Best Cenotes to Visit Near Valladolid

Arguably, cenotes are the best kept secret of the Yucatán Peninsula. Cenotes are Beautiful but full of mystery and magic at the same time. Sheltered by the jungle, swimming in a cenote is an adventure you don’t want to miss while visiting the Yucatán Pensinsula. There are several cenotes to visit near Valladolid, a handful are within 30 min of town, while one is right in the middle of the city! Understanding what kind of cenotes you want to visit will make your cenote itinerary easier. Here are the best cenotes to visit near Valladolid.

What Are Cenotes

First things first, what are cenotes? Cenotes are natural pits, or sinkholes, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater. In fact, cenotes were formed after the impact of the astroid that supposedly annihilated the dinosaurs; these cenotes appear along the Chicxulub impact crater. Another thing that makes them more out of this world, are the stalactites and stalagmites that adorn some cenotes. For clarification, stalactites are mineral formations that hang from the ceiling of a cave, while stalagmites are mineral deposits that grow from the cave floor. They are truly a magical experience, making cenotes a unique and MUST DO item when visiting the Yucatán Peninsula. There are different types of cenotes which include:

Open Cenotes – Are older cenotes where the vault collapsed. They usually have beautiful greenery and plants growing from the top down through the sides of the cenote.
Semi Open Cenotes – Are middle-aged cenotes, where usually a part is already out in the open and may be connected with cenotes.
Cave Cenotes – Are cenotes that have a vault at the top. They are the younger cenotes and their color varies from emerald green to intense blue and can be seen through the holes in its vault.

These deep blue and turquoise pools of mystery leave tourists feeling mesmerized, and they also had a big impact on the Maya culture,

Cenotes and Maya Culture

In fact, cenotes were of great importance to Mayan culture and have been a symbol of duality since they represented life and death. In Mayan culture, cenotes were considered to be a gateway to the underworld or the world of the dead, called Xibalbá. Because of this, offerings to the gods and ancestors were often thrown into the cenotes. As a matter of fact, the scientists and research divers have discovered the oldest bones in the Americas (9,900 years old) to be of a 13 year old girl.

There a variety of cenotes near Valladolid, here are 8 of the best cenotes to visit near valladolid.

Here are 9 of the Best Cenotes to Visit Near Valladolid

Cenote Zaci

Naturally, we’ll start with the cenote that is located in the heart of Valladolid, Cento Zaci! Cenote Xaci happens to be an open cenote. It’s literally in the middle of the city, and you’d almost miss it if you weren’t paying attention. This cenote is a little more busy than the others, but still an incredible place to explore. There is a capacity limit in this cenote, and sometimes depending on how busy it is, there is a wait. You can put your name down with your party size and wait near by or explore the area. We had a 40 min wait ahead of us so we decided to put our name down and go to the Mercado near by to do some shopping. We got back just in time for our reservation.

Entrance fee/Person: $60 Mxn Pesos ($3.50 USD)

Distance from Valladolid: 0 miles (0 km)

Foot Traffic Rating: 2 out of 3 – Not too busy cenote

Cenote X'Canche

Next up, Cenote X’Canche is a 5 min bicylcle ride from Ek Balam. I recommend visiting Ek Balam first then taking the bicycle ride to Cenote X’Canche. It adds to the experience, plus the bike rental is included in the cenote entrance fee. This cenote was equipped with a shower, locker area and life vests. The entrance to the cenote comes with a life vest and lock for your locker.

There is an impressive wooden stairway at the circumference of the cenote that leads down to the water. Along the walk down on the stairway, there are several planks to jump from. This cenote also had a small zip line that you could use to jump into the water. There was also an area to swing in with a rope about 20 ft above the cenote. Overall, this cenote was a little busier than the other cenotes we visited but it was still so much fun. The energy of this cenote was playful and it was entertaining to watch the different people attempt cool back flips from the planks. If you are already planning on visiting Ek Balam, I recommend that you make at minimum 40 min to explore the cenote.

Entrance fee/Person: $170 Mxn Pesos ($10 USD)

Distance from Valladolid: 18 miles (29 km)

Foot Traffic Rating: 2 out of 3 – Not too busy cenote

Secreto Maya Cenote

Located north of Valladolid, Cenote Secreto Maya is off the beaten path and provides a much intimate experience compared to popular cenotes like Cenote Suytun or Cenote Ik Il. This cenote felt the most spiritual in my opinion. The moment we started to walk into the cenote the energy of this place felt powerful and mysterious. There are 3 platforms to jump from in this cenote increasing in height from 15 ft, 20 ft and 30 ft. When I first jumped in this cenote, the water was a bit colder and it felt super deep. Upon doing some research, I realized the depth of this cenote is an impressive 80 meters deep! We enjoyed this cenote to ourselves for the majority of our time here.

This cenote is unique because it part of the Hotel Cenote Secreto Maya. If you’re looking for a quiet and restorative place to vacation that is off the beaten path, this is it. The hotel also offers a Temescal spa experience and other unique offers.

Entrance fee/Person: $150 Mxn Pesos ($9 USD)

Distance from Valladolid: 21 miles (34 km)

Foot Traffic Rating: 1 out of 3 – Tranquil and intimate cenote

Cenote Xcanahaltun

Cenote Xcanahaltun is an extremely impressive semi open cave cenote! The entrance to the cenote is a tiny spiral wooden staircase that starts at ground level and goes down into a cave! This was my favorite cenote to visit, plus since it’s off the beaten path, we had it all to our selves for the most part. The stalactites were extremely impressive structures, especially when swimming right under them. These formations of stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling were both majestic and out of this world. The water in this cenote was a turquoise blue and radiated when sunshine streaks beamed in from the whole in the vault.

