The word cenote comes from the Mayan dzonot, meaning “sacred well.” Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes formed when limestone bedrock collapses, revealing underground rivers. In simple terms, a cenote is like a natural “window to the underworld,” as the ancient Maya believed.

For the Maya civilization, cenotes were sacred sites. They believed these natural wells were entrances to Xibalbá, the spiritual world. Many cenotes were used for rituals, ceremonies, and even human sacrifices—especially the large, open ones like the famous Sacred Cenote of Chichén Itzá, where archaeologists have found human remains, jade, gold, and pottery.

Not all cenotes are the same. There are different types, depending on their age and structure:

Beneath the surface, many cenotes are connected by vast underground river systems, some of the longest in the world.

Cenotes are found mainly in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, across the states of:

• Yucatán
• Quintana Roo
• Campeche
  

There are over 7,000 registered cenotes in the region. Some of the most famous ones include:

Many are open to the public for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or simply soaking in their natural beauty.

Today, cenotes are key ecotourism attractions in southeastern Mexico. In 2025, there is a growing movement to protect and preserve them, as they face challenges such as:

• Pollution from human activity
• Tourist overuse
• Unregulated urban development

Thankfully, more sustainable tourism projects are emerging, and local communities are increasingly involved in their care. Cenotes are also the focus of ongoing scientific and archaeological research, as many still hide secrets of the Mayan world and the Earth's geological past.

Because there’s nothing else like it on Earth. Swimming in a cenote feels like stepping onto another planet—crystal-clear water, mystical caves, hanging roots, light filtering through the jungle canopy… all surrounded by thousands of years of history and mystery.

If you visit a cenote, treat it with care. Use biodegradable sunscreen, don’t leave trash behind, and follow all guidelines. You're entering a sacred, fragile, and extraordinary natural space.

It’s the only tour in Cancún that takes you to explore the four types of natural cenotes: semi-open cenote, crystal-clear open cenote, ancient cavernous cenote, and deep blue cave cenote. Combining adventure and nature, you’ll enjoy activities like kayaking, zip-lining, rappelling, and snorkeling, all surrounded by lush jungle and crystal-clear waters. The tour includes a guide, transportation, meals, and all necessary equipment—perfect for those looking to connect with the natural beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula.