Looking for the best Valladolid Cenotes?!
After traveling to Valladolid several times over the last few years, I have seen my fair share of cenotes.
For this reason, I have put together this complete guide with my pick of the 10 Best Cenotes in Valladolid including where to find them, how much they cost, and what to expect at each one!
Make sure to read until the end to learn all the details you should know before visiting.
OVERVIEW – BEST VALLADOLID CENOTES
Let’s start this guide with all the essentials you should know when planning a trip around the cenotes in Valladolid.
WHERE IS VALLADOLID & HOW TO GET THERE?
The small, charming city of Valladolid is approximately a 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Tulum or 1 hour and 50 minutes from Cancun.
Your best option to reach Valladolid is to rent a car or alternatively, you can take the ADO bus.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT VALLADOLID?
The best time to visit Valladolid is during the dry season from December to April. During this time there is little to no rainfall and the temperatures are just perfect.
The rainy season in Valladolid is typically between May and October which sees higher temperatures due to the humidity.
The only plus side to visiting Valladolid during these months is there will be fewer tourists and prices are less inflated.
BEST VALLADOLID CENOTE TOUR
The best way to visit is to join a Valladolid Cenotes Tour With Chichen Itza!
It includes a stop at Chichen Itza, 3 different cenotes, transportation, and a fun guide!
10 BEST VALLADOLID CENOTES
Without further ado, here is your complete guide to the 10 Best Cenotes Valladolid has to offer with all the visiting info you need to know before you go!
IK KIL CENOTE
Ik Kil Cenote is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Valladolid Cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula!
It is also known to be one of the more popular Cenotes in Valladolid so make sure you get there early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds!
LOCATION
From Valladolid, it’s approximately a 45-minute drive west to reach Cenote Ik Kil.
→ Click here for the pin location on Google Maps
ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING HOURS
The Ik Kil Cenote entrance fee is 180 MXN. If you want to eat at the buffet restaurant, it’ll cost you 160 pesos more per person.
Ik Kil Cenote is open Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Personally, I think what makes Ik Kil Cenote one of the best cenotes in Valladolid is that it resembles a fairy tale scene! Featuring leaves and vines hanging beautifully down from the top of the Cenote and covering the walls until they reach the water.
Cenote Ik Kil itself forms an almost perfect circular shape and there is an internal concrete staircase making it very easy to access the inside. On the way down the steps, there are a couple of viewpoints worth stopping at to take photos.
Once you reach the bottom, set your belongings down in a dry area against the wall and jump on in for a swim.
I highly recommend swimming out to the middle of the natural pool, floating on your back, and marveling at the open-air circle above! I guarantee you will be in awe and it’s the perfect opportunity to take it all in.
The temperature of the water in this Cenote Valladolid is quite fresh but once you get swimming around you will warm up in no time. A wooden ladder is also built-in, making it easy to get in and out of Ik Kil Cenote.
Full Blog Pos: Ik Kil Cenote Valladolid
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SUYTUN CENOTE VALLADOLID
Cenote Suytun is arguably one of the best Cenotes in Valladolid and perhaps the entire Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico!
It features a monolithic cave filled with shallow turquoise water and an idyllic stone pathway that stretches out into the middle of this amazing Cenote!
LOCATION
Cenote Suytun is a short 15-minute drive from the center of Valladolid in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. It’s pretty close to the city center and very easy to get to.
→ Click here for the pin location on Google Maps
ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING TIMES
This awesome Cenote Valladolid is not that cheap but not overly expensive with an entrance fee of 200 MXN.
On the other end, for 350 pesos, you’ll get to swim in the cenote in Valladolid and get a buffet lunch at the restaurant, which is an added bonus.
The opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm – 7 days a week.
RELATED ARTICLE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN TULUM
WHAT TO EXPECT
The reason why Cenote Suytun is so unique is that it’s a cave cenote with a spark of natural light beaming down into the middle of the cave through a hole in the roof.
The cave is pretty dark inside though there are a few hanging light bulbs lighting the way down the steps.
There’s an idyllic stone pathway that stretches out into the middle of turquoise waters that you can walk on and it makes for some great photo opportunities.
There are various different angles to admire Cenote Suytun and the most popular perspective is from the top of the staircase.
There’s also a little platform at the end of the staircase which will allow you to have the hole in the cave’s roof in your picture.
