CENOTES AND CAVES
1. Cenote and Eco-Park Kantun-Chi
There are several cenotes on the landward side of the highway near Xpu-Ha that can be easily accessed by visitors. A broad, shady pool dappled by brilliant sunlight, Kantun-Chi is near the road but refreshing for swimming. The neighboring cenotes of Cristalino and Azul are also beautiful.
2. Cenote Samula
Past a narrow entrance there’s a huge pool of cool, clear water (see Dzitnup and Samula Cenote) and, in the cave, the roots of a giant ceiba tree – associated with mystical powers by the Maya – stretch straight down from the surface to reach the water far below. Visitors can place their belongings in lockers and take a dip in the water.
Cavern-pool of Cenote Samula
3. Dos Ojos Cenote
This cavern (see Dos Ojos Cenote) is called “Two Eyes” because its two entrances look like eyes when seen from above. Extending over 350 miles (563 km) through a labyrinth of caverns and limestone “trees,” it has been considered the world’s longest underwater cave system – but the nearby Nohoch Nah Chich cenote may be even longer. Inexperienced divers get most from it with the diving tours.
4. Balankanché Caves
Open daily, guided tours only • Adm
Alongside several cenote pools and underwater rivers, the Yucatán is underlain by a massive web of dry caves that were sacred places to the ancient Maya. Balankanché, near Chichén Itzá, is one of the largest and most extraordinary cave systems of all.
5. Sacred Cenote, Chichén Itzá
Adm as for Chichén Itzá
The most celebrated cenote in the Yucatán, the giant sacred well at Chichén has long been said to have been a place of human sacrifice. The cenote was used only for ritual purposes, perhaps as a channel to the Underworld, since the city’s drinking water came from the Xtoloc Cenote, near the Caracol.
6. Cenote Xlacah, Dzibilchaltún
The wide cenote that provided water for the ancient city of Dzibilchaltún is still a popular swimming hole today. It gets busy on Sundays but is great for a dip at other times.
7. Calcehtok
These caves near the Mayan site at Oxkintok are little-known but are some of the region’s most extraordinary. The roofless main chamber is big enough to contain whole trees, and is full of birds.
8. Gran Cenote
Open 8am–5pm daily • Adm
The loveliest of the several cenotes along the road from Tulum to Cobá, Gran Cenote is home to a placid, clear pool. Snorkelers and divers can make their way through a massive arched cavern and down a tunnel.
9. Cenote Dzitnup
The most famous of the swimmable cenotes in the region, this awe-inspiring limestone cathedral has a perfect turquoise pool. It is entered through a narrow tunnel. Tours visit at about 11am, but at other times it’s rarely crowded.
Cenote Dzitnup’s perfect pool
10. Loltún Caves
An astonishing cave system, Loltún Caves is not far from the Puuc cities. These caves have the longest history of human habitation in the Yucatán. Chambers are full of bizarre and interesting rock formations, strange airflows, and relics of their Mayan occupants.
Dramatic Loltún Caves
