The Best Cenotes in Tulum
Mexico is a very popular destination with its warm water and beaches, you are bound to have fun or relax in this tropical paradise! The Yucatán Peninsula is known for Cozumel, Cancun and Tulum. These are just a few of the most popular cities. With so much to do and explore, one of the most popular adventures in this part of Mexico is its cenotes! The Yucatán Peninsula is home to an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 cenotes. Many of these cenotes are deep in the jungle or on private owned land. However, there are plenty to visit when you travel to the Yucatán Peninsula!
What is a Cenote?
As one of Mexico's top things to see! It's important to understand what is a Cenote and why is it important to this part of the world. First, let's start with pronunciation, Cenote is pronounced as “say-no-tey.” A Cenote is an underground cave or sinkhole filled with permanent water. These cenotes are made with limestone and as your swim through these underwater caves you'll see beautiful formations of rock throughout the cave. Cenotes can vary! Some are completely underground and some are open. Cenotes are very important to the Mayan culture, not only are they their main water source, it was considered the entrance to Xibalaba or the 'underworld.' Cenotes were sacred sites where offerings and rituals were performed, some offerings were jade, pottery, gold and studies have been performed to find human remains with wounds consistent of human sacrifice. However, other cenotes have human remains with no wounds making it an alternative burial place for their loved ones!
Sac Actun Cenote
The Cenote I visited was called Sac Actun, its close to the famous Dos Ojos Cenote in Tulum! Sac Actun is also known as 'Pet Cemetery' because the locals have found the remains of pets located in this Cenote. (No, there were no remains when I was there!) This Cenote was beautiful! You start by swimming through a short cave before entering a wide cavern. This cavern leads to other tunnels, where you'll see the most beautiful limestone that have formed for thousands of years! I will not lie, it's a little scary swimming through the dark waters, but our guide had plenty of flashlights for us! When you get to the large cavern, they use artificial light to light up the dark cave. You need to check out this Cenote if you want a little adventure when visiting the cenotes!
What to Pack for a Cenote:
Swimsuit - Of course you want this! The cenotes are not only beautiful, but after a long day in the Mexican sun they are so refreshing! So be ready to take a swim in the bright blue water of these cenotes!
Underwater Camera - Whether that's a Go Pro or an underwater case for you iPhone, you don't want to forget it! Not only are the pictures amazing and worth it. Videoing the underwater caverns are both beautiful and mysterious. I always go back through my camera roll to watch how gorgeous this Cenote is!
Towel - You have to dry off somehow! Although the Mexican heat is very hot, it's easier to quickly dry off with a towel and be on your merry way!
Change off clothes - Sometimes your hotel/airbnb might be a little far from the Cenote so make sure to plan ahead and pack an extra change of clothes for the car ride! I always get cold when I have wet hair so I'll even pack a sweater!
Warning: Not all the cenotes allow drones or cameras! Before visiting, do a quick google search and find out what their rules are on cameras!
Other Cenotes to Visit
1. Dos Ojos
2. Grand Cenote
3. Casa Cenote
4. Taak Bi Ha
5. Cristalino
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