The best time to visit Cenote Suytun is in the early morning as soon as it opens at 9 am. It can get very crowded with tourists swimming in the water and everyone wanting to take photos on the platform in the middle.
Full Blog Post: Cenote Suytun
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CENOTE OXMAN
Cenote Oxman (San Lorenzo Oxman) is another one of my favorite Valladolid Cenotes and it is not to be missed during your visit!
Oxman Cenote makes for an epic half-day adventure from Valladolid, featuring an enormous sinkhole with hanging vines, an epic rope swing, and a natural freshwater pool.
LOCATION
It’s a short 15-minute drive or a 40-minute bike ride from the center of Valladolid to reach Oxman Cenote.
If you are driving or riding your bike, make sure to come from the highway because if you take the shortcut through the farmland you will have to ride through some unpaved and rocky dirt roads.
→ Click here for the pin location on Google Maps
ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING TIMES
The entrance fee at this Valladolid Cenote is 150 MXN. Alternatively, you can get the upgraded package that costs 250 pesos and that includes a 200-peso voucher at the restaurant.
Cenote Oxman opening hours are from 8 am to 6 pm – 7 days a week.
The BEST Hotel in Valladolid
Need a place to stay? Mayan Majesty Boutique Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Valladolid.
Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Mayan Majesty Boutique Hotel is a great option.
WHAT TO EXPECT
I recommend arriving early in the day at Cenote Oxman to avoid the crowds. You will also be able to take the best photos early in the morning before the sun hits the water inside as this tends to make it glary.
Once you make your way down the staircase, you’ll end up inside the sinkhole to what resembles an amphitheater that looks straight out into the Cenote Tulum.
The highlight at Cenote Oxman is without a doubt the rope swing. In fact, I didn’t see a rope swing in any of the other Tulum Cenotes that I went to.
The rope swing is adequate for young and old, although the shorter kids had to be lifted up in order to reach the rope. But everyone that made the plunge into the water, climbed quickly back up the stairs and did it over and over again.
From the top of the wall, the drop into the Oxman Cenote is about 3 meters deep. You can either jump off the edge of the platform, enter the water via the rope swing, or use the staircase.
The water is about 45 meters deep with great visibility, so if you have some goggles I highly recommend taking them along with you to this Valladolid Cenote so you can take a look underneath the surface.
Full Blog Post: Cenote Oxman
CENOTE ZACI
Cenote Zaci is another one of the best Cenotes around Valladolid and I highly recommend adding it to your list of things to do!
Featuring a cave-like cenote filled with freshwater, cliff jumps, and an on-site restaurant, Cenote Zaci is a great place to hang out for a few hours during your visit!
LOCATION
Cenote Zaci is located in the middle of Valladolid which makes it one of the easiest Cenotes to visit while you are in town.
It is so conveniently located within the city center that anyone can reach it easily.
→ Click here for the pin location on Google Maps
ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING TIMES
The entrance fee to Cenote Zaci is 60 MXN. There is a restaurant nearby (Restaurante Zaci) but it doesn’t offer a buffet lunch, unlike other cenotes, so keep that in mind.
The opening hours are 8 am to 5:30 pm – 7 days a week.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Once you’ve purchased your ticket at the ticket office you can go down the stone staircase that leads into this Cenote Valladolid.
There are great photo opportunities along the staircase as Cenote Zaci is only half covered, and there’s always sunlight coming in.
If you want to go for a swim you can leave your valuables on the ledge of Cenotes Zaci and dive on in. If you don’t feel like swimming, you can just sit by the ledge and dip your toes into the cool water.
Cenote Zaci is very unique compared to other Cenotes because its shape resembles a massive cave, but only half of it is covered, which means that there is a lot of sunlight shining through.
If you’re up for an adrenaline rush then you can jump off the platform which is about 8 meters high.
Otherwise, you can easily enter the water via the numerous staircases on the edges of the swimming hole. Beware that the staircase might be slippery when wet.
Feeling hungry? Grab a bite to eat at the Zaci Cenote restaurant and on the way out, you can go shopping for souvenirs at the market stalls located near the exit.
Full Blog Post: Cenote Zaci
HACIENDA CHUKUM CENOTE
As someone who’s had his fair share of cenotes in the Yucatan, I can tell you that Cenote Hacienda Chukum is really something special.
