9 stunning open-air cenotes near Valladolid

BySandra Posted on Updated on
A stunning cenote with hanging vines, reflective water, and stone stairs inside, surrounded by lush greenery and illuminated by natural light.

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! 🩵🙏🩵

Valladolid is one of the most attractive destinations for visiting cenotes in Yucatán. We love exploring the beautiful cenotes around Valladolid.

1- CENOTE ZACI

In Valladolid town center, you’ll find one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area. Unbelievable, right? It’s like the heart of the town, a place you simply must experience if you’re staying in Valladolid.

What to Know About Cenote Zací

  • ZACI CENOTE ENTRANCE FEES: 150 pesos per person; children up to 11 years old pay 75 pesos. You can stay at the cenote for up to 2 hours. If you buy your ticket directly at the on-site restaurant, you can get a special price of 100 pesos. The admission price includes a life jacket, and wearing one is mandatory.
  • FACILITIES: Life jackets, restrooms, showers, and changing rooms (an additional charge of 6 pesos per person). There is a parking lot, but it fills up quickly, though you can park on nearby streets. A restaurant upstairs overlooks the cenote. They offer regional cuisine.
  • ABOUT ITS NAME: Zací is a word in the Mayan language meaning “white hawk.” This was the name of the ancient lordship and pre-Hispanic settlement upon which the colonial city of Valladolid, Yucatán, was founded in 1543.
  • CHARACTERISTICS OF CENOTE ZACI: A semi-open cenote; the water surface measures 35 meters in length by 25 meters in width, with a maximum depth of 40 meters.
  • ACCESS TO THE CENOTE: A comfortable stone-carved staircase leads down to the cenote. There are several spots where you can jump into the water—we love jumping in. There are also different points where you can enter the water without jumping.
  • WHAT WE LIKE MOST: that it is the heart of Valladolid 🩵💛🩵
  • WHAT WE LIKE LEAST: It is obviously a very popular cenote, but if you want to visit it when it’s not crowded, go early in the morning. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4:30 p.m. Don’t expect crystal-clear blue water.
  • A LITTLE SECRET: Most visitors choose to leave their backpacks or towels on the stone platforms surrounding the water while they swim. Be careful with valuables; it is better to leave them at the hotel.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Cenote Zací offers several interesting angles for photography, allowing you to bring out the best in your photographer’s eye. Explore the site and enjoy the variety of shots you can capture.
  • PERSONAL OPINION: We’ve known this cenote since 2008, back when tourism in Valladolid was still something of a novelty, and we were hugely impressed by this massive pool right in the middle of town. We love the fact that you can just jump in for a dip without a second thought.

Category – Familiar / Jump

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

How to get to Cenote Zací

Cenote Zací is located in the center of Valladolid—on 36th Street, between 39th and 37th Streets in the Santa Ana neighborhood—a 10-minute walk from the central park.

  • HOW TO GET TO CENOTE ZACÍ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Both the R1001 and R1002 routes travel along Calle 39 and make an official stop just steps from the cenote’s main entrance. Tell the driver you want to get off at the Cenote Zací intersection (Calle 37 x 36).
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2- 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.

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

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.

3- CENOTE SAAMAL

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.

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.
  • FACILITIES: Life jackets are mandatory and included in the admission price. Facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, lockers, and showers. 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. 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.

4- CENOTE IK KIL

Cenote Ik Kil is one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s great classics. Its location just 3 kilometers from Chichén Itzá has made it one of the region’s most visited cenotes. Today, the number of cenotes available to visitors has grown enormously, but Ik Kil remains an iconic destination.

Its spectacular beauty and the option to stay overnight in its cabins make it an appealing stop for travelers.

What to Know About Cenote

  • CENOTE IK KIL ENTRANCE FEES: Entrance costs 240 pesos per person. Children under 11 pay 150 pesos, available only at the ticket booth. There is also a buffet package for adults for 530 pesos, which includes a regional buffet meal and one drink. Children pay 300 pesos.
  • FACILITIES: Life jackets are mandatory and included in the admission price. Facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, lockers, and showers. Cenote Ik Kil also has a restaurant and accommodation.
  • ABOUT ITS NAME: In the Maya language, ik means “wind,” “air,” or “spirit.” Kil is associated with the idea of a “place” or geographical space.
  • FEATURES OF CENOTE IK KIL: This beautiful open cenote has a diameter of 60 meters and a depth of 50 meters. The roots reaching down toward the water make it even more spectacular, while the lush vegetation adds to its beauty.
  • ACCESS TO THE CENOTE: Stone-carved stairs provide easy and comfortable access to the cenote. There are several viewing platforms where you can admire the cenote as you make your way down. A stone platform on the side of the cenote provides access for jumping into the water.
  • WHAT WE LIKE MOST: The vegetation is absolutely beautiful and incredibly lush.
  • WHAT WE LIKE LEAST: Because it is so close to Chichén Itzá, it receives a lot of visitors and is one of the most touristy cenotes in the area.
  • A LITTLE SECRET: Like the other highly visited cenotes in the area, you can avoid the busiest time around midday, when tour buses usually arrive with tourists for lunch.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Cenote Ik Kil offers plenty of great angles for photography, so take your time to walk around and observe the space before taking out your camera. The last hours of the afternoon or early morning provide warmer, more interesting light. We often use HDR when photographing cenotes.
  • PERSONAL OPINION: Its beauty is undeniable. Even though it is one of the more crowded cenotes, you can still find a good time to visit when there aren’t as many people. Alternatively, stay overnight in one of its cabins, and you can enjoy the cenote with a much more private experience. It’s fantastic.

