While many consider this colonial town the gateway to Chichen Itza, it should actually be known for the hundreds of cenotes near Valladolid. Located all around the town, they are the ideal places to go for a swim in the heat of the day and to marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites.
Given the number of cenotes nearby, it can be hard to decide which one is the ideal one to visit based on your own interests. After all, some of them are insta-famous and built up like Cenote Suytun, while others like Cenote Xcanche are still mostly natural. And of course, some of them have amazing light beam effects.
While this list cannot include every Valladolid cenote, it should provide you with a good overview of the different cenotes in the area and what they have to offer. As the geographical direction is listed, this list should also help you find the best cenotes near Valladolid to incorporate into day trips departing this town.
While the cenotes are highlights, there are many more things to do in Valladolid. This colonial town is one of Mexico’s pueblos magicos. It is full of fantastic restaurants and historic buildings like the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena and the Church of San Servicio.
Of course, it is also the ideal home base if you are planning day trips to places like Rio Lagartos near the pink Las Coloradas.
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What is a cenote?
Cenotes (pronounced ‘seh-‘no-tays‘) are water-filled sinkholes or natural wells. Over time, water dissolves the limestone bedrock, which creates an underground chamber, whose roof eventually collapses to form the cenotes.
While there are similar sinkholes all over the world, the term ‘cenote’ derives from the Mayan word ‘dzonot’ (‘ts’onot’), which means ‘cave filled with water.’ Therefore, the word is only used to describe the sinkholes in Mexico. There are more than 6.000 of them in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Like most other cenotes, the cenotes near Valladolid have crystal-clear water. Some of them have impressive stalagmites and stalactites.
The Maya consider the cenotes to be entrances to Xibalba, the underworld, and a place to connect with the gods. Cenotes are sacret and ceremonial places.
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Types of Cenotes
The classification of cenotes depends on the age of the cenote.
- Open Cenotes: Open cenotes are the oldest cenotes where the roof has fully collapsed. They look like small lakes. Cenote Kax Ek is one of the open cenotes near Valladolid.
- Semi-Open Cenotes: These cenotes have a larger opening, but their diameter is wider than the opening. They are bottle-shaped.
- Closed Cenotes / Cave Cenotes: Closed cenotes or cave cenotes usually have the most impressive stalagmites and stalactites as their ceiling is mostly intact. Oftentimes, light shines through the small holes in the ceiling, which creates stunning light beam effects. Cenote Suytun is one of the closed cenotes near Valladolid.
Best Cenotes near Valladolid
There are many amazing cenotes near Valladolid and the following are only a small selection. However, visiting them should provide you with a good understanding of how diverse cenotes can be. Some of these are highly commercialized, while others have fully maintained their natural charm and timelessness.
I recommend visiting at least one closed, one semi-closed, and one open cenote while in Valladolid if you have not already explored cenotes elsewhere in Mexico. Consider also visiting some of the cenotes in Tulum or Coba.
Cenote Suytun
8.4 km (5.2 miles) east of the city — 12 min
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Fees: 150 MXN for adults and 100 MXN for children. If you want the cenote + buffet combi, you have to pay 250 MXN.
Thanks to social media posts, Cenote Suytun is likely the most commonly known cenote near Valladolid. And while it is certainly instagrammy and can get very crowded once the tour buses roll in, it is well worth a visit.
The main highlight of this 5-meters-deep cenote is the man-made platform that rages into the cenote. If you visit it during the right time of the day (12 PM to 2 PM) on a sunny day, the platform will be illuminated by a beam of light that enters the cave cenote through a small opening in the ceiling. Stalagmites hang from the ceiling, with the most impressive one being close to the staircase that leads down to the water level.
Aside from taking photos at this admittedly incredibly picturesque cenote, you can also go for a swim. Life jackets are mandatory and are included in the entry fee.
As this cenote close to Valladolid is incredibly popular, access is sometimes limited to one hour.
It is best to arrive just as the cenote opens as doing so means you will have some time before the tour buses arrive around 10:30 AM.
There are changing rooms and showers on site. You can store your valuables in the lockers. And if you are hungry, you can get a ticket that includes the buffet at the restaurant of Cenote Suytun.
Given its proximity to Valladolid, you can technically bike there. However, it is better to rent a scooter or drive there in a rental car. You can also have a colectivo drop you off at the cenote. These days, you can also book a bus tour to Cenote Suytun.
The Cabañas Suytun are on property. Hotel Zac-Tun is located next door.
