Mexico
Cenote-hopping near Valladolid
Today is all about discovering the magical cenotes near Valladolid. These stunning limestone sinkholes are a must-see in the Yucatán, each offering something unique. From hidden caves with mystical lighting to open-air cenotes with rope swings, there’s something special about every spot!
Cenote Oxman
Start your morning at Cenote Oxman, which opens bright and early at 7 AM. Think of it as a quieter version of the popular Ik Kil near Chichen Itza. The open, circular pool gives it that classic cenote feel with a bit of an edge: there’s a rope swing that’s perfect for some easy thrills if you’re feeling brave! The birds flying around just add to the peaceful vibe here, making it feel like paradise so early in the morning. Get there early, and you’ll likely have the place to yourself. What we also really appreciated was the fact that access to the upstairs pool is included in the ticket. The pool is nice and clean, and provides just the right amount of variety on site. It’s also where you can pick up a small breakfast or some cocktails (but probably keep that for later during the day).
Only 7 minutes away, you’ll find your next cenote(s).
Cenote Samula
Next up, head to Cenote Samula, one half of the Samula and X’Keken pair (more on that one later). Samula has a small opening above that lets in a beam of light, bright enough to shine beautifully on its 15-meter-deep blue waters. The swimming area is on the smaller side, but the depth and color of the waters make it a sight worth seeing. And since you’ll arrive pretty early, you probably don’t have to worry about sharing the cenote with a lot of other people 😉
Cenote Xkeken
This was hands down our favorite out of the two! Cenote Xkeken feels more like a hidden cave filled with water, complete with stalactites hanging from above and a few friendly bats. The lighting here is subtle, coming from a small hole in the cave’s ceiling that gives it a moody but magical vibe. You can swim just about anywhere, though be mindful not to touch the stalactites. This cenote has a unique beauty that you really don’t find in the more open pools. When we visited on a Saturday, we had the whole place to ourselves for about one hour!
A 45 minute drive is all it takes to get to the final cenote of the day.
Cenote Choj-Ha
End your cenote-hopping day with one of Valladolid’s hidden gems: Cenote Choj-Ha. When we say hidden gem, we mean it. We visited around noon and only saw one other party here when we went. That’s why we kept this cenote for last! Not only did we want to finish the day off on a high note (yes, it’s our favorite one), you also don’t have to worry about sharing the space with others so you don't need to wake up early for it 😉 The cave is on the darker side as the only source of light comes from the entrance, but that actually makes it feel more private and mysterious. Choj-Ha has lots of impressive stalactites, and if you’re up for it, you can jump off a few of the rocks into the deep water as well. We especially loved the little surfboard you can use to paddle around the cave, perfect if you’re in the mood to explore without getting wet right away. This cenote is not as well-known, so we recommend visiting now while it lasts!
