In the Mayan language, D’zonot, which became “cenotes” in Spanish, are caves where water flows continuously. The Maya considered these areas sacred places where the spirits of their gods roamed. These buried networks, formed millions of years ago after the impact of the large Chicxulub meteorite in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, were gradually flooded by seawater and rainwater, creating underground rivers of salt water on the floor and fresh rivers. It is because of this special composition that these mysterious chasms display attractively colored waters and that they benefit from such a special fauna and flora. Traveling downriver in the Riviera Maya, you’ll discover a number of unique cenotes, each more breathtaking than the next. Often, of course, they extend underground, forming deep pits or taking the form of natural pools surrounded by dense vegetation. It even happens that all these kits are connected, to the delight of diving, snorkeling or freediving enthusiasts.
Cenotes around Valladolid Syuetun, Ik-Kil and: Zack
Cenote Sottoun
The photo of this cenote traveled around the world. A stone path ending in a circular platform at the bottom of the huge cave brings visitors to the heart of the pool, which is touched by a beam of natural light coming from a small hole in the surface of the cave. A little everywhere, menacing stalactites and stalagmites add a mystical aspect to the atmosphere. Try to come between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to enjoy the sunset view. The effect will be less convincing outside of these slots.
Adult admission: €6. Child, 4 €. Carretera Ticuch Km 8 S/n, 97780 Valladolid. Open daily from 9am to 4.30pm. cenotessuytun.com/
Cenote Ik Kil
Located in the archeological park of the same name, very close to the famous ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza, this cenote is an open hole whose water surface is more than 26 meters above the ground. Its walls are covered with lush vegetation and lianas that hang above a very deep pool (about 40m) of an intense dark blue color, almost black, depending on the outside light and yet absolutely clear. A popular tourist destination for its charming atmosphere, it is better to visit in the morning to avoid groups with agencies.
Entrance: 7 euros. Carr. Merida-Puerto Juarez km. 122. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. www.cenoteikkil.com/
Cenote Zaci
If you have to go deep into the jungle to discover the vast majority of cenotes, this is the exception. Located in the heart of the beautiful colonial city of Valladolid, this huge half-open cave attracts both tourists and locals looking for some refreshment. With a depth of 100 meters, Zací has become a popular pool for jumping into the water from different heights, making the place popular and friendly.
Entrance: 1.40 euros. Calle 36 x 37 y 39 S/N (two blocks from the zocalo), Valladolid. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Cenotes around Mérida : Kuzama
Cenotes of Kuzama
To reach the site’s three cenotes, visitors climb into a rustic horse-drawn cart that plunges them through the jungle for at least 3 hours of adventure. Indigo blue oases encased in rock, the first two pools are breathtakingly beautiful. Then you have to go down a long steep staircase, literally placed under a huge tree, to reach the last cenote, undoubtedly the most impressive. Its configuration allows the sun’s rays to penetrate the cave, coloring the water in various shades ranging from emerald green to turquoise blue. Be careful though, access to children and people with vertigo can be tricky.
Admission (including cart transport), €4.70 per person. Calle 14 s/n, 97577 Cuzamá. Open daily, 8am to 4pm.
Cenotes around Tulum : Actun Akumal bag and: Ponderosa
Cenote Sac Actún Akumal
Lost in the middle of the jungle, this site combines more than a hundred underwater cenotes. With an underground network of about 350 km and a significant number of preserved remains, Sak Aktun Akumal is one of the largest underwater archaeological sites in the world. The place, protected, can be explored with a guide. The hike starts in an open cenote with turquoise water and continues to swim in underground caves covered in stalactites and stalagmites. No life forms can be seen in these pools devoid of natural light, but the underwater relief is still worthy of a mask and a breath.
Guided tour, €29 (includes mask and snorkel credit). Carretera Federal 307 (Cancun-Chetumal) pasando, Xel-Ha, one kilometer hacia, 77760 Tulum. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Cenote Ponderosa
Nicknamed the “Garden of Eden” for its vast setting surrounded by jungle, this outdoor cenote is like a huge natural pool with crystal clear water. Very easily accessible and full of fish, the place is ideal for family outings and water tours with mask and snorkel or bottles. Connected to other underground networks, the Ponderosa is just as impressive below the surface of the water. It offers underwater circuits known as one of the best cenote diving sites on the peninsula.
Admission: €9.50 per person. Snorkel rental, 2.30 euros; diving equipment, €65. Cenote Azul, 77734 Cancun. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Practical notebook
Get there. From Paris CDG, Air-France offers direct flights to Cancun (10:40). From there, rent a car to get around the Yucatan with ease. Estimate around 3 hours 45 cars for the Cancun-Merida trip, 2 hours for Cancun-Valladolid and 2 hours for Valladolid-Merida.
Ask: www.visitmexico.com/yucatan
Source: Le Figaro
