Cenotes Near Chichen Itza
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Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most famous and popular cenotes in the Yucatan. This deep, open-top, cylindrical cenote is conveniently located near Chichen Itza, making it a prime stop for bus tours. It has been well developed for tourism, making it a safe and family-friendly option. It is recommended to visit early in the day to avoid crowds.
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Yokdzonot Cenote is a large open cylinder cenote with blue-green water located about 25 minutes west of Chichen Itza. The town's elders decided to clean up the cenote and promote it to tourists to bring revenue to the community. It is a less crowded option with a small fee of 80 pesos.
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Cenote Chihuán is an underground cave cenote that is only accessible from a local farm. This option is not as touristy and requires visitors to drive themselves. The clear blue waters are illuminated by white lights, creating a unique and peaceful experience. It is about a 50-minute drive west of Chichen Itza.
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Tsukan is a recently opened private cenote that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of a spectacular cave cenote with turquoise water. Located just 20 minutes from Chichen Itza, Tsukan is a great option for those who want to escape the crowds. The park has interpretative paths and great facilities including a restaurant, ice cream bar, showers, and bathrooms. However, the platform to access the cenote is small, making it unsuitable for big groups.
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Cenote Kax Ek is a huge cenote located 40 minutes from Chichen Itza and 30 minutes from Valladolid. Although the water may not seem transparent at first, it becomes clearer once you are inside, depending on the weather. The cenote is quite isolated but offers all the facilities you need, including showers, changing rooms, toilets, and a tidy and clean environment. If you're uncomfortable driving alone in the middle of nowhere, rest assured that guards are there to ensure your safety.
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Another beautiful cenote near Chichen Itza is Cenote Lol Ha, located in the town of Yaxuna. This open cenote offers easy access to the water, with a couple of platforms for the more adventurous who love to jump into the underworld. While you're there, take some time to appreciate the authentic Mayan community that surrounds the cenote.
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There are two cenotes located within the archeological site of Chichen Itza. The first, Cenote Xcolot, is barely visible and almost abandoned, but is still worth checking out if you're in the area. The other, the Sacred Cenote (cenote Sagrado), is more popular and fits very well within the majestic complex of the ancient Mayan city. Although swimming is not allowed in the Sacred Cenote, it is a beautiful site that was used for both ceremonial purposes and as a water well by the Mayans. It's believed that the cenote was particularly used for human sacrifices.
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FAQs
What are cenotes?
Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with crystal clear water found in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The cenotes near Chichen Itza are particularly noteworthy due to their proximity to the famous Mayan archeological site of Chichen Itza. These cenotes offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and cultural significance of the area.
How far are the cenotes from Chichen Itza?
The distance between Chichen Itza and the nearby cenotes varies depending on which one you want to visit. Some cenotes, such as Cenote Ik Kil, are located within a short driving distance of the archeological site, while others like Cenote Kax Ek are located further away, at around 40 minutes drive.
What are the facilities like at the cenotes near Chichen Itza?
The facilities at the cenotes near Chichen Itza vary depending on the location. Some cenotes have well-developed facilities, such as Cenote Ik Kil, which offers a restaurant, ice cream bar, showers, and bathrooms, while others are more basic, such as Cenote Chihuán, which is accessible from a local farm and offers only minimal facilities.
Are the cenotes near Chichen Itza safe to swim in?
Yes, the cenotes near Chichen Itza are generally safe to swim in, but it's always important to be aware of the depth and currents of the water before diving in. Some cenotes have lifeguards on duty, while others do not, so it's important to exercise caution when swimming in any natural body of water.
Can you visit the cenotes near Chichen Itza without a guide?
Yes, it's possible to visit the cenotes near Chichen Itza without a guide, but it's important to do your research ahead of time to ensure you know how to get there and what to expect. Some cenotes are easier to find than others, and some may require a bit of hiking or navigating narrow paths to access.
What is the best time to visit the cenotes near Chichen Itza?
The best time to visit the cenotes near Chichen Itza is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. During this time, the water in the cenotes is generally clearer and the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities. However, it's still possible to visit the cenotes during the rainy season, but the water may be murkier and the paths may be more slippery.
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