Category – Familiar / Jump

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5

How to get to Cenote Ik Kil

Cenote Ik Kil is located 3 kilometers from Chichén Itzá and 40 kilometers from Valladolid, about a 45-minute drive.

  • HOW TO GET TO CENOTE IK KIL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Vans heading to Chichén Itzá leave from Calle 39, between Calles 46 and 48, from the parking lot behind the ADO bus station. The fare is around 50 pesos per person each way. Vans leave when they are full. Getting back can be more complicated because, in the Cenote Ik Kil to Valladolid direction, the vans are often already full when they reach the cenote, as it is an intermediate stop. The last transport leaves at around 5:15 p.m. Oriente buses also stop here and are more likely to have space for the return journey. They are second-class buses and, like the vans, will stop wherever you ask them to. When you see one approaching, simply raise your hand to signal the driver to stop.
  • BY TAXI: A taxi costs around 500 to 700 pesos each way. If you want the driver to wait for you and take you back to Valladolid, expect to pay around 1,200 pesos. If you are traveling with up to four people, this can be a good-value option.

Taxis in Valladolid do not use meters. Make sure you agree on the total fare clearly with the driver before starting the journey to avoid being overcharged when you arrive.

5-CENOTE CHICHIKAN

Cenote Chichikan offers a different experience: a cultural park where you can get closer to Maya culture through a guided tour. In one place, you can learn about different aspects of Maya traditions and daily life, including cacao, hammocks, chewing gum, gardens, corn, and honey. The experience also includes a short traditional ball game demonstration and a purification ceremony.

There is also a restaurant and a lovely garden area where you can spend a couple of hours relaxing. If you want to stay overnight, they have a luxury glamping experience where you can enjoy the natural surroundings: LJs Chichikan Eco Luxury Retreat.

open cenotes around valladolid

What to Know About Cenote Chichikan

  • CHICHIKAN CENOTE ENTRANCE FEES: They offer several packages and prices. Admission to the cenote costs 250 pesos and includes a life jacket, locker, and a tasting of Chichikan tequila. Admission to the cenote plus the restaurant buffet costs 400 pesos per person. A full visit to both cenotes plus the restaurant costs 600 pesos per person. This package also gives you the opportunity to visit Cenote Nool Há, which is managed by the same company but located at a different site.
  • FACILITIES: Life jackets are mandatory and included in the admission price. Facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, lockers, and showers. The ecotourism park features a replica Maya village where guided demonstrations cover cacao, honey, chewing gum, and other aspects of Maya culture. There are also cultural performances, including the traditional ball game. The park has another cenote, Nool Há, which is a cave cenote with a zipline.
  • ABOUT ITS NAME: The name comes from the combination of two Maya words. “Chichí· refers to the word used for “grandmother,” although its sound is also associated with the characteristic hissing or rattling noise. “Kán” is the Maya word for “snake.” In Yucatec Maya mythology, the Chicchan were a group of serpent-shaped rain spirits believed to inhabit cenotes, lakes, and mountains and provide water to local communities.
  • FEATURES OF CENOTE CHICHIKAN: This is a large open cenote with vertical walls reaching 24 meters high and a depth of only 8 meters. A central island-like platform allows you to appreciate the cenote from different angles. A waterfall has also been added as an extra attraction for visitors.
  • ACCESS TO THE CENOTE: Comfortable wooden stairs descend 24 meters to the water. They are very well constructed and blend into the surroundings without being too intrusive.
  • WHAT WE LIKE MOST: This is a good place for a family day out and an introduction to different aspects of Maya culture. The park gives visitors the opportunity to experience several elements of the culture in one place.
  • WHAT WE LIKE LEAST: Personally, we don’t enjoy packaged or staged cultural experiences. We prefer discovering Maya culture through more spontaneous encounters that naturally come up during a trip.
  • A LITTLE SECRET: We have come across several negative reviews about the tequila sold at the site. We read them on Tripadvisor, as we like to check general visitor feedback to complement our own experience. Also, remember that you can stay very close to the cenote at the luxury glamping accommodation LJs Chichikan Eco Luxury Retreat.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: This cenote offers plenty of different angles for photography. We recommend walking around the cenote and taking advantage of the different viewpoints along the stairs.
  • PERSONAL OPINION: Although this isn’t our style of cenote, it is a well-presented park that will appeal to many tourists. The people who run it have clearly put a lot of effort and heart into the project and have continued expanding the range of activities and experiences they offer.

