An Insider’s Guide to Cenote Oxman, Valladolid, Mexico

Planning to visit some cenotes during your trip to the Yucatan Peninsula? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Cenote Oxman, one of the best cenotes in Yucatan.

Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is full of magic. Whether it’s through local culture, gastronomy or the natural gems hidden in the jungle, this enchanting area never fails to keep visitors coming back for more.

One of the top draws is Yucatan’s beautiful cenotes and Cenote Oxman Valladolid is easily one of the most magical. Cenote Oxman’s crystal-clear waters and ancient rock formations tell a tale of geological marvels and cultural significance, as well as provide visitors with a chance to experience one of Yucatan’s gems.

Cenote Oxman continues to be one of my favourite cenotes in the area (after visiting 20+ cenotes) and I can’t recommend it more. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about visiting San Lorenzo Oxman cenote in this complete travel guide.

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What is a Cenote?

If you’re planning a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula for the first time, this might be the first you’ve heard of a cenote. So, what are cenotes? Cenotes are freshwater-filled limestone sinkholes, typically originating from the collapse of the bedrock beneath, revealing groundwater in rugged, rocky pools.

Characterised by crystal clear waters, cenotes boast unique rock formations and, at times, are surrounded by jungle landscapes. Each cenote possesses its distinct features, making them individually unique.

Some cenotes are large enough for swimming, while others remain hidden underground and inaccessible to the public. Access to these natural wonders varies, with some being open-air and others reachable through ladders or stone staircases descending into the depths.

There are between 6,000 and 10,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, each holding cultural significance for the local Mayan population. Today they are popular places for visitors to explore and swim.

Throughout Yucatan, you’ll find three main types of cenotes; covered cenotes, open cenotes or a mix of both.

There are many popular cenotes near Cancun as well as many other cenotes near Tulum, Valladolid and Merida too.

Cenotes, due to their uniqueness to the region, are an absolute must-visit when visiting the Riviera Maya and Yucatan.

Where is Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman?

Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman is located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico near the town of Valladolid.

Valladolid is a rather small town but it’s close to many other popular hot spots on the Yucatan Peninsula such as Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Merida, Chichen Itza and Cancun.

Cenote Oxman is located about 10 minutes by car from Valladolid, or about 30 minutes by bicycle.

It’s also worth noting that Cenote Oxman Valladolid is actually located on a private property or hacienda, called Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman. For this reason, you might see the Cenote also being referred to as Cenote San Lorenzo (Oxman).

How to Get to San Lorenzo Oxman?

To get to Cenote Oxman you’ll need to first get to Hacienda San Lorenzo. There are many different ways to get to the Hacienda San Lorenzo from each of the popular hot spots in Yucatan or the Riviera Maya.

How to Get to Cenote Oxman from Valladolid?

The best way to get to Cenote Oxman from Valladolid is to drive or take a taxi. Renting a car isn’t possible in Valladolid so you’ll need to rent one in Cancun, Merida, Playa del Carmen or Tulum. Renting a car will give you more freedom to explore other Yucatan attractions and it will allow you to get to Cenote Oxman Yucatan easily.

If you want to take a taxi make sure to arrange the price before hopping in. It’s also a good idea to arrange your return trip as no taxis will be waiting outside Hacienda Oxman cenote when you leave.

It’s also possible to rent a scooter or a bicycle in Valladolid and bike to this Valladolid cenote. This is what I did the first time I visited and it was very doable.

How to Get to Cenote Oxman from Tulum?

From Tulum, the best way to get to Cenote Hacienda Oxman is by car rental. Check here for the best car rental rates from Tulum.

Otherwise, you can negotiate a rate with a local taxi driver but this will be much more expensive than renting a car. It will however allow you to make a day of it and you can stop in other sights along the way too.

Another option is to take the ADO bus from Tulum to Valladolid which is very cost-efficient and easy. Tickets cost around 150 pesos one way. From the bus station in Valladolid, you can continue by taxi.

Otherwise, there are plenty of great tours from Tulum to Cenote Oxman. Many include some other stops along the way like Chichen Itza and Valladolid so you’d definitely be getting a lot for your money.

Here are some of the best tours from Tulum:

How to Get to Cenote Oxman from Cancun?

Much like from Tulum, the best way to get to Cenote Oxman is by car. Driving from Cancun to Cenote Omman takes just under 2 hours. It’s also possible to arrange a trip with a local taxi driver.

From Cancun, you can also take the ADO bus to Valladolid and take a taxi from the bus station to arrive at Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman. Tickets cost 280 pesos on average.

If you prefer to take the hassle out of getting to Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman you can also take a tour from Cancun.

Here are some of the best tours from Cancun:

Hours and Costs at Cenote Oxman

Hours (Horarios)

Cenote Oxman is currently open from 7 am until 5 pm, 7 days per week.

I highly recommend visiting as early as you can as this cenote is no longer a hidden gem. Many tours pass through Cenote Oxman so to make the most of your visit you’ll want to get here before the crowds.

