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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedMar 31, 2023
How long is the drive from Merida to Tulum?
The direct drive from Merida to Tulum is 161 mi (259 km), and should have a drive time of 3 hrs 19 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Merida to Tulum, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Valladolid, as well as top places to visit like Zona Arqueológica Xcambó and Cenotes de Cuzamá( LUM JA)., or the ever-popular Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyché.
Valladolid is a city situated in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, featuring magnificent colonial structures such as the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena and the baroque-style San Gervasio Cathedral. The town also boasts cultural landmarks like Casa de los Venados, housing traditional Mexican folk art and furnishings. Visitors can explore Cenote Zací or venture to underground cenotes Samulá and X'Kekén for a swim.
Most popular city on this route
1 minute off the main route, 54% of way to Tulum
Best stops along Merida to Tulum drive
The top stops along the way from Merida to Tulum (with short detours) are Chichén Itzá, Zona arqueológica de Coba, and Grand Cenote. Other popular stops include Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam, Ik Kil, and El Castillo.
1
Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyché
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Remains of a 1700s hacienda & plantation, with overgrown paths & swimming in a canal & cenotes.
Excellent Cenote that is well worth a visit. There are changing rooms, modern restrooms, lockers and more. There is a bar and restaurant. The food was some of the best we had over our visit. The grounds were very well kept and worth a walk around.
Micah M — Google review
The cenotes are very nice! The Hacienda tour they give is very good and the food and drinks here are amazing!!! I loved the fact that we could sit by the pool and have drinks and food while being able to watch my two beautiful girls play in the pool.
Jose Gonzalez — Google review
Best Hacienda & Cenote near Mérida. The entrance fee is more expensive than other cenotes, but it is worth it. A tour is a must, so you can get the Hacienda's history very well, and the interior is well organized like a simple theme park. You can see a beautiful cenote that has been created very neatly. Rather, if the entrance fee is cheaper, more people will visit and the environment here will be polluted. This place is expensive for a reason. Highly recommand!
Girina Koo — Google review
I read mixed reviews and I have to agree with both. Expensive to go in and yes it’s guided meaning you can’t go on our own. It’s a bit rushed but it is absolutely worth the experience! There is nothing on this earth that compares to the cave! It’s so clean and clear. We felt safe the entire time. Out of the entire groups I was the only one with a phone. You can purchase photos at the end but don’t forget your phone. Not sure if I missed that you’re not allowed to but I brought mine and no one said a word! We still bought the photos. 400 pesos for 14 photos a bit pricey but worth it.
We ate at the restaurant and it was actually good and prices were on point. Definitely worth the visit.
jacki pearson — Google review
Spectacular, best Cenote I have been to yet. Superb restaurant as well with great food and great staff. Tours are in English and Spanish, make sure you get on the proper tour.
Ian Gardner — Google review
A beautiful experience to have with the family! The park provides life jackets, which must be worn by everyone and snorkel masks. If you're going on a cruise, please purchase this excursion package early. It is usually sold out weeks BEFORE the cruise even begins.
Monica — Google review
Probably the highlight of my trip to Merida. This place is put of this world! A must when visiting Merida! Swimming in the underground cave was just an incredible experience!
J Rodriguez — Google review
One of the most beautiful experiences in a cenote that I have ever had. It was clean, spiritual, and very well organized. They keep the environment safe, and the tour was exceptionally good.
Gina Gonzalez — Google review
Was expecting just a tour of the hacienda, which was very informative. But the real stand out of this tour was swimming in the two cenotes. The pictures really don't do them justice. One was recently found in 2013 and is absolutely stunning. You can see 20-30m deep because the water is so clear. Both a memorable and spiritual experience. The guide was knowledgeable and hilarious, giving the tour in both Spanish and english, he made the tour very special. I would really recommend a visit.
Alistaire Huggins — Google review
Amazing place, we’ll worth the value. Bring goggles, amazing views if you can see below. Go for the 11:30 tour. You will see the cave when the natural sunlight enters.
Kevin Marquardt — Google review
What an experience! The food at the restaurant was great and my daughter enjoyed swimming in the pool while us adults ate. We learned a lot during the tour around the grounds and our bilingual tour guide was incredible! The swim in the cenote itself was breathtaking and a lifetime experience I will hold in my heart forever!
Melania Atzori — Google review
Beautiful cenote viewed during a great tour of the property. Super safe with life jackets mandatory and rescue personnel at the ready. The whole experience was very atmospheric - from the hacienda itself to the idillic waters of the cenotes. Super clean bathrooms and rest facilities. Even the restaurant was great - tasty foods for sure. Loved it!
Christopher Thomas — Google review
Overall an amazing experience. The cenotes tour is awesome, it makes you feel that you are part of an Indiana Jones movie. The sitting area by the pool, restaurant and bar is also fantastic. I wish they’d close latter than 5, maybe around 7?
Roberto González — Google review
Beautiful cenotes, very safe. Last tour with access to the cenote at 15:00 hrs /3pm.
Tours can get busy: groups from 10-45 people in one go.
Holger Rovini — Google review
Beautiful cenote, nice tour. A bit more expensive than other cenotes, but you get a historical tour of the hacienda and then a cenote tour where the guide jumps in with you! Only downside, I suppose, is the tour was given in Spanish. I did not inquire about a tour in English, but our particular guide did speak English well enough to give some important information along the way. I was able to follow along a little with my beginner to intermediate Spanish skills. Lovely place! Would def recommend, especially if you are also visiting Uxmal ruins in the vicinity, nice way to cool off ☺️
Kyle Gladwin — Google review
I stayed by the ocean so the drive is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s actually a scenic drive. There is cell service. You will go through several towns. The jungle is beautiful. A lot of tropical fruit trees along the drive. When you arrive, you must join a tour, and it’s not pricy. You get to swim in the first Cenote, then through a narrow creek-like way, then you will walk through a tunnel, and swim in the largest and most beautiful Cenote of this place. Cenotes are located underneath the ruins. They will explain the history of this beautiful place. I highly recommend to eat at the restaurant here. The food is authentic and delicious. Have fun
An Nguyen — Google review
Truly, one of the most amazing experiences of my life!! The tour was well run and organized. Lifejackets are mandatory to keep everyone safe. The guide was amazing explaining the history of the Cenote.
There was a small issue with the Internet and the staff did not think that my credit card charge went through for the entrance fee. So I paid cash. It turns out that the credit card charge did go through. I contacted them and it was rectified within 10 minutes, and a credit was issued to my credit card immediately.
The Cenote is absolutely stunning!! A must visit!
Sharon De Sousa — Google review
If you do one day trip from Mérida, make it this one! The whole experience was excellent. Brenda was a fantastic tour guide, the food and pool were lovely and of course the real highlight was the cenotes which are just an unbelievable experience.
H Carey — Google review
Arrive early during to avoid crowds. The restaurant is a great place to chill after swimming. Bring a river shoes since you are going to walk and swim. I brought my phone in a waterproof phone bag and took pictures. I didn't bring a waterproof light to help out pictures 😕.
Venerable archaeological & pilgrimage site with the Temple of the Cross & the Temple of Sacrifices.
One of the lesser-known Mayan sites in the Yucatan, but well worth the visit. Very close to Laguna Rosada, with free parking, and relatively quiet from other tourists.
Eclipse Travels — Google review
Not worth the entrance fee, our ticket said 90 pesos but we had to pay 95 peso for some vague reason. It makes a good deal for the cashier if he can add 5 peso to a ticket for every stupid tourist that enters his gates since they arrive in busloads, so that is a lot of 5 peso extra!!
There are no special days or rates for residents, locals, INAPAM and students.
The place is so small you can see all within 15 minutes. And there are no safety measurements anywhere, it is muddy and slippery. No explanation of what you see and what is what, so it is just a dumb rock climbing, mud sliding experience without gathering any knowledge.
There are way better places to go, for lower entrance fee in Mexico.
I have visited many sites throughout Mexico and this one has a very bad price/quality experience, to my opinion it is very expensive.
Jeanette Slagt — Google review
Beautiful archeological site with a central plaza that contains multiple pyramids and even some Mayan artifacts. The sites extend out from the main center into some residential areas, but we were happy to stay in the main hub where the jungle vegetation is kept at bay. Even just exploring the center, we still spent about an hour and a half here!
We got to the site just before 11am and by noon several tourist buses had started arriving. We definitely recommend going early to avoid the crowds and the heat! You'll find an overflow parking lot and one set of restrooms on your left when you arrive, but keep driving past (if you're there early enough) to get to the main parking lot, reception and archeological plaza. There are more restrooms here as well and they sell a few souvenirs, water and coke at the reception booth. If there are people parked in the overflow lot you may not want to go on though - the main lot is on the small side without much room to turn around once the tourist busses start lining the road, and the distance isn't too far to walk if you're free of mobility restrictions :)
If you go without a tour (like we did), you may like to know that: this site was a primary hub for salt production for the Mayan empire (that's what the large stone basins you'll see are for); the tunnel to the left of the largest pyramid is where priests would enter the plazas for ceremonies and it used to pass through to the other side, but the Catholic church at the site was specifically built at the other end to cut off this pagan passage way; the small temple to the right of the largest pyramid is where human sacrifices would take place - the alter at its base allows the victim to stand, back against the vertical stone and feet on the round base, with their arms open wide to open their chest for easy access to their heart; the pyramid opposite the largest (that looks like it has solar panels in front) has two stone carvings on its face that are protected beneath the sun/weather shades. Have fun!
mayryanna Shakti — Google review
Some walking and steps are involved.The salt flats were on the way to this sight. So the tour bus stopped. We had a tour guide who showed us around and educated the group on this beautiful country and some history of this sight while showing us around. There is a bathroom in a little hut with some common jewelry for sale. It's pretty close to port as I was on a cruise for this visit. It was my first time here and first time cruising. The group was kinda all over the place but I'm sure they were just eager to be out and about. Get Plenty of pictures and bring water and sunscreen. Also a extra battery. The price for the tour was $25 U.S.. with a taxi and a bus ride to this sight. (Auto Progresso) Senior Victor and Senora Ingrid were the best. Bring some spending money for the stop in town and tips.
Chadd Green — Google review
No guided tours and the place is practically abandoned. Still, they charge you 90 pesos to access.
Alex Blanco — Google review
Perfect place to see original mayan ruins and still intact. It's $6 USD per person and the man who sells the tickets is 100% Mayan. You can walk around and on the ruins. Some parts are blocked off to preserve the delicate stones. It's a very popular places for shore excursions. We had a private tour and were one of the first people to arrive. When we were leaving, the places was packed with groups and their tour guides. It's a beautiful site with plenty of history and so much to learn. Highly recommend coming here to visit and the money spent for the up keep is well worth it. Also, IGUANAS EVERYWHERE.
analisa harvey — Google review
Wonderful place to explore. It's one of few ruins you can still climb. Very well kept
Jennifer — Google review
Got here about 10am and we were alone for some time, the iguanas greeted us as we entered and occasionally checked in on us. 80MXN per person was great value.
Bought ice cold water at the entry that was really appreciated due to the heat even early in the day.
The Zona Arqueologica Xcambo is fantastic, lots too see without the need to walk too far, from the parking area you are right on the edge of this wonderfully preserved area.
A photographers dream, so much in a compact location, some climbing but not too high easy walking amongst the ruins on well maintained paths, Get there early as tours start coming in after noon.
This is a magical place to just admire and contemplate how the space was used in it's hay day.
More icy cold water on the way out and all of a sudden over two hours had passed. A must visit
Rod Heaysman — Google review
Excellent settlement to stop into for 20-30 minutes. Pass through while on the way to a day at the beach.
Drew Strelau — Google review
It's a great place to view actual ruins peacefully. There are hardly any tourists and the fee to view them is only $4 USD/person. You will need to drive through a narrow dirt road to get there, but it's not very far at all.
Nora — Google review
Very cool place! Get there early, it gets really hot. Wear lots of bug spray. Really fascinating to see ruins so close to the beach. You can climb them and really immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the ruins.
Susan Goins — Google review
Interesting place , not crowded at all. You can walk freely and explore. It's definitely worth the trip
Ridethrough Mexico — Google review
Plenty of iguanas. Very nice place to visit, not too big though and there isn’t any historical information about the place but worth the travel.
Aline Cid — Google review
I would highly recommend this place. If go in the morning on a weekday you will probably be one of the only ones there... There is no guide so you are allowed to just wander and explore as much as you would like... You can even take some hidden pathways into the jungle if you're brave enough 🐍 😳 😂 🌴
Soy Gringo — Google review
It's funny, of all the archeological sites we saw on this trip back in 2006, this one was a complete blank to me. Looking back at the photos, I kind of remember it, but had to reverse search images to find the name. Pretty sure it was part of a trip to Dzibilchaltun and another small site, taken from our hotel, the Reef Yucatan. There may have been promises of flamingos, as I know they are known to live nearby. But I have to photos of them. Was the usual small site, hard to know if it was the centre of a village or just some religious site used only for specific purposes. Love the christian church built on it, as if to lay claim.
Laurin Jeffrey — Google review
Definitely worth seeing there were only a few people around when I went which was very nice unlike the very touristy spots.
Jamie Fielding — Google review
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97405 Yuc., Mexico
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Cenotes de Cuzamá (LUM JA) are natural pools formed by collapsed limestone bedrock, revealing clear groundwater. These cenotes were once vital water sources for the ancient Maya and there are thousands across the Yucatan peninsula. To visit these cenotes, you can purchase an affordable tour that lasts about 3-4 hours. The experience begins with a ride on small trains pulled by horses, taking you to multiple cenotes in the area.
Great experience. Looks like there are bunch of other cenotes in the area. If this is the cenotes you are trying to visit, just keep driving until there is a large parking lot. The thing is that as you approach the area, people will be standing on the road trying to lure you into other places. They are very presvuasuve. May even stop the car. I am not sure what you're there are offering, perhaps some legit services, but the practice is shady. So, keep driving untill you reach the cenotes de Cuzema.
The whole experience is crazy!! There are small horses carrying up to four people on a narrow railroad track. Ride is bumpy and takes 20 so minutes to reach the actual cenotes.
There are three cenotes. One small, more like a cave and two big once. All of them require climbing down (and then up) a steep stairs.
Amayak Urumyan — Google review
This place was amazing the people are so kind and accommodating! 4-cenotes in one visit, life-vest provided, snack stations( bring pesos), bring swim shoes, change of clothes, and towels, camera, and water camera.
The cenotes are so incredibly beautiful I was completely captivated. I loved all four of them for different reasons!
Definitely must see!! I traveled with 4 children ( 14, 16, 11, and 5) and they all loved it!
**driving into the city there will be people flagging you down to take you on the tour of the four cenotes keep driving when you get to the actual
location they will guide you and take you to all the cenotes, don’t get scammed by the people that are flagging you down before you actually arrive on-site.
Litty Symphorien — Google review
A special experience.
You start our at the parking lot, where you can change, shower and buy refreshments.
The price is per cart, which can hold about four people, and was 800 Pesos. The cart is then pulled along some narrow gauge tracks a horse.
The ride is quite long, loud, shaky and a bit exhausting and dusty. But seeing these three Cenote is very special and was definitely one of our highlights in Yucatan.
All three are underground, the first one is in a cave in complete darkness. The other two shown a beautiful blue color.
Beware: currently the last rides start at 15:00 and it can take 2,5-3 hours.
Alexander Broszio — Google review
We had a day trip from Merida (1h drive) and definitely the best cenote experience. It was a bit challenging first to find the place. After parking your car, there’s a horse cart that will take you to 3 different cenotes and you’ll have 45 minutes to spend each place. The cost is 600 pesos for 4 people (including cart ride and 3 cenotes), meaning 150 per face. Really good deal! Life jackets are provided but not mandatory. It’s not a very known place and there were few people instead of us. Would not be suitable for kids as you have to climb deep to go to the cenote. 5 points go from me!
hiieliin — Google review
The whole experience will take you about 3-4 hours. You start by getting in this little trains that can fit 4 passangers and are pulled by horses. Just take in mind that to get to the first cenote is almost 20-30min riding this trains. Once you get down there, they take you to the farthest cenotes, which one is really good for pictures because the light is perfect and you can see the bottom and the inside is really good. And the other one is really good for jumping and swimming around. The third one is a cave with a little natural pool.
Rene Vivo — Google review
Go there in the morning. We started 10am and where alone in the cenotes. When we left around 1:30pm, it really started to get crowded.
Price is 800 pesos for a horse cart in which you can fit up to 4-5 people.
Easy to reach from Merida by Colectivo (34 Pesos per person one way.
Andreas Klein — Google review
3 cenotes you visit during your visit. It takes in total more than 2 hours. You go only by railway drived by horses. You don’t feels safe on that road. A horse on our trip hurt driver. Both ways it’s about 15 km you go on rails
Ram Zda — Google review
Very authentic and absolutely exciting experience! The place has 4 cenotes, and horse-trains to connect them.
Cenotes are amazing, however the entrance to them are quite tricky. I wouldn’t recommend for people not in a good physical form.
The cost was 600 peso per 1 group of people ( up to 4).
Also cenotes were open until the end of our visit ( at 19:00).
Kateryna Lysenko — Google review
Amazing experience! From the beginning to the end.
Put your GPS and go! don't let other vendors to distract you, with other cenotes, this is a virgin cenote is not make with machine is natural.
Very friendly people grate tour!
Gabriela Mendez — Google review
Off the popular tourist path but right on the main road is the small town of Cuzama with many cenotes. As you approach the town by car or collectivo people with well worn brochures will attempt to flag you down and direct you to one of the cenotes. They may even get in the car to guide you. Once there a horse and rustic buggy on a narrow rail track will take you into the jungle to visit 3 different cenotes. If another cart is approaching you get out, the driver lifts the cart off the track to let them through... It all adds to the fun. About 500-600 MX pesos per cart. You can fit 4 people easily. We enjoyed the experience and swimming we did 2 different tours in the same day. Plan for 3 hrs per tour. The places are rustic so don't come here expecting Tulum and a lot of facilities. No crowds. No gift shop. Small store or restaurant only. Very charming, had a great time. A once in a lifetime experience. Stop in the Town at the small central market get something to eat and take a photo at the town sign. Very authentic and typical of a small Yucatan pueblo.
D Longo — Google review
We were taken to the cenotes by a horse drawn carriage along a track which was part of the fun. The cenotes were authentic and beautiful. There were ladders to climb down otherwise everything else was in its natural state. Loved it!
Harriet Drake — Google review
Actually quite nice. I was suspicious because of the trip with the horse. But it was fun. Cenote 2 and 3 are fabulous. The first ist beautiful to visit but not big enough to take a bath. Very small and narrow. We went in the early morning. When we finished it was packed. 9:00-9:30 best time.
Thorsten Siering — Google review
Really fun experience and well worth the 400 pesos per person. We had 3 cenotes practically to ourselves.
Sébastien Bulte — Google review
800 pesos Amazing cenotes, thé "trucks are crazy but Amazing moment.
So many amazing cenotes it would take days, or weeks, to explore all the great ones!
Matt Dickson — Google review
This was an amazing tour. One particular cenote was a bit of a spiritual experience for me to be honest. Completely priceless and super affordable. Since we went early June it was also butterfly season and trust me you've never seen so many butterflies in your life. I speak Spanish so that probably made it even better. Simply magical.
Flor Garza — Google review
Such a great experience with honest, friendly people.
Ryan Van Dyke — Google review
This was our second visit to the Cenotes with the excellent service of Diego and family. We certainly keep coming back!
Rocio Dominguez — Google review
This is a really great experience with nature!! Exceptional customer experience with Diego!!
Carlos Rodriguez — Google review
You must have time to see all cenotes!! Highly recommended, go with Jacinto Piste
Ramon Chavez — Google review
Having rented a car arrived before the buses had the whole place to ourselves VIP
Very impressive piramid, but specially the town is really beautiful, highly recommended if you want to taste the real local food and enjoy walking around the town
Ignacio Lopez — Google review
Definitely worth the climb! You can enter from either side. Thanks to the trees, there's some shade on the upper "platform" for a little rest (not on the very top though). Bring some water!
Taylor Hensson — Google review
Great experience! Get ready for a steep climb. But it is really worth it on top of the pyramid as you can see the city from there.
Bring a lot of water as it can get really intense.
Quentin Vaucelle-Auzel — Google review
A great experience. You can access for free and it's very close from the Izamal main square.
Just be careful because the stairs are not complete and you need to climb grabbing the rocks.
Wear appropriate shoes.
Manuel Jesús Dzib-Poot — Google review
Free Entrance and you can climb to the top of the pyramid! The top offers an excellent view of Izamal and the surrounding area. You’ll love it.
Leonard Sullivan — Google review
If you're staying in Izamal you need to check this place. One of the few ruins you can still climb and see beautiful panorama of the whole city.
Pawe? Chrobak — Google review
nice piramid in the middle of the city. Entrance is free and You can climb to the top to see the whole city. It closes at 5pm but it is not fenced from the left side so you can go around if You are late :)
Wojciech Pachciarek — Google review
An impressive and almost unknown city near the boarder of Campeche. Workers are rebuilding and repairing glyphs to be replaced on the pyramids. The bathrooms cost 5 pesos to use. Also there were no toilet seats-don't fall in! A great pyramid and almost unvisited.
Jill Easton — Google review
Magic place, beautiful views, lots of history's from Yucatan.
sergio gonzalez — Google review
Who would of known that a small diet mountain was a pyramid!
Lovely spit right behind the Church plaza right in the middle of a neighborhood.
Soco Michel — Google review
Nice place, be careful of the stairs. If you have issues climbing, just climb to the first area and take pictures.
Angel Andrade — Google review
Outstanding! Love the historic values behind it, shame for destroying all of the culture the piramids enclosed. The Europeans should have instead tried to understand it and they would have learned an infinite amount of information the Mayan culture possessed, in Mathematics and Astronomy even more advanced than their in the mid 15th Century.
elnoey — Google review
Embarking on a journey through time and history, the Piramide Kinich in Izamal, Yucatan, stands as a majestic testament to the ancient Mayan civilization, inviting modern-day travelers to unravel its mysteries. Climbing this ancient pyramid is not just an adventure; it's a profound exploration into the heart of Mayan culture.
The Piramide Kinich is a striking architectural marvel, towering above the cityscape with an undeniable aura of grandeur. As you approach, the sheer magnitude of this ancient structure becomes apparent, its weathered stones whispering tales of a bygone era. The pyramid, dedicated to the Mayan sun god Kinich Ahau, exudes a spiritual energy that captures the imagination.
One of the most captivating aspects of Piramide Kinich is the opportunity for visitors to ascend its ancient steps, tracing the path that Mayan priests once walked. Climbing to the top is a physical and spiritual journey, offering a unique connection to the past. The ascent is not just a climb but a pilgrimage, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the ancient rites and rituals that once took place on this sacred structure.
Reaching the summit, the panoramic views of Izamal are nothing short of breathtaking. From this vantage point, the city unfolds beneath you like a living tapestry, revealing a blend of historic charm and modern vitality. The vibrant colors of Izamal's colonial buildings, juxtaposed against the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape, create a scene that's both awe-inspiring and humbling.
The cityscape vista is not the only reward for conquering Piramide Kinich. At the top, the realization sets in that you are standing on a structure that has withstood the test of time, a silent witness to centuries of history. The sense of accomplishment and the connection to ancient Mayan spirituality make the climb an unforgettable experience.
While ascending Piramide Kinich requires a bit of physical exertion, the view from the top is a justifiable reward. The journey is a blend of adventure, history, and spirituality, making it an absolute must for anyone visiting Izamal. Piramide Kinich transcends being just a historical monument; it's a living testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Mayan people, inviting each visitor to become a part of its enduring story.
Viva Izamal — Google review
Located two blocks away from the convent, it is one of the largest pyramids built by the Maya. The access is free, though the entrance is a bit hidden between two buildings. The pyramid is only partially restored so if you're expecting Teotihuacan-style edifice, you might be disappointed.
Robert Chomicz — Google review
Not as impressive as some of the other Mayan sites, but if you are interested take the time to visit. It is free and you can get ice cream across from the entrance after you climb to the top.
Richard Kuberski — Google review
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Calle 27 x 28 y 26, Centro, 97557 Izamal, Yuc., Mexico
The Convento de San Antonio de Padua is a historical and religious site in Izamal, known for being one of the first monasteries built by the Spanish conquerors in the western hemisphere. It was constructed using stones from a destroyed Maya temple, including some with unique maze-like designs. Visitors can enjoy a sound-and-light show three nights a week and explore the monastery's arcades. The site also includes a small shop at its entrance where visitors can purchase water.
Nestled in the heart of Izamal, the Convento de San Antonio stands as a testament to both the rich history of the region and the enduring beauty of colonial architecture. This expansive convent, with its sun-soaked yellow facade, exudes an undeniable charm that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive.
Upon entering the Convento de San Antonio, one is immediately struck by the tranquility that pervades the surroundings. The well-maintained grounds provide a serene backdrop for exploration and contemplation. The courtyard transports visitors to a bygone era, inviting them to wander and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
The architectural grandeur of the convent is nothing short of impressive. The imposing structure, dating back to the 16th century, boasts a harmonious blend of Spanish and Mayan influences. The ornate details adorning the facade speak to the craftsmanship of the artisans who contributed to the convent's construction. Each archway and column seems to tell a story, making it a haven for history enthusiasts and architectural aficionados alike.
Inside the Convento de San Antonio, the artistry continues to unfold. The chapel, with its high vaulted ceilings and gilded altars, is a breathtaking testament to religious devotion and artistic mastery. The delicate frescoes that adorn the walls narrate tales of the region's complex history, providing a visual feast for those eager to delve into the cultural tapestry of the Yucatán.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the convent's various rooms, each revealing a different facet of its storied past. From the living quarters of the monks to the impressive library housing ancient manuscripts, every corner of the Convento de San Antonio unveils a rich tapestry of history, culture, and spirituality.
The convent's location in Izamal adds to its allure. Known as the "Yellow City" due to its characteristic golden buildings, Izamal provides a picturesque setting for this historical gem. Visitors can easily lose themselves in the narrow cobblestone streets, discovering hidden gems and enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals.
The Convento de San Antonio in Izamal stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of colonial architecture and the rich cultural heritage of the region. Its expansive grounds, intricate details, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a blend of tranquility, history, and architectural marvels.
Viva Izamal — Google review
Visiting the town, better say village of Izamal was supposed to be one of the highlights of our Yucatan tour. Unfortunately, we left disappointed and shocked.
San Antonio of Padua has a great importance in our family as we were married in his Church in our hometown and both our children baptized there. Therefore, we visit this saint's Churches wherever we travel and find them.
When I planned our Yucatan tour I was really excited to learn there was one here in Izamal, as I had no idea about that before. Add to that the yellow-white beauty of the city and it was put on our tour map as a highlight.
The convent is very big, with a huge rectangular courtyard right in the center of Izamal. It was built in the mid 16c when Spaniards arrived, and the stones of demolished Mayan pyramids around were used as foundations.
When we arrived the Mass was going on so it was closed.
We waited patiently more than half an hour to be finished and to enter the Church. During that time we explored entire grounds, took a photo from every angle, found the monuments of both - San Antonio and Pope John Paul and spent some time in convent's store where we bought some souvenirs for home.
My wife was first in a new formed line, and everybody knew us as we were the only tourists (non-Mexicans) there.
Finally the door opened. The priest announced in Spanish that only those for a new Mass can enter. I explained him on my poor Spanish (with help of locals from the line) that we waited 40 min and just wanted to visit for 5 min. He declined that sharply. After my trying to persuade him explaining where we are from he started yelling at me telling us to leave. I have never experienced such a behavior of Church member. It was more like a prison guard than a priest.
We were shocked, surprised and felt humiliated. Same face impressions I saw on locals from the line who didn't feel pleasant about that.
I am sorry I don't know his name to public it, but he's such a shame for the Convent.
I also feel very bad to rate my Patron saint's Church 3, but 5 is for the site and 1 for the priest, so it makes the average 3.
Dejan Braki — Google review
Beautiful, historical place to spend your afternoon. We go to Izamal a lot and love spending the afternoon in the convent.
Sutharee Na — Google review
Izamal so beautiful town that we discovered on our way from Chichenitza to Merida. Amazing and elegant "Convento" . Inside you feel relaxed
Alex Daza — Google review
Convento de San Antonio is spectacular, but the town itself is even more gorgeous! We didn't have the chance to take a tour.
You will enjoy this cute town!
Samuel Daigle — Google review
The convent is a spectacular sight and the very reason why most tourists come to the town of Izamal. Here are a few things you may want to know. If you come in the summer, as I did, it will be hot. I mean, hot, and humid. Beware. The convent is open to all and there is no entry fee for visiting on your own. When I was there, the church was closed (which was a bummer.) It's an impressive place though, with a rich history that's worth reading about as it will make your visit more enjoyable.
Robert Chomicz — Google review
“Magical town”. Very interesting convent, which has an enormous atrium and its walls colored in yellow and white. It’s a nice place to visit and spend a few hours. Make sure to ride a carriage around town. The tour guides are fantastic!
Your mom No — Google review
A very beautiful convent that is situated in the towns square. There are stairs that lead to the town's center. When you walk up through the main entrance, you are greeted with an image of the Virgen Mary. The convent was visited by Pope John Paul II. The local market is next to the convent and the town's letters are also adjacent. A few blocks away you will find a pyramid that overlooks the town. I highly recommend for a day trip.
This is an active convent with a church inside. Please be mindful and considerate when touring the grounds.
Rodolfo Mendoza — Google review
Friendly peaceful historical town. We visited on the way from Merida to Cancun. The whole town is beautiful.
Wenduo Liu — Google review
An excellent place of history and religious architecture. We were given a tour by a local student. The price/donation to the place was ten pesos a person and the tour lasted about 20 minutes or less. They do keep a small shop right at the entrance which we took advantage of by the fact that they also sell water.
Zacarias Michilinsky — Google review
Beautiful place, and don’t miss visiting also Piramide Kinich Kakmo, 7 minutes walk from Convento and free of charge, climb on pyramid and enjoy the views.
The Convento de San Antonio de Padua is a historical and religious site in Izamal, known for being one of the first monasteries built by the Spanish conquerors in the western hemisphere. It was constructed using stones from a destroyed Maya temple, including some with unique maze-like designs. Visitors can enjoy a sound-and-light show three nights a week and explore the monastery's arcades. The site also includes a small shop at its entrance where visitors can purchase water.
Nestled in the heart of Izamal, the Convento de San Antonio stands as a testament to both the rich history of the region and the enduring beauty of colonial architecture. This expansive convent, with its sun-soaked yellow facade, exudes an undeniable charm that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive.
Upon entering the Convento de San Antonio, one is immediately struck by the tranquility that pervades the surroundings. The well-maintained grounds provide a serene backdrop for exploration and contemplation. The courtyard transports visitors to a bygone era, inviting them to wander and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
The architectural grandeur of the convent is nothing short of impressive. The imposing structure, dating back to the 16th century, boasts a harmonious blend of Spanish and Mayan influences. The ornate details adorning the facade speak to the craftsmanship of the artisans who contributed to the convent's construction. Each archway and column seems to tell a story, making it a haven for history enthusiasts and architectural aficionados alike.
Inside the Convento de San Antonio, the artistry continues to unfold. The chapel, with its high vaulted ceilings and gilded altars, is a breathtaking testament to religious devotion and artistic mastery. The delicate frescoes that adorn the walls narrate tales of the region's complex history, providing a visual feast for those eager to delve into the cultural tapestry of the Yucatán.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the convent's various rooms, each revealing a different facet of its storied past. From the living quarters of the monks to the impressive library housing ancient manuscripts, every corner of the Convento de San Antonio unveils a rich tapestry of history, culture, and spirituality.
The convent's location in Izamal adds to its allure. Known as the "Yellow City" due to its characteristic golden buildings, Izamal provides a picturesque setting for this historical gem. Visitors can easily lose themselves in the narrow cobblestone streets, discovering hidden gems and enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals.
The Convento de San Antonio in Izamal stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of colonial architecture and the rich cultural heritage of the region. Its expansive grounds, intricate details, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a blend of tranquility, history, and architectural marvels.
Viva Izamal — Google review
Visiting the town, better say village of Izamal was supposed to be one of the highlights of our Yucatan tour. Unfortunately, we left disappointed and shocked.
San Antonio of Padua has a great importance in our family as we were married in his Church in our hometown and both our children baptized there. Therefore, we visit this saint's Churches wherever we travel and find them.
When I planned our Yucatan tour I was really excited to learn there was one here in Izamal, as I had no idea about that before. Add to that the yellow-white beauty of the city and it was put on our tour map as a highlight.
The convent is very big, with a huge rectangular courtyard right in the center of Izamal. It was built in the mid 16c when Spaniards arrived, and the stones of demolished Mayan pyramids around were used as foundations.
When we arrived the Mass was going on so it was closed.
We waited patiently more than half an hour to be finished and to enter the Church. During that time we explored entire grounds, took a photo from every angle, found the monuments of both - San Antonio and Pope John Paul and spent some time in convent's store where we bought some souvenirs for home.
My wife was first in a new formed line, and everybody knew us as we were the only tourists (non-Mexicans) there.
Finally the door opened. The priest announced in Spanish that only those for a new Mass can enter. I explained him on my poor Spanish (with help of locals from the line) that we waited 40 min and just wanted to visit for 5 min. He declined that sharply. After my trying to persuade him explaining where we are from he started yelling at me telling us to leave. I have never experienced such a behavior of Church member. It was more like a prison guard than a priest.
We were shocked, surprised and felt humiliated. Same face impressions I saw on locals from the line who didn't feel pleasant about that.
I am sorry I don't know his name to public it, but he's such a shame for the Convent.
I also feel very bad to rate my Patron saint's Church 3, but 5 is for the site and 1 for the priest, so it makes the average 3.
Dejan Braki — Google review
Beautiful, historical place to spend your afternoon. We go to Izamal a lot and love spending the afternoon in the convent.
Sutharee Na — Google review
Izamal so beautiful town that we discovered on our way from Chichenitza to Merida. Amazing and elegant "Convento" . Inside you feel relaxed
Alex Daza — Google review
Convento de San Antonio is spectacular, but the town itself is even more gorgeous! We didn't have the chance to take a tour.
You will enjoy this cute town!
Samuel Daigle — Google review
The convent is a spectacular sight and the very reason why most tourists come to the town of Izamal. Here are a few things you may want to know. If you come in the summer, as I did, it will be hot. I mean, hot, and humid. Beware. The convent is open to all and there is no entry fee for visiting on your own. When I was there, the church was closed (which was a bummer.) It's an impressive place though, with a rich history that's worth reading about as it will make your visit more enjoyable.
Robert Chomicz — Google review
“Magical town”. Very interesting convent, which has an enormous atrium and its walls colored in yellow and white. It’s a nice place to visit and spend a few hours. Make sure to ride a carriage around town. The tour guides are fantastic!
Your mom No — Google review
A very beautiful convent that is situated in the towns square. There are stairs that lead to the town's center. When you walk up through the main entrance, you are greeted with an image of the Virgen Mary. The convent was visited by Pope John Paul II. The local market is next to the convent and the town's letters are also adjacent. A few blocks away you will find a pyramid that overlooks the town. I highly recommend for a day trip.
This is an active convent with a church inside. Please be mindful and considerate when touring the grounds.
Rodolfo Mendoza — Google review
Friendly peaceful historical town. We visited on the way from Merida to Cancun. The whole town is beautiful.
Wenduo Liu — Google review
An excellent place of history and religious architecture. We were given a tour by a local student. The price/donation to the place was ten pesos a person and the tour lasted about 20 minutes or less. They do keep a small shop right at the entrance which we took advantage of by the fact that they also sell water.
Zacarias Michilinsky — Google review
Beautiful place, and don’t miss visiting also Piramide Kinich Kakmo, 7 minutes walk from Convento and free of charge, climb on pyramid and enjoy the views.
The Gran Juego de Pelota, located on the west side of the plaza in Chichen Itza, is one of the largest ball-courts ever discovered. The design features a capital surrounded by temples and goals halfway along each side. The winner of this game would sacrifice themselves for rain and crops, making it a great honor for the Maya people.
What can we say, this place is so busy but so amazing and you need to come here. Another wonder of the world ticked off the list! The only annoying thing is how many market stores are in the area trying to sell souvenirs but obviously they can be ignored or you may get a good deal if you are into that. We had a guide for 45 minutes who explained so much to us about the area and it was amazing relearning about what happened and he even explained how the main pyramid tells time, months and days… it was so cool. We went with a guided tour from Cancun that we found from Viator, we suggest if you want to come here and you are able to drive here then do that. Just so you can take your time to self explore on your own because there is quite a lot to see here. The price is pretty decent for a wonder of the world! There is food here as well as toilets, toilets are decent and so if the food.
Make sure you clap and make loud sounds so you can get the 7 way echo here at the Gran Juego de Pelota.
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Jonique Life — Google review
Unlike the Abba's great hit, here the winner looses all - in Chichen Itza meaning his life.
But here, it was a great honor for Maya people. First, to win the game and then to sacrifice yourself for rain and crops by being beheaded.
This ball playground was the biggest we saw on our 2 week Yucatan tour. It is very well preserved and walking along it you could see great carvings on both sides.
On the northern side is the Temple of the bearded man from where the king (ruler) watched the game. The acoustics is outstanding, you can perfectly hear a conservation from the other side.
Dejan Braki — Google review
The Stone Ring, positioned 9 meters (30 feet) above the Great Ballcourt floor at Chichen Itza, remains a fascinating mystery. Serving a likely role in the ancient ballgame, its exact purpose is debated. Positioned high on the walls, players aimed to pass a ball through it without using hands or feet. The Stone Ring’s elevated location suggests significant ritualistic or symbolic importance within the broader cultural and religious context of the Maya civilization. Ongoing research continues to unveil the secrets of Chichen Itza and its intriguing structures.
Duc C. Nguyên — Google review
A wonderful glimpse into history.
Entrance to the area costed around 600pesos (about 30USD).
This building is where the 2 Mayan teams would play against each other, and the winner team would then get sacrificed.
Expect a lot of tourists, as well as souvenir merchants.
Sundays are free for locals, expect even bigger crowd.
CJ — Google review
Gran Juego de Pelota at Chichen Itza is the largest Ballcourt in Mesoamerica. It measures 168 by 70 metres (551 by 230 feet) and the walls are 8 metres (26 feet) high. Here the game of Pok-a-Tok was played, the most popular and highly revered sport among the ancient Maya. Amazing sight to behold. There are conflicting theories of whether the winners or losers of the game would be sacrificed to the gods
CK Cheong — Google review
One of the nicest spots of Chichen-Itza. This used to be a court where people would play an ancient ball game. This place still had lots of friezes with inscriptions.
John — Google review
Amazing place to visit loved the country and people, recommend visiting this historical place. A lot to see and a lot of locals around feel very privileged to have seen the area on our tour, crazy to think how in tact everything is highly recommend visiting and buying in advance 👍👍
liam smith — Google review
We did not hire a tour guide but we wish we would’ve. Standing next to the 7th wonder of the world was amazing. The attention to detail and the intelligence the Mayans had was amazing.