The cave cenote is illuminated by only a few beams of light that filter down from the openings in the ceiling, making the water below look even more beautiful.
Although Cenote Hacienda Chukum may be one of the newest additions to the Cenote family in the Yucatan, it has already made a name for itself as one of the coolest.
LOCATION
Cenote Hacienda Chukum is located only 10km from Valladolid, which is convenient enough to visit from the city.
You can either call a taxi or rent a car and explore other cenotes Valladolid on the same day.
→ Click here for the pin location on Google Maps
ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING TIMES
The entrance fee is 200 pesos per person, which includes the entry ticket, lockers, and lifejacket. Also, you can also pay 500 pesos and you’ll get a buffet lunch, which is a nice addition.
Note that the buffet lunch isn’t the biggest you’ve ever seen, but will be enough to get some energy for the day!
Cenote Hacienda Chukum is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This Valladolid cenote was not yet open when I visited Mexico for the first time but I came back to see it and definitely not regret it! It opened to the public in 2019.
It is one of the most beautiful cenotes around Valladolid and arguably in Mexico.
This recently opened cave cenote is easily one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in all of Mexico. With just a few openings in the ceiling, the clear water inside is illuminated by streams of light, creating a peaceful atmosphere that you’ll love.
The best part? The facilities at Hacienda Chukum are some of the most modern and well-maintained of any cenote near Valladolid.
From the lockers and showers to the parking lot and fun extras like a zipline and even kayaks, this cenote has everything you need for an unforgettable experience.
While the buffet is a bit lacking for the price, the beauty of Cenote Chukum makes it a must-visit spot.
CHICHIKAN CENOTE
Next on our list of best Valladolid cenotes is Chichikan, nestled within the jungles of Mexico yet near the city.
This magnificent open cenote boasts a truly unique set of characteristics, spanning 24 meters high and 8 meters deep, its size is hard to beat.
What I love about Chichikan Cenote is the waterfall, and I’ll tell you more about it below.
LOCATION
Cenote Chichikan is only a 15-minute car ride away from Valladolid, and the best way to visit is to either join a tour from Valladolid or call a taxi.
→ Click here for the pin location on Google Maps
ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING HOURS
The entrance fee to Chichikan costs 250 pesos per person, which doesn’t include the lockers and life jackets. These cost 50 pesos extra each – Note that wearing a life jacket is mandatory.
Alternatively, you can pay a little more and have a buffet lunch here for 300 pesos per person.
Cenote Chichikan is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This cenote is not your typical underground pool. It’s an open cenote that boasts a unique set of features that make it a true hidden gem.
When you come here, you can expect to be greeted by a central island, a stunning waterfall, and peacefulness. That’s right, generally, there aren’t many visitors to this cenote, which is great.
After swimming around, you can head to the restaurant to enjoy a meal and have a drink before continuing your trip or visiting other cenotes.
What I liked the most is that everything is very organized as opposed to other Valladolid cenotes, and that is something to consider when visiting Mexico.
CENOTE XCANCHE
Another incredible cenote near Valladolid is Xcanche, great for snorkeling and swimming.
LOCATION
Cenote Xcanche is located 28km from Valladolid, inside the Ek Balam complex. You can easily get here by car, calling a taxi, or combining it with a tour of Chichen Itza.
→ Click here for the pin location on Google Maps
ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING HOURS
Xcanche Cenote is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day. The entrance fee is separate from the Ek Balam complex and costs 170 pesos per person.
You can also use the zipline for an extra 100 pesos per person, which is worth it!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Also known as Ek Balak cenote due to its location, Xcanche is a nice way to have a refreshing swim after visiting the Mayan Ruins.
With convenient showers and change rooms, it’s very well equipped and safe. If you’re feeling adventurous, zip-lining over the cenote is an option for an extra 100 pesos.
While the road to the cenote may be long, coming by car or joining a tour is a good option.
There aren’t as many people around at this cenote, making it a great spot to swim and hang out for a while.
HUBIKU CENOTE
Hubiku is another cenote near Valladolid that I suggest adding to your itinerary!
This stunning cave cenote boasts a small opening to the sky above and a large platform for easy entry.
With its family-friendly facilities and ample parking, it is an excellent choice for those traveling with children.
