There is no better tour than visiting the cenotes in Cancun and Riviera Maya.
The peninsula of Yucatan It is an area with a harsh climate and although there is more or less abundant rainfall for six or eight months, the dry period is generally severe and can last from four to six months.
On the other hand, the limestone geological constitution of the Riviera Maya and adjacent areas means that water is poorly conserved on the surface, as it infiltrates the water table, which is often deep.
For this reason, cenotes were the main water supply in the middle of the jungle, the reason for the development of nearby cities and settlements, notable elements of sacred geography, symbolic scenarios and spaces for the development of rituals of rain, life, death, rebirth and fertility.
The Maya also believed that cenotes were the gateway to the underworld (Xibalba in the Mayan language), and for this reason, these sacred places are still highly respected today. Therefore, all the Cenotes close before 17 PM. for a very interesting cultural reason.
Mexican cenotes are considered oases in the middle of the jungle and it is estimated that there are more than 3000 on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Between Cancun e Tulum, there is a huge variety of cenotes that are little explored by Brazilian tourists visiting the Mexican Caribbean. That's why I created this complete guide with the best and most beautiful cenotes in Cancun and Riviera Maya.
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What are the cenotes in Cancun and Riviera Maya?
Cenotes are deep wells with crystal clear waters surrounded by impressive vegetation. The limestone that surrounds them is very porous and allows rainwater to infiltrate and fill the numerous underground tunnels and caverns, forming a complex world inside, with spectacular underground rivers that make them one of the best places to visit in Cancun.
Basically, there are three types of cenotes: Open (Cenote Ik Kil like in Chichén Itzá), semi-open (like the Calavera cenote near Tulum) and cave type (like Rio Secreto).
In some located near the coast of the Riviera Maya, (Dos Ojos cenote) you can see beautiful fossilized corals, which makes them ideal for activities such as diving or snorkeling.
Now I will show you the list of the best cenotes in Cancun and Riviera Maya, grouped according to their geographical location in the Yucatan Peninsula:
Route of the Cenotes in Puerto Morelos
If you are on vacation in the Riviera Maya, you cannot miss the Cenote Route near Puerto Morelos. On this route, you will be able to see eight of these precious jewels of nature, of different sizes and depths; some are inside underground caves and others are in the open air.
In all of them you can swim, rest and have fun.
1 – Las Mojarras Cenote
This Mayan cenote is the one with the largest diameter (65 m) and has a depth of 14 m. It is the first one you will find after leaving Puerto Morelos.
If you’re an adventure seeker, you’ll love what you’ll find here, as it features a zipline and a double diving tower. If you just want to take a dip or spend some time relaxing, the site offers a hammock area, bathrooms, and changing rooms available.
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2 – Kin Ha Cenote
You can find this Cenote by taking the road that goes from Puerto Morelos to Leona Vicario, there turn left and walk about 5 km along the trail until you reach the site.
You will see two formations here, one of them is Kin Ha, which is 40 meters deep and has some bell formations (stalactites) that you will not find anywhere else. It is certainly one of the most beautiful cenotes in Cancun and Riviera Maya.
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3 – Seven Mouths Cenote
The Sete Bocas cenote is one of the best places to have a relaxing and peaceful experience, as it is never too crowded. It is a very wild and natural place. Payment is made directly with the locals and, as it is located in the jungle, they only offer bathrooms.
Grab your diving gear and don’t miss the opportunity to see and explore this fabulous cenote lost in the middle of the jungle. If you’re a good swimmer, you’ll be able to swim from one cenote to another underwater. But be careful, even though there are ropes to guide you, don’t overdo it.
4 – Chilam Balam Cenote
Chilam Balam is another large cenote on the route from Puerto Morelos, and to get there you have to go through a jungle path in a 4×4 vehicle. So if you are willing to venture into the jungle, this is the place to go.
Upon arrival, you can refresh yourself and relax in a magnificent natural environment.
Cenotes in Playa del Carmen
Start your journey through the most beautiful cenotes near Playa del Carmen. The vast majority are prepared for tourism, so you will have no problem enjoying their beauty, swimming, diving or simply relaxing and contemplating.
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5 – Secret River
Rio Secreto is incredible and for me it is one of the best places to visit in Cancun (and perhaps in all of Mexico). You can explore more than 600 meters through its underground rivers full of stalactites and stalagmites, where you will understand the geological history of the Earth.
