Cenote Suytun is known all over the internet as the most insta-famous cenote in the world. The runway and circled platform in the middle of the cave sure makes one incredible scenery for pictures. During the summer, depending on the weather, a light effect is created due to the sun’s position. Between 1 pm and 3 pm, a beam of light shines over the circular platform, making photographs even more epic!
Suytun gets its name due to this famous pathway; Suytun means “stone center”. This cenote goes as deep as 5 meters at its deepest point.
According to history, the cenotes were formed some 66 million years ago, when a meteorite hit Chicxulub, in the Yucatan Peninsula. Technically, they are water wells, some very deep, fed by river currents and rain filtration, which is why their waters tend to be quite cold.
The easiest way to get to Cenote Suytun from Cancun is by car. You can rent a car or book a private tour that drive you there. The private tour includes the 2 hour drive to the cenote, the drive to Chichen Itza, and any stop you want to add. The whole tour lasts 10 hours. This is an ideal option especially if you travel with a group.
Driving time to Cenote Suytun from Tulum is 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can rent a car, a taxi, or book private transportation to avoid any hassle.
Driving time to Cenote Suytun from Playa del Carmen is 2 hours. You can rent a car, a taxi, or book private transportation to avoid any hassle.
Admission fee to Cenote Suytun is $130 MXN for adults, and $90 MXN for children.
Cenote Suytun is open from Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
Parking lot available.
There’s a small restaurant on site.
Parking, life jackets, and restrooms are included in the admission fee.
The use of any sunblock is forbidden when getting into the cenote. Remember to rinse off any lotion you may have on before swimming in the cenote.
What’s a “cenote”?
Cenotes are underground caves that contain deep waters, created where a cave ceiling has collapsed. Cenotes were the Mayan civilization's only source of water in the jungle and are considered sacred by the Mayan people. The Mayans perceived these natural pools as an entrance to their "underworld" or "Xibalba" where their gods still exist and their spirits live after death.
Can you swim in a cenote?
In most of them yes! You’re always welcome to swim in a cenote, but some may be restricted to the public due safety measures. You may also encounter cenotes like the Sacred Cenote in Chichén Itzá, that hold a very special value for the culture and are not open for swimming.
How deep are cenotes?
Some cenotes in the Riviera Maya and Yucatan can go as deep as 10 to 40 meters (32 to 131 ft).
How many cenotes are in Yucatan?
There are around 7,000 cenotes in Yucatan, and only 142 are available to visit, which means that 98% of the Yucatan cenotes are still unexplored.