Cenotes are scattered throughout the Riviera Maya, each with unique charm and history. Here’s a curated list for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural depth.
1. Cenote Azul – Open Cenote Paradise
- Type: Open cenote
- Highlights: Crystal-clear turquoise water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling
- Accessibility: Easy; located 20 min south of Playa del Carmen
- Cultural Note: While not used for large-scale rituals, it was likely a freshwater source for nearby Maya communities
- 📍 Google Maps
2. Cenote Jardin del Eden – Family-Friendly Swimming Spot
- Type: Open cenote
- Highlights: Wide swimming area, rope swings, shallow spots for children
- Accessibility: 15 min from Playa del Carmen, well-maintained
- Cultural Note: Surrounded by jungle, it reflects the natural cenote ecosystems revered by the Maya
- 📍 Google Maps
3. Cenote Dos Ojos – Cave and Adventure Cenote
- Type: Cave and semi-open
- Highlights: Famous for snorkeling and diving; connects two cenotes via underwater tunnels
- Accessibility: About 40 min from Playa del Carmen
- Cultural Note: Its extensive underwater passages were considered sacred and mysterious by the Maya
- 📍 Google Maps
4. Cenote Ik Kil – Sacred Cenote of Chichén Itzá
- Type: Open, near Chichén Itzá
- Highlights: Iconic circular cenote, popular for swimming; dramatic vertical drop
- Accessibility: Near Chichén Itzá, often combined with a ruins tour
- Cultural Note: Historically used for offerings to Chaac, the rain god; human sacrifices were documented
- 📍 Google Maps
5. Cenote X’keken (Dzitnup) – Stunning Cave Cenote
- Type: Cave cenote
- Highlights: Dramatic stalactites and stalagmites; soft light filtering from above
- Accessibility: Near Valladolid, about 1.5 hrs from Playa del Carmen
- Cultural Note: Likely considered a portal to the underworld due to its deep cavernous nature
- 📍 Google Maps
6. Cenote Samula – Peaceful Underground Experience
- Type: Cave cenote
- Highlights: Smaller than X’keken but extremely photogenic; sunbeams create magical lighting
- Accessibility: Adjacent to Cenote X’keken; easy access
- Cultural Note: Represents the Maya belief in sacred water hidden beneath the earth
- 📍 Google Maps
7. Cenote Cristalino – Clear Water & Jungle Surroundings
- Type: Open cenote
- Highlights: Calm waters, perfect for snorkeling; tree swings for adventure
- Accessibility: 20 min from Playa del Carmen
- Cultural Note: Part of a cluster of cenotes likely used for water collection by local Maya settlements
- 📍 Google Maps
8. Cenote Chaak Tun – Adventure & Caving
- Type: Semi-open and cave cenote
- Highlights: Guided tour includes cave exploration, ropes, and small waterfalls
- Accessibility: 15 min from Playa del Carmen
- Cultural Note: Its enclosed space and waterfalls echo Maya spiritual symbolism of water and the underworld
- 📍 Google Maps
Tips for Visiting Cenotes Respectfully
- Preserve the sacred nature: Avoid touching stalactites or removing rocks.
- Use biodegradable sunscreen: Protect fragile ecosystems.
- Hire local guides: They share cultural stories and ensure safe exploration.
- Combine with Maya sites: Cenotes often complement ruins like Chichén Itzá, Tulum, or Ek’ Balam.
- Best time to visit: Early morning for calm waters, fewer crowds, and magical sunlight filtering in caves.
Experiencing the Sacred Today
Swimming in a cenote is more than recreation—it’s a connection to Maya cosmology, their reverence for water, and their understanding of life as intertwined with the natural and spiritual world. Each dive into these crystal pools is a moment to reflect on thousands of years of history, culture, and sacred tradition.
Read our post about The Meaning Behind Cenotes and Their Sacred Role in Mayan Culture
About the Author
Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.
From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.
Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.
North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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