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25 Of The Best Cenotes In The Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

25 Of The Best Cenotes In The Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

If you’re planning a trip to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, then no doubt visiting a cenote, or two, is high on your to-do list. But where to start? Indeed, there are almost 10,000 sinkholes scattered throughout this exquisite expanse of Mexico. But, fear not. We’ve narrowed this down to bring you 25 of the best and most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatán, Mexico covering the popular destinations of Valladolid, Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Bacalar.

But first, what exactly is a cenote?

For more in Yucatán, read 21 Wonderful Things To Do In Valladolid Mexico and Bacalar, Mexico: 10 Excellent Things To Do On A Day Trip.

What Are Mexico’s Cenotes?

Cenotes are natural sinkholes typically found throughout Mexico. Although, the name is also used to describe similar sinkholes in places like the USA and Australia.

Cenotes usually form when limestone above an underground water chamber collapses, exposing the pool below. You’ll find many of Mexico’s underground cenotes to have crystal clear water. This is because the cenotes are fed by rainwater that’s naturally filtered through the above rocks before dripping into the pool below. Cenotes are also connected via underground stream systems, keeping the water moving and super fresh.

There are a few different types of cenotes found throughout Mexico.

  • Closed Cenotes: these are thought to be the youngest type of cenote and are still concealed within a cave.
  • Semi-open Cenotes: these cenotes are half concealed within a cave and half exposed to the outdoors. Generally, this means some of the limestone cave has collapsed.
  • Open Cenotes: here, the vaulted cave roof has collapsed, but the cenote is still surrounded by rock walls, on all or some of its sides.
  • Ancient Cenotes: these cenotes are the oldest in Mexico and will more likely resemble lagoons or open swimming pools.

So, now you know what cenotes are, let’s take a look at where Mexico’s Yucatán cenotes are.

Where Is the Yucatán Peninsula?

The Yucatán Peninsula is a peninsula on the eastern side of Mexico that extends into the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The Yucatán Peninsula is a flat expanse of land spanning around 181,000 km2. The ground in the Yucatán is mostly made up of limestone, perfect for the creation of a cenote or two.

Cenotes Yucatán Map

The below map shows the locations of each of the Yucatán cenotes we’ll discuss in this Mexico travel guide.

25 Best Yucatán Cenotes in Mexico

Below, we’ll give a brief overview of 25 of the best Yucatán cenotes in Mexico. We’ll group the Yucatán cenotes based on the towns they are closest to, including Valladolid, Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Bacalar.

Best Yucatán Cenotes Near Valladolid, Mexico

1. Cenote Suytun

If there’s one definitive cenote to visit in the Yucatán, Mexico then it’s surely Cenote Suytun. The brilliant turquoise waters of Cenote Suytun shimmer within a vast cavernous expanse. Indeed, with an ancient-looking stone platform leading to a circular plinth in the centre of the pool, you’ll find this is one of the most visually stunning cenotes in Mexico and definitely one of the best in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.

  • Entry fee: $150MXN ($8.50USD)
  • Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week. The last entry permitted is at 4:30pm.
  • Distance from Valladolid: 9km // 15 minutes

Read more: Cenote Suytun, Valladolid: Visit Mexico’s Most Stunning Cenote

Cenote Suytun in Valladolid, Mexico

2. Cenote Xcanche (Ek Balam Cenote)

Cenote Xcanche is located next to the Ek Balam Mayan Ruins complex, which you should also explore whilst you’re visiting. In fact, you can take bicycles and cycle between Ek Balam ruins and Cenote Xcanche. Just remember, you’ll need separate tickets to enter both the ruins and the cenote. But, what awaits at Mexico’s Cenote Xcanche is a total oasis of rope swings and zip lines over a large open-air pool. 

  • Entrance fee: $170MXN ($10USD)
  • Opening hours: 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Valladolid: 28km // 30 minutes

3. Cenote Zaci

In the heart of central Valladolid is Cenote Zaci, so you can pretty much walk to this Yucatán cenote from wherever you’re staying in this beautiful city in Mexico. The semi-open cenote is small but uber-picturesque. On-site is also a lovely outdoor restaurant and incredibly, Cenote Zaci is one of the cheapest Yucatán cenotes to visit.

  • Entrance fee: $30MXN ($1.80USD)
  • Opening hours: 8am to 5:30pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Valladolid: located in the city

4. Cenote Xkeken (Cenote Dzitnup)

Cenote Xkeken is another of Valladolid and the Yucatán’s stunning cenotes. It’s often mistaken as being one and the same as Cenote Dzitnup, but this is incorrect. Cenote Xkeken is actually one of two incredible cave cenotes found at the Cenote Dzitnup complex in Mexico. The other is Cenote Samula.

