WHAT IS A CENOTE? PLAN YOUR TRIP TO MEXICO TO ENJOY THEM
![Cenotes en Tulum Suytun What is a cenote? Discover these natural beauties in Mexico.](https://rollandfeel.smokingpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Cenotes-en-Tulum-Suytun-pac3uz5zwl8k7ltridpzwiwv343vwwifngchsl78cy.jpg)
Tulum is a city with many tourist areas: water parks such as Xel-ha, beaches, and archaeological sites. In addition, you can do activities such as swimming with aquatic animals, snorkeling or diving.
However, the most beautiful and most visited places are the cenotes, what is a Cenote? Find it out in this post! Also, you’ll see a list of the 10 most outstanding cenotes in Tulum.
Meaning of the word Cenote
Cenotes are natural freshwater wells. Their source of water comes from a subway river of the Yucatan peninsulas or rainfall. Their average temperature is 24 °C.
These places of pure natural beauty were formed by the impact of the Chicxulub meteorite on the Yucatan Peninsula 65 million years ago, in the ice age. When this meteorite fell, it created deep depressions on the surface. Because the rock in these areas is limestone, soft and porous, rainfall caused them to erode easily. This created the deep wells and underwater cave systems that exist today.
They are called “cenotes” by the Ancient Maya, who gave them the name Dzonot, which means “cavern with water”.
For the Maya, these were sacred places. They believed that they were a way to enter the Xilbabá, which would become the hell of the Mayan culture. For that reason, rituals such as sacrifices were performed in them.
Which cenotes to visit in Tulum?
![Qué cenotes visitar en Tulum: te recomendamos 10.](https://rollandfeel.smokingpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/cenotes-tulum-1024x684.jpg)
Don’t know which cenotes in Tulum you should visit? Below, we made a list of the 10 cenotes that you should see.
Great Cenote
It’s located inside the Mayan Jungle, surrounded by nature. It’s a large cave, where you can go swimming and snorkeling. Likewise, it has open sections that make it easy to see and be amazed by the beauty of the place.
If you have decided to visit this place, be sure to be prepared with what you need:
- Bring a biodegradable repellent. Being in the jungle, mosquitoes abound. A repellent will ensure a comfortable and hassle-free visit. However, it must be biodegradable so as not to harm the marine fauna (especially if you go swimming).
- Wear a bathing suit for swimming and snorkeling. Also, don’t forget your towel and another change of clothes. Why? Because, apart from the Gran Cenote, there are other places nearby that might interest you.
- You can bring your snorkeling equipment, but if you prefer, you can also rent one on-site.
Carwash Cenote
The original name of this cenote was “Aktun – Ha”. Today it’s known as Cenote Car wash because there used to be a car wash for cabs. Today, this wash no longer exists, which makes this a great natural space. It’s located 8 km from Tulum.
Unlike the Gran Cenote, this one is open, as if it were a pond. It has a length of 50 meters, with a depth ranging from 3 to 5 meters. Even though it’s open water, by diving you can reach a cavern up to 15 meters deep where you can see rock formations.
Inside the cenote, there is a large marine fauna, and if you are lucky, you may even see turtles. All you need is snorkeling equipment, which can be obtained on-site.
Since the cenote is also surrounded by vegetation, it’s advisable to bring biodegradable repellent. And don’t forget to bring sunscreen, which, like the repellent, must be biodegradable so as not to harm the marine fauna.
Crystal Cenote
Cenote Cristal is located about 20 km from Playa del Carmen, near Tulum. It’s open type and is characterized by its wonderful crystal clear waters. With a simple glance, you can see the rock formations and tree roots.
It has a depth of 2 to 3 meters. If you don’t know how to swim, that isn’t an impediment to you enjoying this archaeological site! You can wear a life jacket that will keep you floating at all times.
It also has a jumping zone where you land in an area 6 meters deep. You can do this jump with or without a life jacket.
You can use sunscreen and repellent, as long as they are biodegradable. Make sure to also bring your snorkeling equipment, or rent one there for an additional cost.
It’s important that you don’t climb the surrounding rock, and that you follow all safety signs.
Cenote Calavera (Skull)
Cenote Calavera is located 4 km from Tulum. It’s a type of semi-open cenote through which light enters through 3 holes. It owes its name to the fact that, once inside, you can look up and see how the 3 holes form a skull.
