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Cenoté Dzitnup, Yucatan
Sacred Underground
Many years ago, Bill and I flew into Cancun and began exploring the Yucatan by car. Along the way, we stumbled upon a small shack by the road with a sign that read “Cenoté.” For a few pesos, we were led down a tunnel to a hidden pool of water. It was completely dark. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, and bats flew overhead. We swam in the cool, sacred waters. Our guide explained that the fish had grown blind, having not seen light for centuries.
shines from
above as we
swim in silence
at the sacred Cenoté
One major hole had pierced through to the surface, providing a spotlight of sunshine down to the pool. That magical experience stayed with us, but we could never find our way back to that special spot. On a recent trip to the Yucatan, we finally found it. It’s called Cenoté Dzitnup, just a 10-minute drive from Valladolid.
Things Have Changed
There is now a large parking lot with young attendants. A boy, around 10 years old, pointed to his eye and then to our vehicle. Justine tried to speak Spanish to him, but he replied in broken Spanish, explaining he was Mayan and not familiar with those Spanish words.
The parking lot is surrounded by artisans selling tourist trinkets: postcards, cotton blouses, key rings, and bamboo flutes.
We paid approximately $2 each and were directed to the large hole in the rock. Now, a wire rope was secured to the wall of the cave’s stairwell. Instead of slipping and sliding as we had 15 years earlier, we securely descended into the earth.
It was as beautiful as we remembered and a wonderful experience to share as a family. The blue waters were still as blue and cold as we remembered. The ancient wall paintings remained vibrant and colorful. The Cenoté’s soft and slippery rocks added to the mystical atmosphere.
There are now guide ropes to lead you to the water and the central light.
Cenotés are underground pools and rivers formed by water seeping through the earth’s soft limestone crust. These pools were vital water sources for the Mayans and their ancient cities. Cenotés were considered magical, the doors to the underworld, and the dwelling place of Chac, the Rain God. In the tunnels, you can see primitive art and ancient paintings, further connecting you to the rich history and spirituality of this place.
Visiting Cenoté Dzitnup: Practical Advice
Best Time to Visit The best time of day to visit Cenoté Dzitnup is right when it opens in the morning. The three main reasons for this are:
- There are fewer people. The tour buses begin to arrive en masse at 10 am.
- There are fewer vendors. They arrive around 10 am to service the tour buses and crowds.
- The air is fresher and cooler, allowing for easier walking, hiking, and climbing.
Planning the Length of Your Visit A visit to Cenoté Dzitnup will likely take 4 hours or more of a moderately challenging walk. Remember that you are here to enjoy, so take lots of breaks and drink lots of water. The descent into the cenoté and the climb back up can be quite strenuous due to the stairs and the humid conditions inside the cave.
shines from
above as we
swim in silence
at the sacred Cenoté
Getting There Determine how you will get to the site. Be clear about the various challenges of driving in Mexico.
Driving Driving from Valladolid can be particularly challenging, so make sure you have selected your route and that you drive early to avoid traffic. Driving can be complicated and aggressive.
- It takes approximately 10 minutes to drive to Cenoté Dzitnup from Valladolid.
- There is pay parking on site.
Taxis and Tours The best alternative is to stay in Valladolid or a nearby village. Like everywhere, the cost of accommodation varies considerably, but you can often get bargains when you shop on the internet. A taxi ride from the town to the site will cost approximately 40 pesos, or you can easily walk the distance in 15 minutes.
Accommodation Hotels We suggest you search the internet for the best price and quality of hotel you prefer (e.g., Booking.com).
What to Wear Leave your stilettos at home! It is important to wear good, comfortable, non-skid footwear. The stairs of the cenoté and the pathways can be very slippery. Take a backpack that can store a bottle of water to keep you hydrated and also to store extra layers of clothes, your wallet or purse, and a camera. It is particularly important to have your hands free if you are going to climb.
In the winter, there can be cool mornings yet still be very warm in the afternoon. Determine what time of year you are going and plan accordingly. In the winter, wear a light jacket and a layered top or shirt. You can always take off or put on more layers. Long pants or jeans are practical for the hike.
In the summer, again, layer your clothing. It still may be cool in the morning, so pack a sweater. Shorts are acceptable, and they too could be packed in a backpack. Clothes that breathe are important. Wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
By planning your visit carefully and dressing appropriately, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience at Cenoté Dzitnup
