Exploring Riviera Maya One Amazing Cenote at a time/
Mexico is completely filled with a variety of natural, historical and cultural wonders that you won’t be able to find anywhere else! One of the most popular and impressive phenomenons are the cenotes along the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula.
There are around 7,000 different bodies of water and all of them with characteristic environments, this because some of them have collapsed throughout the years while rock formations, mangrove and aquatic life have taken control of the place Let’s explore them!
Gran Cenote A must see just on the outsides of Tulum. Besides the delicious crystal clear waters and impressive stalactite formations under water, you’ll find changing facilities, bathrooms and even an on-site restaurant to fuel up after a well-deserved swim.
Dos Ojos Across from Xel-Ha Water Park, this system is perfect for scuba divers. Connected sinkholes and a large carven between them are suitable for experienced divers, but in case your plan is to snorkel then you can enter to the 2nd Cenote. It tends to get a little crowded, so it is recommend you get there early to fully experiment in it and relax by yourself.
El Eden Just 3 km to the south of Puerto Aventuras, you’ll find this secluded spot. Perfect for a small and intimate picnics, where you can enjoy exploring the large island in its center or simply admire the variety of wildlife swimming around!
Chaak Tun Across the highway from Playa del Carmen, around the Juarez Avenue and after passing the guar and dirty bumpy road, you’ll find the entrance. I fully recommend you get there in the afternoon, to avoid the large touristic groups that tend to visit Chaaktun. Thankfully, you’ll be provided with safety helmets and life jackets after paying the admission, which are best to have if you attempt to explore the cave and surroundings.
Kantun-Chi A gorgeous ecopark just 5 minutes away from Puerto Aventuras, where breathtaking cenotes and a gorgeous large cavern are the perfect place to explore the depths of the underworld. This paradisiac atmosphere is surrounded by the local flora and fauna, but also a pretty relaxed and quite ambiance as it is not a crowded place at all.
When planning to visit any cenote, be sure to check their websites to know about entrance fees and what is included with them. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear, because the view under water is simply incredible and you cannot miss it.
And last but not least, if you’re using any repellent or sunscreen, use one that is ecofriendly as we are trying to help and preserve our beloved underwater systems and local wildlife!
Cenotes are a refreshing and wonderful places where local families and foreign travelers enjoy these lush caverns and blue waters on hot sunny days. Because, such natural beauty can never be enough!
