Location: 7 km Southwest of the Valladolid
Open: 8am- 5pm
Price: US $2.5, child US $1.5, video cameras US $30
Cenote Dzitnup is a captivating cenote complex located near the town of Dzitnup, approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) southwest of Valladolid in the Yucatán Peninsula, Yucatán, Mexico. Often referred to as a single cenote, Dzitnup is actually a site comprising two distinct underground cave cenotes: Cenote Xkeken (also spelled X’keken, meaning “pig” in Maya) and Cenote Samula (sometimes spelled Samulá). These cenotes are among the most photogenic and accessible in the Yucatán, renowned for their crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations, and mystical ambiance illuminated by natural light filtering through small ceiling openings. Managed by a local community, the Dzitnup complex offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and tourist-friendly facilities, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Yucatán.
Cenote Dzitnup is situated in the Yucatán Peninsula, a region
famous for its estimated 6,000–10,000 cenotes, which are natural
sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, exposing
groundwater. The complex is located just off Federal Highway 180
(Mérida-Valladolid road), making it easily accessible from
Valladolid (10–15 minutes by car), Chichén Itzá (40 minutes),
Mérida (100 miles), and Cancún (2–2.5 hours). The site is part
of the Yucatán’s vast coastal aquifer system, an anchialine
system (land-locked but connected to the ocean), characterized
by a density-stratified aquifer where fresh rainwater floats
atop denser saline water intruding from the coast. This can
create a halocline—a blurry interface between fresh and saline
water—though it’s less pronounced in Dzitnup’s shallow waters.
Both Xkeken and Samula are cave cenotes, meaning they are
enclosed within subterranean chambers with small surface
openings (karstfensters) that allow limited natural light to
penetrate. These openings create a dramatic spotlight effect,
illuminating the turquoise waters and casting an ethereal glow
on the surrounding rock formations. The cenotes were formed by
the dissolution of limestone by acidic rainwater over millennia,
a process known as karstification, which also sculpted the
stalactites, stalagmites, and pillars that adorn the caves. The
water, filtered through limestone, is exceptionally clear,
containing minimal suspended particulate matter, and maintains a
refreshing temperature of approximately 25°C (77°F) year-round.
Cenote Xkeken features a large cavern with a small, central
hole in its 20-meter-high ceiling, through which a beam of
sunlight illuminates the water around midday, creating a glowing
blue spectacle. The water depth ranges from 1 meter (3.3 feet)
in shallow areas to 10–20 meters (33–66 feet) in deeper
sections, with a central pool surrounded by a flat limestone
platform. The cavern’s ceiling drips with stalactites, and small
bats occasionally flit about, adding to the otherworldly
atmosphere.
Cenote Samula, located across the road from
Xkeken, has a similar cave structure but with a larger
karstfenster and vertical, circular walls. The larger opening
allows more daylight, and the collapsed rock has formed a small
“island” in the water. A striking feature is the tree roots
cascading from the ceiling to the water, resembling a natural
curtain or pseudo-island. The water depth is generally
shallower, making it ideal for intermediate swimmers, with
depths up to 10 meters (33 feet).
The surrounding area is
lush with tropical vegetation, typical of the Yucatán’s
rainforest ecosystem. The cenotes are part of a fragile
ecosystem connected to underground tunnels, some of which may
reach the ocean, linking them to other habitats like
rainforests, mangroves, and the Mesoamerican Reef. Pollution in
one cenote can affect the entire aquifer, underscoring the need
for conservation.
The Dzitnup cenotes support a delicate ecosystem with a modest
but unique array of flora and fauna adapted to the subterranean
environment. Key species include:
Fish: Small black fish,
likely tilapia or catfish, inhabit the waters, occasionally
nibbling on swimmers’ toes. These fish feed on organic matter,
contributing to the ecosystem’s balance. Some sources mention
the White Blind Lady or Yucatecan Blind Eel, endangered species
found in cave cenotes, though their presence in Dzitnup is
unconfirmed.
Bats: Small bats roost in the caverns, flying to
and fro, especially in Xkeken’s darker corners. They are
harmless and add to the cenote’s mystique.
Crustaceans and
Microorganisms: The cenotes likely host microscopic life and
small crustaceans like shrimp, though these are less visible to
visitors.
Birds: Above ground, the surrounding jungle
supports birds like the Toh Bird (swallows or “bird of the
cenotes”), which are culturally significant to the Maya.
Flora: The cenotes’ interiors lack aquatic plants due to limited
sunlight, but the surrounding jungle features trees whose roots
penetrate the caverns, notably in Samula. Algae and lilies may
grow near the surface openings, integrating with the landscape.
The cenotes’ clear waters and stable conditions make them
sensitive to pollution from sunscreens, lotions, or litter,
necessitating strict rules like mandatory showers before entry.
The local community enforces these measures to protect the
ecosystem, which supports biodiversity and economic activities
like tourism and agriculture.
Cenotes were sacred to the Maya, who viewed them as portals to
Xibalba, the underworld, and homes to gods like Chaac, the rain
god. Dzitnup’s proximity to Valladolid and Chichén Itzá suggests
it was a vital water source and ritual site for ancient Mayan
communities. While no specific artifacts or human remains are
documented at Dzitnup, similar cenotes, like the Sacred Cenote
at Chichén Itzá, have yielded offerings of jade, gold, pottery,
and human remains, indicating their use in ceremonies and
sacrifices. The Maya believed cenotes were gateways to the
divine, where rituals were performed to ensure rain and good
harvests.
The name Xkeken derives from a Mayan legend
about a pig that returned to the village muddy and wet during
droughts, leading residents to discover the cenote. This story
underscores the cenotes’ role as life-sustaining resources in a
region with few surface rivers. The term “Dzitnup” refers to the
broader area, possibly meaning “place of the cenote” in Maya,
reflecting its cultural importance.
Today, the Dzitnup
complex is managed by a local Mayan community, ensuring that
tourism benefits residents while preserving the site’s heritage.
Visitors can hire Yucatecan guides to learn about the cenotes’
formation and Mayan beliefs, including bombas—narrative poems or
stories about the cenotes’ spiritual significance. Handicraft
stalls near the entrance sell colorful, locally made souvenirs,
connecting visitors to living Mayan traditions. The cenotes
remain a symbol of duality, representing both life (water) and
death (the underworld).
Cenote Dzitnup is one of the most accessible and popular cenotes
near Valladolid, attracting visitors for its stunning beauty,
temperate waters, and proximity to major attractions like
Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam. The complex is well-developed, with
infrastructure designed for safety and convenience, though its
popularity can lead to crowds, particularly midday. Below is a
detailed overview of the visitor experience.
Access and
Transportation
Location: 7 km southwest of Valladolid, on
Dzitnup road off Highway 180. The complex is 40 minutes from
Chichén Itzá, 15 miles from Valladolid, 100 miles from Mérida,
and 2–2.5 hours from Cancún or Cozumel.
By Car: The easiest
option. From Valladolid, head southwest on Highway 180 toward
Cuncunul, turn left at the sign for Hacienda Selva Maya or
Dzitnup road, and drive 2 minutes to the parking lot. Free
parking is available, though some reports mention unofficial
“parking fees” by locals.
By Bicycle: A popular option from
Valladolid (20–30 minutes). Rent bikes for 150–400 MXN/day from
shops on Calzada de los Frailes. Follow Calle 49 to Highway 180,
then use the bike lane to Dzitnup road. Not suitable for
families with young children.
By Taxi/Colectivo: Taxis from
Valladolid cost 120 MXN one-way (shared rides cheaper).
Colectivos (shared minibuses) cost 20–30 MXN/person to the
cenote entrance. Arrange return transport in advance, as taxis
may be scarce.
