One of the best things to do in Yucatan is swim in cenotes, and some of the best cenotes in Mexico are located at an easy distance from the lovely Valladolid, an incredibly chilled colonial town from where you can easily access the ruins of Chichen Itza – but also so much more!
I fell in love with cenotes the first time I visited Mexico, and the first ones I saw were actually Valladolid cenotes. I have been back many times since that first visit, and never miss a chance to swim in a cenote.
With so many cenotes near Valladolid, picking which one to visit can be quite a task.
So, I thought I’d help you select the best Valladolid cenotes and narrow down the choice. But why are there so many cenotes near Valladolid?
What Are Cenotes?
Cenotes are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, so don’t worry if you’ve never heard of them before.
Cenotes are underwater caves or chambers filled with fresh groundwater. They are exposed sinkholes or natural pits made from limestone. There are over 6,000 cenotes around Mexico, and likely even more undiscovered ones.
Cenotes were also very important in Mayan culture. Not only was it sometimes the main freshwater source for the ancient civilization nearby, but they were also thought to be the entrance to “Xibalba,” or the underworld.
There are three main types of cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula:
CLOSED CENOTES – These are the youngest cenotes; they usually only have one opening at the top, letting through some sunlight. They can be accessed through passages, caves, or tunnels. You can often see plenty of stalactites and stalagmites. Dos Ojos near Playa del Carmen and Tulum is a good example.
SEMI-OPEN CENOTES – These are some of the most popular cenotes in Mexico. They can usually be identified by a large circular opening at the top and a deep drop down into a round freshwater swimming pool. They are like cavern cenotes but not so suffocating. Cenote Zaci in the center of Valladolid is a good example.
OPEN CENOTES – These cenotes feel like a beautiful lake or pond in the middle of a jungle. They are still fed by the same freshwater cave system as the other cenotes, but the exterior has been broken down or collapsed to make less of a cave feeling. Cenote Eden near Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular open cenotes.
Each cenote has a completely different experience, so I recommend trying to visit several different types!
Why Are There So Many Cenotes Near Valladolid?
The area around Valladolid is a particularly good spot for cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. That’s because of the Chicxulub Crater. This huge impact crater was formed when an enormous asteroid hit the Earth more than 66 million years ago.
It’s theorized that this is the meteor impact that caused the mass extinction of 75% of Earth’s plant and animal species, including the non-avian dinosaurs.
The Anillo de Cenotes – or “Ring of Cenotes” – is the result of that massive impact. Many of the cenotes are thought to have been caused by subsidence following the huge impact.
To see many protected examples of these cenotes, head to the Reserva Estatal Geohidrológica Anillo de Cenotes.
The Best Valladolid Cenotes
Cenote Zaci
Cenote Zaci is by far the easiest cenote to reach in Valladolid – and that’s because you’ll find it almost in the middle of the city itself! In fact, Cenote Zaci is just two blocks from the main square in the city, so it’s super easy to reach on foot or by bicycle.
Popular with locals and visitors alike, this cenote is actually quite large – 80 feet (24 meters) in diameter (and 330 feet -that’s 100.5 meters- deep) – so there’s room for everybody.
It’s perfect for when you want to cool off after a hot day of exploring Valladolid. Trust me: if you’re in Valladolid, you’ll probably want to go more than once.
Cenote Zaci is a lush spot, a semi-open cenote with the benefits of both jungle scenery and stalactites. There’s even a restaurant and terrace to hang out on.
Cenote X’keken
Cenote X’keken is probably one of the most famous Valladolid cenotes. It’s very close to the city, and reachable via car in about 15 minutes (or by bike in 45). Translated as “pig”, X’keken is a cave cenote with amazing rock formations and stalactites that create an otherworldly landscape deep underground.
One of the most eye-catching parts of this cenote is the hole in the roof, which allows light to filter through, creating an eerie atmosphere with the gleaming turquoise water. It’s also illuminated by lights, so even though it’s deep underground (accessed via a narrow, winding staircase), you’ll be able to see what you’re doing!