Cenote Xkeken is a closed cenote, featuring long jagged stalactites protruding from the cavern ceiling. There’s also a small opening in the cave ceiling, creating a playful sunbeam that highlights different spots in the cenote as the light moves overhead. Get there early to enjoy the mirror reflections before anyone gets in.

  • Entrance fee: $80MXN ($4.50USD) for only Cenote Xkeken, $125MXN ($7.50USD) for Cenote Samula as well.
  • Opening hours:  8am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Valladolid: 6km // 10 minutes

Read more: Cenote Xkeken – How To Visit The Dzitnup Cenotes In Mexico

5. Cenote Samula (Cenote Dzitnup)

Cenote Samula, the second of the Dzitnup Cenotes, is a large cavernous cenote and easily one of our favourite Yucatán cenotes. The incredible chamber space is vast and comes complete with clear turquoise waters, perfect for plunging into. Another hole in the cavern ceiling allows for an extraordinary light beam to pierce into the cenote. It’s quite incredible.

  • Entrance fee: $80MXN ($4.50USD) for only Cenote Samula, $125MXN ($7.50USD) for Cenote Xkeken as well.
  • Opening hours: 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Valladolid: 6km // 10 minutes

Read more: Cenote Samula – Discover The Dzitnup Cenotes In Valladolid

6. Cenote Ik Kil

Cenote Ik Kil is a typical Yucatán cenote for hanging vines and green carpeted walls. A deep blue pool sits within tall cavern walls, with an open top. It’s completely breathtaking. Of course, Cenote Ik Kil’s proximity to the wondrous Chichen Itza means this is one of the busiest Yucatán cenotes close to Valladolid, Mexico. But, if you aim to arrive for 9am, you might be lucky enough to enjoy Cenote Ik Kil with a fraction of the usual numbers.

  • Entrance fee: $80 MXN ($4.70USD)
  • Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Valladolid: 40km // 45 minutes

7. Cenote Oxman

Located at the Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman, this Yucatán cenote comes complete with a fun rope swing and a sinkhole that’s perfect for a bit of snorkelling. Cenote Oxman sits within the grounds of a former guava plantation and is one of the most picturesque of the Yucatán cenotes in Valladolid, Mexico. The deep blue hues of the pool are super dreamy, surrounded by towering cave walls with a collapsed ceiling. It’s a true marvel. Also, on-site is a restaurant that does a fantastic buffet lunch.

  • Entrance fee: $80 MXN ($4.70USD)
  • Opening hours: 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Valladolid: 6.5km // 10 minutes

8. Cenote Hubiku

Halfway between Valladolid city centre and the Ek Balam Ruins is Cenote Hubiku. This cave cenote has a large hole in the roof that occasionally features a small waterfall cascading through, showering those underneath. The emerald waters of the cenote dazzle in the light.

  • Entrance fee: $100MXN ($6USD)
  • Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Valladolid: 17km // 25 minutes

9. Cenote Xux Ha

For a bit of a hidden gem amongst Yucatán cenotes close to Valladolid, Mexico, then head to Cenote Xux Ha. Located just 20 minutes east of the Valladolid city centre, this extraordinary sinkhole has yet to gain the same popularity as other cenotes nearby. There are numerous holes in the cavern roof that create pretty light shows across the intense turquoise hues of the pool. The adventurous can plunge into Cenote Xux Ha in Mexico via different diving platforms, possibly enjoying this incredible underground world all to themselves.

  • Entrance fee: $150MXN ($9USD)
  • Opening hours: 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Valladolid: 15km // 20 minutes

10. Cenote Saamal

One of the nearest Yucatán cenotes to Valladolid, Mexico is Cenote Saamal. It’s part of the Hacienda Selva Maya estate and is a very popular Valladolid cenote. This beautiful cenote is located very close to the Dzitnup Cenotes and so if you have your own car, you could easily visit all three of these Yucatán cenotes during the same trip. Expect piercing blue waters, a small waterfall (if you’re lucky) and excellent facilities.

  • Entrance fee: $150MXN ($9USD)
  • Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Valladolid: 5km // 10 minutes

Best Yucatán Cenotes Near Tulum, Mexico

11. Gran Cenote Tulum

Easily one of the most popular cenotes in the Yucatán, Mexico, and just on the outskirts of Tulum is Gran Cenote. Translating to ‘Grand Cenote‘ in English, this array of jungle sinkholes is sublime. There are two main pools, connected via a very cool tunnel. Gran Cenote is also known for its wildlife, so don’t be surprised to see resident turtles enjoying this Yucatán cenote too. Additionally, Gran Cenote is good for scuba diving and snorkelling in Mexico.

  • Entrance fee: $500MXN ($30USD)
  • Opening hours: 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week. The last entry permitted is at 4:15pm.
  • Distance from Tulum: 6km // 10 minutes

12. Cenote Dos Ojos

Another of Tulum’s most popular cenotes is Cenote Dos Ojos. The name translates as ‘two eyes cenote‘, because of the double sinkholes. There’s an underwater tunnel that connects the two pools. Indeed, Cenote Dos Ojos is a very popular dive site in Mexico as well as being known for its enjoyable snorkelling and swimming.

  • Entrance fee: $350MXN ($20USD)
  • Opening hours: 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Tulum: 20km // 30 minutes

13. Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha)

Cenote Aktun Ha is a wonderful Yucatán cenote located a little beyond Gran Cenote, north of Tulum, Mexico. It’s more widely known as Cenote Car Wash, as locals used to wash their cars here. Don’t worry, it’s a bonafide watering hole for swimming and relaxing now. This open-air Yucatán cenote is quieter than some Tulum cenotes and features a wooden platform for ease of access in and out of the water, as well as a fun rope swing. From time to time, you might even spot the resident croc!

  • Entrance fee: $300MXN ($18USD)
  • Opening hours: 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Tulum: 10km // 15 minutes

14. Cenote Calavera (Temple Of Doom)

Cenote Calavera is an adventurous Yucatán cenote that requires plunging through the cave openings into the water below. Don’t worry, it’s not a terribly far drop. Alternatively, you can make use of the ladders and rope swing for access in and out. Cenote Calavera, Mexico, gets its name from the appearance of a skull caused by its three openings. It’s also a deep cenote that is great for scuba divers visiting Mexico.

  • Entrance fee: $250MXN ($15USD)
  • Opening hours:  9am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Tulum: 3km // 7 minutes

15. Cenote Yax Kin

Cenote Yax Kin is a relaxing cenote of clear emerald water, surrounded by lush jungle in Mexico. There are plenty of shallow parts to Cenote Yax Kin, making it particularly good for relaxing in, not to mention being a great Yucatán cenote choice for families with young children.

  • Entrance fee: $150MXN ($9USD)
  • Opening hours: 10am to 5:30pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Valladolid: 15km // 15 minutes

16. Coba Cenotes (Choo Ha, Multum-Ha & Tankach-Ha)

A one hour trip out of Tulum, Mexico brings you to a collection of three excellent Yucatán cenotes in Coba. They are Cenotes Choo Ha, Multum-Ha & Tankach-Ha and are known as the Coba Cenotes. Visiting these Yucatán cenotes is a great addition to a day trip after visiting the Coba Mayan Ruins. Cenote Choo-Ha and Tankach-Ha are sat side by side, with Cenote Multum-Ha a short distance away. It’s easy to visit from Coba by hiring bikes, and these three turquoise-pooled cave cenotes are well worth the effort to get to.

  • Entrance fee: $100MXN ($5.80USD)
  • Opening hours: 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Tulum: 54km // 1 hour

Read more: Coba Cenotes: Cycling To Cenotes Choo-Ha, Multum-Ha & Tankach-Ha

Coba Cenote Multum Ha
Coba Cenote

Best Yucatán Cenotes Near Cancun, Mexico

17. Cenote Verde Lucero

There are no cenotes in Cancun, Mexico, as such. Instead, the closest Yucatán cenotes to Cancun are around the town of Puerto Morelos, in an area known as Ruta de los Cenotes (Route of the Cenotes). This route roughly runs between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Here, you’ll find plenty of excellent Yucatán cenotes to enjoy. We’ll start with Cenote Verde Lucero.

This beautiful open cenote is surrounded by thick jungle vegetation. The pool is small but deep. Additionally, you’ll likely enjoy watching spider monkeys as you relax at this quaint Yucatán cenote in Mexico. There’s a small zipline across the cenote and you can expect to see a fair few people make the short journey from Cancun to Cenote Verde Lucero.

  • Entrance fee: $300 MXN ($18USD)
  • Opening hours: 9:30am to 4:30pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Cancun: 56km // 55 minutes

18. Cenote Sol y Luna

Cenote Sol y Luna is located just outside of Puerto Morelos, Mexico and features water slides, a zip line and different pools to swim in. Life jackets are included in the cost too. The water is a beautiful green colour, but not super clear due to the soft rock sediment.

  • Entrance fee: $350MXN ($20USD)
  • Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Cancun: 44km // 45 minutes

19. Cenote Boca de Puma

Just putting it out there, a trip to cenote Boca de Puma (Mouth of the Puma) may become a full-day excursion. That’s because this Yucatán cenote is a full-blown waterpark, featuring zip lines and ATV tours through the wider jungle. There’s one cave cenote and one open cenote at Boca de Puma. Both are excellent Mexico cenotes.

  • Entrance fee: $400MXN ($23.50USD)
  • Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Cancun: 53km // 50 minutes

20. Cenote La Noria

This beautiful little cave cenote is a real hidden gem in the Yucatán, Mexico. Cenote La Noria features clear turquoise waters where you’ll find plenty of fish swimming around. Additionally, there are bats in the cave too. There are a few ways to access the water at Cenote La Noria, ranging from walking down the steps to simply jumping through the cave roof hole. You can lie back and marvel at the cave’s stalactites too in this tranquil underground setting.

  • Entrance fee: $300MXN ($18USD)
  • Opening hours: 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Valladolid: 63km // 1 hour

Best Yucatán Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen, Mexico

21. Cenote Ojo de Agua

Cenote Ojo de Agua is located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and so is an easy Yucatán cenote to reach. There are many pools of emerald-coloured water with caves linking each opening.

  • Entrance fee: $250 MXN ($4.70USD)
  • Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Playa del Carmen: 10km // 15 minutes

22. Garden Of Eden Cenote

South of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is the Garden of Eden Cenote. Here, you can expect to swim in crystal clear waters and likely spot a turtle or three joining you for a swim. The cenote is open-air and can be very popular at the weekend.

  • Entrance fee: $200MXN ($12USD)
  • Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, closed Saturdays.
  • Distance from Playa del Carmen: 25km // 25 minutes

23. Cenote Azul

Next door to the Garden of Eden Cenote is Cenote Azul. The colours of this Yucatán cenote are out of this world. There are multiple cenotes to choose from with plenty of rock platforms to jump from also. There’s even a circular walk through the jungle that winds around the cenote – perfection!

  • Entrance fee: $150MXN ($9USD)
  • Opening hours: 8:30am to 5pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Playa del Carmen: 25km // 25 minutes

Best Yucatán Cenotes in Bacalar, Mexico

24. Cenote Cocalitos

Cenote Cocalitos is an ancient cenote in Mexico that resembles an open-air pool, as it joins with the Bacalar Lagoon. Cocalitos also have one of the most impressive and worthwhile attractions of any Yucatán cenote. Floating just under the surface, like irregular-shaped stepping stones, are the Bacalar stromatolites. But, these are no rocks.

Stromatolites are living things. They are pillow-like in appearance and grow upwards from the limestone-rich base of the Bacalar Lagoon floor. Bacalar’s stromatolites are hugely important. They capture CO2 and are great at cleaning up the atmosphere, much like mangroves and trees. Incredibly, they are approximately 3.5 billion years old. Prepare to be impressed.

  • Entrance fee: $50MXN ($3USD)
  • Opening hours: 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Bacalar: 4km // 7 minutes

Read more: Bacalar, Mexico: 10 Excellent Things To Do On A Day Trip

25. Cenote Azul Bacalar

Nestled within dense trees that completely surround the cenote water is Cenote Azul. Peeping through the thicket you’ll find secret views of the vivid blue water. The colour is intense. Locals swim from these unofficial areas, having clambered between the twisting tree branches. But, to officially swim in Cenote Azul, Mexico, you’ll need to enter through the proper entrance and pay the fee. It’s a more enjoyable way to experience Cenote Azul anyway. For divers visiting Mexico, Cenote Azul is particularly exciting due to the abundance of caves deep in the depths of the cenote.

  • Entrance fee: $25MXN ($1.50USD)
  • Opening hours: 10am to 6pm, 7 days a week
  • Distance from Bacalar: 4km // 7 minutes

Read more: Bacalar, Mexico: 10 Excellent Things To Do On A Day Trip

How to Get to the Yucatán Cenotes

Aside from possibly Bacalar, all of the Yucatán cenotes in this guide are actually easy to get to from anywhere in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. With that being said, by basing yourself in each town, you’ll have the best chance of utilising public transport or even cycling, to reach each of the incredible Yucatán cenotes. Let’s take a look at some options.