By Tour: Guided tours from Valladolid, Cancún,
or Playa del Carmen often combine Dzitnup with Chichén Itzá, Ek
Balam, or other cenotes. These include transport and guides but
are pricier (e.g., $50–100 USD).
On Foot: Possible but not
recommended due to the 7-km distance and heat (20–32°C
year-round, humid).
Cost: 125 MXN ($6 USD) per cenote (Xkeken or Samula) or 180–200
MXN for a combo ticket for both. Children under 5 may enter free
or at a discount. Life jackets (mandatory for non-swimmers) cost
30–50 MXN, and lockers are 30 MXN. Cash only (Mexican Pesos).
Prices have risen in recent years, prompting some to favor less
expensive cenotes.
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
(some sources cite 9:00 AM). Best times are early morning (8–10
AM) to avoid tour bus crowds or late afternoon (4–6 PM) for
fewer visitors, though lighting is optimal midday.
Facilities:
Ticket Office and Parking: Located on Dzitnup
road, with a café and handicraft stalls selling snacks,
souvenirs, and trinkets.
Restrooms and Changing Areas: Basic
but clean facilities near the entrance.
Showers: Mandatory
before entering to remove sunscreens and lotions, protecting the
ecosystem.
Life Jackets: Available for rent, required for
children and non-swimmers.
Lockers: Limited availability, so
secure valuables in your vehicle.
Lighting: Electric lights
supplement natural light, ensuring safe navigation.
Lifeguard: Present at both cenotes for safety.
Rules:
Shower before entering to protect water quality.
No
non-biodegradable sunscreen or insect repellent.
Avoid
touching stalactites/stalagmites to prevent damage.
No diving
(snorkeling allowed, but not ideal due to darkness).
No
alcohol, food, or littering in the cenotes.
Life jackets
mandatory for non-swimmers.
The Cenote Experience
Entry: Both cenotes are accessed via steep, wet stone or wooden
staircases descending 12–20 meters into the caverns. Xkeken has
a narrow tunnel-like entrance, while Samula’s is wider.
Handrails and ropes assist, but the stairs can be slippery,
requiring caution, especially for those with mobility issues.
Swim shoes are recommended for jagged rocks.
Cenote
Xkeken:
Features: A large cavern with a small ceiling hole
(3–4 meters wide) that beams sunlight onto the turquoise water
around noon, creating a glowing effect. Stalactites hang from
the ceiling, and a flat platform surrounds the pool. The water
is deep in the center (up to 20 meters) but shallow (1 meter)
near edges, ideal for families. Small fish and bats add to the
ambiance.
Activities: Swimming is the main activity, with
cool, refreshing waters. Snorkeling is possible but less
rewarding due to darkness and few fish; goggles suffice. Ropes
across the pool help swimmers rest or cross. Photography is
popular, especially midday when light is optimal, though tripods
are cumbersome.
Atmosphere: Mysterious and dim, with a
cave-like vibe. Can feel crowded (50–100 people) during peak
hours (11 AM–3 PM).
Cenote Samula:
Features: A
circular cavern with a larger ceiling hole, allowing more
daylight. Vertical walls and a rock “island” create a dramatic
setting. Tree roots cascade from the ceiling, touching the
water, forming a natural centerpiece. Shallower waters (up to 10
meters) make it beginner-friendly.
Activities: Swimming is
ideal, with shallow areas for wading. Snorkeling offers views of
roots and fish, though visibility is lower than open cenotes.
Photography captures the roots and turquoise hues, best in early
afternoon light. The island provides a resting spot.
Atmosphere: Brighter and more open than Xkeken, with a magical,
tranquil feel. Slightly less crowded but still busy midday.
Duration: Visitors typically spend 1–1.5 hours per cenote, with
2–3 hours for both. Combo tickets encourage exploring both, as
they’re steps apart.
Crowds: Peak season (December–April, dry
season) brings more tourists, especially from tour buses.
Summers (June–September) are rainier but lush, with potential
for cloudier water after storms. Early or late visits ensure a
quieter experience.
