The ultimate base for a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, Valladolid, Mexico cenotes are some of the best in the region.
From chilly, cavern-style sinkholes to open-air dream spots, there are so many incredible natural wonders to discover in and around Valladolid—my favorite city in Mexico!
I was so taken with Valladolid that I canceled the rest of my trip—yep, even the extra days I’d planned for Tulum—just to stay longer.
Needless to say, I spent a lot of time visiting different cenotes near Valladolid. So, let’s get into all the details. Here are the best Valladolid cenotes and a couple you might consider skipping.
Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. Thank you!
Valladolid, Mexico Cenotes: What to Know Before You Go
Valladolid is cenote central, so beyond the city’s colonial charm, people come to swim in the ancient Maya waters.
But before you head out, here are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience:
Consider a tour: If you are in Valladolid (or even Cancun/Tulum), you can easily see several cenotes in one day if you book an excursion.
This Chichen Itza tour from Valladolid takes you to three different cenotes, for example. And this is an awesome cenotes tour from Merida
Bring cash: While these are natural sites, they are private property, so there is an entrance fee—usually between 150-250 MXN. Many don’t take cards. It’s also good to have extra pesos on hand for snacks, lockers, or renting snorkeling gear.
Shower before entering: Sunscreen, lotions, and bug spray can damage the delicate ecosystems in cenotes. All of the listed cenotes have showers on-site. You’ll be required to rinse off before swimming (including your hair in most cases).
Skip the sunscreen: Cenote owners are very strict about sunscreens. Even the natural sunscreens I use is usually a no-go. The best way to protect your skin at the cenotes? Wear a rash guard or UV-protective shirt if you’re worried about sun exposure. However, most of the cenotes are shaded by their cavern-type structures, so it’s not really much of an issue.
Consider bringing water shoes: Some cenotes have slick steps, rocky edges, or uneven floors. Water shoes make it way easier to walk around and explore various parts of the cenotes.
Arrive early or late: Want that peaceful, dreamy cenote experience? Go early in the morning or later in the day—especially for popular ones like Cenote Suytun or Cenote Oxman. Midday brings charter bus tour groups and bigger crowds.
Respect the space: Cenotes are sacred in Maya culture and often still used in ceremonies. Please treat them with care: no littering, no loud music, and definitely no climbing where signs say not to.
Which Cenotes in Valladolid, Mexico You Might Skip
Cenote Noolha
This is one of the closest cenotes to the city centre of Valladolid. You could cycle there in about 10 minutes, depending on your location. Otherwise, it’s a 30-minute walk from the main plaza or an 8-minute car ride. So, what’s the problem?
Noolha is a cave-type cenote with vibrant blue water. However, there is not a lot of space once you’ve descended the stairs and arrived at the sinkhole itself. Essentially, you have to leave all your belongings up top, and the cenote itself isn’t very large.
There is also only one ladder, which might not be enough when there are several groups of people visiting.
One feature that can either enhance or take away from the experience—depending on why you’re visiting a cenote—is the zipline on the left side of the cenote. I had the cenote to myself when I visited, and I did go down the zipline. Overall, pretty fun but not my thing as I have very sensitive ears.
Finally, the entrance area has recently been redesigned to feature lounge areas with hammocks and a small bar. That’s a cool addition if you’re interested in spending extended time at the cenote.
It’s honestly not a bad place to visit, I just think there are better cenotes near Valladolid.
The price is also higher than a lot of other cenotes in the area. It costs 250 MXN (13 USD) to enter.
Cenote Chichikan
If you are doing a day tour from Cancun or Tulum to Chichen Itza, there is a good chance you’ll be stopping at Cenote Chichikan. It’s among the most popular cenotes for tours that include a stopover in Valladolid.
I will say that this cenote is beautiful, and I see why a lot of tours stop here. However, I would suggest visiting at 9 a.m. when they open or after 3 p.m. when many of the tours are heading back to Quintana Roo.
About the cenote, it’s an open cenote that goes 8 meters deep with thick limestone walls. There is a mossy patch of land in the middle of it and lots of foliage that dangles down from ground level.
The ground level is also a lovely place to explore with ample flora and fauna. You’ll also find tequila tastings, a taco buffet, a bar, and areas to relax. Heads up–the prices are pretty insane.
