Chasing Cenotes in Tulum, Mexico

If you ask me what country in the world is my favorite to travel, the answer is and will always be, Mexico. A land rich in history, vibrant culture, delicious food, and beautiful beaches, it is impossible not to love Mexico! There is something for any and every kind of traveler in Mexico.

If you are ready to enter your boho era and become one with nature, then Tulum, Mexico is the perfect destination for your next trip. Located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo along the eastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum offers more than just great margaritas and beautiful beaches.

Tulum boasts a boho chic aesthetic. The city center, hotels, and restaurants offer a luxurious, earthy experience, that will inspire anyone to want to start their “eat, pray, love” journey. The ancient city is rich in Mayan culture and is surrounded by a jungle where ruins, caves, and cenotes can be found.

Cenotes (sinkhole, Spanish) are deep pits in the ground where the earth’s bedrock has collapsed. These pits fill with ground water and create the perfect swimming holes. While sinkholes can occur anywhere in the world, they are common throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. In Tulum alone, there are over two hundred. You can enjoy an entire day chasing cenotes with just a beach towel, a bathing suit, and a few pesos in your pocket for park entry fees. Here are a few of my favorite cenotes to get you started!

Gran Cenote

Located only ten minutes from the city center, the Gran Cenote is one of the most popular and visited cenotes in Tulum. It is a great “first” cenote, as it offers an easy descent path via a wooden boardwalk and several shallow areas where you can wade around if you are not the strongest swimmer. The cenote is split into two areas and you can enter at either one. In order to travel between the two areas, you must swim through a cave. If you happen to look up while swimming through the cave, you are sure to see a few bats flying over head.

Cenote Suytan

Unlike other cenotes in the area, Cenote Suytan is completely underground. While a small hole in the cave ceiling allows light to shine down, the entire sinkhole is enclosed. One must descend over one hundred limestone steps to reach this swimming hole. In the center of the cenote is a stone pathway and an altar, which is said to have been a place where the Mayans performed rituals. You can take a dip and swim amongst the blind cave fish while admiring the stalactite speckled cave ceiling. This cenote is about an hour and a half by car from Tulum, in the neighboring city of Valladolid. You can hire a driver or catch an Uber to get there.

Cenote Oxman

My favorite and furthest cenote from the city center, Cenote Oxman is breathtaking and truly embodies a cenote. This deep pit has an enormous opening that leads down into a beautiful blue swimming hole. There are several jumping points and swings inside of the cenote to try out if you love an adrenaline rush. The descent down into the cenote can be slippery, so water shoes are advised. This cenote is also located near the city of Valladolid and can be reached by car or taxi.

Chasing cenotes is the perfect activity to beat the heat, explore nature, and get outside of your resort, no matter what your swimming abilities are – life jackets are provided at every entry. While these are my favorites there are so many more to explore. So, what are you waiting for?