I’ve visited Cenote Oxman Mexico twice, both times arriving as soon as it opened. There is something truly magical about this spot first thing in the morning as birds and bats flutter in and out of the cracks in the side of the cenote. It’s very peaceful.

Price (Precio)

There are a few different ticket options for Oxman Cenote. The standard Cenote Oxman entrance fee is 150 pesos which includes just the entrance to the cenote.

You can also pay the price of 250 MXN which will give you access to the cenote as well as a 50 peso voucher to spend at the Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman restaurant. If you’re coming over for a day trip, this is a great option as you can have lunch here too by the pool after visiting the cenote.

While some cenotes in Yucatan charge a camera fee, at the time of writing, Cenote Oxman does not charge a camera fee, which also includes the use of DSLRs.

Make sure to bring cash as cards are not accepted.

What to Expect at Cenote Oxman

Once you arrive at Hacienda Lorenzo Oxman, you’ll soon see that Cenote Oxman isn’t the only attraction here. While it’s definitely the highlight, there’s also a restaurant, pool, hammock area as well as a changing/bathroom area.

Hacienda Lorenzo Oxman also has simple accommodations too, in case you want to stay the night and make the most out of an early start at the cenote.

Swimming at Cenote Oxman

Cenote Oxman is a completely open-air cenote. Upon arrival, you’ll need to descend down a staircase to get to the water’s edge. There are spots where you can leave your belongings before jumping in.

The water in Cenote Oxman is a deep azure blue color and you’ll see many black catfish swimming around- they are harmless. Tree roots hang down into the water and light beams enter the cenote on a clear day.

You can jump into the water from the wooden platform or walk down to go for a swim. The water is super clear, and refreshing and light beams often enter it.

I highly recommend bringing a mask/snorkel so you can have a look at what’s below the surface. Bringing a GoPro or underwater camera is also a great idea to capture it all.

Note that since a few years ago, life jackets are now mandatory for swimming in the cenotes.

Cenote Oxman is also one of the few Yucatan cenotes with a rope swing and it’s what makes visiting this cenote so fun. You can grab hold of the swing and propel yourself straight across the water before jumping in.

Dining and Pool Area at Cenote Oxman

Cenote Oxman also has a pool and poolside restaurant. There isn’t much space to relax immediately around the cenote itself, so this is a nice spot in the sunshine to chill afterwards. You can order food or drinks here and just relax poolside in the sunshine.

The restaurant offers many local Mexican specialities including the longaniza, the famous sausage from Valladolid as well as guacamole, quesadillas, salads and sandwiches. It’s not the best food you’ll find in Valladolid but it is decent and well priced.

There’s also a really nice hammock area for those who just want to get out a book and relax for a while.

What to Bring to Cenote Oxman

As you’ll be doing a lot of swimming and relaxing there are a few things not to forget. Here’s the essential list of what to pack when visiting Hacienda Cenote Oxman.

↠ Swimsuit– It would be a real shame not to go for a swim in the crystal clear azure water. Jumping in from the rope swing is also super fun.

↠ Waterproof sandals/flip flops – You’re going to need to leave your shoes on the side of the cenote where things are generally pretty wet. You want to have a good pair of sandals or flip flips you don’t mind getting wet.

↠Camera/GoPro – Cenote Oxman is stunning so don’t foegt your camera to take photos of it (from inside as well as from the top looking in). A wide-angle lens like mine here is really useful for taking pictures of the whole cenote. A GoPro is also super handy for taking photos underwater.

↠ Quickdry Towel – An absolute must to dry yourself off during between swims.

↠ Cover-up – Super useful for walking around the hacienda and between the cenote and the pool and restaurant area.

↠ Book – Ideal for when relaxing by the pool

↠ Cash – Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman is cash only so make sure to bring enough.

Cenote Oxman provides you with bathrooms, showers and changing rooms.

Where to Stay near Cenote Oxman, Mexico

Generally, most visitors stay in Valladolid and visit the San Lorenzo Oxman cenote from there. I highly recommend visiting and staying in Valladolid at least for a couple of nights because it’s a beautiful little local town in itself with plenty to see around it. Here are some of our top picks for where to stay.

Le Muuch Hotel Boutique – A beautiful traditional building in Valladolid surrounded by jungle gardens, beautiful nooks and a lovely pool. Rooms are comfortable with traditional Mexican elements. Check availability and book here.

Hotel Zentik Project – For one of the most unique experiences in Valladolid head to Zentik. Located towards the outskirts of the town, the adults-only hotel has two swimming pools, one of which is saline and located in an underground cave, a spa, top-notch restaurant, a hammock area and private cabins located amongst lush jungle foliage. Need more convincing? Didn’t think so. Book it here.

Hotel Sutuk – Relaxing boutique hotel in a chic jungle setting. Their outdoor pool is a great place to relax. Rooms are spacious and design-forward. Book your stay here.

Do you have any questions about visiting Cenote Oxman? Let me know in the comments below.

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