien señalizado.
2- CENOTE CHUKUM
We came across another of the most beautiful cave cenotes in the Valladolid area. The cavern and its crystal-clear waters captivate any beauty lover.
Cenote Chukum has always impressed us. It’s managed by the Mayan Adventures tour agency. They bring tourists daily from the Riviera Maya to this cenote. The facilities are very well maintained and staffed; they do a great job.
JUMP 💙The zip line crossing the cenote is a major draw for those who enjoy plunging into the water; it is very safe and comfortable, featuring a non-slip platform. Keep in mind that life jackets are mandatory—we find them rather uncomfortable, but those are the rules. If you’re a fan of iconic shots, getting a good photo while launching yourself into the water is a bit trickier. For us, it’s one of the best zip lines around.
What to Know About Cenote Chukum
- ENTRY FEES CENOTE CHUKUM: Have 2 different access passes. The «Day pass» includes Access to the Cenote, Parking, Life Jackets and Lockers. Adults: 350 pesos per person / Children 5 to 11 years old: 250 pesos. (National 250/ 150 pesos). The «Full Day Pass» includes all the stuff before + Buffet with Regional Food. Adults: 550 pesos per person / Children 5 to 11 years old: 350 pesos. (National 350/ 250 pesos).
- FACILITIES: Bathrooms, showers, life jackets, lockers and restaurant. It has a zip line.
- ABOUT ITS NAME: Chukum is a type of endemic tree found in the area surrounding this cenote. The resin of the chukum tree is used to make a type of stucco or natural coating that has been used since ancient Mayan times.
- CHARACTERISTICS OF CENOTE CHUKUM: Cenote Chukum is a cave cenote, with natural light filtering through an opening in the ceiling. The impressive cenote is approximately 40 meters in diameter, and its crystal-clear waters allow you to see the sunlight reaching all the way to the bottom—a truly beautiful sight. There is also artificial lighting inside the cave, but it is kept quite dim, allowing the natural light to stand out.
- ACCESS TO THE CENOTE: Stone steps provide easy access to the cenote’s interior, where various wooden platforms allow you to walk around it. The non-slip flooring is very useful.
- WHAT WE LIKED MOST: The cenote itself is spectacular. The facilities are very well maintained; it’s a lovely place to spend the day. It has several points from which to jump into the water, in addition to the zip line.
- WHAT WE LIKED LEAST: At certain times of the day, it can be full of tourists who come from Riviera Maya.
- A LITTLE SECRET: If you go early in the morning, it’s probably one of the cenotes you’ll be able to enjoy in solitude.
- PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: If you have an underwater camera, you can take some great photos by taking advantage of the clarity of the water and the rays of natural light that penetrate through the water.
- PERSONAL OPINION: We really like both the cenote and the facilities. Despite being artificially lit, they’ve managed to enhance the cenote’s natural beauty.
Category – Familiar / Jump
Rating – ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐4/5
How to get to Cenote Chukum
Cenote Chukum is located 16 kilometers from the center of Valladolid, a 22-minute drive. There are several motorbike rental options in Valladolid; it’s a good way to visit the area’s cenotes. And of course, you can get there in a private taxi or tour.
- HOW TO GET TO CENOTE CHUKUM BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Cenote Chukum is on the road to Yalcobá, so you’ll need to take a shared taxi on the Valladolid-Yalcobá route. They depart from Calle 41 between Calle 34 and 32. Shared taxis can carry up to four people and leave when they’re full. You can get off in front of the entrance to Cenote Chukum. The return trip is more complicated, as the taxis will be full on their way back to Valladolid.
CENOTE SAAMAL (SELVA MAYA)
Cenote Saamal is one of the cenotes that has grown significantly in popularity over the years, evolving into a well-developed destination offering a wide range of amenities and excellent service. One highlight is Oriundo, a luxury hotel on the property.
Managed by the family behind El Mesón del Marqués, a long-established hotel and restaurant in Valladolid, Cenote Saamal has been carefully restored and now offers an immaculate and welcoming setting for visitors.
JUMP 💙Here you’ll find Yucatán’s longest zip line—a place to get your adrenaline pumping. The zip line doesn’t pass over the cenote itself; instead, it offers an aerial course where you can enjoy the jungle scenery. It is very well organized, with safe and comfortable facilities. A GoPro-style camera is ideal for taking photos and recording.