Beyond the array of tours that stop here everyday, I also think it’s problematic that they charge extra for your life jacket despite the lifejackets being required while in the cenote. For a locker and a lifejacket, you’ll be paying an extra 200 MXN (10 USD).
Since I went here as part of a cenote tour, I did not see the actual entrance fee price. I have scavenged the internet to find the cost to enter this cenote and I get mixed answers between 150-260 pesos.
On top of that, when I go to their official website, all I see are packages that include the buffet, Maya experience, and tequila tasting. When I go to purchase this experience (for research’s sake), it takes me to Whatsapp! This leads me to believe they are going to swindle you and you’ll be immensely overcharged for this package. Not down for this sort of business practice.
Best Valladolid, Mexico Cenotes to Visit
Cenote Suytun
Hands down one of the most mesmerizing cenotes near Valladolid, Cenote Suytun is a must-visit if you want some incredible portraits during your trip to Mexico.
If you’re cycling to different cenotes around Valladolid, it’s a 30-minute ride. Otherwise, it’s a short and easy 13-minute drive.
Suytun does get busy during peak hours, so it’s another one of those situations where I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the day.
So, what is so special about this cenote? It’s one of the most iconic and photogenic cenotes in the Yucatán—if you’ve seen that dreamy shot of a stone platform with a beam of light shining down from above, it’s probably Suytun. It’s probably the most otherwordly cenote I’ve visited. Truly magical!
I will say that the sunbeam is perfectly centered with the hole (creating that perfect beam for a cenote portrait) around midday (clouds permitting), so time your visit if you’re hoping to catch that magical moment! Keep in mind it might be busy around this time.
While Suytun gets a lot of Instagram love—and yes, it can get busy—it’s still absolutely worth visiting for its unique atmosphere and beauty.
I also love that there is more than one cenote at the Suytun complex. So, be sure to visit the more peaceful Cenote Suytun Kaa Peh—it’s just a short walk from the main cenote. And don’t worry, it’s included in your ticket!
Cenote Suytun Kaa Peh is quite different from Suytun. Arriving, you’ll find an open-air cenote with crystal-clear water, tweeting birds, and much fewer crowds–if any. It’s the perfect contrast to Suytun’s dramatic cavern vibes. Overall, it’s superbly tranquil with loads of birds flying around (particularly the turquoise-browed Motmot).
Also! For those with diving experience, Cenote Suytun is part of a larger underwater cave system, and there are opportunities to dive with a certified guide. Just be sure to book in advance and confirm current regulations, as not all cenotes allow diving year-round.
Main entry is 230 MXN (12 USD). You’ll also find a gift shop, cafe/bar, restaurant, showers–all the things.
Cenote Zaci
The absolute most convenient cenote to visit in Valladolid is Cenote Zaci because it’s right in the center of town.
It’s a mostly open cave-type cenote with stalactites, lots of lush foliage, and stone pathways that wind up the length of the cenote wall.
As it is so centrally located, it is a bit busier during the high season. However, it is not a common stop for any tours to Chichen Itza, so it’s mostly locals and other travelers staying in Valladolid. I love this aspect of this cenote; it feels more authentic.
The only awkward part is that the showers are on the top level, which is normal, but it’s in a public area so walking to cenote you are a little more exposed than you would be at a more tucked-away cenote.
It is 150 MXN (7.50 USD) to visit and the price includes your lifejacket. Bring pesos as they aren’t able to take cards.
Cenote Xcanché
This is the cenote closest to Ek Balam, so it’s set in an area where Mayan is still spoken and you’ll encounter a lot of Maya people in this area. It’s wonderfully laid-back and uncrowded, unlike many of the cenotes near Valladolid.
Located 30 minutes outside of Valladolid by car, Cenote Xcanché is a must-visit after visiting the Ek Balam ruins. Trust me, you’ll be hot and sweating and craving a jump into the cool waters at Xcanché.
You’ll find it within the Ek Balam zone, and it’s easy to find after your ruins visit. You will have access to free cruiser bikes to reach the cenote, as it’s located at the end of a long Camino Blanco.
Once you arrive, you’ll find an open-air cenote surrounded by lush jungle, with a wooden staircase leading you down to turquoise waters.
While it does feel very lush, there is still some adventure sprinkled in. There’s a zipline and rope swing, and while I didn’t participate because of my sensitive ears, it was fun to watch others.
Overall, I loved how peaceful it felt. When I got there, it was a French family of three and by the time I was leaving, there were only two more people at the cenote itself.