Cenote Xcanche (Ek Balam)
28 km (17.4 miles) north of Valladolid — 32 min
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
Fees: 170 MXN
Cenote Xcanche is also known as Cenote Ek Balam and is located around 2 km away from the Maya ruins of Ek Balam which gave the cenote its secondary name. It is the perfect place for a refreshing swim after exploring the archeological site.
This round cenote is open and can be accessed via two staircases. There is a boardwalk at the bottom, so you can walk around it and spot the many mot mot birds that call this cenote near Valladolid their home. It is surrounded by trees and even has a small waterfall and hanging vines.
As you swim in the refreshing water, you are surrounded by black catfish. There is a rope you can hold on to and black rubber tubes you can float on. And if you want a small thrill, you will love the zipline or rappeling down into the cenote. Both come with an additional fee. There is also a rope swing.
Life jackets are provided to those that want one. If you want to grab a bite, you can do so at the cenote restaurant. You will find a palapa full of hammocks next to it.
A rental bike is included in the cenote entry fee, so you can easily bike there from the Ek Balam ruins. Something that is particularly convenient, if you take a taxi to the ruins.
If you want to stay nearby, you can spend the night at Cabaña Magica & Yoga. There is also a small campground only a short walk away from the cenote and the ruins.
Cenote Ik Kil
40 km (24.9 miles) west of the city — 42 min
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Fees: 150 MXN
Ik Kil cenote is one of the most beautiful cenotes near Valladolid. It’s also a very popular day trip destination for Chichen Itza visitors since it’s only a few kilometers from the famous Mayan ruins.
It’s an underground cenote that is open to the air and has waterfalls and beautiful hanging vines that descend from the ground level. In addition to swimming in the cenote’s fresh, cool waters, you can also cliff jump from the edges on designated platforms.
There is a buffet restaurant where you can eat before or after you swim in the cenote. There are also lockers where you can store your belongings and life jackets. Both are also included in the entry fee.
The best time to visit the cenote is in the morning after it opens, or shortly before closing. From 11 AM through about 3 PM, it tends to get full of day trippers on guided tours to Chichen Itza.
Getting to Ik Kil Cenote is easy. From Valladolid, it’s a straight drive west on Route 180. If you do not have a rental car, you can visit this Valladolid cenote in combination with a Chichen Itza group tour.
You can stay across the street from Ik Kil’s entrance, at Hotel Doralba. It offers free breakfast and two outdoor swimming pools.
Valladolid cenotes explored by Brodi Cole of Our Offbeat Life
Cenote Kax Ek
31 km (19.3 miles) north-west of the city — 39 min
Opening Hours: daily from 8 AM to 6:30 PM
Fees: 150 MXN
Located about 30 km from Valladolid, Cenote Kax Ek is an open cenote surrounded by a thick jungle and very much tucked away from the main road.
To reach the cenote you have about 4 km of unpaved road which can be a bit challenging, for regular cars, especially if it has recently rained. So keep that in mind. Once you get there you can leave your car in the free parking lot and head over to the ticket office and walk another 500 meters to get to the water.
The cenote is huge and open and you can either jump from the platforms or use the wooden stairs to enter the cool water. Because of its formation, it’s not as transparent as cenotes usually are but it will do for a refreshing dip in the Yucatan heat.
Among the facilities you will find showers, changing rooms, bathrooms, and life jackets for rent. You can bring food with you in case you are feeling hungry or wait to get back to the city and try one of the delicious Valladolid Restaurants.
For sure you will need your own car, though, as taxis will not agree to drive on such roads. If you have a car rental, it’s an ideal place to enjoy the peaceful vibe of a deserted Mayan cenote near Valladolid.
Suggested by Isabella of Let’s Travel to Mexico
Cenote Dzitnup
6.7 km (4.2 miles) south-west of the city — 13 min
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 7 PM
Fees: 125 MXN for both cenotes or 75 MXN for one. There is no extra fee for using your camera.
One of the best cenotes near Valladolid is Cenote Dzitnup. Though technically Dzitnup consists of two separate cenotes (Cenote Xkeken and Cenote Samula), the complex is called Dzitnup after the nearby town.
Both cenotes are completely underground and only have a small opening at the ceiling that allows natural light to come in. The limited light, limestone caves, and crystal-clear waters are what make these two cenotes such magical and beautiful places to visit.
You are allowed to swim in both caves and there are ropes lined over the water and a lifeguard for less confident swimmers. You will also find some fish, though, due to the limited light, snorkeling is not great.
There is a parking lot, a small gift shop, and some vendors that sell simple typical Mexican snacks, as well as bathrooms and changing facilities.