What to Know About Cenote
- SAAMAL CENOTE ENTRANCE FEES: Entrance costs 200 pesos per person. Children ages 4 to 11 pay 150 pesos, while children under 4 enter free. The Cenote + Buffet Lunch combo costs 350 to 400 pesos, with drinks extra. The restaurant serves traditional Yucatecan food. They also offer a zipline circuit and bicycle rides, along with a full buffet, two drinks, and lockers for 720 pesos per person, or 575 pesos for children ages 4 to 11. Children under 4 enter free.
- FACILITIES: Life jackets are mandatory and included in the admission price. Facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, lockers, and showers. The property also has a restaurant and hotel: the fantastic Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas.
- ABOUT ITS NAME: The name Saamal comes from the Maya language and translates as “clear place.” Sunlight reaches this cenote almost all day.
- FEATURES OF CENOTE SAAMAL: This is a large open cenote with a wide diameter. A waterfall was added to make it more visually appealing to tourists, and it has certainly been successful.
- ACCESS TO THE CENOTE: Comfortable wooden stairs lead down to the water.
- WHAT WE LIKE MOST: The entire place has been thoughtfully and successfully designed to accommodate large groups of tourists.
- WHAT WE LIKE LEAST: For us, it feels too touristy, but there are still quieter moments when you can enjoy the cenote without many people around.
- A LITTLE SECRET: Many buses running Chichén Itzá tours from the Riviera Maya stop at Cenote Saamal for lunch, so it is best to avoid visiting around midday if you don’t like crowded places. It is also ideal for cycling. A paved bike path runs alongside the road toward Dzitnup, making the 20-minute ride safe and mostly flat.
- PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Open cenotes have stronger light and shadow contrasts around midday. If you want softer, warmer light that illuminates the entire cenote, aim for late afternoon, when the last rays of sunlight reach the water.
- PERSONAL OPINION: Although this isn’t the type of cenote that particularly excites us, it is a well-designed destination. The zipline and bicycle route are a nice bonus and make it easy to spend three or four hours here. The service is good, and the prices are reasonable.
Category – Familiar / Zip line
Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
How to get to Cenote Saamal
Cenote Saamal is located just 4.5 kilometers from the center of Valladolid. It is very close to Cenote Oxman and the Dzitnup cenotes (Xkekén and Samulá).
- HOW TO GET TO CENOTE SAAMAL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take a colectivo (shared van) on Calle 44, leaving from Parque Central towards the ADO Bus Station. It costs about 40 pesos per person. Let the driver know in advance that you are getting off at the entrance to Cenote Saamal.
- BY TAXI – A taxi will cost around 100 pesos. The cenote is the ideal distance to reach by motorbike or bicycle. You can easily rent them in Valladolid.
CENOTE SECRETO MAYA
The beautiful open-air Secreto Maya Cenote is the perfect excuse to escape into the jungle and enjoy nature in comfortable, intimate surroundings. The facilities and restaurant are thoughtfully run with great care and attention to detail.
They also have charming Mayan-style cabins, making this a lovely nature getaway. You can even enjoy the cenote in complete privacy, which makes experiencing the natural beauty of Secreto Maya feel like a real luxury.
JUMP 💙It’s one of our favorite cenotes near Valladolid; it’s great because you can also enjoy a zipline that drops you right into the water. It’s a very photogenic spot, so look for a good angle to snap a photo while you jump.
What to Know About Cenote Secreto Maya
- ENTRY FEES: 240 pesos per person. Access to the Jaguar Negro cave costs approximately 50 pesos extra, while massages and temazcal ceremonies are priced separately.
- FACILITIES: Bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, a swimming pool, temazcal, massages, cooking classes and a relaxing area with hammocks. Life jackets are included in the entrance fee. You can practice freediving and scuba diving at the Secreto Maya cenote. There’s also a cave you can visit. They have a restaurant and comfortable cabins where you can stay overnight, as well as the option to book private dinners in the beautifully illuminated cenote surroundings.
- CHARACTERISTICS OF CENOTE SECRETO MAYA: This impressive open cenote is about 50 meters in diameter, surrounded by lush jungle and crystal-clear water. The roots reaching down toward the water and the surrounding vegetation make it even more spectacular.
- ACCESS TO THE CENOTE: Wooden stairs lead down into the cenote and have been designed to blend into the surroundings without being intrusive. Along the way, you’ll find different viewpoints and spots where you can relax and take beautiful photos.