Around the area, you’ll also be able to see birds, iguanas, lizards, and other flora and fauna. I definitely recommend a little walk around the ground level of the cenote before you leave.
And if you get hungry or thirsty, there is a bar and restaurant available as well. Don’t be surprised if you hear the staff speaking Mayan!
The entry fee is 170 pesos, like most cenotes, it’s open until 5 p.m. daily.
Cenote Chukum
Another cenote that feels like it belongs to the locals, Cenote Chukum is a hidden gem to discover just 20 minutes from Valladolid and around the corner from Suytun.
It’s located in a large property with a beautiful stone staircase that leads you down to this cave-type cenote. It’s dark and moody with a circular hole in the ceiling of the cavern that lets a beam of light cast down on the deep blue waters.
The place has a magical atmosphere, yet it still offers a lot of fun (and relaxation). You’ll find spots to dive into the water as well as a double zipline and in-water hammocks.
Back on ground level, you can rappel into the cenote, stop by a traditional Maya garden (etymology), and see unique perspectives of the cavern from above.
There is also a bar, buffet-style restaurant, hammocks, and shady spots to unwind.
It is a little pricier at 250 MXN (13 USD), but is very nice and there is a lot to do there.
Cenote Ik Kil
Just a short ride from Chichen Itza, this massive open-air cenote has a circular pool of deep blue water framed by lush hanging vines and tree roots. It’s incredibly photogenic, but more than that, it’s a great spot to cool off after a day at the ruins.
You’ll see it mentioned in my guide to visiting Chichen Itza from Valladolid. I recommend it because it’s an easy stop when taking a colectivo from Valladolid. The colectivo is 100 MXN round-trip, but for 30 pesos more you can be dropped off at Cenote Ik Kil after your time at the ruins.
However, because it’s so close to Chichen Itza, it can get busy by the middle of the day. So, keep this in mind before you go!
Entry costs 220 MXN (11 USD).
Cenote Xcajum
Cenote Xcajum is a lovely open-air cenote located just a short drive from Chichén Itzá, near the town of Dzitás. Its name, “Xcajum,” means “Place of Sounds” in the Mayan language, likely inspired by the echoes that resonate within its expansive limestone walls.
Xcajum descends an impressive 40 meters from the rim to the water and has a unique dome-like structure. There are a lot of vines and foliage, which can be seen from many perspectives either within or outside of the cenote.
Amenities such as a restaurant with local cuisine, a pool, hammock areas, and relaxation zones are included.
While this is a gorgeous cenote, it is often part of charter bus tours to Chichen Itza. The exterior does feel a little commercial, and even its description on Google says it’s a “waterpark” rather than an “ecological park” or similar. However, it feels natural once you’re in the actual cenote.
Entry costs 200 MXN (10 USD). However, if you’re doing it through a tour it might be included (but not always, so read the fine-print before you book!).
Other Cenotes Near Valladolid, Mexico
There is a tremendous amount of cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, and unfortunately I haven’t visited them all! However, here are some other cenotes to research and consider for your trip.
- Cenote Dzitnup
- Cenote Samaal
- Cenote Xkeken
- Cenote Samula
- Cenote Hubiku
FAQ: Valladolid, Mexico Cenotes
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about cenotes near Valladolid, Mexico.
Is it safe to swim in cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula?
Cenotes are privately owned in Mexico. However, if you own property with a cenote on it and you decide you want to commercialize it, there are a lot of laws and regulations that must be followed.
The water must be continuously checked for health and safety, you must provide showers, and safe ways to get in and out of the cenote.
The showers are an essential part of making the cenotes safe, helping remove any bad bacteria, harmful sunscreens, lotions, etc from the body.
I’ve been to more than 10 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, and I have had no problems.
Can I swim in a cenote without booking a tour?
Yes, absolutely! Several cenotes are in/near Valladolid that can be walked, cycled, or driven to without the need of booking a tour. You will simply pay your entrance fee when you arrive. Be sure to bring pesos.
I’m scared of crowds and tours. When is the best time to visit a cenote?
If you want a quieter experience at a Valladolid, Mexico cenote, you will want to arrive at 9 a.m. when they open for aim to arrive right after 3 p.m. Most tours will arrive around 10:30 to 1 p.m. and will calm down after that.
Buy me a coffee
