6 Incredible Valladolid Cenotes You Simply Must Visit
One of the biggest draws to the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico is without doubt cenotes and the cenotes near Valladolid are some of the best in the state.
Cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes found only in this area of Central America. While cenotes are located all over Yucatan and Quintana Roo, some of the most beautiful are just outside of the gorgeous colonial town of Valladolid.
These Valladolid cenotes are so close to the town that many can be visited by bicycle, an easy 20-minute ride from the centre of Valladolid.
With so many to choose from you could stay here for days, visiting just the Valladolid cenotes, however, after visiting many myself I’ve chosen which I think are the most unique and stunning ones in the area, saving you the time and hassle.
*This Valladolid cenote post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you.
Some of the best cenotes in Valladolid are located almost entirely underground, with only a single hole at the top to let light in, while others are completely open. Not only is swimming in these natural pools refreshing after a long day of exploring, but cenotes are also a stunning testament to nature.
Many of the open ones will have tree roots, branches and leaves, dangling over the sides of the sinkhole and falling into the abyss below, creating a sort of waterfall of foliage. Add the calming sound of dripping water and the stillness of these amazing formations if you manage to catch them without the crowds, you have an unforgettable experience unlikely to be relived anywhere else in the world.
Contents
Getting Around
Bicycle – Most of the cenotes mentioned in this post are easily reached from Valladolid by bicycle with the exception of Cenote IkKil and Suytun. Cenote IkKil is simply too far (next to Chichen Itza) and I guess it is possible to cycle the 16km round trip to Suytun if you are feeling adventurous.
Bicycles can be rented from many hostels and stores in the centre of Valladolid. I recommend Go Yucatan tours, located just behind the main cathedral, which have a variety of different kinds of bikes available to rent by the hour or day.
Scooter/Motorbike – If you prefer to save your legs, another option is scooter rental. Scooter Rent Valladolid on Calle 41 rent cute, Vespa-like scooters for the day and by the hour. It does involve some riding on the highway but around Valladolid, they aren’t too busy. I reached Cenote Suytun by scooter.
Unfortunately at the time of writing, there was no car hire in Valladolid. The nearest place to hire a car would be Tulum, Cancun or Merida.
A great way to visit Valladolid and its amazing cenotes is to come by rental car. If you’re looking for a great rental agency with competitive rates and great service make sure to check out Discover Cars.
Click here to get a quote for your trip.
Read more: The Ultimate Valladolid Travel Guide here.
Tips for Visiting Cenotes
↠ If you’re interested in taking good photos bring a tripod, especially to the cave cenotes. Due to the lack of light, you’ll have to slow down your shutter speed to take a great photo and to avoid blurry images definitely use a tripod. If you don’t have one I highly recommend the Manfrotto Element.
↠ Facilities vary, however, all cenotes have bathrooms and changing rooms, others have picnic facilities and even restaurants. It may sound obvious but don’t forget your towel, swimwear and spare clothes. You might also want to bring a dry bag from your valuables as sometimes there are no lockers and the surrounding area immediately next to the cenote are often wet. Get one here.
↠ As a general rule, the earlier you visit the fewer people there will be. For a more peaceful and potentially more authentic experience, I’d recommend getting to each cenote as early as you can or even better, for when they open.
↠ As of 2021, it’s now mandatory per government regulation to wear a life jacket while swimming in cenotes. In some cenotes this is included in the ticket price and in others, they will charge you extra for a life jacket if you want to swim.
The Best Valladolid Cenotes
CENOTE OXMAN
This dreamy cenote was probably my favourite of all the Valladolid cenotes.
Located on an old ranch, which has now been converted into a relaxing picnic area and restaurant, Cenote Oxman is one of the largest open cenotes around.
What makes this one truly unique though is the number of vines and tree roots hanging down into the water. With the deep blue colour of the water, speckled with harmless black catfish and the sounds of the birds and bats above, it’s a jaw-droppingly beautiful place.
This cenote also has a platform and a rope swing (one of the only ones in the area) which you can swing off into the water for some extra fun. For a truly magical experience, arrive when it opens at 8 am. I had it all to myself and the eery silence, echoes and peace made it magical.
Price: 150 pesos (for cenotes only), 250 pesos (for pool and restaurant)
Hours: 8am-5pm
CENOTE XKEKEN & SAMULA
Cenotes Xke’Ken and Samula are both located in the same complex, right next to each other.
You can buy tickets for one or the other but I would definitely recommend both. Cenote Xkeken and Cenote Samula are both cave cenotes in Valladolid and each one has a large hole at the top allowing for light to stream through.
Cenote Samula is much bigger with crystal clear water which turns a darker and deeper blue the deeper the water gets.
While X’keKen is smaller, it’s very much about the cave itself rather than the water. Notice all the amazing stalactites and columns of limestone formed over millions of years. A swim in both is a must, even just to cool off and enjoy the fresh water.
Make sure to bring a tripod here for photography as they are both dark inside.
Price: $80 pesos for one cenote, 125 pesos for both
Hours: 9am-6pm
CENOTE SUYTUN
So, you’ve probably seen this cenote on Instagram a hundred times already and but it’s exactly what it’s cracked up to be and more- in fact, the photos on Instagram probably don’t do it justice.
Cenote Suytun is the one with the stone platform jutting out into the water and at a certain time of day, it gets illuminated by a shaft of light coming in from the opening above.
It’s an incredibly photogenic cenote but also one where you can feel the hundreds of years of history that it has.
Swim in the cool, placid blue waters, relax and take it all in. If you want to catch the cenote when the light beam hits the platform make sure to come at around midday on a sunny, clear day.
This is the busiest time however and if you want to get some great shots on the platform without having to wait, it’s best to visit first thing in the morning, when it opens at 9 am.
* In 2020 a number of hurricanes and tropical storms tore through the Yucatan Peninsula, raising the groundwater level in the area. As a result of this, this platform is now underwater. It still makes for great photos though.
Price: $150 pesos
Hours: 9am-5pm
