5 Best Cenotes near Valladolid, Mexico
Are you looking for the best cenotes in Valladolid? The Yucatan Peninsula has many beautiful cenotes, some of which you can visit during your stay in Valladolid.
These cenotes are easily accessible by car, taxi, or bicycle, and one cenote is located in the center of Valladolid. You can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, and sometimes jump off platforms into crystal clear waters.
In this post, you’ll find the best cenotes near Valladolid, learn why they were essential to the Mayan civilization, and get practical information about the cenotes.
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What is a Cenote?
Cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes that form after the collapse of an underground limestone cave, exposing the groundwater underneath.
The cenotes are filled with crystal clear, cold underground and rainwater. These cenotes and underground rivers provided the Mayans with drinking water, bathing, and irrigation.
There are different types of cenotes: open cenotes, semi-open cenotes, cave cenotes, and underground cenotes.
The cenotes were a sacred place, and Maya people believed that the cenotes were a passage to the underworld and the afterlife. Therefore, during Mayan rituals, they offered valuables and human sacrifices to their gods.
We have visited many beautiful cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula, and we can honestly say that no two cenotes are the same. Most cenotes are in the open, while some cenotes are only accessible by stairs or cannot be visited.
Recommended post → Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary
How to Get to the Cenotes in Valladolid?
The best way to get around the Yucatan Peninsula is to rent a car. For nearby Valladolid cenotes, you can join a group or private tour, travel by taxi or Colectivo (shared minivan), or rent a bike.
During our travels, we always use Discover Cars for car rentals. Because they always offer the best deals and provide free cancellation 48 hours before your reservation.
Are you thinking of renting a car? Be sure to read our guide to renting a car in Mexico and driving around the Yucatan Peninsula.
Best Valladolid Cenotes
1. Cenote Zaci
The best cenote in Valladolid is the Cenote Zaci. The Cenote Zaci is a stunning, semi-open cave cenote where you can jump from the cliffs or swim in the refreshing water.
Cenote Zaci is just a 10-minute walk from the center of Valladolid and is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The entrance fee to Cenote Zaci is just 60 MXN (3.50 USD), which is much cheaper than other cenotes near Valladolid.
But the entrance fee doesn’t include the life jacket. If you want to wear a life jacket, you can rent one for 30 MXN (1.75 USD).
After the Cenote Zaci, visit the local market, Mercado Municipal de Valladolid. Here, you can try traditional Mexican dishes and buy fresh fruits or handmade souvenirs.
Read our → Valladolid Guide
2. Cenote Ik Kil
Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatan and should be on every Valladolid Itinerary. Take a day trip to Chichen Itza and visit Cenote Ik Kil. From Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil is just a 5-minute drive away.
Cenote Ik Kil is a beautiful open cenote with long tendrils of vines and green plants that offer fantastic photo opportunities. Take a few photos from above and then go down and swim or jump into the turquoise water from the platforms.
Cenote Ik Kil is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The entrance fee to the Cenote Ik Kil is 150 MXN (8 USD), which includes a life jacket and a locker. Or you can buy another ticket with buffet service in the restaurant for 350 MXN (20 USD).
Book a private transfer from Valladolid, which includes a visit to Chichen Itza and 3 cenotes.
3. Cenote Suytun
The Cenote Suytun is the best cenote near Valladolid, just a 15-minute drive away. You can usually walk on the whole platform, which is a fantastic experience. But depending on the water level, sometimes you can only get there by swimming.
The Cenote Suytun is the most beautiful Instagram spot in Mexico, so if you want to avoid the line, arrive in the morning.
Cenote Suytun is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The entrance fee to Cenote Suytun is 200 MXN (11 USD).
TIP
If you want to catch the Cenote Suytun when the natural light is beaming on the platform, you should visit from noon to 2 PM.
See also → How to Visit Yellow City of Izamal
4. Cenote Oxman
One of our favorite cenotes near Valladolid was the beautiful Cenote Oxman, just a 15-minute drive from the center of Valladolid. At the Cenote Oxman, there is a platform with a rope swing where you can jump into the crystal clear water.
At Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman, you can spend a few chilling hours by the pool or jumping in the cenote. Wearing a life jacket is mandatory for swimming!
Cenote Oxman is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The entrance fee to the Cenote Oxman is 150 MXN (8.50 USD), which has access to the cenote and the pool and includes a life jacket. Or you can buy a ticket for 350 MXN (20 USD), which offers buffet service in the restaurant.
5. Cenote Dzitnup
Cenote Samula and Cenote Xkeken are cave cenotes located in the small town of Dzitnup, near Valladolid. Both cenotes are magnificent, and you can spend a few relaxing hours exploring the underground limestone caves.
The Dzitnup cenotes are open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
The two cenotes are right next to each other, with the same entrance. Each cenote has an entrance fee of 80 MXN (4.50 USD), but you can visit both for 125 MXN (7 USD) with a combined ticket.
Tips for Visiting the Best Cenotes in Valladolid
- Always bring enough Mexican pesos with you, as not all places accept card payments.
- Bring a quick-drying towel, swimsuit, flip-flops, and biodegradable sunscreen.
- You must shower before visiting the cenote and avoid wearing sunscreen or insect repellent.
- Not all cenotes have lockers for rent, so bring a waterproof bag to protect your valuables.
- Although most cenotes have bathrooms or changing rooms, it is easier to wear your swimsuit under your clothes.
- Some cenotes have less light, and the cave cenotes are dark, so be sure to take a tripod with you if you want to take good-quality photos.
- The best time to visit the cenotes to avoid crowds is in the morning hours or just before closing time.
- Take great photos, but allow enough time to explore the cenotes and enjoy a refreshing dip.
- If you have snorkeling gear, take it with you. It’s more hygienic, and you can save on rental fees.
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
Where to Stay in Valladolid
There are many places to stay in Valladolid, from budget-friendly hostels to boutique or luxury hotels. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Valladolid, Mexico
- Luxury: Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas
- Mid-Range: Hotel Waye or Meson del Marques
- Budget: Hotel Casa Bamboo
Have you ever been to one of the beautiful cenotes near Valladolid? Which was your favorite Valladolid cenote? If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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