Because the cenotes are mostly covered, you can visit them year-round, even during the rainy season.
Cenote Dzitnup is located about 10 km (6,2 miles) outside of Valladolid. The easiest way to get there is by bike or car. From Valladolid, head to highway 180 (there is a bike path next to the highway) and drive until you see Cenotes Dzitnup signs. Then turn right and go straight until you find the parking lot on your right.
Valladolid would be a good base for visiting Dzitnup, though if you want to stay closer to the cenote, there is a hotel about 2 km away called Hotel Villas del Ángel.
Visited by Lara of The Best Travel Gifts
Cenote Xux-ha
located 15 km (9.3 miles) east of Valladolid — 18 min
Opening Hours: Open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM
Fees: The entrance fee is 120 MXN and you can also rent a locker for 25 MXN to store your personal belonging while you are swimming and having fun. Life vests are also available for rent for 25 MXN.
Cenote Xux-ha is one of the lesser-known cenotes near Valladolid and yet one of the most beautiful. Located near the more popular Suytun, at only 15 km from Valladolid, Cenote Xux-ha is also a cave cenote with a depth of 25 meters and crystal clear blue water that promises a good swim.
The access to the cenote is made of limestone and wooden stairs which is very much in harmony with the environment, while it makes the descent easy for everyone, including kids.
You can jump from the jumping platform or swim and snorkel to explore the underwater landscape from the crystal clear water or look up and admire the huge dome above you.
There is a small natural hole in the ceiling which allows some natural light to get in for great artistic pictures.
Getting to Cenote Xux-ha from Valladolid is very easy. Either by local busses or by car rental, you need to follow the direction to the town of Chemax and you will see the sign on the road. Just don’t take the highway.
Cenote near Valladolid recommended by Isabella from Mexicocenotesandruins.com
Cenote Chukum
15 km (9.3 miles) east of the city — 19 min
Opening Hours: Cenote Chukum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM
Fees: The entry fee to Cenote Chukum is 200 MXN. There is no camera fee. To eat in the restaurant, visitors pay an additional 300 MXN.
Open to the public only since 2019, this cenote near Valladolid is not on many people’s radars yet. That could change soon though, as it is a truly mesmerizing place. This cenote near Valladolid is a closed cenote, with many spectacular stalactites adorning its walls. Three holes in the ceiling allow the sun rays to beam through. The water is crystal-clear and incredibly blue.
In addition to the magical setting, cenote Chukum offers a lot of fun. There are three platforms at different heights to jump into the water from. Visitors can also enjoy zip lines to fly above and eventually land in the cenote.
In order to share Chukum with as few people as possible, it’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon. The use of a locker and lifejacket is included in the entry fee. For some extra cash, visitors can eat as much as they want at the buffet restaurant on site.
The easiest way to reach cenote Chukum from Valladolid is by rental car or taxi. It’s about a 20-minute drive to get there.
Xuux Peek by Tecnohotel is less than ten kilometers away from Cenote Chukum. The accommodation has bikes for rent.
Suggested by Birthe of Cities and Seasides
Cenote Hubiku
17 km (10.6 miles) north of Valladolid — 27 min
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Fees: The entry fee for the cenote is 100 MXN. A combi ticket for the cenote and the buffet costs 300 MXN for Mexican nationals and 350 MXN for international visitors. You can also reserve a ticket in advance on the official website, but the prices are significantly higher.
Cenote Hubiku is located north of Valladolid and is a popular tourist destination for anyone hoping to explore a cenote. It was formed when the roof of an underground cave collapsed and is considered a young cenote as most of it is still covered. One stream of sunlight shines through to illuminate a section of the water below.
The wooden platforms inside the cenote are perfect for dangling your feet in the water. Or you can use them to dive right in. Don’t be surprised if lots of small fish gather around as you swim. They might even nibble your toes!
There are facilities available onsite where visitors can change clothes or use the restroom. The best time to visit this cenote near Valladolid is early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
The Don Tadeo Tequila Museum is located on the premises, as well as a souvenir shop with jewelry and small décor items. There is also a restaurant nearby that serves regional dishes.
To get there from Valladolid, head north on Hwy 295 until you see the signs for Cenote Hubiku on your right. Some group tours include a stop at this cenote.
Explored by Erin Clarkson of Sand, Suns and Messy Buns
Cenote Zaci
Note: Cenote Zaci is currently closed due to a refurbishment of the facilities. You can still see it if you eat at the cenote restaurant. (September 2022)
Opening Hours: TEMPORARILY CLOSED, but usually open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Fees: The entrance to Cenote Zaci costs 30 MXN. You don’t have to pay to use your camera in Cenote Zaci.