With a circumference of 160 meters, its waters are crystal clear and, compared to other cenotes, are warmer. It also has its marine fauna.
To enter, you can climb down a ladder or jump right in if you are feeling adventurous. Jumping in is safe, as it has a depth of 3 meters.
Suytun Cenote
This cenote is located inside a cavern. It has a small hole through which the sunlight passes. It has a platform on one side where you can sit or enjoy the view.
There are areas with depths of just over one meter. But if you prefer, you can go swimming and snorkeling in areas with a depth of up to 5 meters.
You don’t need to wear sunscreen because the area covered by sunlight is small. You can, however, wear water shoes to avoid slipping.
Angelita Cenote
The Angelita Cenote in Tulum is one of the most remarkable for the marine landscape it hides. It’s located about 17 km south of Tulum. It’s open type.
If you want to enjoy all its beauty, you need to be an expert at scuba diving: it has a depth of 40 meters. However, if you manage to dive deeper, at 27 meters deep you’ll be able to appreciate a “river within a river”. This phenomenon occurs thanks to a series of chemical substances.
Cenote 7 Bocas
This cenote receives its name because it has 7 entrances, which serve as breathing holes and are connected, creating a system of caves. It stands out for the rock formations that can be seen, such as stalactites. As for the fauna, you can see a few fish and sometimes even bats.
Mosquitoes abound, so it’s advisable to bring your biodegradable repellent.
🏖 Are you more into beaches? Discover the best beaches in Hawaii!
Yaxbacaltún
To go to this blue cenote, it’s recommended to be an expert diver, due to its depth of 27 meters. If not, you can use a life vest. There is also a safety rope that allows you to go to the ends of the cenote.
To access it, you must descend to a platform through metal stairs. The first thing you’ll notice is the blue water and the different rock formations.
El Pit Cenote
Cenote El Pit in Tulum is one of the deepest: 90 meters deep. Hence, its name, the “Pit”, which translated into Spanish means “well”.
Diving is allowed at this site, but it has a restriction. You cannot go deeper than 35 meters. This prevents your diving equipment from failing due to the high pressures.
The ceiling of the cavern has numerous stalactites, which provide a masterful landscape. And if you decide to go into the water, you can marvel at the clouds of sulfur and hydrogen that form at 30 meters.
Escondido Cenote
Of the cenotes in Tulum, this is one of the last to be discovered. It receives its name because it’s hidden in the jungle, and is 5 minutes west of Tulum in front of Cenote Cristal. It is an open type of cenote, surrounded by trees, where you can see spider monkeys.
You can snorkel to see marine animals, including various types of fish and turtles. It also has underwater caves. Its depth is 4 meters.
There are more cenotes in Tulum, such as the manatee cenote or the butterfly cenote. However, if you are going to visit this area, the 10 on this list are the ones you can’t miss on your list.
RECENT POSTS
HOW TO GET OVER A BREAKUP: SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU
To learn how to overcome a romantic breakup, you must keep in mind that although it is a difficult task to achieve, the truth is that you can always move forward. Human resilience will help you overcome any adversity. The breakup of a couple is a painful experience, an overwhelming situation that affects you physically, […]
BAD COUPLE TATTOOS: HORRIBLE BUT FUNNY!
Obtaining a tattoo on the body is a desire that nearly everyone wishes to accomplish in their lifetime. Making mistakes is a natural part of life, yet certain individuals have unfortunately selected ill-advised tattoos that come with lasting consequences. These couples have selected mismatched tattoos that won’t simply fade away within a week. Take a […]
ORBITING DATING, WHAT IS IT?
Just when you thought you were getting the hang of what ghosting was, or even the whole stalking thing, along comes another new term: orbiting. It seems like navigating relationships has become even trickier since social media stepped into the scene. New terms and behaviors keep popping up, ones we never had to deal with […]
DOES MARIJUANA HELP WITH STRESS, REAL OR MYTH?
If there’s one thing that marijuana reigns supreme for, it’s because it has always had an incredibly close relationship with stress. The medicinal benefits of cannabis are the solution to everything that stress can generate in our bodies. This leads us precisely to want to delve into cannabis and stress in this post and take […]
SPANNABIS BARCELONA 2024: THE MOST SPECIAL NEWS!