Valladolid (7 km): A
colonial Pueblo Mágico with colorful streets, Cenote Zaci
(open-air, in town), and the San Bernardino Monastery.
Chichén Itzá
(40 minutes): The iconic Mayan ruins, perfect for a day trip
with Dzitnup.
Ek Balam
(30 minutes): Lesser-visited Mayan ruins with climbable pyramids
and nearby Cenote X’Canche.
Cenote Oxmal (near Valladolid): A
less-crowded, deep cenote (67 meters) for thrill-seekers.
Accommodations
Dzitnup is typically a day trip, but
nearby lodging includes:
Valladolid: Budget options like
Hostel Candelaria ($10–20/night), mid-range Hacienda Selva Maya,
or luxury Coqui Coqui Valladolid.
Chichén Itzá: Hotels like
Hacienda Chichen or Mayaland Hotel.
Homun (1 hour): Known for
multiple cenotes, with basic guesthouses.
Dining
Hacienda Selva Maya: A restaurant near the cenote entrance
offers Mexican dishes and buffets.
Valladolid: Eateries like
Yerbabuena or Conato 1910 serve Yucatecan cuisine (e.g.,
cochinita pibil).
No food is allowed inside the cenotes, but
snacks are sold at stalls.
Crowds: Dzitnup’s popularity, especially Xkeken, leads to crowds
(50–100 people) midday, reducing the serene vibe. Early or late
visits are best.
Costs: Fees have risen (from 57 MXN in 2014
to 125 MXN in 2025), with extras like life jackets and lockers
adding up. Some visitors find cheaper cenotes (e.g., Oxmal) more
appealing.
Stairs: Steep, slippery stairs pose challenges for
those with mobility issues. Handrails help, but caution is
needed. Non-swimmers can observe from platforms.
Facilities:
No lockers in some reports, so secure valuables. Restrooms are
basic, and the air in caverns can be hot and humid.
Safety:
Lifeguards are present, and life jackets are mandatory for
non-swimmers. No diving is allowed due to shallow areas and
formations.
Weather: The tropical climate (20–35°C) is hot
and humid. Rainy season (June–September) may cloud water after
storms, while dry season (December–April) offers clearer waters
and better visibility.
Scams: Unofficial parking or guide
fees have been reported. Confirm prices at the ticket office and
avoid unsolicited services.
Cenote Dzitnup (Xkeken and Samula) is a jewel of the Yucatán,
offering a mesmerizing blend of natural splendor and cultural
depth. Xkeken’s glowing turquoise waters and stalactite-laden
cavern create a mysterious, almost otherworldly experience,
while Samula’s cascading roots and brighter ambiance evoke a
magical tranquility. Their accessibility from Valladolid and
Chichén Itzá, combined with community management, ensures an
authentic visit that supports local Maya families. Despite
occasional crowds, the cenotes’ beauty—described as “nature’s
marquee light” and a “sacred portal”—captivates swimmers,
photographers, and history enthusiasts alike.
For budget
travelers, the $6–10 USD entry is reasonable, and the chance to
swim in cool, sacred waters surrounded by ancient formations is
unforgettable. As one visitor noted, “It’s like swimming in a
cathedral of nature,” capturing the cenotes’ allure. Whether
paired with a Chichén Itzá tour, a Valladolid stroll, or a bike
ride through the jungle, Cenote Dzitnup delivers a
quintessential Yucatán experience, connecting visitors to the
region’s geological, ecological, and Mayan heritage.
Practical Tips:
Bring cash (MXN) for fees and rentals.
Pack swim shoes, a towel, and a water bottle (tap water unsafe;
use filtered or LifeStraw).
Use a GoPro or underwater camera
for photos; tripods are impractical.
Visit early (8–10 AM) or
late (4–6 PM) to avoid crowds and enjoy better light.
Combine
with Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, or Valladolid for a full day.
Respect rules (no sunscreen, no touching formations) to preserve
the ecosystem.
Check for combo tickets to save on both
cenotes.