Shelly Estrada — Google review
This is another section within the big Chichen-Itzá archeological area in Yucatan Mexico.
Ball game was very popular in the Mayan culture.
It was a big honor to be the winner and be a sacrifice for the gods.
The walls for the game are very wide and tall
Wondering how well trained needed to be all the players for this game.
🏀
Danichatz Travels (Danichatz) — Google review
Very mesmerizing place! So cool, Maya’s made a incredible stadium and that ancient structure is so attractive, it reminds me Panamá Canal looks in terms of the size of two giant walls, and the game ground is big! Unforgettable place..
Nicanor Chacon — Google review
Hire a guide, hire a guide, hire a guide. Without a guide the great ball court is a 5 minute stop, with one, it's an information feast that will turn the place far more interesting. Hire a tour guide. Its worth it
Robert Chomicz — Google review
Immersing myself in the ancient sport of the Great Ball Game at Chichen Itza was a truly awe-inspiring experience. The historical significance of the site, combined with the well-preserved ball court, provided a unique glimpse into the Mesoamerican culture. The grandeur of the court and the ritualistic elements showcased the rich heritage of the Mayan civilization. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking a connection with the fascinating past!
Sacred Cenote, also known as Cenote Zaci, is a renowned Mayan archaeological site and remote lake with facilities such as showers and changing rooms. The area features notable attractions like the well-preserved ball court, the temple of a thousand warriors' columns, and the skull platform. This cenote served as a water source and was used for sacrificial rituals during droughts. Currently undergoing renovation, it's advisable to check availability before visiting if staying outside Valladolid.
I am personally afraid of water and stuff like that but there was little catfish and my family overall very fun
Jt instinct 09 — Google review
Amazing place to visit has a lot of adventures, lovely nature and amazing people. This place has a lot of history that will surprise you. It is a great place to relax yourself with the family. I will come here and visit again at anytime.
Marlon Morales — Google review
It is a piece of heaven on the way to Chichen Itza. I like this Cenote mora than the other one on the way to Tulum. It is more naand gorgeous place to swim.
Sam Dan — Google review
Like all of the cenotes I visited in Mexico each has something special about them. This one inside Chichen Itza was hard to view but nonetheless interesting. Was told that they’ve found gold trinkets, pottery and bones in the bottom. Sacrificing? Most probably but yet to be confirmed.
Wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Included in the entrance fee. A lot of vendors on the path on the way to the cenote. Refreshments available st entrance. Good toilets nearby.
Debi Slinger — Google review
I got there because of the tourist guide tours.
It is very wonderful. You need to rent a vest to be able to swim.
I would recommend to rent a car and go there yourself for tourist tours don't give you enough time.
Raynier Mark Bautista — Google review
I like the place. Amazing. We used a tour, tour guide included. The tour was included with the Chichen Itza tour. Tour guide Informed us about each history. We enjoyed the cenote swim. You don't have to jump from the platform, you can use the stairs to go down the water. We paid for the water vest, including the locker for your valuables.
Susie Q — Google review
One of the best excursions I have been on.
Vicki Cordova — Google review
The Sacred Cenote refers to a noted cenote at the pre-Columbian Maya archaeological site of Chichen Itza, in the northern Yucatán Peninsula . Mexico
Impressive location , fantastic time with friends and relatives .
Excellent Discovery .
Corbin Fadi Tom — Google review
Very fun, only annoying thing was they only take cash
El Castillo is a prominent Maya temple and step-pyramid located within the archaeological site of Chichen Itza. The Temple of Kukulkan, as it is also known, stands out as the highlight of this ancient complex. Visitors can choose to explore the site on their own or opt for a tour with a private archaeologist to gain deeper insights into its history and cultural significance.
We booked this excursion through Royal Caribbean on our Cozumel day.
First we had to take a ferry from Cozumel to the mainland. We then met our tour guide and boarded a Mercedes van. We then drove to Chechen Itza, it took about 2 hours. So about 3 hours in all to get there. Snacks were provided.
This was a wonderful experience. Our guide kept us entertained the entire way out there. He was truly a Mayan history buff. He loved his job.
The temples are amazing. They had an incredible understanding of mathematics and astronomy. It’s truly worth the adventure to get out there and see them.
Darren — Google review
This is one of the seven wonders in the world and is amazing. The structure is well preserve. The whole location, this Mayan city is amazing and it brings you back to see how admirable this civilization was. Definitely a place to visit. It can be hard on little kids and elderly, however, don't get discourage just prepare accordingly. Definitely get plenty of water as it is outdoors and very hot.
Maria Marshall — Google review
We didn't want to wait in long line...got us a 50 minute tour guide. He was great! Could have gotten an hour and 1/2 long tour but that was too long for us! Our guide did a great job explaining everything to us!! His English was understandable!! Then he let us roam the place on our own!
I can't imagine that era people being able to use the constellations to make that building accordingly to their calendar!!! And for there to be 3 in one!!!!too cool!!! Too smart!!!!
Make sure you have lots of American dollar bills. So much would have been just a $1 if we had brought $1 with us!! All we had was pesos!!
If you don't have a hat?!?! You will need one!!! Buy it in the town right before the ruin!!! Cheap...$5...we paid at the entrance $25!!!
Sidney & Jeannie Hughes — Google review
Just go. Stay wherever you can nearby and just go. Get a tour guide so you know what the heck you're looking at. There's a lot to see, bring serious sun protection and water. Be respectful and don't leave anything behind. Do the clapping thing 👏 in front of the Castillo so you can hear the sound of the quetzal!
Priscilla Arballo — Google review
Great to see it in person. Definitely an impressive building! Make sure to arrive early as you will get the chance to have some beautiful pictures from the pyramid with only a few of other people on them.
The pyramid will be the first building you will approach starting from the official entrance.
Axel Steer — Google review
Felt surreal to see another wonder of the world up close.
It was a truly lovely experience.
If you're ever in Mexico please make sure you visit.
olatayo ariba — Google review
Dont like that you have to buy two tickets to get in 1. for the state 2. to actually get in. There are a lot of vendors everywhere and a lot of guides before you get in. I actually made it for the last hour, and it was empty and was able to take some good pictures without a lot of people.
Rafael Garcia — Google review
My first trip to a wonder of the world and it didn’t disappoint! Beautiful Mayan ruins that are a must seen if visiting Cancun/ Surrounding Area, our guide was outstanding and took us on a long detailed tour of the entire ruins (much more to see than just the temple)
Highly recommend getting there are early as possible to avoid the crowds and the incredibly hot weather, shade is not in abundance so plenty of water and sun cream advised. Highly Recommend.
Dan Bulpin — Google review
Really good. Incredible place and generally set up well. Don’t get a tour from the people outside the entrance as it’s double what the price is inside. Just after you have gone through ticket barrier. We paid 1000 peso for private tour for two people.
andy baker — Google review
An incredible experience. The area is much larger than I anticipated with so many other ruins. Not to be missed and well deserved of it's place in the 7 new Wonders of the World. No need to buy tickets in advance. We were there before it opened at 8am and on a Sunday, the busiest day as Mexicans get free admittance and we only waited 10 mins to get a ticket. Lots of people say there's no shade and while that's the case around El Castillo, there's lots of shade in the overall area
Mary Phelan — Google review
Priceless memories of one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Very hot! Bugs weren't an issue in May. Bring and/or drink plenty of water. Expect to walk. Amazing sights and very good tour guides.
Josh .O — Google review
Great experience definitely worth visiting. If you do some reading before you go to learn the history and cultural significance you don't need a guide.
We did have a guide and it was nice getting some of the little bits of specialized information.
Tony Hungate — Google review
It’s an amazing place, one of the wonders of the world, you cannot but the tickets online so you must do the line, if you go before 11am the line is 10-15 min, after 12 could be more than 30 min, the price is 25-30 usd and it’s worth it
Boris Davidson — Google review
During the day it's wonderful, but during the night is breathtaking. Every Sunday you can take the chance to walk in the ruins during the night and Enjoy the magical light show around the Maya history ( 30 minutes duration circa ).
The availability is reduced, so I suggest to book well in Advance for your tickets.
Pietro Dell' Erba — Google review
Truly amazing archeological site. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable. I learned so much. Not too crowded. Watch out for the vendors. They will rip you off. Silver is never true silver. Always bargain for better price!
Marta Falkiewicz — Google review
this thing is so cool! i would definitely recommend getting a guide or doing some of your own reading/research to understand all of the incredible detail in here. there is so much math, planning, culture beyond the beauty. super super interesting, our guide was great. i was able to get a tour package from cancun for $58, which seemed good since entry is $39. i think skip the line tickets would be worth it, there is so much to see.
whitney sol — Google review
It is an impressive sight. Must see if you are in Yucatan. If course, the place is very crowded. And it is hot, much hotter than at the coast. Be sure to bring sun protection. If you ask yourself why everyone is clapping, try it in front of the stairs and took you'll hear the effect that sounds like a bird.
Parking is available but it's a decent walk to reach the pyramid.
S S — Google review
Our guide was fantastic! We got there right as they opened and it was perfect. There were very few people there and it gave us plenty of time to get some breathtaking shots! I highly recommend taking the drive out here to see this New World Wonder!
Amanda Ligenza — Google review
It is truly an experience everyone should do. It's so amazing how we are still able to touch these ancient stones that once housed the Mayan city. Mysterious as they are the history is rich and there is lots of information to read. Many vendors litter the entire park, so come prepare to purchase at least 1 souvenir. Keep an eye out for the Jaguars 🐆
Dusty Bottoms — Google review
Like how can anyone say anything bad about this place? Definitely get a tour guide because they while give you so much knowledge on the Mayan culture. Amazing! Incredible! Phenomenal! Truly the 7th wonder of the world! Please go see it, especially on March 21 or September 21 for the equinox!
Suelen Chimanski — Google review
Went with a Cancun Adventure tour guide that picked us up at our hotel. David was great as our guide. There are a lot of ruins to see throughout the archeological area. Also a lot of pushy vendors selling the same souvenirs. Would give 5 stars except for all the pushy vendors. I don't agree that they are inside the site selling their stuff.
Damian Reyes — Google review
Truly a magnificent wonderer of the world - not just a stunning piece of art - build with so much knowledge of math, and physics that is mind blowing. A must see place for history lovers. Impressive to say the least the capability and knowledge of Mayan civilization. Forever in awe of their values, believes and way of living …
Noshin Hashim — Google review
Phenomenal ruins of ancient Mayas. Fabulous and unforgettable. There are also a lot of sellers selling fabulous souvenirs for the best prices we could find on Yucatan.
Alexander Parson — Google review
What can I even say about the wonder of the world!!!
It's amazing with all the history still around it. Definitely recommend a guide to explain the history behind each and every element present in there. Had a wonderful time as my friends and I visited at the earliest hours, so it wasn't too hot or crowded.
Veda K T — Google review
It's a modern wonder of the world and impressive in its set up. It may also rely a little too much on its marketing to draw up a crowd. Did this as a day trip from Playa del Carmen and it's possible, just be prepared to get up very early to skip the crowds and it's going to be a long day. It helps to do this with a guide or tour group just to get on site, there's lots of directing the tourist cars to other car parks... The entrance itself is very well constructed but told in the afternoon, once crowds arrive it can get overwhelming. The site itself is large but all walkable, well maintained (and told even heavily renovated). The guide can provide information on the site (with a warning that all of it is informed conjecture as nothing was written down). The pyramid itself is iconic and impressive (but not unique or the largest I'm led to understand). It's all sealed off now, so no going inside anymore. The building with pillars is also of note and worth spending time to admire. The ball game area was closed off. You'll get some awesome photos here and see something that is likely to be a lifetime experience so it's worth your time, though would struggle to say you'll spend a day seeing all the ruins alone (likely something else will need to be tagged on). Noticed lots of stalls setting up for the afternoon so the morning is the ideal time to avoid crowds (might need a guide for this). I have no doubt that marketing plays a part with the fame of this site though because of it it's made it an easy place to introduce yourself to the Mayans. Just beware if it's a solstice or an equinox expect insane crowds.
Julian Johnson — Google review
An incredible place to see with all the special things entailing (echoing of the bird when clapping etc). A truly special experience and definitely worth doing. After entering I would highly recommend taking a tour guide because otherwise you just don't know what this place is about. The guide can give you many more insights and it's worth spending the extra money for it.
Dani Knoll — Google review
A Mesmerizing Experience: Unveiling the Hidden Marvels
This remarkable attraction left me in awe! I wholeheartedly endorse seeking out a knowledgeable guide or delving into your own reading and research to fully appreciate the intricate details woven into this place. Beyond its sheer beauty, there’s a fascinating blend of mathematics, meticulous planning, and rich cultural context.
During my visit, our guide was exceptional, enhancing the experience with their insights. I managed to secure a tour package from Cancun for a reasonable $58, considering that the regular entry fee is $39. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend investing in skip-the-line tickets; trust me, there’s an abundance of captivating sights waiting to be explored! 🌟🌎
Now, let’s delve into some practical tips to make the most of your visit:
Arrive Early: To truly savor the magic of this place, set your alarm clock and arrive early. The tranquility of the morning hours allows you to absorb the grandeur without the hustle and bustle of crowds. Plus, you’ll beat the scorching heat that descends later in the day.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: The sun can be relentless, and shade is a rare commodity. Be prepared by carrying a sturdy water bottle. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself as you sip cool water while marveling at the intricate architecture.
Sun Protection: Don your favorite wide-brimmed hat, slather on sunscreen, and wear lightweight, breathable clothing. The heat can be stifling, and there’s not much shade to seek refuge under.
Remember, this place isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a living testament to human ingenuity and cultural heritage. So, go forth, explore, and let the wonders of this site leave an indelible mark on your soul! 🌄🌿🌞
Clayton C. — Google review
One of the new wonders of the ancient world. An absolutely stunning location and one which you cannot miss when visiting Mexico. Filled with history and fascinating features you will need a local historian and guide to truly experience the wonder of this site.
Matthew Harwood — Google review
Incredible Mayan ruins 💙. HAVE TO SEE if you are in Mexico as one of the 7 new wonders on the earth 🌍. But … I have to say, there were more people like on summer festival. Craziness. Also is possibility to do your own Mayan calendar construe of your date birth. Very love this 🖤. Spiritual and deep.
Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Yucatan Peninsula, is an ancient Maya city that boasts of some of the most intricate architectural buildings, astronomical observatory structures and remarkable stone monoliths. The city's iconic Temple of Kukulkan or El Castillo pyramid ruin stands tall as a testament to this great civilization's achievements. Visitors can explore this enigmatic site through guided tours and learn about the ancient Maya civilization's history and culture.
You have to go with a tour guide to really appreciate the history of this place. It’s one of the new wonders of the world and it’s definitely worth a visit. The natural sound system was amazing, plus the tour guide gives you the reason why it’s considered to be a wonder of the world and it’s just awesome! Lots of vendors but we were in a tour group so it’s easier not to get distracted by them. Hats/umbrellas are recommended, thankfully the tour provided umbrellas. The structures are related to each other and we learned a lot about the history of this place. Highly recommended!
Oliver Balderas — Google review
This place is amazing. Lots of History make sure to take a tour so you guys can get the most out of it. Amigo tours is awesome if you're looking for a recommendation. Ask for Rodrigo he is the best!
Big Brother — Google review
Excellent experience to see. Make sure you're prepared for the onslaught of vendors as you go through the gates as it is very much a tourist trap. Take time to explore the surrounding buildings as there are quite a few, all with their own history as well. It's quite a feature to see and there is lots to fill your day with.
Skoe — Google review
The Mayan temples here are preserved extremely well and are a must visit when you are in Mexico. The history and the architecture are fascinating and the fact that they were built so well is incredible. Make sure to have at least 1.5 hours to cover everything and more to do it at a leisurely pace.
RV — Google review
A must see when visiting the Yucatan. Amigo Tours out of Cancun makes the process simple. I highly recommend this tour. Amigo picks you up and drops you off from your hotel. The bus is nice and roomy. The cenote lunch buffet was very good.
Traveler Joe — Google review
A must see and definitely a place to add to your bucket list. Drove from Cancun and it took about 2 and half hours with little to no traffic for most of the drive. Definitely worth booking a tour when factoring in the price of tolls & gas if you are looking for a more budget friendly option. The toll lines could take up to 15 minutes. Several times just before arriving we were waved our by tour locations that made it seem like we had to get a tour but, luckily from reading all the reviews before we just keep driving. We didn’t get a tour guide and definitely would not say it is mandatory although I did already know a lot about the location and culture before this trip. If you don’t then getting a tour with transportation would definitely be a great option. We parked at a local spot just before the official parking which was about a five minute walk to the park. We bought tickets when we arrived. We went on a week day and arrived a little before noon and waited about 15-20 minutes to get our tickets. We were able to walk the entire park in less than 3 hours. Plenty of options from souvenir vendors all over the park and from the walk in. Overall it was an amazing experience and definitely the best place we went to when visiting the the Yucatán peninsula.
Keaton Klemencic — Google review
Great place to visit. We stopped here on our excursion. We had a guided tour. I would suggest showing up very early before the heat and massive crowds show up. I would also recommend a guided tour so you can have someone explain everything you are seeing . The pyramid is absolutely gorgeous, and a wonder to see.
Ross Bloor — Google review
One of the biggest city of the Mayan this place is one of the best historical landmarks to see in Mexico. There is a special sound you can hear from the pyramid if you clap your hand standing at the bottom. It’s very mystical and wonderful to experience the culture of the ancient Mayans.
Yaseen Ali — Google review
Wow, what a place. Beautiful and had a great tour. Beware a lot of sellers on site - you need to haggle. However they are pretty respectful if your not interested. Seemed a bit at odds given the religious heritage.
Paul Smith — Google review
Great place with rich history. These ruins are absolutely amazing to visit. We did this in a tour with a separate company that had guides walking us through each of the areas. If you can, try to bring pesos in cash for the countless vendors selling items. They accept some visa cards as well but there's a fee. Highly recommend visiting!
Abe G — Google review
Fantastic site with many temples to view; spread over a few acre site which includes a cenote. Expect to spend a few hours here but be aware there are many stall holders located on site although by and large they are very friendly and not pushy.
Len Elkington — Google review
I had read so many blogs before visiting and was so hyped to see one of the seven wonders of the world, but I guess I was disappointed because of the hype I created. It is a good experience to see some ancient civilization history, and all of the ruins is inside the same compound which is within convenient walking distance.
Nikita Jhunjhunwala — Google review
Absolutely stunning! A fantastic area surrounding a famous archaeological location. You must visit here when in Mexico and make sure you go with a local guide who can tell you the history of the area and make sure you do not miss any of the stunning features. Also keep an eye out for the iguanas that have made the area their home.
Matthew Harwood — Google review
Truly amazing place.
You should definitely go, but prepare yourself for many insta-posers and a lot of touristy selling stuff.
If you are able to turn off the noise created by people, and tune in into the history and sound of birds, it will be a very enjoyable experience.
Ensure that you read about it before you go, so that you can appreciate it as it deserves.
Olivera Novaković — Google review
This was an incredible experience, hard to describe the scope and scale. The ruins have been restored but there are incredible original pieces and especially the artwork carved into stone and statues were extremely detailed and finely wrought. Make sure to bring water we went in March and it was 90 with humidity. The only drawback was the vendors to many people selling trinkets took away from the authenticity of the experience.
Phillip Wilson — Google review
rich history and beautiful site. for sure worth visiting if you're around the area. Tickets for Mexicans are free. Try getting a tour guide from the entrance to explain the parts.
Babak Barghi — Google review
These were the most amazing people we took this tour through carnival my goodness it was so awesome the only problem we had was the drive was so long but the tour guides were amazing they made you feel at home...
