Cenotes were considered the life force of the Maya’s. They were considered an entrance to the underworld while simultaneously providing access to fresh water. The definition of a cenote, according to Merriam-Webster.com, is “a deep sinkhole in limestone with a pool at the bottom.”
The most popular and well-known cenotes are generally open water pools that extend tens of meters in diameter, such as the Sagrada Cenote of Chichen Itza. However, the greatest number of cenotes are smaller sites that don’t necessarily have any exposed surface water. Some cenotes can only be found through a small 1-meter (or 3.28-foot) hole in the ground, normally created by tree roots.
In fact, there are over 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan alone. Cenote water tends to be crystal clear with little to no suspended particulate matter thanks to rain water that slowly filters through the ground. In many areas, cenotes have a section of collapsed roof that reveals an underwater cave system.
The most notable cenotes around Mérida are widely regarded as the cenotes of Cuzamá. The easiest way to visit these are with a rental car, however, it is possible to visit them with a short-day trip by either bus or collectivo. Collectivos leave from in front of San Cristobal Iglesia and cost 30 MXN one way. The collectivos drop visitors off in the center of town, a rough 45-minute walk from the cenote park. Visitors can opt to take a Tuk-Tuk, or a motorcycle that has been modified to carry 3-4 passengers, for only 30 MXN one way.
The Cenotes of Cuzamá are something special and should not be missed by any visitor of the region. The site accesses three pools after a short ride along a janky rail system of carts that are drawn by donkeys. The entrance fee is 300 MXN per person. However, if you have a group of four then the fee is cut in half to 150 MXN each or 600 MXN total for the group.
Each pool is special in its own right. The first cenote had to be entered directly through the root system of a staggering tree. A ladder descends down through the roots to enter the cave. This is where visitors will find themselves completely surrounded by both stalagmites and stalactites, follow the short walk that leads through the cave to a small enclosed fresh water pool. Our group decided to take a few pictures here but save the swimming for the next two larger cenotes. In retrospect, I wish I would have jumped in at this unique location, however, my imagination got the best of me.
The second was my favorite. It is about 90% enclosed with a ladder leading down to a platform that encompasses the fresh water pool below. Several root systems dangle from above, just enough to graze the surface of the water. The cave has a small window where the light could shine through. The clumps of light turned the water from a dark blue to some of the clearest light blues that I’ve seen, the epitome of translucent water.
The final cenote is half open. Several beams of light would spill through, creating a soft glow that lit up the entire cave. This was definitely the “Instagram” pool, where visitors can get some excellent shots for their social media accounts. The cave has two rocky areas that are climbable, but caution must be heeded as the rocks leading to the higher points are covered in algae and extremely slippery.
The Cenotes of Cuzamá are a special experience and one that I could have missed out on. I couldn’t be happier with this experience and would highly recommend it to anyone passing through Mérida to check them out! The cenotes are unique with three very different experiences. It is the perfect place for both families and backpackers alike. Do yourself a favor take a day off from the busy tourist centers with a swim through these subterranean limestone caves.
Quick Notes:
- Collectivo to Cuzamá: 30 MXN
- Tuk-Tuk to Cenote Entrance: 30 MXN
- Cuzamá Cenote Entrance Fee: 300 MXN
- Cuzamá Cenote Entrance Fee with a group of 4: 150 MXN each or 600 MXN total