Category – Familiar / Park

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5

How to get to Cenote Chichikan

Cenote Chichikan is located just 7.5 kilometers from Valladolid in the direction of Temozón. By car, it takes about 15 minutes to get there.

  • HOW TO GET TO CENOTE CHICHIKAN BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Take a van heading to Temozón. Vans leave from Calle 37, between Calles 42 and 44. Tell the driver in advance where you want to get off. From the main road, you will need to walk about 1 kilometer to reach the cenote.
  • BY TAXI: Given the distance, a private taxi should cost no more than around 300 pesos for up to four people. We recommend agreeing on the total fare clearly with the driver before starting the journey to avoid being overcharged when you arrive.

6- CENOTE X-CANCHÉ

This beautiful open cenote is the perfect complement to a visit to the impressive Maya city of Ek Balam. Located just 1.5 kilometers from the archaeological site, you can reach it by car, bicycle, or on foot, making it an easy place to cool off in its crystal-clear waters after exploring the ruins. (visitmexico.com)

Cenote X’Canché has been managed by the local community for many years and has developed into a lovely nature destination with several activities and facilities. Let’s take a closer look.

What to Know About Cenote

  • X’CANCHÉ CENOTE ENTRANCE FEES: Admission to the cenote costs 170 pesos per person and includes bicycle use, a life jacket, showers, and lockers. A 450-peso package includes bicycle use, life jacket, zipline, rappelling, and a regional meal.
  • FACILITIES: Facilities include bicycles, life jackets, showers, and lockers. There is also a restaurant and camping area, as well as rustic cabins with fans.
  • ABOUT ITS NAME: X’Canché comes from the Maya language and means “wooden chair” or “wooden bench.” X’ is a feminine prefix or an indicator for a plant or object, while Kanché means chair or tall bench.
  • FEATURES OF CENOTE X’CANCHÉ: The cenote is 17 meters from the top to the water. The water surface measures approximately 40 meters by 40 meters, with a maximum depth of 30 meters.
  • ACCESS TO THE CENOTE: A comfortable wooden staircase winds around the cenote, leading to different platforms and eventually down to the water.
  • WHAT WE LIKE MOST: We really like how natural the place still feels. The materials used for the access and facilities blend nicely with the surroundings.
  • WHAT WE LIKE LEAST: Because it is so close to Ek Balam, it tends to be busier than some of the other cenotes in the area. Choose your visiting hours carefully. Early morning and late afternoon are usually quieter.
  • A LITTLE SECRET: Toward the end of the dry season, around April and May, you may spot plenty of motmot birds, one of the most iconic birds in Yucatán. They come to the cenotes for water, as they do at several other cenotes in the region.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Open cenotes usually offer two great perspectives for photography: shooting down from above and photographing upward from the water toward the sky. They create two completely different views, so keep both perspectives in mind when photographing open cenotes.
  • PERSONAL OPINION: This is a beautiful cenote, one of those classic Valladolid cenotes that has been open to the public for many years. We have a soft spot for it, and having such a beautiful cenote so close to an archaeological site is a real luxury. You don’t even need to get back in the car after visiting Ek Balam. It complements a visit to the ruins perfectly.

Category – Familiar / Rappel

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐4/5

How to get to Cenote X-Canché

  • HOW TO GET TO CENOTE X’CANCHÉ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Shared taxis to Ek Balam leave from the corner of Calle 37 and Calle 44. They depart once all four seats are filled and cost around 70 pesos per person. If you don’t want to wait for other passengers, you can pay for the entire taxi. The taxi drops you off at the Ek Balam archaeological site’s parking lot. The cenote is 1.5 kilometers away, and you can cycle there from the ruins.

7- CENOTE SAC AUA

Sac Aua is one of our favorite cenotes around Valladolid, and it’s absolutely beautiful. The local caretakers have preserved it within its natural surroundings, making it a truly stunning place.

Cenote Sac Aua became popular after some beautiful photos of it went viral. It’s now known as “the cenote with the island” (that’s how it appears on Google). We absolutely love this place—the combination of the surrounding nature and the cave makes it really special.

