How to visit the spectacular Cenote Corazon del Paraiso, Tulum
If you are looking for a nice cenote to visit near Tulum, Cenote Corazón del Paraíso is one of the most beautiful places to spend your day relaxing, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation and peaceful nature. In this post, we will tell you all about it.
The Riviera Maya is filled with incredible open cenotes where you can do all your favorite shenanigans, from jumping to floating, snorkeling, and diving. They are all so beautiful that it’s difficult to say which one is the best.
Except for Cenote Corazón del Paraíso.
In fact, no one is shaped like a heart like it is.
And, you don’t need an aerial view to see that, even though we do have one for you, scroll down to see it.
If you stand on the jumping platform (even if you don’t have the least intention of jumping), and you switch on the creative side of your brain, you may be able to see the heart shape anyway.
But its cute shape is not the only great thing about this beautiful cenote, and if you stick with us, we’ll tell you all about it.
What are the cenotes?
A cenote is a freshwater sinkhole formed by the collapsing of limestone soil, the type of stone that the Yucatan Peninsula is mainly made of. The cenotes allow us access to the water table. These holes are produced naturally by the collapse of the roof.
Sacred to the Mayan civilization they are now some of the main tourist attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula. Read more about the Mexico cenotes.
FUN FACT – Cenote Corazon is so-called because of the heart shape. In fact, Corazon means heart in Spanish.
How to get to Cenote Corazon
Located at only 7 km from Tulum and 71 km from Playa del Carmen, Cenote Corazon is easily reachable from the trendy tourist town of Tulum, so much so that you could even bike there.
But there are other ways to get to Cenote Corazon, and below we will illustrate all of them.
How to get to Cenote Corazon by Car
The best way to explore the Yucatan Peninsula is, in our opinion, by car because it gives you the freedom to explore around at your own pace without having to wait for other travelers or rush through the day.
When you choose your rental car we recommend including full insurance with 0 deductible so you will drive with 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.
Having said that, how do you get to Cenote Corazon del Paraiso by car?
From wherever you are you need to head to Tulum ( unless you are coming from Bacalar) keep driving across Tulum downtown and continue straight following the directions of Chetumal.
You will pass the beautifulcenotes Crystal and Escondido, and you will keep going until you find the sign of Cenote Corazon on your left. You cannot miss it.
From the Map, you will see that you should avoid crossing Tulum downtown from the main road. That is just because of the crazy traffic; otherwise, you can. Driving around the center will save you from a headache.
Map of Cenote Corazon from Tulum
How to get to Cenote Corazon by Local Bus
You can take the Colectivo from Tulum Center however keep in mind that the public transport will leave you on the main road. From there to the Cenote entrance is about 2 km and it’s really hot and humid.
So if you want to do it, you can but bring plenty of water with you.
How to get to Cenote Corazon by bike
Some people love to bike, and this is quite an interesting ride. You’ll have 7 km on the main road and then 2 km on the dirt road. (follow the same instructions mentioned above for the car) Doable, but please don’t forget the water.
How to get to Cenote Corazon del Paraiso by taxi
Hiring a Taxi from Tulum could be another option. Although taxi drivers have their own official price list, it changes quite often, and some make their own rules. If you decide to hire a taxi, we suggest you ask a recommended, trustworthy taxi driver at your hotel reception or from your host.
Also, it is recommended that you discuss the pickup rate and time before confirming the taxi to avoid misunderstandings or unpleasant surprises.
Things to do in the Cenote Corazon
Cenote Corazon is surrounded by wooden platforms where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings. Below I will list all the things you can do in the Cenote
✅ Swim and chill – enjoy the cool, crystal clear waters while swimming and floating around in the silence of nature.
✅ Dive – This cenote is also one of the most loved places by divers – you need to be certified to dive and go with a guide or instructor.
✅ Snorkel – Snorkelers are also welcome, and even if you are not a diver, you can indeed explore the underwater world with some snorkeling.
A snorkel mask and life jacket are available for rent at the entrance.
✅ Take amazing photos – Cenote Corazon is an incredible cenote for photographs, both for the spectacular vegetation and the heart shape.
If you have a drone, you will love seeing the heart shape from the aerial views.
