Cenotes:

11-14-21

Thousands of cenotes cover the Yucatan peninsula. Cenotes are sinkholes in the limestone bedrock formed by either underground rivers or rain. There are so many to choose from to visit, and the decision can be daunting since they all look incredible. If time allowed, I would have tried to go to more. Next time I visit the area, I will be sure to check them out. My first cenote was Pueblo Magico. I found this cenote when poor weather canceled my plans to snorkel with sea turtles. I was in Akumal and did a quick google search and found Pueblo Magico was close. The pictures and reviews sounded great, and it was only a ten-minute drive from where I was.

Located only a little off the beaten path down a dirt road through the jungle, I arrived at a gated parking area. The cenote appeared to be closed, but a car was parked outside of the locked gates. Two young boys approached the gate soon after I had parked, coming from around the corner of the building on the other side of the gate. They unlocked the gate, and I rolled down my window to say hello. They let me know that the cenote was open and that if I wanted to go for a swim, they would give me a discounted rate because of the rain. The air was still warm, and the rain did not bother me one bit. We had the entire cenote to ourselves. It could not have been a better introduction to these unique swimming holes. Towards the back of the cave is a platform where we could jump off, and there is also a kayak that we could use. Inside the cave, you could see bats and some birds perched on stalactites and flying around. The water was nice and warm, and the rain coming down felt incredible. We spent a few hours here just swimming and relaxing.

The second cenote I visited was also unplanned. I drove two hours to Cancun to visit MUSA to do some more snorkeling and see some underwater sculptures. The sun was out, and everything appeared to be good, but when I arrived at the building to check-in, the employee at the desk told me they canceled the tour due to high winds. I was not exactly happy that I had driven this far to get this information, but I rescheduled and asked if there was another cancellation to email or call us. I was interested in what this museum was offering and didn't want to miss out.

I got back in the car, and now it was time to do some brainstorming. It wasn't like we were in the middle of nowhere. It would be easy to find something else exciting. Chichen-Itza was on my list of places to see, and although a little out of the way, it would be a long drive from Tulum too.

The highway leading to Chichen-Itza had a checkpoint with a tourism office. I stepped inside the office and asked them about Chichen-Itza. They let me know it was open. I was getting paranoid by now with my luck. And they told me about a cenote that they recommended. The name of the cenote is Hacienda Oxman. They showed us some incredible pictures of a deep sinkhole with vines and turquoise water. They said it was a short drive from Chichen-Itza and that they served food there. If I wanted to eat there, I could purchase tickets with them and get a discount. I bought two tickets and then headed on my way to Chichen-Itza. I'll have more info on the archaeological site in the Chichen Itza section.

After I had finished exploring Chichen Itza, I was off to Oxman cenote. It didn't take me long to drive there, I pulled in, and there was a large parking lot. A tall yellow archway leads to a set of stairs and to a building where they check tickets. They recommended that I eat before I go swimming. I had tickets for the buffet located in a building set back on the property, with rows of tables. There was a good selection of food to choose from and plenty that was vegetarian. I went and got a locker to keep my valuables in after lunch. Near the lockers was the cenote entrance with stairs that lead underground and to the swimming area. You go down some winding stairs that take you to a landing above the water, and it's like stepping into another world. The water is turquoise in color, and you can see fish swimming around. Vines hang down from the walls of the cenote. There is a large tree on the surface. Hanging from it is a long rope that reaches a platform near the water. People take turns swinging on the rope and splashing into the water. I spent a decent amount of time here, it had been a long day, and this was a perfect way to relax a little and float around in the water.

Know Before You Go

Pueblo Magico

• The entrance fee is 200 MXN 

• Located close to Akumal, you'll find it a little secluded down a dirt road past the monkey sanctuary.

• 77776 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Hacienda Oxman

• 250 MXN gets you access to the cenote and credit for the restaurant.

• There is also a pool to use. Bring extra cash for lockers. There is a changing area here located next to the restrooms. 

• Periférico 97780 Valladolid, Yucatán, Mexico

• https://www.facebook.com/CenoteOxman/

• +52 985 106 5066