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Xlacah Cenote near Chichen Itza, cenote in Merida

Xlacah Cenote is a cenote located inside the Archeological site of Dzibilchaltun. Xlacah is an open type cenote almost at the surface of the ground, with blue water and measures 22 meters long and 36 meters wide. It has a minimum depth of 1 meter and a maximum depth of 44 meters on its northwest side, where a wide dark horizontal gallery opens, which is the entrance to the cave that has an extension of 1.3 km long and reaches 56 meters deep.

The site is administered by the Patronato Cultur and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), which is in charge of the care and maintenance of the archaeological zone and tourist services. Its crystalline waters are largely covered with lilies that float on the surface. It is a site with optimal conditions for swimming and bird watching. It is recommended to wear life jackets, avoid the use of sunscreen and insect repellent, and avoid littering inside and outside the body of water.

How to get to Xlacah Cenote .

Chichén Itzá to Xlacah Cenote .

You can drive to Xlacah Cenote or get there as part of a private tour to Chichen Itza. Driving time is around 2 hours to Xlacah Cenote in Merida, a cenote near Chichén Itzá.

Cancun to Xlacah Cenote .

The easiest way to get to Xlacah Cenote from Cancun is by car. You can rent a car or book a private tour that drive you there. The private tour includes the 4.5 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.

Tulum to Xlacah Cenote .

Driving time to Xlacah Cenote from Tulum is 4 hours . You can rent a car, a taxi, or book private transportation to avoid any hassle.

Playa del Carmen to Xlacah Cenote .

Driving time to Xlacah Cenote from Playa del Carmen is 4 hours. You can rent a car, a taxi, or book private transportation to avoid any hassle.

Xlacah Cenote admission Fee.

Admission fee to Xlacah Cenote is $139 MXN for international tourists, and $107 MXN for national tourists.

Xlacah Cenote Opening hours.

Cenote is open from Monday to Sunday from 8am to 4:30pm.

Inclusions and recommendations for Xlacah Cenote

  • Parking lot available.

  • Lifejackets available for rent.

  • Bathrooms and showers available on site.

  • 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.

FAQs about Cenotes

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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).

  4. 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.

Photos of Xlacah Cenote .