Cenote Corazon is also the only cenote on the Riviera Maya that lets you use the drone without paying a fee, which is pretty remarkable.
Practical information
Cenote Corazon Facilities
In Cenote Corazon, you will find
- Showers
- Toilets
- Mask rental
- Snorkel rental
- Life Jacket Rental
- Tables and chairs around the cenote garden
Cenote Corazon fees
- Entrance fees: 150 MXN ( 8 USD approx) – 100 MXN (5 USD) for residents and Mexicans
- Mask rental 30 MXN
- Snorkel rental 30 MXN
- Life jacket rental 30 MXN
The use of the drone is allowed and free
Cenote Corazon ha Opening Hours
Open every day from 9 to 17 (however, sometimes they open later)
You may also like
- How to visit Cenote Isla Alamos, Tulum
- How to visit Cenote Taak Bi ha, Riviera Maya
- How to visit Cenote Azul, Playa del Carmen
How to visit Cenote Corazon del Paraiso and respect the environment
With this cenote project, besides talking about the cenote, we would like to give it an ethical twist and take advantage of our position to promote common sense and respect for this Mother Earth.
It doesn’t take much, and it’s completely free.
So here below we have put together some simple rules to follow to inflict as little damage as possible to the environment.
- Don’t trash
- 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 (available at the entrance)
- Don’t hang on to the stalactites or stalagmites or any roots
- Just don’t do any foolishness that can damage the environment
If we appreciate the environment, we will learn to respect it.
What to bring to Cenote Corazon
- Swimsuit
- Change of clothes
- A towel to lie on and dry off
- Mask, snorkel gear, anda life jacket are available for rent, but it would be much better if you have your own, both for hygienic purposes and saving
- Go Pro for amazing pictures
- Drone
- Camera
What we like about Cenote Corazon
✔️ The cute shape
✔️ The lush surroundings
✔️ The comfortable platform by the water where you can lie down
✔️ The silence (when there are no people)
✔️ Amazing Diving
✔️ Great Snorkeling
What we don’t like about Cenote Corazon
❌ When it’s crowded, and it’s too noisy. Although there is a lot of space around, the cenote is not so bi,g which is a problem when there are big groups.
INSIDER TIP – try to avoid weekends and be there in the early morning when they open if you want to avoid crowds. If you have all day to spend there, it’s even better because groups that come with tours don’t stay longer than 45 minutes, so you can wait until they go and enjoy your privacy again.
Tips to photograph the cenote Corazon
You cannot walk all the way around the Cenote, but you can walk far enough to find the best spot, depending on what time of day you are going. Early morning or late in the afternoon would be best when the sun is not high yet.
When you have a drone, midday would probably be best because the sun would be completely above your camera drone. However, the downside would be that at that time of the day, the risk of finding more people is higher.
What else is there to see near the cenote Corazon?
➡️ Cenote Cristal and Escondido
Hotels Near Cenote Corazon
Mimosa Tulum is located in Tulum’s downtown area. Mimosa Tulum features an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Guests appreciate that everything at the hotel is made with care and attention to detail, while the hosts are known for being exceptionally welcoming and helpful. Its central location in Tulum Pueblo makes it convenient for accessing Highway 307 and reaching Cenote Corazón del Paraíso, while still being close to local restaurants and shops. BOOK NOW
Hotel Bardo is an adults-only retreat that provides peace and tranquility in a natural setting right in Tulum Pueblo. With its zen-like pool area and lush gardens, Hotel Bardo offers a serene escape while keeping you centrally located near restaurants, shops, and just a short drive from Highway 307 where Cenote Corazón is located. It’s perfect for travelers seeking relaxation between cenote adventures. BOOK NOW
Central Park Tulum A practical choice in downtown Tulum that offers excellent value with amenities like free bike rentals and a beach club shuttle. While positioned near the center of town, it’s set back enough from the main drag to ensure a quiet stay. The free bikes make it easy to explore the area or cycle toward nearby cenotes, and it’s conveniently located for accessing Highway 307. BOOK Central Park Tulum Hotel
All three hotels are situated in Tulum Pueblo, roughly 4-7 km from Cenote Corazón del Paraíso, making them much more practical bases than the beach zone for visiting this inland cenote.