- WHAT WE LIKED MOST: They’ve created a lovely place where you can enjoy both the cenote and the facilities. Staying overnight here is a great choice, and we highly recommend it if you enjoy sleeping surrounded by nature.
- WHAT WE LIKED LEAST: Nothing worth mentioning.
- A LITTLE SECRET: This project was created with a genuine love for nature, and you can tell. 💚 It’s run by Mexican siblings who fell in love with the place and have created something really special.
- PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Make the most of the different viewpoints and photo spots, but remember to explore the entire area and look for different angles. You’ll find plenty of interesting perspectives.
- PERSONAL OPINION: This is an ideal place to spend a day surrounded by nature while enjoying a comfortable setting and good food. Everything is beautifully maintained. Staying at the Hotel Boutique Cenote Secreto Maya is definitely worth it—we loved it.
Category – Natural & Nature / Photoghenic / Zip line
Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
How to get to Cenote Secreto Maya
Cenote Secreto Maya is located about 30 kilometers from Valladolid. By car it takes 40 minutes. In Valladolid, you can rent Scooters by the day; it’s a good option for visiting some cenotes around Valladolid.
- HOW TO GET TO CENOTE SECRETO MAYA BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Secreto Maya is near Yalcobá, so you’ll need to take a shared taxi on the Valladolid-Yalcobá route. They depart from Calle 41 between Calle 34 and 32. Shared taxis can carry up to four people and leave when they’re full. Once in Yalcobá, you must take a moto-taxi (the best local transport in Yucatán😊) to the cenote. It’s actually easier to go in your own transport, by private taxi or on a private tour.
Where to stay in General Information & Practical Tips about cenotes
- What to Bring: Pack your swimsuit, a towel, and eco-friendly insect repellent — applied only after you leave the water. Sunscreen is the same: wear it outside only, never before swimming. A snorkel mask is worth packing for certain cenotes. Dress lightly but wear closed, comfortable shoes to ward off insects.
- Opening hours: Most cenotes open between 8-9 AM and close at 5-6 PM, every day.
- Entrance costs: Typically range from 100 to 300 pesos for basic entry, with higher fees for additional activities. In most cenotes, you must pay in cash.
Cenote Etiquette
Simple actions of great impact
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Think Before Acting
Respect the natural environment; do not harm nature; do not remove flowers or plants. Let’s create awareness together.
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Take Care of the Water
Do not use sunscreen, repellents or mosquito products that contain chemicals that can affect the water of the cenotes.
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Shower Before Entering
Wash your skin well with water. When entering the cenote, bring with you the fewest products and chemicals.
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Collect Your Trash
Do not leave your own waste in nature. Collect your remains and dispose of them in appropriate places. Bring your reusable water bottle.
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Respect the Environment
Do not hang from the roots of the cenotes; do not touch them; do not shout. Do not harm other visitors or damage the environment.
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Where to stay in Valladolid
As an old colonial city, it offers an excellent range of historic boutique hotels and hostels to suit every taste. You will have no trouble finding restaurants open for dinner. It is a city where you can spend a few days, make yourself at home, and explore the local culture and surrounding nature.
Something you should know about us is that we love discovering hotels. Valladolid is one of our favorite destinations; we’ve been dozens of times, and we have our recommendations 🥰
Hotel Posada San Juan
A hotel that pays attention to detail; our stay here was lovely. We especially appreciated the Yucatecan-style decor, the spacious and comfortable rooms, and the very helpful staff. The breakfast was good.
Its location, just four blocks from the city center, makes it very convenient for exploring Valladolid. It has a pool, which is perfect for the Yucatecan heat. Medium budget.
👉 Read more on Booking.com
Casa Lucia Valladolid
A centrally located hotel with lovely rooms, each with a private bathroom. They offer a basic kitchen and common areas that give it a hostel feel, where you can meet other guests. We absolutely love Casa Lucia; the colonial building is beautiful. Low budget.
👉 Read more on Booking.com
Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas
The most luxurious hotel in Valladolid, truly standing out in the city. It’s located within the grounds of the Saamal cenote, about 6 kilometers from downtown Valladolid. Here, rest, tranquility, and attention to detail are the perfect accompaniment for travelers.
The space they’ve created is wonderful; we loved it 💛 All rooms have a private pool. High budget.
👉 Read more on Booking.com
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