Located in the heart of Valladolid, Cenote Zaci is one of the most easily accessible cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is in the center of the city between Calle 37 and Calle 39.
Cenote Zaci is a big, semi-open cenote within walking distance to most landmarks in Valladolid. This Valladolid cenote boasts a nice quiet setting, thanks to the many trees around it, and provides a nice reprieve from the heat and humidity of Valladolid.
You can snorkel and swim in Cenote Zaci. Aside from that and taking photos, this cenote is also popular for cliff jumping as the depth here ranges from 25 to 100 meters. There are also amenities like a small restaurant, changing rooms, bathrooms, and lockers.
You can easily get to this cenote by walking from the center of Valladolid.
Cenote in Valladolid visited by Daria of The Discovery Nut
Getting to the Cenotes near Valladolid
While many of the cenotes in and around Valladolid can be reached by taking buses or colectivos, it is a lot easier and less time-consuming if you have a rental car.
Alternatively, you can also rent a scooter right in the city center of Valladolid. Just know that some previous scooter experience is highly recommended if you are planning to drive to cenotes that are further away like Cenote Ik Kil.
Valladolid Cenotes Rules
While rules might vary from cenote to cenote, most cenotes near Valladolid ask you to abide by the following regulations:
- You have to shower before you enter the cenote.
- Sunscreen and mosquito spray are not allowed, as they would endanger the fragile ecosystem of the cenote.
- Life jackets might be mandatory.
- Do not touch the vines that hang into the cenote.
- You have to wear swimwear.
- Do not leave your trash in or near the cenote.
- It is not allowed to bring pets.
What to bring when visiting the Valladolid Cenotes
cash — Many cenotes near Valladolid are cash only, so ensure that you have a sufficient amount on you.
swimwear and a towel — A microfiber towel is ideal as it dries quickly and is lightweight.
swimming shoes — The ground and the staircases can be slippery and uneven, so swimming shoes are recommended.
waterproof camera — You will want to take photos at the Valladolid cenotes, so a camera like the DJI Osmo Action or a GoPro is useful.
camera — While waterproof cameras are great for swimming in cenotes, they tend to lack the range of a DSLR. A full-frame camera like the Nikon D850 is best.
dry bag — There will definitely be water when you visit cenotes near Valladolid, so having a dry bag is incredibly useful as it ensures that your valuables like your passport and wallet stay dry.
reef-safe sunscreen — Apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect you from the sun once you are done swimming in the cenote.
Valladolid beyond the Cenotes
How to get to Valladolid
Do you want to visit the cenotes in Valladolid and the surrounding area, but are not sure how to get there? You’ll be happy to learn that getting there is relatively easy.
If you do not want to drive in Mexico, you can take an ADO bus. There are multiple daily connections between Cancun and Valladolid, so you can choose the bus connection that is best for your itinerary. There are also direct buses from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Merida.
However, the most flexible way to get to Valladolid is driving there yourself with a rental car. Doing so makes it significantly easier to plan day trips and to visit the cenotes near Valladolid.
Where to stay in Valladolid
While there are many great hotels in the city center of Valladolid, Hotel Posada San Juan is among the most popular ones. Located only a short walk away from the main square and on a colorful street, you cannot go wrong if you choose to stay there as you explore the city and the surrounding area.
If you love nature and do not enjoy staying in the city itself, you should stay at The Blue Eco Lodge in the nearby village of Yalcon. It also has a small cenote, although you cannot swim in it, and is only a short drive away from Valladolid’s city center. It is the perfect place to stay if you want to combine your city trip with bird watching and favor a familiar atmosphere with an amazing breakfast that caters to your own taste. Contact them via Whatsapp (+44 7944 035336).
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Roundup: The Best Cenotes near Valladolid
As you can see, there are many great cenotes near Valladolid. Some like Cenote Suytun might be instagrammy and could not be more different from the more natural cenotes like Cenote Xcanche, but all of them are worth a visit.
The cenotes are perfect if you want to go for a swim after a long morning full of sightseeing. Do yourself a favor and do not rush your visit: these stunning water holes can easily be enjoyed for several hours, so do not stuff your itinerary or you won’t be able to enjoy your vacation and the cenotes.
More about Mexico
If you are planning a trip to Valladolid, you might also be interested in these Mexico travel guides:
Las Coloradas Pink Lakes
Yucatan Road Trip
Which cenote near Valladolid will you visit?
Let me know in the comments down below!
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