If you want a guided tour to visit this cenote, I recommend this Go Maya By Bike in Valladolid – This is an excellent guided tour of Valladolid and the local area around it. It includes a stop at Cenote X’keken, the village of Chichimilia, Mercado Municipal, and Dzitnup.
Cenote Samula
Next door to Cenote X’keken is Cenote Samula – a smaller but still stunning cave cenote. Like its neighbor, Samula also has a hole in the roof, though it’s larger, allowing not only light to filter through and dance on the blue water but also letting vines from the jungle droop down. With rock formations and stalactites, too, it’s an eye-catching scene.
With a combination ticket, you can visit both Cenote X’keken and Samula (costing slightly more than a single ticket), making for a fantastic day trip from Valladolid. Cenote Samula is fairly shallow, so you can easily see fish swimming around your feet as you float in the turquoise waters.
Once again, I recommend the Go Maya By Bike in Valladolid – This same bike tour around Valladolid includes stopping at both Cenote Samula and Cenote X’keken. Because these cenotes are semi-attached to one another, most tours will visit both.
Cenote Oxman
This cenote is situated on the grounds of Hacienda San Lorenzo (sometimes called Hacienda Cenote Oxman because of the sinkhole pool itself), and it’s one of the most beautiful cenotes near Valladolid. It’s an underground cenote with a magical mix of jungle scenery dripping into the cave from a large opening.
Located a short drive north from Valladolid, the hacienda is also stunning – a pastel pink 18th-century building, once home to the owners of an agave plantation that was situated here. On its grounds is Cenote Oxman.
Enter the cenote via a winding staircase, and you’ll be deep underground at the edges of this bright blue swimming hole. As the roof is open to the sky, it’s filled with natural light. For extra fun, you can use the swing rope here and jump right into the water!
Cenote Oxman is one of the lesser-known cenotes near Valladolid, so there aren’t many tours. You can easily take a 10-minute taxi ride to Hacienda Oxman, however. Or you can stay at Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman for a night or two! There are only a few small rooms, and you’ll get early access to the cenote and complete use of the pool, bar, and restaurant!
Cenote Hubiku
Another underground cave cenote, this one is situated between Valladolid and the Ek Balam Mayan ruins. Because of its location, Cenote Hubiku is a popular stop-off for those traveling between the city and the ancient ruins.
Don’t let that put you off, though – this is a large cenote, and there’s plenty of room for everyone to swim.
Though mostly closed to the elements, apart from one sizable hole in the roof of the cavern, there’s also a small waterfall that gushes into the pool, making for a dramatic, eye-catching cenote. The limestone cave has facilities, such as lockers, changing rooms, concrete steps and platforms, and even a restaurant, too.
If you need a guided tour, I recommend this Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour – This is an excellent tour that takes you to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, as well as Cenote Hubiku and a brief tour around Valladolid. The tour also includes a great lunch.
As an alternative, you could consider this Full-Day Tour to Chichen Itza & EkBalam with Cenote Swimming – This is another tour that visits both Chichen Itza and EkBalam, a well as Cenote Hubiku! It’s a long day of travel and learning, but an overall great experience.
Cenote X’canche
Cenote X’canche, also known as Ek Balam Cenote, is situated one and a half miles to the northeast of Valladolid at the entrance to the Ek Balam Ruins. This beautiful open cenote is a popular getaway from the city and the perfect pairing for a hot day exploring the archaeological site itself.
The cenote is a fairly quiet swimming hole and feels very natural when compared with others. The staff here make sure that everybody has a shower before entering the water so as not to contaminate the ecosystem with chemicals (such as from sunscreen).
Cenote X’canche actually belongs to the local community, so visiting here means you’ll be supporting local people. It’s fun here, too, with a series of walkways and wooden steps that lead down to the water’s edge. You can enjoy rappelling, ziplining, and swings here, making for a surprisingly active cenote.
