Short answer: Valladolid is surrounded by some of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatán — including Suytun, Zací, Samulá, and Xkekén — all within 15–30 minutes of the city centre.
The Yucatan Peninsula is known for its numerous Cenotes, natural caves filled with crystalline waters and are excellent natural pools.
The Yucatan Peninsula is made mostly with limestone, so water seeps down and creates spectacular underground rivers and caves that cross the peninsula in every direction.
Limestone is porous and fragile, and over time, the roof of some of these caves collapses and allows access to these magnificent places.
In some cases the whole roof collapses, and this is known as an “Open cenote”, or sometimes there is only a little entrance and there is not a lot of light, and this is known as “Closed cenotes.”
Valladolid has plenty of cenotes, and on these hot summer days, a visit to a cenote might be just the thing to cool down and relax. So we made a list of some off the beaten path cenotes, in hopes you find your favorite!
Cenote Sacawa
This Cenote is in the small village of Dzilbay, only 30-40 minutes away from Valladolid. It has a big parking lot, restaurant, bathroom,
It is an open cenote, and it has some of the roof material still in the center, like a little island where it is possible to bring a chair, hammock, icebox, etc.
If you want to know more, have a look at their facebook page.
Cenote Pueblo Fantasma
Cenote Pueblo Fantasma is part of the neighboring county of Chemax, and only about 20 minutes away from Valladolid.
This place is far away from the crowds and offers a restaurant, palapas to hang your hammock and have a lovely picnic and a little shop for beers, sodas and chips.
Do you want to know more about this cenote? Have a look at their facebook page!
We love Cenotes that are a little bit further, as there is something sacred about them. Remember to avoid wearing chemical repellent, body lotion and hair products or have a rinse before jumping in the cenote.
Happy summer!
FAQ
Most cenotes charge between $50-200 MXN per person ($3-12 USD). Some private cenotes with more amenities may charge more. Bring cash as many do not accept cards.
Biodegradable sunscreen (mandatory at many cenotes), swimsuit, towel, water shoes, and cash. Avoid using insect repellent before entering the water.