While it is busier than other cenotes, Hubiku remains a favorite among locals and tourists.
LOCATION
Cenote Hubiku is located only 17km from Valladolid, making it a great stop for a day out before or after lunch.
→ Click here for the pin location on Google Maps
ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING TIMES
The entrance fee for Cenote Hubiku is only 100 pesos or 350 pesos per person if you choose the package with a buffet lunch. Other than the entrance fee, you can get a locker for 10 pesos.
The cenote is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
WHAT TO EXPECT
When planning a trip to Valladolid, a visit to Cenote Hubiku is a must. This natural sinkhole pool is nothing short of breathtaking and will leave you feeling refreshed after a dip in its cool waters.
The best part is that you can rent lockers and shower facilities to keep your stuff safe while you explore around.
Plus, there are some fish swimming around and that is something unique to Hubiku that you don’t want to miss!
Whether you decide to visit on your own or book a tour, I highly recommend you explore this Cenote Valladolid Mexico!
SECRETO MAYA CENOTE
The Cenote Secreto Maya is a hidden gem that’s still somewhat under the radar, so you won’t see many tourist crowds, and that’s probably its selling point.
LOCATION
Cenote Secreto Maya is located 33km from Valladolid, and it takes around 40 minutes to get there by car.
→ Click here for the pin location on Google Maps
ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING HOURS
The entrance fee to Secreto Maya is:
200 pesos for the cenote only, 250 pesos for the cenote with the rope swing, or 500 pesos for the day pass with the cenote, pool, and restaurant.
The cenote is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Cenote Secreto Maya, as the name suggests, is a hidden gem to explore while in Valladolid.
What I loved here is that there weren’t many people and even had the cenote for ourselves for some time.
There are different packages you can choose from but, if you have time available, I recommend getting the day pass.
Not only does it give you access to all the facilities, but the cenote itself is just stunning. With several platforms for taking photos, jumping, or even swinging on a rope swing, it’s a paradise for adventure lovers.
The staff is kind and accommodating, making it the perfect place to unwind for a while.
CENOTE SAAMAL
Last but certainly not least for this Valladolid cenotes guide is Cenote Saamal, located in Hacienda Selva Maya.
When it comes to swimming in cenotes, Cenote Saamal is a place you won’t want to miss. Sure, it can get a bit crowded with tourists at times, but you can visit in the morning before the crowds arrive.
There’s an artificial waterfall inside, plus you’ll get to enjoy the main feature here – a beautiful artificial waterfall that adds to the overall ambiance.
LOCATION
Cenote Saamal is only about 6km from Valladolid, which makes it perfect for a nice break from the city for a few hours.
→ Click here for the pin location on Google Maps
ENTRANCE FEE AND OPENING TIMES
The entrance fee is 200 pesos per person including the life jacket and a locker.
Alternatively, you can get the 400 pesos package that includes the entry fee, a life jacket, a locker, and the buffet lunch, which is very reasonable.
The cenote is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Cenote Saamal at Hacienda Selva Maya is easily one of the best Valladolid cenotes you’ll visit.
It can get crowded during peak tourist times, so I recommend coming in the morning for a more peaceful moment.
Alternatively, come around midday and enjoy the buffet lunch afterward.
The main attraction here is the gorgeous artificial waterfall, which adds to the already beautiful ambiance of the cenote.
For an extra thrill, consider trying the zipline for an additional fee. All in all, it’s one Valladolid cenote you can’t miss on your trip to Mexico!
WHERE TO STAY IN VALLADOLID
Valladolid has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Valladolid to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend after exploring the best cenote Valladolid.
Luxury: Mayan Majesty Boutique Hotel
Mid Range: Hotel Los Frailes
Budget: Hostal Tunich Naj
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN VALLADOLID, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
WHAT TO PACK FOR MEXICO
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More Mexico Travel Guides
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FINAL THOUGHTS – BEST CENOTES VALLADOLID
Some of the best adventures to be had in Mexico are visiting these awesome Cenotes in Valladolid and I guarantee you will enjoy these natural beauties just as much as I have.
Just remember to try to visit these Cenotes as early in the morning as possible to avoid the busy midday crowds.
I hope you enjoyed reading this best cenotes Valladolid article and if you have any questions, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations about these best cenotes near Valladolid to our awesome community.
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THANKS FOR READING
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