The natural wonders of the state of Yucatan are innumerable and some of the most important and unusual are the cenotes (say-NOH-tays) or sink holes. In the Yucatan there are over 3000 cenotes, with only 1400 actually studied and registered.

The Maya called them dzonot (ZO-note), which the conquering Spaniards translated as cenote (say– NO–tay.) Giraldo Diaz Alpuche, was a military commander in the 16th Century who was greatly impressed with these underground caverns and pools, and he tried to explain the meaning of the word cenote in the Spanish language as meaning "deep thing". The Motul dictionary, a dictionary of Mayan hieroglyphics, defines dzonot as "abysmal and deep". 

Cenotes are magical, enigmatic and unique in the world and were once the only resource for fresh, sweet water in the local Yucatecan jungle. They were the sacred places of the Maya for that reason, but also because they represented the entrance to the underworld. 

The Yucatan Peninsula is a porous limestone shelf with no visible rivers; all the fresh water rivers are underground. Being porous, caverns and caves formed where the fresh water collects – hence the cenotes or water sink holes. The water that gathers in these subterranean cenotes is a crystal clear turquoise color with a very pleasant temperature of 78°'b0. 

The stalactites and stalagmites that form inside the cenotes are true natural works of art. In many, holes in the ceiling allow the sunlight to filter into the cenotes, giving the scene a magical feeling. The cenotes of Yucatan are a natural treasure that should be seen by all, keeping in mind that they should be protected so that man does not destroy in a few days what nature took millions of years to create. 

There are four different types of cenotes - those that are completely underground, those that are semi-underground, those that are at land level like a lake or pond, like the one at Dzibilchaltun and those that are open wells, like the one in Chichen Itza. Some of them are accessible for swimming and cave diving, but this is a sport that should ONLY be practiced with a professional guide. 

CUZAMA CENOTES
The town of Cuzamá is becoming well known for the large number of cenotes found there. Especially unique is a tour that you can do in this area where you will visit three cenotes. If you go to the hacienda in Cuzama, you can hire a guide who will put you on a platform buggy pulled by horses. You will travel this way for 4.5 miles on interesting paths through the surrounding countryside. The main cenotes are: Chelentun (laying down rock), Chansinic'che (tree with small ants) and Bolonchoojol (nine drops of water). The Chelentun Cenote is located about 1.8 miles from the Chunkanan hacienda and about 1.8 miles south of Cuzama. The water is incredibly blue and clear with excellent visibility. Stalagtite and stalagmite formations add to its unique beauty. For more information, check out our Cuzamá daytrip. 

CENOTE ZACI
Located in the heart of Valladolid, this is a semi-open cenote that has a diameter of 150 feet and is 260 feet deep. This is a popular cenote for swimming in the refreshing turquoise waters. You will see a rare species of eyeless black fish known as "lub." A third of the cenote is covered with stalagtites and stalagmites and there is a walkway around the entire cenote. There is also a great restaurant on the property.

Above: Another view of Dzitnup Cenote.

CENOTE DZINUP OR KEKEN
Located 4.3 miles southeast of Valladolid, this cenote is underground with a hole in the ceiling. It is probably one of the most photographed cenotes in the Yucatan. Deep, refreshing, crystal clear waters await you and it is a great cenote for swimming. There is lighting and a guide rope to make it easier to enter. Don´t forget to buy a picture postcard from the kids at the entrance as taking a picture just never turns out right and you WILL want a picture of this to show the family.

Above: Dzitnup Cenote near Valladolid in the Yucatan.

CENOTE IK KIL
Located in the Eco-archeological Park Ik Kil, just 1.8 miles from Chichen Itza and Pista. Called the "Sacred Blue Cenote," it is a perfectly round well-type cenote with exuberant vegetation and waterfalls. This is another ideal place for swimming in the clear blue water. 196 feet wide and about 130 feet deep, it is an open cenote about 85 feet from the surface. A grand stairway leads you down the steps into the water.

Entrance is 35 pesos and it is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. There is also an excellent buffet style restaurant here and bungalows for overnight stay.

CENOTILLO
This village gets its name from the large number of cenotes located within the town and the outskirts. According to locals there are more that 150 cenotes, some of which are located in open fields. It is necessary to ask a local to take you. The main ones are Kaipech, Xayin and Ucil.

CENOTE XCALAH
Located at the Mayan site of Dziblichaltun, just north of Merida, this is the closest to Merida. Meaning "old village," it is an open ground level cenote, great for swimming. It is more than 140 feet deep at one end.

Open from 8 AM to 4 PM, it is a great place to jump in after a visit to the ruins.

If you are interested in diving cenotes, here are websites with some good information on local cenotes for diving. 

http://www.mexicocavediving.com
http://www.gocenotes.com

KANKIRIXCHE CENOTE (tree with yellow fruit) 
At Kankirixche Cenote, you will find a large, spectacular sub-aquatic cavern with crystal clear water that allows fantastic visibility for snorkeling or scuba. In this grand cenote you will also find stalagtites and alamo tree roots that form an impressive formation from the ceiling to the water. Kankirixche is a semi-open cenote 33 feet high, 90 feet long and about 75 feet wide. 

Call Cima & Sima to arrange trips. Tel: 999-987-3710.
 
 

Information Courtesy of Yucatan Today