What are cenotes?
A cenote is a natural sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock, exposing groundwater below.Cenotes are famous for their surprisingly clear water. It is so, because it comes from rainwater that has slowly percolated through the ground, removing polluted particles along the way. Cenotes come in all shapes and sizes and can go miles underground without interruption. While it's common to see partially collapsed cenotes that look like underground pools, you can also find them on the surface.
The cenotes for the Mayans
Particularly associated with Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, the ancient Maya sometimes used cenotes for sacrificial offerings. They called them “dzonot”, which the Motul dictionary translates as “abysmal and deep”. With all the knowledge that the ancient Mayans possessed, they no doubt knew or suspected that thousands of these cenotes interconnected to form the subterranean labyrinth of Xibalbá.
Both then and today the Mayans considered the cenotes a sacred place protected by a Mayan goblin known as Alux or Aluxob in the plural. They are considered playful creatures who like to play tricks on people.
The best cenotes to visit
Without a doubt, the best place to stay if you want to visit the cenotes is the magical town of Valladolid in Yucatan, Mexico, where you can find the best of the architecture of the time colonial, and where there is no shortage of things to do and see, including downtown where you can find the main square surrounded by restaurants and shops.
Here we tell you about some cenotes that you can visit if you stay in Valladolid.
Cenote Zaci
Underwater cavern filled with a beautiful blue pool. See more
Cenote Suytun
Ecotourism ranch with two cenotes and restaurant just 7 minutes from Valladolid Yucatan. See more
Cenote Xkeken
Rays of sun and light, stalagmites and refreshing natural water. See more
Cenote Zazil Tunich
For millions of years, nature has sculpted works of art in the Zazil Tunich cave that the world can admire today. See more
Samula Cenote
A great cave cenote that is fun for the whole family. See more
Cenote Popcorn
The water has a stunning shade of blue, and when the light is right the whole cave glows. See more
Saamal Cenote
A must for those who want to understand what lies beneath the limestone in this part of Mexico. See more
Sweet Water Cenote
Turquoise water and a large cave with stalagmites around you. See more
Cenote Xux Ha
Beautiful, refreshing, fun and calm. See more
Where to stay?
If you have decided to get to know these wonderful cenotes, then we invite you to visit our boutique hotel; Casa Valladolid, where you can enjoy the amenities and personalized attention that we offer to all visitors to our Magical Town. Let yourself be enchanted by our colonial architecture that preserves the original Casco and Casona since its construction.
We have a privileged location, since we are next to the well-known Candelaria Park, and just three blocks from the Main Park of the Historic Center of Valladolid
Visit us and relax at our hotel, while you enjoy the wonders of Valladolid Yucatan.
.Blog post edited by EPilot
Based on the following sites:
EXPLORING CENOTES IN MEXICO'S YUCATAN PENINSULA By Jess Dales
What Are Cenotes ? By Sarah Barlow
And comments from visitors to Tripadvisor.com