Do not get caught up with the people selling in the market we were almost left because of that.
The Voice of Reason — Google review
The experience was amazing, the place is beautiful and so big, wear some comfy snickers for your visit, don’t forget to bring your own bottle of water, inside you can buy something to drink but is too expensive. Bring a hat and sunscreen as is too sunny.
I loved the place but I couldn’t enjoy 100% as there are too many sellers on the side of the road and inside the archaeological zone as well.
Luc?a De Le?n — Google review
Stunning, simply breathtaking. You get the sense of history and can literally see the images of the past before your eyes. A true world wonder.
Shimurasaki — Google review
If I could give 10 stars I would. The ruins are breathtaking! We went as a self guided group and got tickets pretty quickly despite the line up.
Jessica Lau — Google review
Great experience.. Beautiful Place with lots of history. I recommend to get a guide while you visiting. There are lot to learn about this place and alot to explore. Really wonders by the structure and there mathematical precision while building this. Try the Echo sound and you will be amazed by the results. Only negative is the local vendors, they will loot your money if you don't play smart. Also while packing keep an eye. They will outsmart you sometimes and won't pack the full items you bought. Must carry a bottle of water and an umbrella if you are visiting on day. It's really hot and there is only one shop selling water and it's quite expensive. Rest everything is awesome. A true and genuine Mayan Pyramid..
Ragesh P Nair — Google review
Absolutely amazing place! I have to knock off a star because, it is considered an archeological site, yet there are market vendors EVERYWHERE harassing you while you try to enjoy the magic of the site. Not to mention, another disappointment is there is garbage (on the ground) to be found which is very disrespectful to the Mayans as it is a sacred place. Despite this, I do recommend going as it's a beautiful site.
Amanda K — Google review
A must see when visiting Mexico, such a beautiful place full of history. You find all kind of souvenirs and yummy food. Super recommended!!
Grace Quijano — Google review
One of the new wonders of the world! Hire a tour guide even if it is expensive it is worth it. Otherwise, you will miss out on some fascinating insights about the architecture and history of this marvel. It is truly a wonder. The Mayan history and their detailing left in each of the ruins leaves you in awe. We spent 3 hours, and even though it was hot, the stories made us spend a lot of time here.
Aiswarya P — Google review
Fascinating architecture.
Budget 2 to 4 hours inclusive of time for parking & the ticket window if arriving at the 08:00 open.
Bring at least 250 pesos in cash for the on-site parking & souvenirs from the many vendors sprawled throughout the site. Do not stop for the unaffiliated guide/parking sellers on the way in — instead drive directly up to the on-site parking toll gate right next to the entrance facility.
Jonathan Yam — Google review
It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You don’t need a tour guide for this. Each building has a placard with the historical information(in English and Spanish). They have drinks and food inside. You can also buy souvenirs inside you will have plenty of choices. It’s a lot bigger in person and definitely lots of walking.
Giovanni — Google review
Very cool sight to see! Highly recommend the action tour guide app on the App Store as it is cheap and gps based. Highly recommend at least a tour guide because there is so much more to see besides for the main attraction!
In other words:
Highly Recommend!!!
Ben Siefert — Google review
Must see if you are in the Maya Riviera area. I went twice - once as an excursion booked at the resort and this year just on our own. If you are driving there, parking is $80 MEX, have water with you as it’s very hot (went in March), we got the ‘Skip the line’ tickets and it moved fast ($70 USD per person). Lots of vendors if you are looking for souvenirs. Lots of walking so wear comfortable shoes. It takes about 2-3 hours to visit and if it’s your first time, might be worth getting a guide.
Alina G — Google review
We were there with about 20,000 other people on the 21 of march for the equinox and let me tell you the tour guide we had was the best. He had a lot of information to share and helped us get around with ease.
The property is massive and very impressive
Daniel a — Google review
It is definitely place you have to visit. Be aware that it can get very sunny and there are no many shadow spots, so bring the umbrella or a hat, otherwise you will not be able to withstand the heat.
MrGrzechM — Google review
This was by far my favorite place to visit while on vacation here in Mexico. The rich history and architecture was really fascinating! There’s so much to take in here, I loved it! All the vendors can be overwhelming at times but it’s also understanding. Great visit! FYI you cannot take a portable speaker in and you have to pay to take in your GoPro camera.
Thomas Coleman — Google review
Very long day on a tour bus to get here, but it's worth it. The site was amazing. However, try to make sure that your tour bus has adequate seating. Ours was very uncomfortable.
Shannon Dorough — Google review
Amazing ruins, its definitely a must see. Lots of history that's explained by the tour guides. There's a lot of tourists but the entire complex is huge so it doesn't feel too crowded. Be prepared for a long day if traveling from Cancun, the drive is about 3 hours to the ruins and the tour (including swimming in the cenotes) takes about 3 hours. I would suggest that you bring food, water, sunscreen and a hat or an umbrella (the sun is pretty brutal). Be prepared to be approached over and over again and to negotiate if you want to buy something there.
Kavita Ram — Google review
Beautiful sight and so much to see. Definitely recommend doing a guided tour and having someone walk you around to start and give you some background on this amazing site. Great place to buy gifts for friends and family. The pyramid is so impressive and beautiful. I spent about two hours here and felt like that was more than enough to walk around the entire place and go back to anymore buildings or sites that I wanted to see again. Very accessible and easy to move around the entire place. You’ll be walking around on easy level ground the entire time.
The Warriors' Temple is a remarkable Mayan structure at Chichen Itza, adorned with rows of columns that are intricately carved with warrior figures. While the main attraction of Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo), there are several other temples in the area including the Jaguar Temple, Great Ball Court, and Skull Wall. Unfortunately, the Warriors' Temple has undergone partial reconstruction and lacks its original vaulted rooms and roof.
Amazing Mayan ruins. Our group booked with a tour company and our guide was wonderful and knowledgeable. Quite hot in August, so bring sun protection (sunscreen or umbrella) and plenty of water.
Prapti Patel — Google review
Legend has it that the Temple of the Warriors was dedicated to a group of elite warriors or soldiers. Some archaeologists believe that the temple may have been a symbolic representation of a military order or a place for warriors to gather.
Duc C. Nguyên — Google review
It is really a shame that we cannot see the temple of the warriors as it appeared in its heyday. The reconstruction we get to see is only partial, it is missing its vaulted rooms and a roof that crowned the colonnade. Nevertheless it is an awesome sight, and one that everyone should see at least once. As with most monuments at Chichén there is no access to the ruins.
Robert Chomicz — Google review
It is too bad that we cannot see the temple of the warriors as it appeared in its heyday. The reconstruction we get to see is only partial, its missing its vaulted rooms and a roof. Nevertheless its an awesome sight and one that everyone should see at least once. As with most monuments at Chichen there is no access to the ruins.
Robert Chomicz — Google review
A wonderful glimpse into history.
Entrance to the area cost around 600pesos (about 30USD).
This building was where the winner team had been sacrificed.
Expect a lot of tourists, as well as souvenir merchants.
Sundays are free for locals, expect even bigger crowd.
CJ — Google review
Warrior’s Temple is one of the impressive and important structures in Chichen Itza. The temple has four platforms with 200 round and square columns. This is were Mayans made human sacrifice. You really need a guide to explain the history and stories behind these structures.
K RV — Google review
First time and I loved it didn't have to walk very far and the gide was good
Rick emery — Google review
Beautiful architecture site based on same grounds as chicken-itza! You can't miss it, unfortunately you can no longer climb/access the top of this structure however still beautiful.
Hannah-Marie Clayton — Google review
This is another section within Chichen-Itzá archeological area.
The influence of the Toltec culture in the Maya culture is shown on this temple.
Perfect spot for good pictures 📸
Danichatz Travels (Danichatz) — Google review
Warriors temple at Chichinetza was beautiful with lots of history and lot to learn about Mayans culture
Sam K — Google review
The temple of the Warriors is one of the most impressive and important structures of Chichen Itza. The temple consists of four platforms, flanked on the south and west sides by 200 round and square columns.
The Ik Kil cenote, located a couple of hours away from Cancun, is known for its picturesque scenery surrounded by lush green cliffs and delicate vines. This natural wonder provides an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can take a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters managed well by the local hotel. Despite being relatively less crowded, it is advisable to visit early considering its modest entry fee per person of 100 pesos or more.
Here's my advice for this cenote. Forget about taking pictures or videos for a few minutes and just enjoy jumping into the water! There will always be time to record your jump or pose for photos. Even if there are many people in the cenote, you will be able to have an enjoyable time. For those participating in diving/jumping/swimming, life vests (and a shower) are necessary - for an extra charge. They have lockers too if needed but better to just keep your stuff in the car as it's a short walk. There is a restaurant and a vendor selling ice cream bars/sandwiches on the premises. Water is on the colder side but not colder than the shower you will have just taken! Although you will be wearing a life vest, I recommend to jump only if you are comfortable swimming as the cenote is deep (150 ft). There is staff present at the site.
Sim M — Google review
<10mins from Chichen Itza, so a must do.
I bought my tickets online. They have mandatory life vests, locker, and changing rooms. We brought towels from our hotel.
Plenty of parking spaces. There is a cafe but we didnt eat there.
Very unique cenote. There are fishes in the water. So bring the go pro. We took a video of a jump and didnt realize until we got back and saw the fishes in our underwater shots.
The temperature of the shower is colder than the water in the cenote. It was fresh but not super cold.
Sam Ang — Google review
It’s a nice pool but be aware of the crowds. When a big group of people coming, some of them really would like to spend 20 minutes in taking pics, and you need to wait them before jumping into the pool.
Haoge Xu — Google review
What a beautiful scenery and crystal clear water.
You can dive in or just watch this spectacular view.
Buy tickets online to save time and safety jacket is mandatory and available on site.
Raj P — Google review
Absolutely stunning great experience and a definite place to visit . Two hours away from Cancun . But absolutely beautiful.
baksho bahia — Google review
Beautiful cenote, unfortunately spoilt by it’s own success, as the crowds descend on the site every day. We were fortunate enough to stay overnight in one of their lovely huts. This allowed us access to the cenote before and after hours. Swimming in the cenote at night is a truly magical experience, especially as there will probably be no one else there. The huts are very comfortable and clean, with great a/c and friendly staff. It’s also close to Chichen Itza for an early start to beat the crowds there!
Boomer?s Big Break — Google review
Absolutely stunning!!! Yea there's a bit of a crowd- but it's a huge cenote with plenty of room to explore and even dive in! You'll have to shower before entering and then go down stairs so bring reliable water shoes and don't bring anything you don't want to lose!
Priscilla Arballo — Google review
beautiful cenote and well managed. not the cheapest cenote around but worth it. didn’t get any advance tickets, just drove in, parked and bought tickets early in the morning. very little people in the morning. water is a little cold in jan but no problem getting used to it. it’s as beautiful as pictures shows. big pool and a lot of people can swim in it at once without feeling crowded. like that you can jump off a platform! it’s fun. can be a tad painful when u hit the water though. genially pasir out with your trip to chichen itza.
Robert Chew — Google review
It’s so beautiful. Who am I to review natures creation anyways. It was magical to walk in there and the hotel has managed the censored very well. There was little crowd but we were very early. We didn’t swim etc and the fee per person was 100 plus pesos
bindu gopinath — Google review
Absolutely stunning and breathtaking! The cenote is beautiful and refreshing, you would be able to spend couple hours there easy! But go before 11am (open at 9am) to avoid the crowd, as most tour groups will start arriving after.
Cenote Ik Kil is privately owned, therefore you’d be able find restaurants and accommodations if needed. Ticket includes life jacket (compulsory for all swimmers) and a locker.
L — Google review
Insanely busy , I would advice to choose another one , definitely.
It is the closest from Chitchen Itza.
Good to cool down as this is very hot !
Not sure about the water quality as this is not running water and everybody does their Pxx inside 😅
Expensive in my opinion 180 pesos .
You can easily spend 1.5 hours there and even jump from 4 meters
Ric Abh — Google review
Nice and friendly staff. Good organized and clean place. Great location to refresh after a long visit at Chichen Itza.
We arrived at 11am and spend here about 2.5 hours here in the Cenote. At this time there were less visitors but in the afternoon the amount of guests were increasing.
Axel Steer — Google review
An absolutely amazing and beautiful experience! Very well organized. The lockers were plenty large enough, the bathrooms were clean. And the shower was a refreshing way to cool off. Definitely make sure you bring some water shoes as the stairs going down are wet and slippery. The water was so amazing. The entire expience was amazing.
Erica Mars — Google review
One of the best experiences I have had in my 55 visited countries. It’s 200 pesos per person, CASH only. Free parking. They don’t rush you with anything. Can jump from higher to the water. Just loved every minute there.
Gerli Pommer — Google review
WOW. Such a beautiful place. I visited this cenote on an organized tour.
When visiting Mexico, checking out a cenote is a must.
Ben Arvi — Google review
Nice place to visit.
You can book the tickets in advance (online), no waiting time.
It's a good place to dive if you are a good swimmer, even otherwise, there are life jackets, which is included in the package.
Have fun!
Recommended : Yes for Adults, especially young
Sinoy Xavier — Google review
We visited Ik Kil Cenote and it was amazing! This place is like a hidden gem where you can swim in beautiful clear water surrounded by nature. Everything here is so well organized, way better than some other cenotes I've been to.
One of the coolest things about Ik Kil Cenote is that you can jump into the water from a high platform. It's so thrilling and fun! The first time I looked down, I was a bit scared, but after jumping, I wanted to do it again and again. It's definitely a highlight and makes the whole visit even more exciting.
What's really convenient is that there's a restaurant and bar right on the territory. This means you can grab something to eat or drink either before diving into the cenote or after you've had your fill of swimming. It's perfect for chilling and just enjoying the day.
They've also got showers, changing rooms, and lockers, which is super handy. You can change into your swimsuit, lock up your stuff, and not worry about anything while you're having fun in the water. Plus, they provide life jackets, which is great for anyone who's not a strong swimmer or just wants to feel a bit safer.
The cenote itself is stunning. The water is so clear and blue, and being surrounded by the natural rock walls with plants hanging down is just breathtaking. It feels like you're in another world.
Overall, my visit to Ik Kil Cenote was a 5-star experience. It's not just about the swimming; it's the whole package - the thrill of the jump, the convenience of the facilities, and the beauty of nature all around. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and memorable adventure. Can't wait to go back!
Filipp Nesterov — Google review
This is a very cool place to visit, and swim within it's waters. Well worth making the trip.
Chris Knight — Google review
Super gorgeous cenote!
Easy to get to, even with a tour/ driver. It’s really easy for them to park and wait for you.
Entrance can be paid in cash or card. You can pay just for entrance or entrance with food.
There are lockers where you can leave your things, payment is included in your entrance.
This is an indoor/ outdoor cenote. If you’re looking to take pictures just know it’s a bit darker inside.
Life jackets are mandatory.
We spent about an hour and a half here before heading to Valladolid.
Daniela Triana — Google review
4.6
(2526)
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4.5
(6262)
97756 Yucatan, Mexico
14
Granja De Cocodrilos Itzamkanac
Wildlife refuge
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Wonderful experience!! The tour was very exciting and informative, they allowed us immediately to take pictures with a 1 year old and a 3 year old way, followed by feeding of young ones (up to 5 years old), explanations about how they breed them here to be released (the young ones have many predators in the area, only 3-4% survive in the wild), finishing with the bigger ones. You can see they care about these animals here, there is even a big one that was rescued (missing eye and feet). They also told me about the struggles after a hurricane hit them so hard 3 years ago followed by pandemic. Only the love for these animals from local people kept the project going. Although they spoke little English it was not a problem because it was a really hands on experience: being able to feed them and even pet them! My girlfriend was so scared when we arrived but by the end of the trip was so daring to go grab them by the tail, enjoyed so much!
Muchas gracias Martin y especialmente Venancio por el recuerdo!
Daniel Otalora — Google review
amazing experience!!
you can hold the (baby) crocodile, feed them, feed the zopilote
costs 200pesos each person, but worth every penny !!
Ibrahim Moustafa — Google review
Crocodiles (alligators), at different age levels. Handle the small ones for a photo opp, feed the medium one chicken feet on a stick.
Sandeep Kundra — Google review
The whole experience was amazing you learn alot about Cocodriles plus you get to interact with them in the safest way. I never in my life though I will be holding one.
Giovanny Hernandez — Google review
Nice experience. The farm repopulates the area with crocodiles. We got to hold the baby ones. Wasn't a big fan that they tied the mouths of the 'adolescent' ones for people to take pics with them. The adult ones we watched from afar as we didn't want to feed them our toes.
Catalina Chioveanu — Google review
This Is my best EXPERIENCE in Mexico! They don't remember the guide's name (he's in the picture). his work really fulfills him! His interpretation and familiarization with crocodiles is 100%. I still have respect and understanding for these reptiles!!
Tomáš Braun — Google review
These people really care about crocodiles, their needs and their wellbeing. The interaction with these reptiles was amazing. We got a lot of information about crocodiles and their life cycle. Highly recommended.
Leonardo Maini — Google review
Cool place to visit and get the up close and personal experience with crocodiles. Fantastic experience for all ages, highly recommend it.
Alex Machholz — Google review
4.7
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4.5
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Tizimin - Río Lagartos, 97725 Santo Domingo, Yuc., Mexico
Cenote Xkeken is a stunning cave with a breathtaking natural swimming pool and remarkable stalactites. Despite the pandemic, they offer various facilities except for food. It is compulsory to wear a life jacket while swimming in the crystal-clear and refreshing water. The cave boasts an impressive array of fish that give you an added bonus of a pedicure if you remain still. Overall, this picturesque cavern is an amazing tourist attraction that offers great services and unforgettable experiences.
It was open in December; a magical place easy to reach from Valladolid, 15 minutes away by car. I used a shared van to go at 40 pesos per passenger. To return, a cab from the entrance at 140 pesos because the van was all ours. There are 2 amazing cenotes that share the admission entrance. Both amazing and different. The access to the water is by a system of stairs, these are caves. There are ropes and railing in good condition so just make sure you have good shoes, it is wet. There are bathrooms and lockers. I carried my small bag and left it on a bench. Most people did the same. There are guides that offer some storytelling at the entrance and inside, if you want more details. There are clothing and souvenir vendors too. Not crowded, cool refreshing water and a beautiful setting. Credit cards accepted.
Indy Villagarcia — Google review
Hello walking wallet.
Be aware you may have to pay for pretty much everything over here and you'll be overloaded with all kinds of offers.
It's a nice cenote, but there are definitely more beautiful natural experiences
Pat 13 — Google review
Super nice experience. It is so beautiful and peace inside. Moreover it is not touristic !! There was only 5 people inside at 2.30pm.
Javid 95 — Google review
Este cenote como el de Samula, se pueden visitar por el mismo precio. Lo impactante de este cenote es que tiene unas estalactitas y estalacmitas que dan la forma de un mamut. Muy bonito!
(Translated by Google)
This cenote, like the one in Samula, can be visited for the same price. The impressive thing about this cenote is that it has some stalactites and stalacmites that give the shape of a mammoth. Beautiful!
Víctor Alejandro Hernández — Google review
Magical place!!! I could have stayed forever. When I was there, I was almost alone. The ticket includes both Cenotes (Xkeken, Samula). Both very different and about a 10 min walk apart. Visit both, come with time to enjoy. I got there by bike from Valladolid, which was really great, there is an extra lane for bikes.
Jana R. Reinel — Google review
Visiting Cenote Xkeken was a delightful experience! This hidden gem offers two stunning cenotes for one entrance fee. The water is incredibly clear, and the surroundings are simply beautiful. Best of all, it wasn’t crowded, allowing for a peaceful and enjoyable visit.
