The 5 cenotes you can’t miss in your nest trip to Yucatan

In addition to its rich archaeological, colonial and gastronomic heritage, Yucatan has spectacular natural settings that give the chance to live unique experiences. Touring cenotes and underground rivers have become one of the most sought activities by travelers.

In the following list we suggest you five cenotes near Merida for your next trip.

Do not forget a couple of basic recommendations: use a lifejacket, since there are cenotes that are more than 40 meters deep, and keep in mind that the use of sun blockers is not allowed at cenotes.

* Xlacah Located a little more than 15 kilometers north of the Yucatan capital, the visit to this open-air cenote is the perfect complement after a tour of the archaeological zone of Dzibilchaltún. The place is managed by INAH and offers good conditions for you to take a dip and observe endemic birds.

* San Ignacio. Located in the community of Chocholá, 25 minutes from Merida on the road to Campeche, this underground cenote is one of the most beautiful in the area due to its cavernous formations. In addition to swimming in its transparent clear fresh waters and snorkeling at night, it has complementary food services and alternative activities.

* Kankirixché. Its name means “yellow fruit of the tree” and it is located in the small town of Mucuyché, in the municipality of Abalá, about 55 kilometers south of Merida. You must go down a vertical ladder to access this cenote. It is possible to snorkel on its surface; for experienced divers, there is a cavern 50 meters deep below the surface, this site is ideal for cave diving.

* Chelentún. The Cuzamá area, about 60 kilometers east of Merida, is famous for its cenotes, including Chelentún. It is semi-closed cenote and one of the most visited for swimming. During the henequen’s heyday it was the spa of local farmers and today it is operated by a small community of local ejidatarios.

* Xcanché If you want to be in contact with nature, at least for a day, and you are fond of adventure activities, in this place you can swim, slide on zip lines, rent a mountain bike or descend to rappel. Located in the town of Hunukú, in Temozón, a couple of hours from Merida, the cenote is under the care of a Maya indigenous people cooperative that offers accommodations in rustic but comfortable cabins.

TYT Newsroom with information from: frontera.info