Yucatán Peninsula by Bus

Valladolid, Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Bacalar are all accessible by bus across the Yucatán Peninsula. Specifically, the ADO bus company is one of the safest and most reliable ways to travel the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico and is the choice of many travellers, including Dan and myself.

Tickets can be purchased directly on the ADO website, using Busbud or by booking directly at the ADO bus terminal of each respective town. Then, once in each town, you can either use taxis, Colectivos or even cycle.

Booking Buses

Busbud

Busbud is one of the best online bus booking platforms. Wherever you’re travelling, you can easily compare bus tickets from different companies and book the best option for your trip. We highly recommend using Busbud to find the cheapest bus fares.

Yucatán Cenotes By Taxi

Travelling from each respective town centre to the various cenotes in Yucatán is very easy with a taxi. Of course, it’s the most expensive option, but it is by far the most convenient and reliable. Also, the distance from each city to their local cenotes isn’t usually that far, and so taxis remain a reasonable cost overall.

Yucatán Cenotes By Colectivo

Colectivos are a great way of visiting Yucatán cenotes in Mexico. The vans won’t leave until they are full, so it can prove to be a little more time-consuming. But, they’re usually very cheap and are ultimately a very convenient way to travel to and from the cenotes. The Yucatán cenotes in Valladolid and Tulum are particularly good to get to via Colectivo.

Yucatán Cenotes By Bicycle

Some of the Yucatán cenotes in Valladolid, Tulum and Bacalar can all be visited by hiring a bicycle from town.

Yucatán Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul

Yucatán Cenotes With a Rental Car

Of course, renting a car and driving yourself around the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, to see these cenotes is one of the easiest ways to visit.

Car Hire

DiscoverCars.com

If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Yucatán Cenotes Tours

Lastly, taking a Yucatán Cenote Tour is a great way to visit plenty of the best cenotes in the area. This option is especially good if you want to base yourself in just one location, say Cancun, and travel from there. GetYourGuide offers some fantastic tours across the Yucatán, Mexico, to see cenotes, as well as visit Mayan Ruins.

What to Bring to Yucatán Cenotes

These are our travel essentials for visiting Yucatán cenotes in Mexico.

Anker Portable Power Bank
Anker Portable Power Bank

Keep your phone, laptop and other accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker Portable Power Bank. We wouldn’t travel without this high-quality portable charger.

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel
Sea to Summit DryLite Towel

The Sea to Summit DryLite Towel is the best quick-dry microfibre towel. This compact, lightweight and super-absorbent towel is perfect for travel.

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Having an EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is one of the best accessories to travel with, especially if you’re travelling to multiple continents during your trip.

Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly yet high-quality noise-cancelling headphones for travel, then look no further than the Anker Soundcore Space Q45.

Wise Multi-Currency Card
Wise Multi-Currency Card

We use the Wise Multi-Currency Card to pay online and when we travel abroad. It’s really easy to use and a lot cheaper than using bank cards. To order a free card, click the button below.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite travel gear, camera gear and hiking gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Cenote Samula Valladolid

Where to Stay For the Yucatán Cenotes, Mexico

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. Below, you’ll find our top accommodation options in Valladolid, Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Bacalar.

Valladolid Accommodation

  • Budget – Hostel Candelaria: this highly-rated hostel in the heart of town features comfortable dorm rooms, a communal kitchen and a relaxing common space. The Hostel Candelaria is an excellent option for those on a budget.
  • Mid-range – Hotel Zazil-Naj: Dan and I stayed at Hotel Zazil-Naj. We loved the location. Plus, the room was massive, whilst the en suite bathroom was clean and modern. The hotel staff are also very attentive and helpful.
  • Luxury – Hotel Meson del Marques: you can look forward to authentic colonial-style decor and a truly luxurious stay at Hotel Meson del Marques. This five-star hotel features pretty gardens, a rooftop terrace with city views and a wonderful restaurant.

Tulum Accommodation

  • Budget – Mayan Monkey Tulum: the highly-rated Mayan Monkey Tulum hostel features a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar and a garden.
  • Mid-range – Ruta Del Sol: the popular Ruta Del Sol is a fairly budget-friendly hotel for those wanting a private room with a private bathroom. Dan and I stayed here and the central location was very convenient for sightseeing in and around Tulum.
  • Luxury – Hotel Ma’xanab Tulum: if you’re looking for luxury in Tulum, then a stay at Hotel Ma’xanab Tulum could be right up your alley. This incredible hotel features an excellent restaurant and bar. The comfortable rooms come with ocean or garden views and are simply perfect for relaxing in after a day of exploring Yucatán cenotes in Mexico.