Rashid Raza — Google review
It was OK - we arrived early, before the hawkers had set up their stalls, so nice and peaceful. The cenote itself was pretty cool to see and there were only a couple of people swimming. Mind your head as you walk down the steps to the cenote, if you're taller than 1.75m/5ft10". If you want to swim, a life-vest is compulsory and an extra charge - MXN25...
Keith Webb — Google review
Wonderful experience. It is a Cenote in a Cave and the light enters Cenote through a hole on the top of the cenote which makes it more beautiful... not crowded on weekdays.. one of the best cenotes I've visited!
Samson Bonthu — Google review
Los cenotes están muy bonitos (visitas 2 por el mismo precio). Las instalaciones están viejas pero limpias.
No me gusto que un señor se nos acercó y sin preguntar nada nos llevó al primer cenote, sin embargó nunca aclaro que era un "guía", su explicación fué muy sencilla y al final exigió su pago. El problema no es pagarles, si no que no te avisan que es plan con maña... También te toman fotos que puedes comprar como recuerdo.:)
(Translated by Google)
The cenotes are very beautiful (2 visits for the same price). The facilities are old but clean.
I did not like that a man approached us and without asking anything he took us to the first cenote, however, he never clarified that he was a "guide", his explanation was very simple and in the end he demanded payment. The problem is not paying them, but that they don't let you know that it's a clever plan... They also take photos of you that you can buy as souvenirs.:)
Tatiana L-Viesca — Google review
Can't lie, it's a little run down there but great value as you get access to 2 cenotes both of which are well worth visiting. My wife and I rode our bikes there from Vallodolid, it took less than 30 mins and there's a bike track running parallel to the main road, super easy for all levels of riders. Entry to both cenotes is $235 pesos per person.
Darron Mcmillan — Google review
Der hier bei Google angegebene Preis ist falsch. Es sind MXN 226 pro Person für beide Cenoten inkl. Schwimmweste und Parkplatz. Der Besuch von nur einer Cenote ist nicht möglich.
Wir waren um kurz nach 8:00 Uhr morgens da, eigentlich sollten die Cenoten um 8:00 Uhr öffnen. Als sich um 8:30 Uhr immer noch niemand für das Kassenhäuschen zuständig fühlte und ich einen der vielen Mitarbeiter fragte, ging alles auf einmal ganz schnell und um kurz vor 9:00 Uhr erhielten wir unser Bändchen. Scheinbar war der Ticketverkäufer zu spät dran gewesen.
Um diese Uhrzeit waren wir unter der Woche die einzigen Besucher und hatten die Cenoten für die 1,5 Stunden für uns allein. Atemberaubend, wenn man so etwas noch nie gesehen und erlebt hat. Es war schon recht dunkel, gerade, wenn draußen die Sonne noch nicht so knallt. Wenn sich die Augen an das Licht gewöhnt haben und man sich ins Wasser traut, weiß man gar nicht, wohin man zuerst gucken soll.
Und hat es so sehr gefallen, vor allem, weil wir so früh am Morgen die einzigen Gäste waren.
(Translated by Google)
The price given here on Google is incorrect. It's MXN 226 per person for both cenotes including life jacket and parking. Visiting just one cenote is not possible.
We were there shortly after 8:00 a.m., the cenotes were actually supposed to open at 8:00 a.m. When at 8:30 a.m. there was still no one in charge of the ticket booth and I asked one of the many employees, everything suddenly happened very quickly and shortly before 9:00 a.m. we received our wristband. Apparently the ticket seller was late.
At this time during the week we were the only visitors and had the cenotes to ourselves for the 1.5 hours. Breathtaking if you have never seen or experienced anything like it. It was already quite dark, especially when the sun wasn't shining brightly outside. When your eyes get used to the light and you dare to go into the water, you don't know where to look first.
And enjoyed it so much, especially since we were the only guests so early in the morning.
Jenni — Google review
They have all services, except food because the pandemic. Cenotes are awesome and you must wear life jacket if you want to swim. Water is clean and cool. The cave is amazing! Full of fish and they make you a pedicure every time you are still.
Karla Dominguez — Google review
A good place to visit on a rainy day as they're mostly enclosed. Easy to get to from town with a taxi or car. Worth paying for both. Lifejackets not included.
Michael Messenger — Google review
Es precioso de hecho son 2 cenotes la gente es muy amable las artesanías en el cenote son 50% más baratas que en el mercadito y la plaza.
El agua de los cenotes es preciosa y muy fresca, recomendable llevar suficiente tiempo para disfrutar de ambos cenotes.
(Translated by Google)
It is beautiful in fact there are 2 cenotes the people are very friendly the crafts in the cenote are 50% cheaper than in the little market and the plaza.
The water of the cenotes is precious and very fresh, it is advisable to take enough time to enjoy both cenotes.
patricia calderon — Google review
It’s nice.. but there are more beautiful cenotes.
It’s located conveniently next to another cenote. One which in my opinion is more beautiful than this one. But both come for the same price so still might take a look.
Be prepared to walk past some market stalls
With souvenirs… Once or twice if you get lost.
Do respect the rules of the owners and pay close attention to it.
Ernst ‘t Hart — Google review
This location actually has two Cenotes: Xkeken and Samula. I recall the price being around $220 pesos per person, which lets you get into both. There is a 10 minute walk between the two and you have to cross the street to get from one to the other.
From the parking lot a helpful employee guided us to the ticket sales and then to the entrance of the Samula cenote which he recommended visiting first as the place to pick up and drop off your lifejacket is right next to the entrance of the Xkeken cenote. Unfortunately, just before we wanted to enter the cenote the helpful employee wanted to get a tip from us, which was a bit annoying.
The cenotes are beautiful and both of them are cave cenotes. The water was a bit cold (since it is in a cave) so we didn't stay for very long. It was not crowded and a nice intimate experience.
Andreas V — Google review
Beautiful Place. Just make sure you bring water shoes, the stairs to go down the cenote are solid rock and slippery. The use of a life saver is mandatory you can rent one for $4.
Elizabeh Marin — Google review
Great location, 2 cenotes in one ticket and these are much quieter and relaxing than some others we went to. Highly recommend!
Kaenat seth — Google review
It was great! Both cenotes are beautiful, water was nice, not over crowded, not as expensive as others, showers and bathrooms reasonable. We had a very nice experience and would definitely recommend it!
Barbara Maier — Google review
Great stop. You are able to see two cenotes in one place. The price is 220 pesos for foreigners, which includes a mandatory life jacket. It’s better to swim in the more open one as there are a lot of bats in the other. Went in the late morning on a week day and there were only a few other people there. The massive parking lot was basically empty. The guides alleged to be pushy were not bad at all and left us alone when we said we just wanted to explore on our own. The buildings are a bit sad and run down, but really what you are going for is the caves which are amazing.
Logan Aitken — Google review
Ticket includes entrance to 2 cenotes. They are 5 mins away walking from each other. Cenotes are great. If you are lucky to be there when the sun rays come in through the hole in the ceiling you are in for a test. It looks stunning. The light reflects in a rock underwater and it seems as if there is a sun at the bottom of the cenote. Life vests are included in the ticket price.
Nikko — Google review
Beautiful cenote, we went early on a Saturday morning and not too busy. Two cenotes included in the entry price
Jade Orpwood — Google review
The ticket price is 226 pesos, not 5$. I was pretty angry after it was told on maps that is cheap. Although I didn't regret it. The cenote is beautiful! Stay there for 2 hours to meditate. Annoying shops, no infrastructure or low quality, for this price in Europe you get something at least. The cenote is there anyway. Coco's can be bought for 40 pesos if you bargain well.
Thomas Pekar — Google review
Away from Chichen Itza these cenotes are calmer to visit. They are managed by the township so money raised is shared back to the community and the running if the cenote. The underground aspect of the cenotes make them different to the other open ones. The water is a refreshing 24 degrees Celsius. There are ropes to allow non-swimmers to enjoy the experience also.
Nilesh Tailor — Google review
Wery interesting and beautifull place. It is like an underground cave with stalactites and you can swim. Only have one minus -there is no place to change clothes.
Solvita Melne — Google review
4.5
(2208)
•
4.5
(1069)
97795 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
I'll never travel to Tulum without this trip planner again
The Convento de San Bernardino de Siena is a 16th century former convent that served as the headquarters of the Franciscans during the Spanish colonization of Mayan America. The architecture and frescoes date back to this time period, and it is now home to a museum displaying artifacts from the cenote subterranean located on its grounds. The convent also houses some beautiful religious art, like a stunning altar piece from the church.
Excellent experience. Friendly people, beautiful castle, big park, museum and I believe a cenote is here. Sunsets are amazing here and there’s a light show at 9:25 Tuesday through Sunday. The guard at the park said they started it back up. I was here yesterday/Monday but they don’t do it on Monday so I am going to come on Tuesday. It should be incredible!
Travis Matthews — Google review
Beautiful place to take pictures. No big thing to see but anyways you should do a stop and go inside. I loved the colors for sure and architecture. 🧡
Irlanda Vera — Google review
The laser show is a great visual introduction about the history of Valladolid. The show goes for ~20 minutes and starts every evening at 9pm for Spanish and 9:30pm for English. And it's free :)
Lukas Masuch — Google review
More entertaining than informative, this sound-audio show was a highlight our short stay in Valladolid. English version begins at 9 pm.
Rita Levina — Google review
I didn’t do my research well and so I didn’t make it inside. Apparently the monastery is closed on Mondays. Just looking form outside was nice though. I wish I had time to stay for the light show.
Mike Dallas — Google review
This is the major attraction of the city of Valladolid. It is a very average experience. Compared to European convents and churches this is a very poor cousin, its small, its architecture is simplistic and devoid of detail, it is unkempt and fairly dirty looking. Looks like its on the verge of collapse from not being taken care of... its only saving grace is that it is kind of quaint in its state of partial decomposition. Nice little park around the place. Worth no more than half an hour of your time, sadly, but truly.
Robert Chomicz — Google review
Great night show about history of Valladolid and small museum inside to visit during the day
Michaela — Google review
This is a really cute little town in Yucatan, although the paint is old you can still appreciate it
J. G. G. — Google review
It was amazing, you need to go to see for yourself, only 20 peso entrance fee. Try to learn the history of the covenant before you go. Many Mayans died here, the history is tragic
Leo Romano — Google review
Valladolid is a beautiful Mexican city with a lovely atmosphere. You will find a plaza with a large cathedral, a monastery, colonial colorful buildings, and even a cenote located in the middle of the city. 🧡
One of the most beautiful streets in Valladolid is Calle de los Frailes, where almost every building is worth a picture! I couldn’t stop shooting! 😊📸
Stay tuned for a blog post about this city with lots of information and tips. 📌
Noureddine HASSANI — Google review
Wonderful historical site. Stop in for an hour to see back in time into old Valladolid. Small fee to tour. Be respectful as active mass may be taking place while visiting.
Bob Barnett — Google review
I visited the Convent in a Sunday and hearing the chants and prayers mixed with the empty redish pink hallways and courtyard created a magical moment. A definitely MUST visited places is Valladolid! Have a meditation break in the garden!
Negareh Ayat — Google review
Beautiful place just needed a little more infrastructure
CancunAndy — Google review
Beautiful interior and also good light show describing history. The English show is after the Spanish one.
Becky McIntosh — Google review
Very unique as it looks more like a fortress which is was. Come for the night show. They have an English one that plays between 9-930
Danny G. — Google review
Outside the hustle and bustle of Valladolid, sits the church of San Bernardino. It's labelled as a convent but was in fact a Franciscan monastery. Outside the monastery is an expanse of grass which adds to the calm atmosphere of the place. There's also a nice organic coffee house just on the edge of the green.
Joe Sidonio — Google review
Beautiful square and has unique night projection show.
Karishma Patil — Google review
The history is heartbreaking. The Mayans were forced to tear down the temple that was in the square directly behind the cathedral and build this Cathedral 😢
Helen Gugliotta — Google review
Nice to see but not mandatory. You can also enjoy the lightshow for free at 9pm
Grégoire .Luthier — Google review
Interresting monastery with some interresting views and history. There is a cenote in there where they have found a lot of interresting things including weapons that is on display
Explore the ruins of a traditional Mayan village from the 8th century at Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam, complete with a temple and pyramid. For an overnight trip, consider staying in nearby Valladolid where there are good lodging options. Alternatively, take a refreshing swim in one of the nearby cenotes. To avoid crowds, visit Ek Balam early in the morning when it opens. The site is relatively small compared to other ruins but still worth exploring.
Beautiful Ek Balam we loved it. We recommend you to visit very early in the morning when they open. We found a few tourist maybe we were 6 in total for a long while it was amazing. From 11am tour buses from Cancun arrived and gets crowded but we enjoyed almost 2 hours by ourselves. Then we went to the cenote and it was also an amazing experience ❤️
Cristina Sol? — Google review
Ek Balam is the perfect place to visit after Chichen Itzá. It's quieter, more laid back, not as commercialized & you get to touch, feel, explore & truly experience the wonders of the Mayan people ❣️ Make sure you grab a local Mayan guide at the door, (it helps the local economy & their history is amazing 😍), so you can get the full story of Ek Balam & how it ties in with Chichen Itzá. These structures are unbelievably preserved & centuries old. Going inside the rooms & feeling the ancient energy of these people is almost overwhelming. The things the Mayan people accomplished without current technology is mind boggling. Climbing the pyramid is a must ❣️ After roaming around & checking out the entire site PLEASE go out to the parking lot & check out the little "cafe" in the far corner & enjoy an ice cold drink, fresh cooked, homemade Mayan cuisine & wonderful conversation with the chef❣️ A bit of knowledge of the Spanish language makes this a blast. Spanglish is more of a 2nd language to most of the Mayan people I was blessed to encounter than Spanish, you WILL learn some Mayan because they refuse to give up their native language & traditions - YEAH them❣️ I spent a wonderful hour enjoying the shade, soft cool breeze, cold water, great food & fantastic conversation. Then you must go back in & experience the cenote 💕 There's a zip line that goes all the way above the cenote, another 1 that is inside so you can drop off into the water, there's a couple of platforms to dive off into the water & a couple of ropes to swing into the water. All those stairs & walkways are in excellent condition with railings. Please know cenotes are SACRED so you MUST shower off prior to enjoying them, sweat is okay, but not man-made products ☺️. It's a mile walk to the cenote, they offer bicycles as part of the entrance fee & since I'm older they drove me down for a very small fee. Cenotes are magical for me & this 1 didn't disappoint. I will go back & experience the entirety of this magical place again, God willing. I believe once is enough of climbing the pyramid though 🥰
Angela James — Google review
An absolute must-see. One of the very few Maya temples you can actually climb - and although it is quite a steep climb (especially with young kids), the view is very much worth it. Not too crowded (early morning) and beautiful scenery.
Stefan Boom — Google review
It was definitely worth to visit. We had a bad guide, but she was from the tour agency not a local guide from Ek balam.
It's an old Mayan pyramid and it's incredible that it was built at this time without machines. And I believe I've heard that it's the only pyramid were it's possible to go up.
Stephie “TravelAndCuisine” — Google review
This was my favorite pyramid to see because you could climb on and explore them. There is so much to see, we didn’t get a guide but it would have been informative if we had. It wasn’t as crowded as Chichén Itzá and definitely worth the drive.
Amy Minor — Google review
Amazing place to visit original Mayan buildings, the vibe transports you to the ancient times, you're free to climb almost all the pyramids (be respectful when you do that) and you can take a good long walk across all the citadel ruins. As this is not so popular as other places you can see some buildings that are still covered by trees and vegetation.
The view from the top of the highest pyramid is amazing.
There are 2 fees to visit the place (local fee and federal fee) and the cost will change depending if you're Mexican, student, teacher or foreigner.
If you want to know the story of the place I suggest you to check in the internet because hiring a tourist guide at the entrance can be expensive. You can also bargain the initial price, they can reduce the cost from $200-$400 pesos.
Rodrigo Luna — Google review
We were here around 10 AM, it was still hot to climb the ruin. The entrance was 495$ pp, we spend here max. 1.5h If you want to climb, it is worth a visit, otherwise I would not recommend it. In the end it is ‘just stones’.
Thaomy — Google review
Very big area, nice nature looking like a jungle...super green.
The buildings are in a very good condition, restored. You are allowed to climb on the stairs which is a huge plus.
Definitely very interesting to visit.
I would recommend coming early in the morning as the sun becomes too strong later.
In my opinion it's just very expensive for the experience. But I would recommend stopping there for half a day.
Goran ?upari?-Smol?i? — Google review
We had such a great time touring these old Myan ruins. What a great experience, and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. We will not be back in the future because there's not a vast amount to see however, it's a great one time event and worth the cost.
Danielle K — Google review
Incredible reliefs atop the tallest of its pyramids. Astonishing views. Amazing to walk through the vegetation and among the ruins as if you were an explorer yourself.
Ioana Navarrete — Google review
Fantastic Mayan Ruins with some well preserved hieroglyphs and statues. We had a super guide. The view from the palace is great. Try to get there early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Kai Vorpahl — Google review
Amazing, our guide was able to share details we won't forget. The size and scale is breathtaking. The view from the top is lovely, though it was quite windy!
The steps are large and uneven, though the trek to the top is worth it to see the preserved, original artwork.
Margaret Kidwell — Google review
What an amazing area, people and past life. The views atop Ek Balam temple are stunning. We got here early and pretty much had the place to ourselves. Follow the paths and directives to keep this area available and open for our enjoyment and reflection.
Peter Marquardt — Google review
Went to Mexico for family vacation and stayed in Akumal. Beautiful there and very friendly people.
We made a trip to see the Ek Balam Pyramid. So amazing. It is just being uncovered and restored. Our guide was very informative and learned a lot about the Mayan people.
It’s a must see…amazing.
Joey Awalt — Google review
Beautiful archeological Mayan site immerged in the Yucatan rainforest. I found it beautiful even with pouring rain. It was possible to climb up the structures. If you do it in the rain, be careful because it will be very slippery. Tickets were 500MEX at the time of the review and it wasn't possible to pay by credit card, only cash.
Gian — Google review
Good experience. Was satisfying climbing pyramids. Parking was simple. You do have to pay extra to visit cenote but it is worth it if you have never been to one. Cenote does have a zip line which you also have to pay for. Life jackets included. And there is a rope you can swing off for no extra cost. Experience is worth the cost if you have never done these things before.
The Ponderosa Running Springs — Google review
Love that you can actually walk the stairs on these ruins. Beautiful place with excellent history. In Valladolid there is a taxi/collectivo service that will run as soon as they have 4 passengers that can take you there. It was 70 pesos per person each way. Sitio Taxis Ek Balam.
Kristiana Spehr — Google review
The structures are absolutely massive, and it's really cool to see the restoration progress. We went with a tour group and it was really nice to get a conversational history of the site. Tickets won't break the bank either.
Ben Adickes — Google review
We stayed south of Akumal for a quiet beach vacation and figured we would go to the ruins at Tulum. What a nightmare of people. Too many tourists, too many people calling to sell you something and tiny parking spots. We turned around and left the mess that Tulum is. The next day we headed to Ek Balam based on other reviews. It was a pleasant drive and we got there when they opened. We paid 100 pesos to the people by the orange cones very close to the parking lot. Luckily, the other group of people trying to extract pesos from you weren't up when we drove by. They were stationed in a spot closer to where you turn off the main road.
There were very few people there and it was an amazing experience to casually walk around the ruins. We also were able to climb up the steps to the top! We did not pay for a guide but in retrospect wish we had.
We spent about 90 minutes there and then drove to the cenote right there. There were four other people there and it was absolutely wonderful. If you don't like crowds or vendors pressuring you to buy something every five feet skip Tulum and visit Ek Balam. On the way back we stopped in Valladolid at IX CAT IK which serves traditional Mayan dishes. Not to be missed!
rob dudenhoefer — Google review
A hidden gem in Mexico. A must visit for anyone in the area. This working archaeological site is visited by very few people and at times you can have the place to yourself. There is stunning original carvings and it truly does feel like you are exploring a newly discovered site in the middle of the jungle.
Matthew Harwood — Google review
Much smaller than expected. Nicely maintained site. Not as many peddlers of merchandise at this location. Can walk up the pyramid steps for an awesome view. Worth the trek from Cancun as there are local cenotes around this site worth exploring.
Cost: 95 pesos each for entry- cash only. ~450 pesos each for “tax” -card or cash. Have to pay at 2 separate booths.
Michael Li — Google review
Stunning location of ruins. Beautiful carvings and these are ruins you can climb. There are hidden state and federal tax fees not listed on the websites you need to pay in addition to the ticket price. It is a really pretty place and not as touristy as Tulum or Chichen Itza. We really had the place to ourselves. Lots of great views from the tops of the buildings.
Emily Eliason — Google review
Ek Balam is a Mayan archeological site dating back to AD 850. The tour guide provided awesome insights into the culture, life, and sophistication of the Mayan people before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Later, a swim in one of the many cenotes (underground water caverns) in the area provided welcome relief from the 101 F temps! The tour is well worth your time.
JPN — Google review
Beautiful site with unparalleled access to amazing ruins. Easy drive on the toll road 180D from Cancun. The couple of things to be aware of: toll is nearly 400 pesos each way and only take cash, there were two interesting stops along the way as you near Ek Balam- one as you turn off the main road where folks flag you down but really are selling you tours. The second is a spot they have blocked the road with cones and charge you 100 pesos for parking. Since everything I read said it was free parking, it felt like a scam - but what are you gunna do?
Then the entry fee is two parts, one for the state government and one for the federal. Paid separately and also cash only. About 400 pesos each adult. Tickets are also taken in two parts after the small retail section.
Small snacks but nothing major by way of food.
Worth the visit for sure. Small crowds and beautiful site.
Weston Clark — Google review
This place was amazing! I highly recommend a guide. Marcelo was our guide and he was fantastic. His first language was Mayan but he did our tour in English. He was full of knowledge of the site as he has clearly done years of research. The structures are amazing with the jaguar tomb as a crown jewel. There is a fair amount of shade in the park so if it gets too hot you can cool down in the shade, then visit the cenote next door! Be careful on the steep steps!!
Gregory L. — Google review
So worth the visit! Much better than Cobá or Tulúm in my opinion. One of the last Maya ruins that you can climb the pyramid. We had William Antonio Chan Chan as our guide and it was worth the $800 pesos that we paid for him.
Evan Cindrich — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous site! Be careful if you're trying to bundle your trip with a cenote. Make sure you actually purchase at the site itself before the entry because they are a reseller and will overcharge.
VI VI VI — Google review
Ek Balam is a well kept secret of the Yucatan Peninsula. These Mayan Ruins are great to visit and you can still climb the pyramids at the Archaeological Site.
They are about 1.5 hour away from Playa Del Carmen and in a different time zone.
Entry is quite expensive compared to other ruins and you have to pay a tourist tax.
Frederic Hugues — Google review
The site is worth visiting. Unfortunately it is usually overlooked by tourists who go to chichen itza because it is the most well-known in this area, but I think ek balam should be on everyone's list when going to Yucatán. It's is very quiet, the site is beautiful, you can take a guide on site if you want, but it is well explained in the signs along the way.
You can also climb on top of the pyramid and have a beautiful view. I also really enjoyed the sculpture of the jaguar on the main pyramid. It was so well preserved and marvellous.
Explore the ruins of a traditional Mayan village from the 8th century at Zona Arqueológica de Ek Balam, complete with a temple and pyramid. For an overnight trip, consider staying in nearby Valladolid where there are good lodging options. Alternatively, take a refreshing swim in one of the nearby cenotes. To avoid crowds, visit Ek Balam early in the morning when it opens. The site is relatively small compared to other ruins but still worth exploring.
Beautiful Ek Balam we loved it. We recommend you to visit very early in the morning when they open. We found a few tourist maybe we were 6 in total for a long while it was amazing. From 11am tour buses from Cancun arrived and gets crowded but we enjoyed almost 2 hours by ourselves. Then we went to the cenote and it was also an amazing experience ❤️
Cristina Sol? — Google review
Ek Balam is the perfect place to visit after Chichen Itzá. It's quieter, more laid back, not as commercialized & you get to touch, feel, explore & truly experience the wonders of the Mayan people ❣️ Make sure you grab a local Mayan guide at the door, (it helps the local economy & their history is amazing 😍), so you can get the full story of Ek Balam & how it ties in with Chichen Itzá. These structures are unbelievably preserved & centuries old. Going inside the rooms & feeling the ancient energy of these people is almost overwhelming. The things the Mayan people accomplished without current technology is mind boggling. Climbing the pyramid is a must ❣️ After roaming around & checking out the entire site PLEASE go out to the parking lot & check out the little "cafe" in the far corner & enjoy an ice cold drink, fresh cooked, homemade Mayan cuisine & wonderful conversation with the chef❣️ A bit of knowledge of the Spanish language makes this a blast. Spanglish is more of a 2nd language to most of the Mayan people I was blessed to encounter than Spanish, you WILL learn some Mayan because they refuse to give up their native language & traditions - YEAH them❣️ I spent a wonderful hour enjoying the shade, soft cool breeze, cold water, great food & fantastic conversation. Then you must go back in & experience the cenote 💕 There's a zip line that goes all the way above the cenote, another 1 that is inside so you can drop off into the water, there's a couple of platforms to dive off into the water & a couple of ropes to swing into the water. All those stairs & walkways are in excellent condition with railings. Please know cenotes are SACRED so you MUST shower off prior to enjoying them, sweat is okay, but not man-made products ☺️. It's a mile walk to the cenote, they offer bicycles as part of the entrance fee & since I'm older they drove me down for a very small fee. Cenotes are magical for me & this 1 didn't disappoint. I will go back & experience the entirety of this magical place again, God willing. I believe once is enough of climbing the pyramid though 🥰
Angela James — Google review
An absolute must-see. One of the very few Maya temples you can actually climb - and although it is quite a steep climb (especially with young kids), the view is very much worth it. Not too crowded (early morning) and beautiful scenery.
Stefan Boom — Google review
It was definitely worth to visit. We had a bad guide, but she was from the tour agency not a local guide from Ek balam.
It's an old Mayan pyramid and it's incredible that it was built at this time without machines. And I believe I've heard that it's the only pyramid were it's possible to go up.
Stephie “TravelAndCuisine” — Google review
This was my favorite pyramid to see because you could climb on and explore them. There is so much to see, we didn’t get a guide but it would have been informative if we had. It wasn’t as crowded as Chichén Itzá and definitely worth the drive.
Amy Minor — Google review
Amazing place to visit original Mayan buildings, the vibe transports you to the ancient times, you're free to climb almost all the pyramids (be respectful when you do that) and you can take a good long walk across all the citadel ruins. As this is not so popular as other places you can see some buildings that are still covered by trees and vegetation.
The view from the top of the highest pyramid is amazing.
There are 2 fees to visit the place (local fee and federal fee) and the cost will change depending if you're Mexican, student, teacher or foreigner.
If you want to know the story of the place I suggest you to check in the internet because hiring a tourist guide at the entrance can be expensive. You can also bargain the initial price, they can reduce the cost from $200-$400 pesos.
Rodrigo Luna — Google review
We were here around 10 AM, it was still hot to climb the ruin. The entrance was 495$ pp, we spend here max. 1.5h If you want to climb, it is worth a visit, otherwise I would not recommend it. In the end it is ‘just stones’.
Thaomy — Google review
Very big area, nice nature looking like a jungle...super green.
The buildings are in a very good condition, restored. You are allowed to climb on the stairs which is a huge plus.
Definitely very interesting to visit.
I would recommend coming early in the morning as the sun becomes too strong later.
In my opinion it's just very expensive for the experience. But I would recommend stopping there for half a day.
Goran ?upari?-Smol?i? — Google review
We had such a great time touring these old Myan ruins. What a great experience, and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. We will not be back in the future because there's not a vast amount to see however, it's a great one time event and worth the cost.
Danielle K — Google review
Incredible reliefs atop the tallest of its pyramids. Astonishing views. Amazing to walk through the vegetation and among the ruins as if you were an explorer yourself.
Ioana Navarrete — Google review
Fantastic Mayan Ruins with some well preserved hieroglyphs and statues. We had a super guide. The view from the palace is great. Try to get there early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Kai Vorpahl — Google review
Amazing, our guide was able to share details we won't forget. The size and scale is breathtaking. The view from the top is lovely, though it was quite windy!
The steps are large and uneven, though the trek to the top is worth it to see the preserved, original artwork.
Margaret Kidwell — Google review
What an amazing area, people and past life. The views atop Ek Balam temple are stunning. We got here early and pretty much had the place to ourselves. Follow the paths and directives to keep this area available and open for our enjoyment and reflection.
Peter Marquardt — Google review
Went to Mexico for family vacation and stayed in Akumal. Beautiful there and very friendly people.
We made a trip to see the Ek Balam Pyramid. So amazing. It is just being uncovered and restored. Our guide was very informative and learned a lot about the Mayan people.
It’s a must see…amazing.
Joey Awalt — Google review
Beautiful archeological Mayan site immerged in the Yucatan rainforest. I found it beautiful even with pouring rain. It was possible to climb up the structures. If you do it in the rain, be careful because it will be very slippery. Tickets were 500MEX at the time of the review and it wasn't possible to pay by credit card, only cash.
Gian — Google review
Good experience. Was satisfying climbing pyramids. Parking was simple. You do have to pay extra to visit cenote but it is worth it if you have never been to one. Cenote does have a zip line which you also have to pay for. Life jackets included. And there is a rope you can swing off for no extra cost. Experience is worth the cost if you have never done these things before.
The Ponderosa Running Springs — Google review
Love that you can actually walk the stairs on these ruins. Beautiful place with excellent history. In Valladolid there is a taxi/collectivo service that will run as soon as they have 4 passengers that can take you there. It was 70 pesos per person each way. Sitio Taxis Ek Balam.
Kristiana Spehr — Google review
The structures are absolutely massive, and it's really cool to see the restoration progress. We went with a tour group and it was really nice to get a conversational history of the site. Tickets won't break the bank either.
Ben Adickes — Google review
We stayed south of Akumal for a quiet beach vacation and figured we would go to the ruins at Tulum. What a nightmare of people. Too many tourists, too many people calling to sell you something and tiny parking spots. We turned around and left the mess that Tulum is. The next day we headed to Ek Balam based on other reviews. It was a pleasant drive and we got there when they opened. We paid 100 pesos to the people by the orange cones very close to the parking lot. Luckily, the other group of people trying to extract pesos from you weren't up when we drove by. They were stationed in a spot closer to where you turn off the main road.
There were very few people there and it was an amazing experience to casually walk around the ruins. We also were able to climb up the steps to the top! We did not pay for a guide but in retrospect wish we had.
We spent about 90 minutes there and then drove to the cenote right there. There were four other people there and it was absolutely wonderful. If you don't like crowds or vendors pressuring you to buy something every five feet skip Tulum and visit Ek Balam. On the way back we stopped in Valladolid at IX CAT IK which serves traditional Mayan dishes. Not to be missed!
rob dudenhoefer — Google review
A hidden gem in Mexico. A must visit for anyone in the area. This working archaeological site is visited by very few people and at times you can have the place to yourself. There is stunning original carvings and it truly does feel like you are exploring a newly discovered site in the middle of the jungle.
Matthew Harwood — Google review
Much smaller than expected. Nicely maintained site. Not as many peddlers of merchandise at this location. Can walk up the pyramid steps for an awesome view. Worth the trek from Cancun as there are local cenotes around this site worth exploring.
Cost: 95 pesos each for entry- cash only. ~450 pesos each for “tax” -card or cash. Have to pay at 2 separate booths.
Michael Li — Google review
Stunning location of ruins. Beautiful carvings and these are ruins you can climb. There are hidden state and federal tax fees not listed on the websites you need to pay in addition to the ticket price. It is a really pretty place and not as touristy as Tulum or Chichen Itza. We really had the place to ourselves. Lots of great views from the tops of the buildings.
Emily Eliason — Google review
Ek Balam is a Mayan archeological site dating back to AD 850. The tour guide provided awesome insights into the culture, life, and sophistication of the Mayan people before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Later, a swim in one of the many cenotes (underground water caverns) in the area provided welcome relief from the 101 F temps! The tour is well worth your time.
JPN — Google review
Beautiful site with unparalleled access to amazing ruins. Easy drive on the toll road 180D from Cancun. The couple of things to be aware of: toll is nearly 400 pesos each way and only take cash, there were two interesting stops along the way as you near Ek Balam- one as you turn off the main road where folks flag you down but really are selling you tours. The second is a spot they have blocked the road with cones and charge you 100 pesos for parking. Since everything I read said it was free parking, it felt like a scam - but what are you gunna do?
Then the entry fee is two parts, one for the state government and one for the federal. Paid separately and also cash only. About 400 pesos each adult. Tickets are also taken in two parts after the small retail section.
Small snacks but nothing major by way of food.
Worth the visit for sure. Small crowds and beautiful site.
Weston Clark — Google review
This place was amazing! I highly recommend a guide. Marcelo was our guide and he was fantastic. His first language was Mayan but he did our tour in English. He was full of knowledge of the site as he has clearly done years of research. The structures are amazing with the jaguar tomb as a crown jewel. There is a fair amount of shade in the park so if it gets too hot you can cool down in the shade, then visit the cenote next door! Be careful on the steep steps!!
Gregory L. — Google review
So worth the visit! Much better than Cobá or Tulúm in my opinion. One of the last Maya ruins that you can climb the pyramid. We had William Antonio Chan Chan as our guide and it was worth the $800 pesos that we paid for him.
Evan Cindrich — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous site! Be careful if you're trying to bundle your trip with a cenote. Make sure you actually purchase at the site itself before the entry because they are a reseller and will overcharge.
VI VI VI — Google review
Ek Balam is a well kept secret of the Yucatan Peninsula. These Mayan Ruins are great to visit and you can still climb the pyramids at the Archaeological Site.
They are about 1.5 hour away from Playa Del Carmen and in a different time zone.
Entry is quite expensive compared to other ruins and you have to pay a tourist tax.
Frederic Hugues — Google review
The site is worth visiting. Unfortunately it is usually overlooked by tourists who go to chichen itza because it is the most well-known in this area, but I think ek balam should be on everyone's list when going to Yucatán. It's is very quiet, the site is beautiful, you can take a guide on site if you want, but it is well explained in the signs along the way.
You can also climb on top of the pyramid and have a beautiful view. I also really enjoyed the sculpture of the jaguar on the main pyramid. It was so well preserved and marvellous.
Ecclesiastic building dedicated to Saint Servatius, patron saint of the city of Valladolid. It dates back to the 18th century and is a popular tourist destination for its lavish facade and unique carved stone carvings. The church is home to a number of religious artworks and monuments, such as its two imposing bell towers.
Beautiful movie projected on the side about the origin of the land! Very creative addition to town square! The movie started at 8:30 (Spanish) and 9 (English).
Casey Conrad-Davis — Google review
The only downside was that we could not find anyone that could tell us about the history of this place which by site only we could tell it had a colorful one. The outside of the church was pretty clean except I noticed that during high and tourist season it may bet a little overwhelmed. The inside of the church was very incredible and the size was quite.
Zacarias Michilinsky — Google review
Woah!! What cool story, incredible light show, and fascinating display! Made from the ruins of Mayan temples, this church has seen it all. Destruction and recreation represent the eras of change. I STRONGLY recommend watching the light show in the evenings. 8:30 and 9:00 pm on Wednesdays. (Spanish and then English) can’t wait to go in it tomorrow!
Shane Conrad-Davis — Google review
Absolutely stunning and well-worth the visit. Well-maintained cathedral with a unique history, originally constructed in the 1500s but mostly rebuilt in the 1700s. Brings the Plaza of Valladolid to life and conveniently located by restaurants, markets, and benches.
Christopher Whetten — Google review
If for no other reason the history alone of this church is amazing. It is a beautiful center piece of the town and their Centro park. I am amazed at its spender and presence and enjoyed just looking upon it as I visited the town.
Teakeyman — Google review
The church is dated back to 1706 but It was rebuilt after the original one, constructed in 1545 was demolished in 1705 by order of the bishop of those days.
The temple is closed until 17.00 hrs approximately, at least during the weekdays. It has nothing to do with European temples. This is simpler, without that much detail, but Mexicans are fervent devotes, and they look really engaged with the church.
Access is free of charge, as should be any temple of any faith.
Eric Schmidt — Google review
Great experience. Very quiet and peaceful inside. Would recommend bringing some pesos for donations inside to help them upkeep the church.
Wolfegang Moorhouse — Google review
This is an old and charming Church. Not much to see inside but it is Very beautiful from the outside facing the park in front of it.
Patrick Hohberg — Google review
Night time video mapping projected on the front the church. Bright and colourful video tell an animated history of the Yucatan, the Maya and the church. The best I have ever seen. FREE 8 pm. Best areas for line of sights fill up quick. Take the walk to the convent after it's over and see a different video projected on the old convent. Go to the Mayan Fire Dance across the road after.
D Longo — Google review
Beautiful catholic church from the 1700s conveniently located in the Center of the town. The front of the church faces the main park of the city and is surrounded by restaurants, small shops, bars and other government buildings. The church has an interesting manual bell ring system which is operated by the church officials every so often. The church is operational and general public as well as tourists are allowed to go inside and see the inside. Both the day and night views of the church are worth seeing, there is a lot of hustle and bustle at night too with a lot of tourists and public walking around.
Ahsaan Rizvi — Google review
Absolutely beautiful church that adds to the magical charm of Valladolid.
This museum is packed with colorful Mexican folk art collected by Dorianne and John Venators. The private collection includes pieces dating back to the 16th century, and is interesting in that objects are displayed in an actual private house, instead of being displayed in glass cases. With your donation, the museum has the opportunity to benefit local communities through a variety of programs.
Great experience! They do tours at 10am so be there on time. I think there might be more tours but I’m not sure how exactly it works. The tour lasts about 1 hour and is walking around somebody’s house with loads and loads of Mexican art and souvenirs. It really is worth it!
Agata Majka — Google review
Amazing unique art gallery / museum / home.
We had such an interesting tour by Sergio. The house is beautiful and the art throughout every room is stunning. Hearing about the art, the house, and the owners along the way was great too.
Really recommend it. They have guided tours most days at 10:00 11:30 13:00 14:00 and 15:00. Just ring the bell and they'll let you in.
Tam Finlay — Google review
It’s a private house with guided tours multiple times per day. There’s a 100pesos donation for I don’t remember exactly which cause. You have to arrive on time for the tour, no need for reservations. We went to the 2PM one there’s some in AM and later 3PM as well.
The guide was very informative and answered all our “non house related” questions. It was even better than expected.
Fei C — Google review
Whether you enjoy art or not, this is a great experience to learn not only the art history of the Yucatán and nearby regions but also general history of these areas all while getting to walk around a spectacular home! Really love the fact that all donations go to local charities in the community as well. A must visit! They have a few tours that run throughout the day and take about an hour to complete.