Cenote Sac Aua
Located only a 10-minute drive from Cenote X’canche, Cenote Sac Aua is a particularly attractive sinkhole swimming spot only 18 miles from Valladolid. Uniquely, it appears as though this former cave cenote has partly collapsed in on itself, creating an island in the center – complete with trees!
With the stalactite-ridden cave setting, the gleamingly clear aquamarine waters, the natural light filtering in through the hole in the roof, and the island with its trees, the supremely picturesque Cenote Sac Aua is like something from a fantasy novel.
Those who like exploring will love it here; you can actually embark on a cave tour with a guide through the attached cave system, where you’ll discover Mayan pottery and human remains among twisting tunnels.
For those who don’t like the thought of small spaces, you can always simply swim with the fish in the cenote or rent a kayak and paddle around. And at only 45 feet (13.7 feet) deep, you can see right to the bottom!
Cenote Suytun
You may have already seen pictures of Cenote Suytun on Instagram. It is, after all, a super popular spot for those looking for that perfect photo opportunity for their social media feed.
That’s because of the decorative concrete walkway that winds down from the surface and ends in a circle at the center of the cenote itself, looking like an otherworldly temple.
The cavern here is particularly large, and the ceiling is covered with stalactites, so it’s really one of the most impressive Valladolid cenotes to visit. It’s no wonder people can’t help but take pictures of themselves in this beautiful spot. However, because of its popularity, Cenote Suytun can get rather busy.
But if you want the best shot of yourself on the platform, here’s a tip: the light from the small hole in the roof is best when it hits the central platform in the late morning.
If you don’t feel like sorting out your transport and would like to visit other places in the area, I recommend this tour of Chichen Itza + Cenote Suytun + Cenote Il Kil + Valladolid – This is a full-day adventure from Cancun (though you can coordinate pick-up elsewhere) to Chichen Itza, Cenote Suytun and several other stops. This is one of the best ways to experience the best of Valladolid and the surroundings around it.
Agua Dulce
Agua Dulce – meaning “Sweet Water” – is a fittingly attractive cenote near the town of Yalcoba, around 35 minutes by car northeast of Valladolid. This stunning cenote is an adventurous location to visit; it’s a cave cenote with thin stalactites that hang down from the ceiling.
The views from up high when you first enter the cave, before descending, are particularly impressive.
Then, after treading down a winding staircase, you’ll be at the edge of the bright blue water itself. Although it’s mostly enclosed, there are five small holes in the roof that allow some rays of natural light to flow into the cave.
The cenote is actually only around 50 feet (15 meters) deep, which is definitely shallow compared to some other cenotes, and is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom.
For an extra bit of adventure, you can rent a kayak in the cave to paddle around on the water!
Cenote Palomitas
On the same property, just 200 yards away from Agua Dulce, you’ll find Cenote Palomitas. Another beautiful place to enjoy a refreshing swim, this cenote is also enclosed in a cave – but it’s much deeper, clocking in at nearly 200 feet (almost 61 meters) in depth.
Also, unlike Agua Dulce, there’s just one small hole in the roof at Palomitas, so the natural light is dimmer.
That doesn’t mean you can’t still be awed by the striking stalactites in the cave. Aside from the geological wonder of Cenote Palomitas, because of its depth, you can also safely jump into the pool, but unlike Agua Dulce, there’s no kayaking here.
Cenote Ik Kil
Visiting Cenote Ik Kil feels like you’re on an intrepid adventure. This stunning cenote is probably one of the best-known cenotes near Valladolid. Though sunk deep into the ground, it’s fully open to the elements, with jungle flora spilling down through the opening and into the turquoise water itself.
It’s a very well developed cenote; in fact, there’s even a hotel on-site where you can stay if you feel like making full use of the cenote. Located around a 40-minute bus ride from Valladolid, Cenote Ik Kil features lockers, changing rooms, and lifeguards, and all visitors are required to wear a life jacket, regardless of swimming ability.