Being in Barcelona for the International Cannabis Awards and Spannabis Fair Week is like visiting the Holy Grail of the marijuana world. Thousands of enthusiasts descended upon the glorious ancient city of Barcelona on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, both as tourists and smokers, eager to immerse themselves in the sights and the smokes. Unfortunately, the […]
GREENWASHING: WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT?
Every day, people are becoming increasingly aware of their role in society and the need to protect and care for the environment. It’s a conscious and radical shift that allows no delays or hesitations. This has led some companies, whose economic activities affect the environment and health, to significantly reduce their consumption levels and therefore […]
WHY IS MY PHONE GETTING HOT? HOW TO AVOID IT
All phones can experience occasional heat buildup, which becomes problematic when it reaches a level that causes discomfort or triggers unusual behavior. Fortunately, there are simple measures you can take to prevent your phone from overheating. Why does my phone heat up? Typically, phone overheating occurs due to factors such as excessive usage, a stressed […]
TAKE YOUR ADRENALINE TO THE MAXIMUM WITH POWERBOCKING
Powerbocking, also referred to as “power-rizing,” “blade running,” and “jump stilting,” is a sport where athletes utilize specialized leg attachments called jumping stilts. These jumping stilts are curved in form and equipped with springs, enabling users to achieve remarkable heights when jumping. They are known to enhance an athlete’s performance across various activities, with claims […]
UNDERWATER MUSEUM: ART UNDERWATER IN CANCUN
If you love exploring the underwater world, this museum is for you. The Underwater Museum of Art (Museo Subacuático de Arte – MUSA) in Cancun, Mexico, is the perfect destination for all enthusiasts of the underwater world. This incredible underwater museum features a wide variety of artistic installations and sculptures designed for you to enjoy […]
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: A PLACE YOU SHOULD KNOW
Mount Rainier became a national park because people with different views worked together. They wanted to save its beautiful scenery from being lost forever. Over six years, several businessmen, scientists, educators, mountaineers, and environmentalists united to advocate before Congress to protect Mount Rainier as a national park. Their hard work paid off when President McKinley […]
ROCKVILLE FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP, ARTISTS, AND MORE
In the vibrant realm of music, Welcome to Rockville has arisen as a beacon for rock and metal enthusiasts. This festival, which had its humble beginnings in Jacksonville, has evolved dramatically, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. In this editorial journey, we will delve into the history of Welcome to Rockville, from its […]
DEADPOOL 3: THE FAVORITE ANTI-HERO RETURNS
The buzz surrounding the film is undeniable, and with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman returning as one of the most beloved X-Men, Wolverine, many rumors suggest that Deadpool 3 has every chance of becoming the biggest event in the Spider-Man Multiverse. Especially since it will be the only confirmed Marvel Studios film for 2024! What […]
WHAT IS BLACKWORK TATTOO?
Blackwork tattooing is a style that relies exclusively on black ink, favored by many tattoo artists who prioritize its use over other colors. Currently, there’s a significant demand for this style, reflecting its popularity among both artists and clients! Executing blackwork tattoos poses a challenge due to its versatility, encompassing various techniques and design approaches. […]
OSCARS 2024: THE WINNERS OF THE 96TH EDITION
The Oscars might not be breaking any viewership records in recent years. The numbers are dropping, and the competition is getting tougher. Audiences are tuning into streaming platforms or exploring other forms of entertainment like video games, the new big thing in the leisure industry. The Oscars persist and will continue to be a spectacle […]
CANNABIS CAKE: SPACE CAKE RECIPE
Space cakes truly live up to their name. It’s like having your favorite cake but with a magical touch of herb! Almost every coffee shop in Amsterdam has some type of space cake on their menu, and more people are daring to try them to experience a discreet and delicious edible high. The good news […]
SMOKING PAPER TURNS 100 AND CELEBRATES IT: 100 YEARS SHARING!
Smoking Paper Turns 100 Years, discover the contest: 100 years sharing.
Newsletters
Last Minute new From Roll & Feel Sign-up
news
POPULAR CATEGORIES
![logo-roll-and-feel-white logo-roll-and-feel-white](https://rollandfeel.smokingpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/logo-roll-and-feel-white-p3ptfjxp79qzxxesuboes9s1z68lmilhx7fmrsnt40.png)
![](https://rollandfeel.smokingpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Logo-RollandFeel.png)
![](https://rollandfeel.smokingpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bysmoking.png)