Phoenix Wilkins — Google review
A personal elaborate art collection in the elaborate personal house opposite the main square. It is very interesting even though I am no culture vulture. There are personal tours normally 10 am, 11.30, etc, in English and Spanish. The 100 peso charge is given to the local community. Ring the bell, and they will confirm the next time. As is next to the main square and church, there is plenty to see and do(drinks,snacks) if there is a slight delay
Fred Flintstone — Google review
Miguel gave us an amazing tour of this spectacular house full of Mexican folk art. We arrived 2 minutes before 10am and joined a group that was already waiting in the lobby. He was a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. He walked us through most of the rooms in the house and explained the history behind several different pieces of art and the different themes of each room. Visiting the Casa de los Venados was a last minute decision, but it turned out to be one of the absolute highlights of our trip!
Samuel Engelen — Google review
Really enjoyed visiting this amazing private house and museum. We had a very good tour, informative and friendly. The guide was a voluntary contribution which is to raise funds for local charities!
Lucie Gledhill — Google review
This really is amazing. Not only b/c of the folk art, but due to that this is a private house where the owner, Doug, just opens up his home for tourists to flood through and touch his stuff. He even comes out to greet most tours. The suggested donation all goes to local charities and not to the owner or guides. I gave a tip to our guide and my wife noticed that he went to the charities jar and put it into their instead of his pocket. This tells me that the owner really takes care of his tour guide staff.
Brandon Smith — Google review
An amazing opportunity to view a private residence in the middle of the city with a ton of Mexican art. Best of all, the donations you give at the end of 100% to local charities! The tour guide Miguel was phenomenal! We got there right at 10am and the tour started within 5 minutes after! I highly recommend you visit here! It's well worth it, and they are doing great things for the local community.
Zachary Smith — Google review
Imagine a place full of beautiful Mexican arts, crafts, sculptures, paintings where all donations given by clientele go entirely to local causes and those in need.
Whilst the website offers guided tours at 10 am, there are actually about 4 a day, giving many more people the opportunity to view these treasures.
By the way, the tour by our guide David was interesting and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Liz Hawksbee — Google review
So cool! Very neat collection of art from two American collectors who resettled in Mexico. The home is amazing, the house dog is adorable. Very fortunate to see John "Deer" and his wife's home. Amazing piñatas, costumes, and hand painted furniture, and a super cool bit of history on the significance of skulls in Mexican art. We also learned the meaning of "Yucatan" in Mayan! Highly recommended.
Naomi Goff — Google review
If you have an appreciation for art, architecture and capturing stories visit this museum. The guided tours are from 10:00 11:30 13:00 14:00 and 15:00. Just ring the bell during this time or wait outside until this time. They will open the door and let you inside. Once inside you'll be given a 45-50 min tour about how an American couple purchased their retirement home and rebuilt the house over the course of several 10 years to what it is today. Their story is inspirational and their art collection is of artists all around Mexico over the course of their lives. 100p is a suggested donation and it goes directly to many local charities in the area.
Bobbi M — Google review
Highly recommend. Great collection of contemporary folk art from across Mexico. Beautifully restored hacienda. Guide, Sergio, was brilliant - super knowledgeable about the collection and multilingual. $100 recommended donation well worth it. They offer tours x5/day at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 3pm and 4pm(?). Ignore what it says on the website, you just turn up and ring the doorbell ahead of whichever time slot.
Ruby Manson — Google review
Not to miss in Valladolid! More Mexican folk art than you would see in a museum, this is a private house right in the centre. Donations of $100 mxn support local charities for the disadvantaged. David us an excellent guide & if you’re lucky the owner might be there to explain further. Recommended
Jane Jagger — Google review
wonderful house. It's worth coming to see. Sergio is a great guide. We were pleasantly surprised by how he tried trito connect with the visitors and learn a few words of our language.
Tanja — Google review
DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE. "Modern Art" may not be your thing, but you do not want to miss this. The "museum" is a private home that is open for public tours a few times a day. We went to the 1 pm tour. There was another planned for 3 pm. Not sure what other times are scheduled. It was a little confusing because you walk up and ring the doorbell if no one is at the door, but the building is well-marked. If you ring the doorbell and it isn't a tour time, a person will answer and tell you the time for the next tour.
On to the tour itself: the owners of the house made it their lives' mission to collect handcrafted Mexican folk art. When they moved to Valladolid in retirement, they bought an old colonial-era building and renovated it to modern standards. It's a great tour for both the art and the architecture. Our tour guide was a quadrilingual professional who seemed to know about everything in the house. He's fun and gives a lot of valuable information about the culture and the city while talking about the art. He explained the treatment of skeletons in Mexican art and the treatment of death in modern Mayan religious philosophy, both of which helped us understand the art better. The building is a beautiful hacienda and the art will give you insight into the culture around you.
There's a donation box at the end. Proceeds go to a local charity. Tips can be handed directly to the guide at the end.
Megan Elder-Taylor — Google review
FANTASTIC find in Valladolid! I highly recommend a visit❤️ This is my third trip to Valladolid, and I finally made it to this beautiful home today- so worth the wait. This is a private residence chock full of amazing Mexican folk art, with guided tours for the public which start each day at 10am, 11:30am, and then a couple of afternoon times, too. It's an optional $100 pesos donation at the end, money which goes to various charities in the city. Be sure to tip your tour guide, too😁👍
Julia L. — Google review
It's really worth spending some time to visit this private house/museum. The guide is very passionate about the collection and will answer all your questions. The tour lasts about one hour and it is just with a really small group so it is very enjoyable.
lisa borrelli — Google review
Defintelly pay a visit to this house. The first tour starts at 10.00am and the second tour is at 11.30am. You can just ring the doorbell a few minutes before the tour starts and someone will open the door. The tour is very nice and especially the tour guide knows a lot and is very friendly.
Gertjan De Regt — Google review
4.8
(751)
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5.0
(1147)
Calle 40 Local 204 X 41, Centro, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
Cenote Zaci is a breathtaking natural swimming spot that boasts an open-air karst formation. It is a popular destination among tourists for its scenic views, cliff jumping, and snorkeling opportunities. However, the area is currently undergoing renovation and thus visitors are only able to observe it from one point upstairs inside the adjacent restaurant. Despite this setback, it remains well worth checking out due to its unique geological features and free entry for visitors looking to admire its beauty.
FYI: it is closed for renovation - so you can only look from one spot upstairs though
It’s inside the restaurant. At least you don’t need to pay a fee for watching natural resources here 😂 (unlike everywhere else)
Visakha Thongphetsavong — Google review
Visited Cenote today, 60 pesos per person. Was really good and was able to jump off into water from height. Had food at the restaurant, sausage was overcooked but chicken fajitas was good.
Penny Hurst — Google review
Very nice, half-open Cenote. Clean water, nice personel... because we had misunderstood with lifeguard about one thing - life jacket is MANDATORY. On many other Cenotes, you can choose. But on this you can't go in water, if you don't wear life jacket.
But with, you can jumping in water from different heights as you like. Highest jump is about 10m above water level. Entry (for one hour!) was 60 MXN.
Zdeněk Liška — Google review
Unfortunately, the cenote is currently close until the end of april, according to the local news for renovation
Thomas L — Google review
Entry is not cheap, but not busy when we were there. Beautiful cenote, the nicest we have visited during our month in Yucatan. Easy to reach and a nice cool down after you visit to EkBalam.
Kido Oudenbroek — Google review
This was our first cenote and it was awesome. They do make you wear a life vest but they let you jump from ledge about 25 feet or so and two lower ones. My son and I loved it. The fish will nibble your toes so free pedicure. I also liked that they limit people and only let you stay an hour, at least on Sunday when we went. It is plenty of time but also makes it so you can actually swim and jump without a crowd. A must.
michael graber — Google review
Looks like a good place to swim, unfortunately it’s closed for now
Luisa Almeida — Google review
entry was only 70 pesos cheapest ive been and the water temp felt so nice and refreshing. less than ten minute walk from city center as well
Ken Lawson — Google review
Zaci is an open Cenote right in the center of Valladolid, charging 60 pesos entrance fee. It’s easy getting down and getting into the water. The water is okay, not very clear so not worth bringing snorkeling gear. Wearing a life jacket unfortunately is mandatory and they don’t have really decent ones, so they come up to your face all the time. As a quick refreshment within the city Zaci is okay, but no more.
Dunja Rieber — Google review
Stunning cenote! You may have to wait 10-20 minutes to get in, but that’s also no bad thing as it prevents overcrowding so you always have space to swim around. It’s around $60 pesos per person which includes a life jacket. Other cenotes can charge $50 pesos just to rent the life jacket, so this seemed like great value to me. Only 5-10 minute walk from the centre and they have a restaurant, too. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Valladolid.
Dominic Goddard-John — Google review
Very nice cenote 👍 60 pesos per person and they provide life jackets. It’s really fun! We went on a Sunday so there were more people, but overall it’s pretty good!
RY Yan — Google review
Recommend getting here early. Its a lovely pool in the middle of the city. Jumping spot from about 7m. Not for diving, quite popular with locals. Lifejackets obligatory.
Karel Šana — Google review
Horrible attitude from the cashier, not explaining how it works and not making feel tourists welcome. Other than that the place is awesome
Felipe L — Google review
A vibrant cenote right in the middle of town. I went with two children and they also enjoyed the experience. Economical to boot!
Neil Miller — Google review
I love this cenote, the beauty of it speaks for itself. The entrance costs $60 MXN per adult and they provide life vests and you can stay for 2 hours.
Love this cenote. Great people. Rappelling into the water was awesome. We all really enjoyed the shaman and the blessing before the lunch. We’ll done.
David Hoy — Google review
I am so surprised by this place. I am waiting to download my photos to post them but I will post the outside ones here. The cenote gives you the option to walk down or rappel down. I recommend you rappel. It looks and sound scary but someone is controlling you from the bottom to prevent a free fall. The food was phenomenal there! This place is impressive. Mind you, the water is very cold but refreshing.
Joseph Powell — Google review
Best cenote we visited (& we visited 8)
It was high season but we arrived as soon as it open, so we had the whole place for ourselves There is rappel, Ziplines, kayaking, lockers, bathrooms, showers. It was a lot of fun!! Just be mindful it is not as accessible (narrow roads to get there) but it is worthy.
Raquel Resendiz — Google review
Beautiful place, with very good food, the cenote is incredible and is the largest I have seen in my life, the rappelling is very fun along with the zip lines and large green areas to walk, highly recommended
Hilda Perez — Google review
We visited 4 cenotes and this was the most expensive by far (like $30 to $40 USD per person more) but if you’re looking for rappelling, zip-lining over and into the water, 2 high jumps,inner tube swimming, then you might not mind paying $39 USD (or $49 USD with food). It took 3 tries to pay with a credit card. You must leave everything in a locker - no cameras allowed (probably bad for the cenote to have a bunch of cellphones sitting forever at the bottom). The facilities were excellent and we did not go with a tour and that did not matter - each staff member spoke English and were fun and upbeat. Afterwards, we wandered the paths, which were lovely, and accidentally wound up at the parking lot (I had wanted to see if the pictures were worth buying). A friendly tour guide named Vincente was at the parking lot pagoda and heard me and offered to take us back through a different path to the photo lodge. He explained a lot of the plants along the way and even grabbed us a small portion of the chicken to taste to demonstrate the annote spice (the chicken was melt-in-your mouth delicious). We paid $30 USD for 36 photos from another person in the hut, which is outrageously expensive, but Vincente was wonderful and walked us back to the parking lot and refused a tip. Classy.
kali shang — Google review
This was my first time visiting a cenote. It was such a great experience!
I booked a tour at my hotel, which included a visit to this cenote. Upon arrival, we were invited to a dining hall, and they served us Mayan food. It was delicious! They also mentioned that we could have multiple servings if we wanted.
Afterwards, we went to the cenote to swim. As expected, the water was very cold since it is in a cave. However, it feels so great! It's truly different than swimming in the beach. I don't know how to describe the feeling.
It's unfortunate that we weren't allowed to bring anything with us inside the cave, including cellphones and cameras. Which is why I don't have any pictures of the place.
I can't compare this cenote to the others since it was my first time visiting one. If you never visited a cenote before, then you will surely have a great experience here! Especially since there are very few tourists visiting this place.
Tony, le Lavallois — Google review
I recently had the pleasure of going on a private tour to Chichen Itza and Cenote Maya with Alltournative, and it was an absolutely incredible experience! From start to finish, every aspect of the tour exceeded my expectations.
Our tour guide, Rafael, was simply outstanding. His knowledge and passion for the Mayan culture and history brought the entire journey to life. He was friendly, approachable, and went above and beyond to ensure that we had a memorable time. Rafael's storytelling skills and attention to detail made the tour informative and engaging. We learned so much about the fascinating Mayan civilization and its architectural wonders.
Chichen Itza itself was awe-inspiring. The iconic pyramid, El Castillo, left me speechless. Standing before such a magnificent structure was a humbling experience. Rafael guided us through the site, explaining the intricate details and the significance of each structure we encountered. The rich history and remarkable architecture of Chichen Itza truly came alive under his guidance.
Next, we visited Cenote Maya, a natural wonder that took my breath away. The crystal-clear waters were inviting, and swimming in the cenote was an unforgettable adventure. Alltournative ensured our safety and provided all the necessary equipment for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
One of the highlights of the tour was the authentic lunch at the Mayan village. The food was delicious, and being able to interact with the local community was a heartwarming experience. The hospitality and warmth we received made us feel like part of the Mayan family.
I highly recommend Alltournative for anyone seeking an extraordinary adventure in Mexico. Their commitment to sustainable tourism practices and their knowledgeable guides, like Rafael, make them stand out from the rest. The memories I made on this tour will stay with me forever, and I can't thank Alltournative enough for the exceptional service they provided.
Thank you, Rafael, and the entire Alltournative team, for an unforgettable journey!
Anuj Sethi — Google review
This cenote is absolutely worth a visit. We came in low season and had the cenote with its fun activities to ourselves for around an hour. If you enjoy an adrenaline kick, the Rappel from approx. 20m is a fun thing to do. There is also a zip line and different platforms to jump from. The staff was super helpful and friendly. During our stay they were building another zip line for kids. The fact that there were no hammocks as promoted and no restaurant service did not bother us much as we enjoyed the tranquility which you find there compared to other very busy cenotes.
Pedro Videira — Google review
This place is amazing, best part of trip! try to get Markus as your tour guide this guy is awesome!
Feras Abutaha — Google review
The best day of our entire trip was visiting this cenote! Repelling into the water was amazing, the staff were wonderful, the food was great - everything was awesome!
Amaya Daley — Google review
We happened upon this Cenote the day after hurricane Grace blew through and fortunately they were open. Between the zip line, rappelling, and snorkeling in the Cenote, I think I enjoyed rappelling down into the Cenote the best.
Eddy Schuh — Google review
Amazing calm Cenote. Please avoid the large, bacteria kind Cenote like Chichikan. Horrible ! It"s an industry !
Bala Bala — Google review
Beautiful cenote turned into a bit of a Disneyland type attraction. $49 US to enter (includes rappelling into it, zip lining inside and food, $39US without food). No cameras allowed so you will pay $30US to $60US to get the pictures they take of you inside. If you want the same type cenote without rappelling and zip line for $5US (100 pesos) go to cenote X’ux Ha. You can take all the pictures you want there.
Warren S — Google review
4.4
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4.5
(398)
97773 Yucatan, Mexico
23
Cenote Multum Ha
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Natural swimming pool in a rocky subterranean cave, with life jacket rentals & changing rooms.
Amazing off-the-track Cenote. It is a round cave half filled with clear water. One can jump into the deep water from a well maintained wooden platform. Perfect temperature for a refreshing swim - and when we were there we were almost alone! The guy supervising the cave was super friendly and really nice to chat to. Do not miss this gem when visiting the nearby Coba ruins!
Harald Ringbauer — Google review
Entirely enclosed with very clear water. It was a bit crowded when we were there. Life jackets were optional but I’d definitely wear one next time—it’s so deep! I preferred the open cenotes more but the staircase down was pretty cool to walk down. Not for young children without life jackets, but these are available with admission.
Suzanne Mendez — Google review
Fresh, clean and beautiful! This cenote is made from limestone so you will not see much wild life in the water. In fact we only saw two fish. The water is crystal clear and you can see the bottom of the cave. You are asked to shower before and you can rent a life jacket. The cost was a good price. Water was not cold. I highly recommend.
Aimee — Google review
Great place to visit and have a relaxing swim in fresh water pool in a cavern. Just be careful with whom you book your tour.
JB Davis — Google review
Hidden cenote that is off the beaten path. 100 pesos to enter. Life jackets are available but not mandatory. Went early afternoon on a weekday, and at most, their were 8 other people swimming. At one point I was the only one swimming. Spent 2 hours. Bring your own food/snacks as their are none available to purchase.
Also FYI their generator is a little loud but it didn't bother me.
Jesus Castillo — Google review
Deep cave center. Have to walk down 50 feet but it's totally worth it. No fish there but highly recommended for diving. Tickets usually 100 pesos and lifejackets are available.
Shreyash Joshi — Google review
Very clean remember two years ago there wasn’t the fan which was noisy. cold water very nice though. Paid 100 pesos per person and you can rent vest and snorkel gear. 67 stairs to walk down to the cenote. They have showers and changing room and clean bathrooms.
Brandi Stoddard — Google review
Awesome experience. Seeing the bottom of a well filled with fresh drinking water is a gift from nature. You must go! We booked with a guy outside of Emporio Cancun. He was cheaper, but we opted for the hotel presentation. Not so bad with free buffet style breakfast.
Zianne London — Google review
The cost is $100mxn pesos per person and $50 mxn pesos for life vests. Being a decent swimmer, I still got one, as the cenote can be a little intimidating. Must have good knees to go down 18 meters of steps and then back up. Once you are in the cave, you are in awe. Place was not crowded. It is not an all day thing , but it is beautiful. Not for the claustrophobic. There is underwater life of fish. Pretty cool experience over all.
Wendy Villanueva — Google review
Nice place, you will need to take a shower before going downstairs. You can borrow their swimming vests for $2, you will need it for sure if you don't know how to swim. I'm giving it 4 stars cause although it is beautiful, the place smelled a little weird, might be for the wood.
Ali Mdez — Google review
We visited this small kozy cenote late in the afternoon. Drove there by car, had to pay just 100 pesos each to go in. Cenote is beautifull and not so crowded (maybe because we were quite late). All in all great petite place to visit!
Tom Hinskens — Google review
Nice cavern Cenote with very clear water near Coba. Price without swimming is 100 Pesos, if you like to swim you to pay an upcharge of 50Pesos for the mandatory vests.
Vanessa Lucky — Google review
Beautiful cenote deep underground with deep, clear waters. We paid 100 pesos per person to enter, worth it! And it was not busy at all :)
Lianka Bruijnen — Google review
Incredible and must visit. Quiet Cenote, off the beaten track a little. 100MXN entry. It is sooooo deep!
Holly Graham — Google review
This is a closed cenote meaning they it is in a cave.
The price is 100 pesos per person and lifevest is optional.
The water is super clear and the cenotes maximum depth is 30 meters.
There is a platform for jumping.
You need to go down z17 meters of steps
We were the only ones there when we visited
Patrick Hohberg — Google review
This was our least favourite of the 3 cenotes you could visit in the area. Mainly because there was a generator running for the lights (we assumed) and the noise was awful. We left right away and went back to the other ones.
This one was also incredibly busy compared to the smaller ones across the street.
Also disappointing that you have to buy tickets to all 3 now. You used to be able to buy one ticket that was a pass for the 3.
Firelight Leadership — Google review
Very refreshing water and warmer than other cenote’s ~ 25 C very clean but a little stuffy.
Descent through a cave to an underground swimming hole popular for snorkeling & jumping from rocks.