What to Know About Cenote Sac Aua

  • SAC AUA CENOTE ENTRANCE FEES: Cenote: 150 pesos per person (100 pesos for Mexican nationals) / Cenote + Aktun Maya cave: 230 pesos / Cenote, cave + meal: 345 pesos.
  • FACILITIES: There are bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers. You can rent kayaks, visit the Aktun Maya cave, and go rappelling. There’s also a local food restaurant (though it isn’t always open).
  • ABOUT ITS NAME: The name comes from the Álamo tree, whose name in Maya is associated with Aua or Awá. The prefix Sac or Sak means “white” or “pure,” so the name can be interpreted as “pure Álamo” or “sacred Álamo.”
  • FEATURES OF CENOTE SAC AUA: This spectacular cenote is about 90 meters in diameter, with an island in the middle formed when part of the cenote’s roof collapsed. The walls are around 30 meters high. The water isn’t particularly deep, ranging from 1 to 12 meters.
  • ACCESS TO THE CENOTE: A wooden staircase provides an easy way down to the cenote’s island, which is surrounded by water.
  • WHAT WE LIKE MOST: The natural surroundings and lush vegetation. We love how little the area has been altered, allowing you to really enjoy the power and beauty of nature. The trail leading to the cenote is about 300 meters long and makes for a beautiful walk.
  • WHAT WE LIKE LEAST: The visit to Aktun Maya cave is guided. We think the experience could be more interesting with more in-depth information about the sacred cave and the ancient Maya who used it.
  • A LITTLE SECRET: Don’t skip the visit to Aktun Maya cave. This is a sacred cave once used by the ancient Maya, and it still contains various archaeological remains. It’s spacious and easy to explore, and it’s just a few meters from the cenote. You can also spot ancient Maya remains along the trail.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Keep in mind that to take the famous photo showing the island from above, you need to climb up one of the cenote’s side walls. And remember to protect your camera from the water!
  • PERSONAL OPINION: We love Sac Aua. Between the natural surroundings, the beautiful trail, the visit to Aktun Maya cave, the ancient Maya remains, and the opportunity to go rappelling, there’s a lot to experience here. The cenote is managed by a local cooperative, so visiting also gives you the chance to meet and support local Maya families.

Category – Natural & Nature / Familiar/Rappel

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

How to get to Cenote Sac Aua

Cenote Sac Aua 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 SAC AUA BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Sac Aua is at Dzalbay, near 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. 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.

8- 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.

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, and a relaxing area with hammocks. Life jackets are included in the entrance fee. 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.

9- CENOTE XLA’KAJ

This open cenote is surrounded by nature. The first time we visited, we swam with a turtle living in the cenote. Cenotes never stop surprising us. This cenote is ideal if you want to have the place to yourself and enjoy a refreshing swim surrounded by nature.

Cenote Xla’kaj is more popular among locals than tourists.

cenote xlakaj

What to Know About Cenote Xla’kaj

  • ENTRY FEES: 100 pesos per person
  • FACILITIES: It has a pool area and restaurant (open from 2 to 6 PM), as well as rustic cabins for lodging (with air conditioning). 900 pesos all day; the night is 400 pesos. It’s an affordable place, popular with locals.
  • ABOUT ITS NAME: Xla’kaj means ancient village.
  • CHARACTERISTICS OF CENOTE XLA’KAJ: It’s an open cenote with steep walls, where you can enjoy the surrounding nature. The water is crystal clear with green hues.
  • ACCESS TO CENOTE XLA’KAJ: The descent to the cenote is via well-carved, wide, and easy-to-climb stone steps. A stone platform makes it easy to enter the water.
  • WHAT WE LIKED MOST: The natural surroundings are beautiful. We appreciated the local atmosphere and the chance to be alone. Go early on a weekday, and you’re very likely to enjoy the cenote in solitude. These moments are worth it.
  • WHAT WE LIKED LEAST: La Esquina. It’s neglected, and the restaurant service leaves much to be desired.
  • A LITTLE SECRET: Sundays are packed with locals, so if you want to experience the local atmosphere, go on a Sunday or during holidays. The pool area gets more crowded than the cenote itself.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: The cenote offers great views from different points. Move around, observe the light, and find the best angle for your photos.
  • PERSONAL OPINION: It’s one of the few cenotes where you’ll find more locals than tourists. Locals love going to the pool and restaurant area on weekends, and we enjoy that kind of atmosphere. The ambiance is family-friendly, although beer consumption is quite high.

Category – Family friendly

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

How to get to Cenote Xla’kaj

Cenote Xla’kaj is located just 9 kilometers from Valladolid, near Chichimilá. It’s a 10-minute drive.

  • HOW TO GET TO CENOTE XLA’KAJ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: From downtown Valladolid, you can take a combi (minibus) to Chichimilá, and from there you can reach the cenote by moto-taxi (motorcycle taxi). You can also go by motorcycle or bicycle, which you can rent in Valladolid.

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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