Once you’re in the cenote, you’re free to relax and enjoy the serenity of this natural wonder – but note that it is forbidden to touch the vines that hang into the pool.
Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, and Valladolid Day Trip – This great full-day tour includes a stop at Cenote Ik Kil! The tour also includes a gastronomical demonstration, full tour of Chichen Itza, and great local guides who will make sure you have the best experience possible!
Cenote Kikil
Cenote Kikil is certainly a lesser-known cenote near Valladolid. It’s situated around 40 miles (64.3 km) from the city on the route to Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve (home to flamingos and pink lakes at Los Coloradas). It’s a popular stop along the way, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make a dedicated day trip to this cenote.
The community-owned Cenote Kikil, with its emerald green water, is cool and refreshing and feels very natural compared to some more developed cenotes in the area.
You may find yourself swimming alongside a local family or a handful of other visitors – it’s not very busy. This open-air cenote is surrounded by nature, but there’s also a restaurant handily located here, so you can stop for some lunch after your swim.
Sacred Cenote
Unlike many cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s not possible to swim in the Sacred Cenote. This is because this limestone sinkhole is actually part of the Mayan archaeological site of Chichen Itza. Still very beautiful to look at, the Sacred Cenote was used for religious purposes by Mayan people.
In fact, human bodies and other objects have been discovered in the cenote when it was excavated in the early 1900s. It’s thought that these were sacrifices to the rain god, Chaac. Some discoveries dredged up from the waters include a knife with a gold scabbard, a jade and turquoise mosaic, various pottery, and a bone sheathed in gold.
Once an important place for pilgrimage in the ancient Maya world, the Sacred Cenote is reached via a sacbe (ancient Maya raised pathway) that runs for 300 yards from Chichen Itza’s civic precinct. To be honest, with all the association with sacrifice, you probably won’t want to swim in this one anyway!
Further Considerations For The Best Valladolid Cenotes
Scuba diving in the cenotes
Certified divers and adventure-seekers travel from every corner of the world to scuba dive in the cenote. You don’t need a special cave diving license, and most cenotes, even when they feel closed, have accessible openings and have been thoroughly explored and marked.
It’s completely safe and very exhilarating.
However, cenotes near Valladolid aren’t known for their diving. Cenotes near Playa del Carmen and Tulum are better for this.
How to get around to the cenotes near Valladolid
Most cenotes are spread out a little bit. It’s definitely easier to see the most cenotes if you have your own rental car or means of transportation.
There aren’t many public buses around Valladolid, so if you don’t have your own car, it’s easiest to take a taxi or join a Valladolid cenotes tour. Fortunately, the cenotes usually aren’t more than 30 minutes from Valladolid, so it’s not too difficult.
If you have limited time, try to choose a cenote that has more activities and things to do. For example, Cenote X’keken and Samula are in the same complex, so it’s very easy to visit both.
What you need when visiting a cenote
The cenotes are in the middle of the jungle, so there are usually a lot of mosquitos and insects around. I recommend only using reef-safe mosquito repellant, and if the cenote has a shower, use that before jumping in to protect the cenote from any chemicals left behind.
You’ll also need a towel for afterward, Mexican pesos for your entrance fee, and any other purchases.
An underwater camera might also be a lot of fun if you have one. It’s a great way to capture the unique rock formations and take memorable photos.
The cenotes around Valladolid usually require you to wear a lifejacket when swimming, which they’ll provide for you.
Further Readings
Make sure to read my other posts about Mexico:
- The Best Things To Do In Valladolid
- The Best Cenotes In Merida
- The Best Cenotes In Tulum
- The Best Travel Tips For Mexico
- How Not To Get Sick In Mexico
- The Best Itinerary For 3 Days In Mexico City
- The Best Mexico Itinerary
- The Best Beaches In Mexico
- What To Eat In Mexico
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