What is a cenote? A cenote is a naturally occurring sinkhole, essentially. They’re also known, in the ancient Maya culture, as gateways to the next life. It has been said that this is where human sacrifices were performed. These are two of the reasons why human remains and different artifacts have been found in the cenotes.

There are over 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, but these cenotes are the more well-known and closest to Tulum.

GRAN CENOTE

Gran Cenote is arguably the most popular cenote in Tulum. It is home to many turtles too. Note: You have to shower there before you can get into the cenote. There are lockers for your belongings.

CENOTE CALAVERA

Cenote Calavera is just a 2 minute drive from Gran Cenote. This cenote is small and more of a local spot. Calavera means “skull” in Spanish. It is called this because there is one large opening to the cenote and two small ones, like the eyes and mouth of a skull.

DOS OJOS

We didn’t visit this one, but it is just outside of Tulum and very beautiful and popular as well.

SUYTUN CENOTE

To get to Suytun Cenote you will need to drive (or hire a driver like we did) about an hour and a half. During peak season (and not during a pandemic) this cenote is one of the busiest. There will be people lined up to get a photo on the platform. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when we went, a reservation was required. If you want to get there when the light beam is shining on the platform, get there between 11 and 12.

CENOTE SAN LORENZO OXMAN

Cenote Oxman was one of our favorite cenotes. I suggest combining this one with Suytun Cenote. It takes about 25 minutes to get to Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman from Suytun. Ik Kil was closed when we went, and this was the next best thing. There are life jackets available, but no lockers. I have heard this is more of a local spot. You can put your belongings on the stone benches along the sides of the cenote.

IK KIL CENOTE

Ik Kil is one of the most famous and popular cenotes in Tulum. It was again, closed when we visited, but is under normal circumstances open and can be combined with a day tour to Chichén Itzá.

We also visited two cenotes that I am not sure of the name. We booked a ziplining tour within an adventure park. The underground cenote was one of my favorites. It is older, in its adolescent stage. Dark, spooky and DEEP. We used flashlights and life vests to help us get around.

Check out my Tulum highlights on Instagram to see more of the cenotes live in action.