Cancun Accommodation

  • Budget – Nomads Hotel & Rooftop Pool Cancun: the highly-rated Nomads Hotel & Rooftop Pool Cancun features, you guessed it, a fantastic rooftop pool, as well as being conveniently located in the centre of Cancun. Don’t expect a quiet stay here, but do expect a bloody good one.
  • Mid-range – Eco-hotel El Rey del Caribe: the Eco-hotel El Rey del Caribe is in the heart of Cancun, enjoying an excellent location to all of Cancun’s amenities. The eco-hotel runs on solar water heaters and recycles rainwater.
  • Luxury – The Villas at The Royal Cancun – All Suites Resort: those looking for the height of luxury during your trip to Mexico should consider The Villas at The Royal Cancun – All Suites Resort. Positioned right on the beachfront of the hotel zone, you can expect to enjoy views across to Isla Mujeres as well as take advantage of the numerous pools, tennis court and gym. There’s even pizza delivery onsite!

Playa del Carmen Accommodation

  • Budget – Wabi Hostel: the Wabi Hostel features a generous shared kitchen and lounge, as well as providing guests with a continental breakfast.
  • Mid-range – Meliora by Bunik: the Meliora by Bunik is a lovely hotel featuring a pool, hot tub and terrace. Rooms are clean, well-equipped and thoughtfully decorated.
  • Luxury – The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences – All Senses Inclusive: the Fives Beach Hotel & Residences – All Senses Inclusive boasts an excellent location right on the beachfront and guests can enjoy the use of two pools, lush gardens and the fitness centre.

Bacalar Accommodation

  • Budget – The Yak Lake House: The Yak Lake House is about as budget as they come in Bacalar, Mexico. But, this is also one of the most popular places to stay. This adult-only hostel features shared dorms, a communal kitchen and amazing lakeside views.
  • Mid-range – Hotel Diosa del Agua Bacalar: for a centrally located hotel option in Bacalar, Hotel Diosa del Agua Bacalar ticks a lot of boxes. Rooms come with a private bathroom, use of the hotel garden and even a pool.
  • Luxury – Our Habitas Bacalar: along the southern edge of Laguna Bacalar is the splendid Our Habitas Bacalar. This five-star accommodation sure knows how to do luxury. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast on the lakefront, enjoy private outdoor showers and enjoy morning yoga sessions at this Bacalar hotel.

Other popular Bacalar hotels include Hotel & Suites Oasis BacalarHotel Aires Bacalar and Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort.

Laguna Bacalar
Cenote Cocalitos, Bacalar, Mexico

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a real necessity, especially when travelling through Central America and getting a little off the beaten track.

Heymondo is one of the best budget travel insurance providers on the market. They provide comprehensive travel and medical insurance that won’t break the bank. Whether it’s single trip insurance, annual multi-trip insurance or long stay insurance, Heymondo offers affordable travel and medical insurance to suit all of your needs. Personally, we use Heymondo travel insurance and highly recommend it. To find out more about Heymondo travel and medical insurance, read our Heymondo travel insurance review.

Travel Insurance

Heymondo Travel Insurance

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Yucatán Cenotes Tips

  • Carry cash: many of the Yucatán cenotes in Mexico only accept cash, so be sure to carry plenty of pesos.
  • Facilities: the facilities at the Yucatán cenotes are basic but sufficient. They’ll have toilets, changing blocks and some food and drink options. Life jackets and locker rentals will be an extra charge.
  • Shower: you MUST shower before entering any of the Yucatán cenotes in Mexico. This protects fragile ecosystems from harmful chemicals in any deodorant or sunscreen you may be wearing.
  • More Yucatán cenotes: although not detailed in this guide, other Yucatán cenotes worth checking out include Cenote Agua Dulce, Cenote Chukum, Cenote Taak Bi-Ha, Laguna de Kaan Luum, Cenote Sac-Aua, Cenote Secreto Maya, Cenote Manatí and Cenote Palomitas.
Cenote Xkeken, Valladolid, Mexico
Cenote Xkeken

For more incredible places in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, then please check out our guides on Tulum Ruins, Coba Ruins and Ek Balam Ruins.

Beck Piggott

With an art and design based background, Beck uses photography and writing to help inspire readers to climb mountains, hike coastal trails and chase waterfalls around the globe.

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