Essential Insights on Cenotes and Their Locations

Sinkholes, or dolines, exist globally. Visit stunning sites like the Bimmah Sinkhole in Oman or Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas to see how erosion and water sculpt these formations. However, only in Mexico are they called “cenotes,” a term derived from the Mayan word dzonot, meaning “water-filled cavity.” The Yucatan region boasts between 6,000 and 10,000 cenotes.

When you book a tour to Chichén Itzá, swimming in a cenote is often an available option. I took a refreshing swim during my visit to the Yucatan in June and was captivated by their stunning allure. There’s much more to uncover about these formations, including whether you should experience them yourself.

Discover everything you need to know about cenotes and their locations throughout Mexico.

So, what exactly is a cenote?

Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with water, predominantly located in the Yucatan Peninsula of southeastern Mexico. While various theories explain their formation, grasping the basic concept requires looking back millions of years.

Remember the asteroid that supposedly led to the extinction of the dinosaurs? When it struck Earth 66 million years ago, it not only wiped out much of life but also created a network of sinkhole pools known as cenotes across Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Over millennia, rainwater permeated the area's limestone—which was likely weakened by the asteroid impact—resulting in the formation of underground pools.

How did the Mayans utilize cenotes?

Cenotes have played a vital role in Mayan culture since their arrival in this region of Mexico during the preclassic era (500 B.C.E.–250 C.E.) and continue to be significant for the hundreds of thousands of Mayan descendants living in the Yucatan today. (The renowned archaeological site of Chichén Itzá translates to “mouth of the well of the Itza” in the Mayan language.) Most cenotes are currently owned by Mayan communities. Their historical importance arises from their utility: cenotes serve as the primary water source for the largely riverless Yucatan, making them essential for ancient Maya irrigation. The region still heavily relies on cenote water—spanning approximately 165,000 square kilometers (around 63,000 square miles) across México, Guatemala, and Belize—the Yucatán Peninsula Aquifer is among the largest aquifers globally.

These cenotes also gave rise to various legends. For instance, Cenote Sac Uayum, located about 25 miles south of Mérida in the peninsula, was believed to be the lair of the child-eating serpent Hapay Can (and is known for being filled with human bones that enhance its eerie reputation). Many ancient Mayans regarded cenotes as the dwelling place of the rain god Chac and viewed them as gateways to the underworld. They were integral to human sacrifice rituals aimed at ensuring rain and fertility—with remains of over 200 individuals discovered in the Sacred Cenote at Chichén Itzá. Although human sacrifice is no longer practiced, many beliefs surrounding its significance persist.

Visiting a Cenote: A Guide

There are numerous options for experiencing cenotes, from joining a packaged tour to renting a car for a self-guided adventure. While swimming is often allowed (sometimes with life jackets, as some cenotes exceed 100 feet in depth), research has examined the effects of tourism on these natural wonders.

Cenotes serve as the main freshwater source for around 2 million residents of the peninsula. The presence of contaminants, such as sunscreen in the Mexican Caribbean—where an estimated 229.76 tons are used each year—has affected the water quality for local inhabitants. A 2017 study revealed that more than 50 local participants noted they could safely drink from cenotes before the mid-1990s, but now they refrain due to health concerns.

Conversely, the Mexican state of Quintana Roo relies heavily on tourism, with cenote tourism playing a crucial role in its economy. A 2020 study by Diego Armando Casas-Beltrán from the Yucatan Scientific Research Center and colleagues found that cenotes are emerging as a viable alternative to beach tourism, especially due to the challenges posed by large sargassum blooms. However, the study also noted that the Mexican peninsula lacks sufficient regulations to protect these natural wonders.

If you choose to visit a cenote, it's important to follow certain best practices. First, inquire about the management of the cenote you plan to visit to ensure it is being well cared for. Look for signs of responsible practices, such as mandatory showers before entry, to minimize water contamination. Additionally, be aware that you may need to skip sunscreen, as even “eco-friendly” options can pose risks, as I learned during my visit to the cenotes of Bacalar. Lastly, remember that these sites hold sacred significance, and it's essential to respect Indigenous knowledge during your visit.

With these considerations in mind, here are some great spots for cenote exploration on your next trip to Mexico.

Cenote Saamal

Valladolid

This cenote, plunging 150 feet deep, boasts stunningly blue waters enhanced by sunlight pouring into its open sinkhole. Located between Chichén Itzá and Valladolid, it’s frequently included in tour packages to the famous Mayan ruins (as I experienced myself) and has fully catered to tourists. The cenote complex features a gift shop and a restaurant. Admission costs around 80 pesos (approximately US$4.80), which includes a life jacket.

Cenote Zaci

Valladolid

Not all cenotes are tucked away from urban life; Cenote Zaci is a perfect example, situated just a two-hour drive east in the bustling downtown of Valladolid. Its convenience attracts many visitors, and the entrance fee of just 30 pesos (about US$1.60) makes it a fantastic deal. After enjoying a swim, take some time to browse the local jewelry and textile shops that the city is famous for. Spending a night in Valladolid provides a glimpse into the more laid-back side of Mexico, contrasting with the more tourist-heavy areas of Cancun and Tulum.

Lago Bacalar

Bacalar

Bacalar's lake, often referred to as the “lake of the seven colors,” showcases seven stunning shades of blue. The area features four cenotes—Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Cenote Cocalitos, and Cenote Azul—each with unique depths and traits. I highly recommend taking Augustin’s lagoon tour, which provides rich historical and ecological insights about the lake. While visiting the lake is free, keep in mind that swimming is restricted in certain areas.