Entrance fee/Person: $200 Mxn Pesos ($12 USD)

Distance from Valladolid: 18 miles (29 km)

Foot Traffic Rating: 1 out of 3 – Tranquil and intimate cenote

Cenote Oxman

Cenote Oxman is a local cenote located just outside Valladolid. It’s found 4 miles (7 km) just outside the city and is part of Hacienda San Lorenzo. Cenote Oxman is equipped with a rope swing and has beautiful vines growing down that circumference of the cenotes. It also happens to have a restaurant near the cenote.

Entrance fee/Person: $150 Mxn Pesos ($7.50 USD)

Distance from Valladolid: 4 miles (7 km)

Foot Traffic Rating: 2 out of 3 – Not too busy cenote

Cenote Suytun

You’ve probably seen this cenote circling social media as cenote Suytun is one of the most visited cenotes. Cenote Suytun is a cave cenote and is more shallow than most cenotes. Many people take a day trip from Tulum or Playa del Carmen to visit this beautiful cenote. And luckily, its only 5 miles (8.4 km) from Valladolid. Due to it’s popularity, I recommend visiting during weekdays and early in the day to avoid the large tour groups.

Entrance fee/Person: $150 Mxn Pesos ($7.50 USD)

Distance from Valladolid: 5 miles (8.4 km)

Foot Traffic Rating: 3 out of 3 – Higher foot traffic cenote

Cenote Saamal

Cenote Saamal is a stunning open cenote at the Hacienda Selva Maya. This deep sink hole (40m) deep is great for swimming, with a majestic cascade falling from above. The walls are adorned with vibrant greenery and make for a picturesque swim. Since this cenote is at the Hacienda Selva Maya, there are more amenities in the proximity like zip lining, restaurants, tequila tasting, etc. It won’t be as intimate and tranquil as other off the beaten path cenotes but is still a wonderful experience. Again, it’s up to your preference in what you are looking for. You have the option to purchase just the entrance fee or a package deal including a buffet for $400 Mxn pesos. If you plan to swim for a while around noon, then it may work out perfectly to stay at the Haciendo for food.

Entrance fee/Person: $150 Mxn Pesos ($9USD)

Distance from Valladolid: 5 miles (8.4 km)

Foot Traffic Rating: 2 out of 3 – Not too busy cenote

Cenote Samula and Cenote Xkeken

I grouped these 2 cenotes together due to their proximity to one another. Cenote Samula and Cenote Xkeken are considered cave cenotes. Cave cenotes are also considered young cenotes since they have an intact vault with minimal wholes in the ceiling.

Cenote Xkeken entrance fee is 80 Pesos for adults and 50 Pesos for children. However, if you can combine entrance fees with Cenote Samula, the cost is 125 Pesos for adults or 80 Pesos for children.

Entrance fee/Person: $80 Mxn Pesos ($5 USD)

Distance from Valladolid: 4 miles (7 km)

Foot Traffic Rating: 2 out of 3 – Not too busy cenote

Cenote Ik Il

Cenote Ik Il is an open cenote. Since cenote Ik Il is near Chichen Itza, it tends to get more crowded with people doing their day trips to the archeological site of Chichen Itza. But don’t let that discourage you, it’s still a gorgeous and mesmerizing cenote to visit. It’s a great cenote to cool down in after a long day of walking around Chichen Itza. I hosted my bachelorette party in Merida and we took a private tour guide to Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Il as a day trip. It was a lot of fun, but it was a lot more crowded than the other cenotes that we visited near Valladolid.

This cenote was equipped with a showers and a locker area Life jackets in this cenote are mandatory. Renting a locker is an additional cost and not included in the entrance fee.

Entrance fee/Person: $80 Mxn pesos ($5 USD)

Distance from Valladolid: 25 miles (40 km)

Foot Traffic Rating: 3 out of 3 – Higher foot traffic cenote

General Tips When Visiting Cenotes

Cenotes are a gift from the earth to enjoy and marvel at, and it’s our responsibility as visitors to ensure that we keep these beautiful sites protected and safe. In order to preserve the beauty and ecosystem of the cenotes, you’ll have to rinse off before getting into the cenotes. Make sure to bring plenty of water, comfortable shoes, a towel, change of clothes and organic mosquito repellant and sunscreen to apply after the centote. Mosquito repellant, sunscreen hair products or any other products used can harm the fishes in the cenote and negatively impact the ecosystem.

Summary Best Cenotes to Visit Near Valladolid

While there are tons of things to do in Valladolid, visiting a cenote is a MUST when in the Yucatán Peninsula. They are beautiful while being full of mystery and magic at the same time. There are several different types of cenotes near Valladolid. It just depends on what kind of cenote and experience you are looking for. Whether you’re looking to enjoy cenotes in the company of other visitors surrounded in a fun uplifting atmosphere or you’re looking for a more tranquil and intimate cenote experience, I hope this guide helped you find the perfect cenotes for you!

Which cenote are you most excited about visiting? Feel free to leave a comment below.

If you’re looking for how to travel in the Yucatán peninsula, check out these blog posts:

How to get to Isla Holbox
Things to do in Isla Holbox
How to Celebrate New Year’s Even in Isla Holbox
Ek Balam and Cenote Hopping Itinerary
How to Take a Day trip to Chichen Itza
How to Celebrate Christmas in Valladolid, Mexico
Things to do in Valladolid, Mexico
Best Day Trips from Valladolid Mexico

What Are Cenotes

Cenotes and Maya Culture