This place will allow you to witness an incomparable visual spectacle.
This is an excellent excursion to do with the whole family in the Riviera Maya. Children from 4 years old can take this tour.
6 – Blue Cenote
Cenote Azul is a favorite among the locals of the Riviera Maya, perhaps because it has many shallow areas, which makes you feel confident swimming freely almost everywhere.
But if you need to feel extra safe, you can rent life jackets for a low cost. You can also rent snorkeling equipment if you don't have your own.
Cenote Azul is located in a beautiful patch of jungle just 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen. Here you can see fossilized corals and if you want, jump into the water from a height of approximately 4 meters.
The entrance fee is very cheap, making this place one of the most accessible and coolest tours in the Riviera Maya.
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7 – Kantun-Chi Cenote
If you’re short on time and want to see a lot of cenotes in one trip, Kantun-Chi is the place to go. The first is Cenote Kantun-chi (which means yellow stone mouth in Mayan).
Here you will find some of the best cenote/stalactite combinations. It is totally worth it!!!!!
8 – Crystalline Cenote
Located about 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Cenote Cristalino, in addition to being incredibly beautiful, has a platform from which you can jump from about 5 meters.
It has good facilities: bathrooms, bar, tables to eat and free parking. This cenote is very crowded, so it is not advisable to visit it on Sundays.
9 – Cenote TajMa Ha
It is located 25 km south of Playa del Carmen. It stands out for having a large number of stalactites and stalagmites that produce fantastic plays of light and formation of figures.
It is open from 10 am to 6 pm. It has a parking area, restaurants and tables to have a snack if you bring your own food.
10 – Cenote Chac Mool
Located approximately 22 km south of Playa del Carmen, it is one of the busiest beaches in the Riviera Maya and is large and 14 m deep, with an impressive underwater world.
Its main attraction is the possibility it offers of viewing the magical effect that occurs when fresh water and salt water filtered from the sea meet.
It remains open from 10am to 17pm. It offers bathrooms, parking and a restaurant.
Cenotes in Tulum
Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Tulum is an excellent place to visit during your vacation. This destination is famous mainly for its spectacular beaches and archaeological sites, but also for its beautiful cenotes.
11 – Cenote Dos Ojos
Formed by two cenotes very close to each other and connected by underground caves, it is one of the most popular cenotes near Tulum. The Dos Ojos cenote attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.
These caves are not many meters deep and some parts of them can be explored using only a snorkel. It is world famous for cave diving.
Dos Ojos cenote is the third river in a large underground system that is 57 km long and 24 meters deep.
If you’re wondering how to get to Cenote Dos Ojos, the easiest way is from Tulum. It’s open every day from 8:00 am to 18:00 pm and has excellent facilities. This is definitely one of the best cenotes in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
12 – Grand Cenote
This is one of the most recognized and visited cenotes in Tulum, located on the route to the ruins of Cobá.
It has a depth of 10m and crystal clear waters perfect for diving and snorkeling. If you don't have snorkeling equipment don't worry, you can rent it for a reasonable price. It has parking services and public restrooms.
13 – Cenote Car Wash
The Carwash cenote, also known as Aktun Ha, is located 8 km from Tulum. It is 50m in diameter and 3m deep. It also has a platform about 2m high for you to jump into its crystal clear waters.
With snorkeling gear, you can see stalactite formations, turtles, and fish. The cenote is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is one of the best cenotes in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
14 – Calavera Cenote
The Calavera cenote gets its name from three holes that resemble a human skull. This semi-open cenote is in the middle of the jungle, so you will have to walk 100 meters from the parking lot to the entrance of the cenote. It is worth the walk!!!
15 – Cenote Tak Be Ha
Located just a few minutes from Tulum, the Tak Be Ha cenote is in a cave that you enter through a small hole.
Upon entering, you will find an impressive chamber of crystal clear, warm water, where many people take the opportunity to dive and where you can admire various stalagmite and stalactite formations, making your visit to the site unforgettable.
Tips for visiting cenotes
- Bring a swimsuit and comfortable clothes
- If you don't like crowds, avoid Sundays and holidays.
- Bring your own food, as most offer snack areas and, in addition, food in cenotes is not usually very cheap.
- Protect the environment and before you leave, deposit all your trash in the available bins.
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If you want more information about the cenotes in the Rivera Maya, leave your comment here or write directly to Mexico Guide Instagram.
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