Nice cenote with really deep water. It's almost uncomfortable to swim above the depth sometimes, even though you can still almost see the bottom - or maybe that's why :) It's one of the bigger ones, so it's very easy to swim in. What's unique about it are the two jumping platforms from which you can dive into the water. However, being wimps, we didn't jump in.
There are very few people in it, we were alone most of the time, so you can fully enjoy the majesty of the cave. Entrance was still 100 pesos and vests were optional.
Jakub Chramosta — Google review
Fun cave cenote. Entrance fee is 100 pesos per person. Worth it I think! It’s dark inside but with the artificial light you can see something. Not that many stalactites and such, but they have two places to jump down into the water (both are quite high).
Tanja Swinkels — Google review
I was genuinely scared because this place feels very spooky but after 30 min or so, I started loving it. Super calm and quiet Cenote, we were mostly alone (1 other couples) however when tour bus arrives , it gets super crowded. Shower and toilet in place but no lockers. The entrance is 100 MXP and if you want life jackets that is 50 pesos extra.
mahoor rz — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous! Crystal clear water and fishes galore. 2 diving spots at 15ft and 30ft. Steep stairs. Recommend to take a dry bag, towels and water shoes.
Nathalie Ramirez — Google review
The Cenote is beautiful inside, water has a 4 mt. depht and has a temperature of around 17°C.
Life jackets are not mandatory but I think they should because you can easily fall in the water.
There is a small and narrow ladder and down in the Cenote the space is limited.
Sara Casarin — Google review
This was our favourite of the 3 cenotes. It was quiet. We were there in the afternoon and only saw one other group (that was just leaving). We had the entire place to ourselves.
It is very small but fun because of the jumping platforms.
Firelight Leadership — Google review
Super awesome fun, cool. It's a perfect temperature deep pool full of crystal clear water. In a cave. With two different heights to jump from.
Adam Habig — Google review
Crystal clear water; cool and refreshing after a day of visiting ruins. There are two platforms if you date to do some high dives. The lower one is around 15 ft, and the upper one approaches 25 ft. The water is more than deep enough for either dive.
Nate Swiss — Google review
We loved this cenote. We went there and it was empty. The stairs are a little bit old and you feel the dense air but the ater… wow! So clear. It’s really beautiful and purifying .
Iris Carvalho — Google review
The best out of the “three cenotes” in the area with the 3m and 5m jumps. Great way to continue the day after visiting Cobá. The cost is 100MXN per person. Life vests are optional at no charge. You have to shower before using the cenote. We were there on Monday around 3pm and it was quite busy, but it was a very fun crowd 😁 recommend visiting “El Ranchito” restaurant after.
Orkhan B. — Google review
Fabulous and affordable cenote near Coba. (100 pesos) The water was so clear and peaceful. It’s in a cave with an incredibly high dome. Very few people. We had fun jumping off the two platforms. This one is a lot like the other cenote, Multun-Ha across the main road. No jumping platforms at Multun but it’s just as beautiful and refreshing.
Andria Martin — Google review
One of a kind experience of jumping off crazy high platforms into a cool cave! Best cenote in the area! Not much crowds there too! (We went midday on Tuesday) The road is mostly drive able for any car but still drive at your own risk. (It is a dirt road) I recommend this cenote!
Dripthany — Google review
This is a must visit cenote! We drive from Tulum and it was so worth it! 100 peso per person. Giant cave with super clear and deep water. Two jumping platforms. We had so much fun we didn’t want to leave!
Will Smithey — Google review
Worth a swim after wandering Coba ruins. It's entirely enclosed but well lit with light and ventilation. There are many steep steps down which could be an issue for some people, but worth it if you're able. There's a jumping platform at 10m and then 5m. The water is clear and cool with fish swimming around. It's quite a unique experience that I would highly recommend.
Neil N — Google review
Just go. You won’t be sorry. Steep steps to walk down but clean and not slippery with sturdy handrails. Water is cool, clean and crystal clear. Mot mots and bats flying around. Well lit and well ventilated.
Karen Giles — Google review
Fantastic experience! Spiral staircase to descend is a little dated, but sturdy. The view and water is stunning. The water is extremely clear. Was told the depth of the cenote is about 45 feet. Very much worth the stop.
They have bathroom changing areas as well, and life jackets to rent.
The Zona Arqueológica de Coba offers visitors the opportunity to explore the ancient Mayan city of Cobá, with its well-preserved structures and rich history. One of the highlights is climbing Nohoch Mul, the highest pyramid in the area. Guided tours provide insights into the culture, sacrificial offerings, and historical significance of the site's symbols and natural resources.
Interesting ruins in the jungle. You can rent a bike but it's possible to do it on foot, whole route is no more than 5-6 km. Unfortunately the big pyramid is closed for climbing die to covid restrictions.
Tomek Bogda?ski — Google review
Lovely ruins, it was worth to come I definitely recommend if you’re near by is worth to visit.
We were amazed with the kindness of the guy that took us on the bike, he taught us some words in Mayan and the history of the ruins.
Big ruins there’s plenty of space to go around.
Catarina Alves — Google review
Well this is a very cool place to go visit. The tour we were with had a guide that was connected to the folks there.
Nevertheless was guide was pretty thorough about showing the archaeological site and the history and the significance of the different symbols and obsidian and some of the other natural resources in the area.
Be careful about engaging in any ceremony because it's likely to lead to a consultation where it may cost you a thousand or more dollars upon their recommendation. However just a note that it is just a recommendation you don't have to take the consultation and before you get a full consultation they give you an estimate and you can walk away if you like or go through with it.
DavidC EG — Google review
We regret very much not getting a guide as the places we got to see where fabulous, we did not have the knowledge that of what the are besides the very few information tablets around the area. We were able to get little information from the gentleman that rode us all around the ruins which was very convenient as the ancient city cover a good area. Get a tour guide!
Zacarias Michilinsky — Google review
Very nice place. It's nice that it's almost entirely in the shade, but it's still a walk of about 3-4 km. In this heat, I recommend renting a bike. They offer them for about 150-200 pesos. We didn't and we regretted it. It was possible to miss it, but in that heat it was possible to take it.
Zuzana Vitochova — Google review
Went there June 2023. These ruins are beautiful and literally in the middle of the jungle!!! Many options to view it…you can walk it bout 40min, bike or have a 2 seater umbrella bike with an onsite peddler…only $10 to view….
Michelle Harris — Google review
Definitely worth visiting and not thronged with crowds of people like Chichén Itzá. Not a difficult place to drive to if you are self driving around Mexico. Worth getting a guide and taking the bicycle taxis which will shuttle you around the extensive archeological site
Mathew Taylor — Google review
Really neat place to visit and wasn't too crowded. You can't climb the big tower steps but there are some smaller ones you can get on. This place was very cheap to get in and I would recommend renting a bike. It's not too far to walk but the biking was a fun experience. Bike rental was also cheap. Definitely worth visiting.
Benjamin Burk — Google review
Beautiful place full of history. There are so much details that you could easily spend at least 5 hours to inspect most of the site. You wouldn't have check everything out. One of the most impressive archeological site in the area. Luckily it was not too crowded when we were there in the afternoon.
Also no need to go from the first pyramids to the other with a bike. They will convince you that it is far away but if you are healthy and can walk 20-30 minutes you won't need it.
If you are driving there, it is pretty easy from Valladolid, the road is in great condition and you do not even need a GPS, everything is well indicated. Parking was 80 pesos.
Rob — Google review
Mayan culture is very interesting. Coba has some very old temple's, walls and other buildings. I would recommend walking to the larger pyramid and taking the tricycle back- don't forget to tip your cyclist!
Mike Coe — Google review
Lucky me - I visited the spot back in 2019 when climbing the pyramids was still allowed (meanwhile it‘s prohibited). Very impressive archeological site on extended grounds in the middle of the jungle. You can easily get around by rental bike or walk. Make sure to come as early in the morning as you can - the later the more people.
ed da — Google review
One of the oldest Mayans settlements still in existence and has the tallest pyramid in Latin America. Nohoch Mul sits way above the trees and given how flat Tulum is you can really see from miles making it an excellent guard post and temple for the ancients. In 2021, and earlier, it was possible to actually physically climb up this temple but now you can just view it, which was a bit disappointing. We visited the site with a tour so we did not pay the entry fee. It was part of our tour ticket. There is an area in the front that sells gifts, water, and food right near the large parking lot. At the entrance you can rent bikes or a two person rickshaw driven by a Mayan local, which is free, but we tipped them a lot for all of their hard work. The site is very large and spread out, so it really was nice to have wheels to get around otherwise it will be quite a walk.
This site is much older than Chichen Itza and was most likely abandoned due to infighting, deforestation, and drought. You can see a few small scale Mayan ball court here, but obviously the largest version is over in Chichen Itza. It’s really humbling to see how great of engineers and architects the ancient Mayans were and being able to physically walk on site is truly a memorable experience. I would definitely recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and water. We did not deal with any insects during our visit, but it was about 95° out in Fahrenheit so it was extremely toasty given the humidity.
Overall, this is a must visit site when in Tulum, especially if you have any interest in Mayan history. This was the oldest and first Mayan settlement, so it’s very important to see where a civilization started to really understand it. I would recommend to anyone and feel that it is a great place to visit for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Zan Lee — Google review
Really nice shady place to visit and walk. We drive here from Tulúm, which was an easy drive. We paid for parking and then the tickets to enter required two payments. Kind of confusing but expected having read other reviews. We did not hire a guide or a bicycle. We walked to all the ruins and spent about 2 hours exploring the site. So impressive. I enjoyed being out in nature.
Andria Martin — Google review
Nice ruins that are almost entirely hidden in the forest. During our visit there were minimal people, it was possible to enjoy some places almost alone. As always there is a separate charge for parking, entrance and government fee. The main pyramid is the biggest attraction, but Grupo Macanxoc is also worth a visit for the inscribed stones.
It is possible to rent bicycles, but we did without them - it takes about 6.5 km to visit all the sites and thus takes two to three hours. There is no place to buy water in the area itself, so have plenty of it with you.
Jakub Chramosta — Google review
I paid for the bike taxi service. It was a good price, but honestly, even as a pregnant woman with asthma who had forgotten my inhaler, even I could have ridden a bike by myself the whole way as it was completely flat. I would recommend just renting their bikes, which is also a very good price. The ruins were really cool to see. It includes huts and stone buildings. There was even a tunnel and a court that was used to play ball games. One important thing is that if you rent something from them, you can only pay with cash and not with a card. There is a public restroom right outside that you need to use before you pay to enter or after you leave.
Savannah Warren — Google review
Got a tour and highly recommend it. There aren’t much in the way of signs/info. So if you want to really learn about the history and culture a guide is the way. Otherwise it was a pretty cool place to explore. Tons of shade and enjoyed biking. Since Covid you aren’t allowed to hike up the big ruin, but there were others you can walk on to get up close and see the architecture of it all.
Parker Moses — Google review
Amazing archeological site. Not many people around. The ruins are in the middle of the jungle so even on a hot sunny day you are in the trees shade. There are 2 main areas and they are about 1km away from each other. You can easily walk the whole site which would take under 2 hours. You can also either rent bikes or hire a taxi-bike
Nikko — Google review
Highly recommend getting a tour guide and renting a bike or a bike cart for this archeological site, there’s a lot to learn and no signs or pamphlets if you don’t go with a guide. There’s a bathroom and some stores at the entrance but none inside the site. Wear comfortable apparel and shoes.
Punta Laguna, located just a 30-minute drive from Coba, is a hidden gem worth exploring. Visitors can embark on guided jungle tours to observe spider monkeys and listen to the howling monkeys. Additionally, they can enjoy a lagoon cruise and even try rappelling down a small cenote. This less-visited spot offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the region's abundant wildlife with knowledgeable guides leading the way through lush jungles and rare cenotes for a small cost.
The perfect place if you want to explore and do adventurous things alone. You can literally have the cenote all to yourself and spend as much time as you want with a special person. The skeleton below your feet adds to a great an unique experience. The price is unbeatable!
Albert Villafain — Google review
If you can get over the rudeness of the people managing this place (I think it's families owning the land), it's worth a visit. There are many monkeys so the chances of seeing them are high here. And multiple other animals, like spiders, butterflies etc. But even if they let you visit by yourself, you will definitely get lost so you need a guide. And this takes me back to the unpleasantness of the experience. First of all, prices aren't displayed anywhere so my guess is that they make the price by looking at the people visiting. They gave me an unreasonable price but I speak Spanish and pushed back and got a lower price, but the attitude of the man wasn't amazing. He yelled at one of the guys there to show us the place: let me introduce you to our guide. It had just rained, the ground was very slippery. He was walking way ahead of us, acting annoyed and unwelcoming and he was wearing flip flops - kudos to him because we risked falling multiple times - walking fast who knows how but disregarding the fact that we were struggling... the whole thing was rushed. He made noises to attract the monkeys, showed us all the animals and bugs on the way and without him we would have probably missed a lot (and gotten lost). Still, if you're around I'd give it a shot
Danila Massara — Google review
Hay que estar MUY en forma para hacer este circuito y no importarte las medidas de seguridad. Uno de los dos guías tenía 12 años. Hay que hacer toda la ruta en bañador y sin nada más, únicamente el móvil si se tiene funda acuatica. Los chalecos y arneses están muy viejos. La bajada al cenote es por rapel de 12 metros y la subida es por una escala vieja de 12 metros de madera que no está en muy buenas condiciones. Tuvimos un percance serio y no había equipo de apoyo, un compañero estuvo colgando de un pie 5 minutos y cayó al cenote desde 10 metros porque tardaron con la ayuda ya que no hay nada cerca.
Aparte de lo peligroso, el cenote es un círculo de unos tres metros y está a oscuras, no te dan linterna, ni máscara y tubo por lo que aparte de nadar no puedes ver nada.
La tirolina tampoco tiene medidas de seguridad.
Lo mejor de la ruta fue el paseo viendo los monos, pero no compensó el susto tan grande que vivimos.
(Translated by Google)
You have to be VERY fit to do this circuit and not mind the security measures. One of the two guides was 12 years old. You have to do the entire route in a swimsuit and with nothing else, only your mobile if you have a waterproof case. The vests and harnesses are very old. The descent to the cenote is by 12-meter rappelling and the ascent is by an old 12-meter wooden ladder that is not in very good condition. We had a serious mishap and there was no support team, a colleague was hanging by one foot for 5 minutes and fell 10 meters into the cenote because they took time with help since there is nothing nearby.
Apart from the danger, the cenote is a circle of about three meters and it is in the dark, they do not give you a flashlight, or a mask or tube, so apart from swimming you cannot see anything.
The zip line also has no security measures.
The best part of the route was the walk to see the monkeys, but it did not make up for the great scare we experienced.
Cristina CHIMENO — Google review
Definitely get the guide! We got Eloy, he was very thorough and knowledgeable. We saw many spider monkeys and even 4 howler monkeys. The experience is totally worthwhile. We paid 1000 pesos for 2 people with the guide.
katericious — Google review
Oh wow. Just indescribably beautiful. We did a guided tour, our guide was friendly and patience, full of great information and we saw the spider monkeys! The lagoon it's self is incredible. Make sure you have a swim, it's wonderful.
Beth Calvert — Google review
Saw loads of monkeys, had fun going down the zip line and rowing along the lagoon then the swim in the cenote was a good way too cool of
Dominic ?Dom? Fairhead — Google review
Está muy bonita la laguna, y te puedes meter a nadar. En cuanto a la selva puedes ver monos y el guía te cuesta unos 600mxn para 10 personas.
(Translated by Google)
The lagoon is very beautiful, and you can go swimming. As for the jungle, you can see monkeys and the guide costs about 600mxn for 10 people.
David Roldán — Google review
We originally wanted to go to the Monkey sanctuary closer to town, but after reading reviews, there are alot of extras for photos etc and it's not a natural setting. This monkey nature reserve was amazing!! Highly recommend having a guide so they can help you find the monkeys in the trees... we walked for a little while and found a whole bunch of them. It was so nice to watch them all climb and jump around with their baby's in their natural habitat. Highly recommend visiting!!
fit kitty — Google review
Had an amazing time and saw so many monkeys! 🐒 🙈 🙊 ❤️ Definitely ask for Julio... he knew where all the monkeys were hiding and shared a lot of good information with us as we walked the property..
Jay Shok — Google review
Always visit when we are in the area. 300 pesos to visit and 600 pesos for a guide for 2 people. It is worth getting a guide, they will find the monkeys and other animals. We did not do the canoe or zipline. The view of the lake is amazing.
Otto H — Google review
Amazing experience to be had here. You have lots of tour options, but this place is special!
Still occupied by the Mayan people, you can experience a piece of their culture. Francisco was our tour guide and he was very knowledgeable. He found ALL the monkeys for us and even took us to their watering cave. It was magical watching mommas with their babies attached. One monkey even popped down close to pose for me.
The hike is breathtaking. Beautiful roots from the Ficus trees, moss and rocks. I loved seeing the huge caterpillars and grasshoppers. Francisco pointed out everything and told us a lot of the Mayan words.
Before the hike began we were blessed by a Mayan shaman. It was great because we chose to go in the private cenote. Since the Mayans consider it sacred, it was important to be respectful.
We went on a very cool zip line over the lagoon before canoeing to the side where the cenote is. It is a stunning Lagoon!
Now, my favorite part of this experience was the private Cenote. We rappelled down a very small hole into darkness to snorkel with a flashlight. It was AMAZING!
Don't miss this place if you're in the Riviera Maya
Melody — Google review
Beautiful fresh water lagoon, basically a cenote, with cristal clear water.
Mircea Pilaf — Google review
Really well maintained Mayan community best done with a guided tour. Our guide “Angel” translated in Maya their native language was very knowledgeable who mother and elders only speak Maya and not Spanish. They host night tours where you can see snakes and spiders. During our day tour we saw several spider monkeys in their natural habitats. They community of a couple people live in symbiosis with the nature and are very resourceful and self sufficient. Very friendly and highly recommended for an authentic jungle tour experience. Our guide also spoke perfect English as well as 4 other languages. By visiting and getting a to it your helping them maintain and keep their land whose being approached by larger resorts looking to turn the space into a tourist destination.
Chris P. — Google review
The best hours to visit Punta Laguna are 3pm and 4pm because the spider monkey families are meeting at the trees to get ready to sleep. The tour is very nice, a brisk walk through the forest where you can see the monkeys climbing the trees and learn about the flora and fauna in Yucatán. The guides are part of the community that protects this park and their knowledge is passed from generation to generation. There are plenty of activities to do and choose from, you can canoe in the lake, do a zip-line or just enjoy your hike while you enjoy nature.
Violeta Morales Fakih — Google review
such an incredible experience!!! peaceful space that’s well maintained and preserved by an intergenerational family. fair prices that go towards preservation of the environment, and well deserved given the passion and drive these folks have towards their community and the nature/animals they care for. the guides are knowledgeable and know the spider monkey families very well. plus swimming in the lagoons was a lovely treat! hidden gem that i recommend fully.
Alina Vartanian — Google review
We enjoyed walking in the forest with an excellent local guide who told us many things we didn't know before! We saw a group of howler monkeys and many groups of spider monkeys. *We only had time for the walk in the forest but there are more things to do here!*
Timo Lehti — Google review
Recommended for all nature lovers. If you are like us and don't mind driving to see animals in their natural habitat instead of cages, then this is a place for you.
Animals became active after 4-5pm. We came around 3:30pm and first spent 30 minutes walking with the guide looking for monkeys which were just sleeping on the trees. Then the movement started and they started cruising through the trees together. Mamas carrying the babies on their back, youngsters playing together.
At the end it was really nice to dive into the lagoon to get refreshed.
We paid 1300 MXN for the private tour of 3 people.
Andrey Tsykunov — Google review
Want to see monkeys in nature (not a theme park or zoo)? Head to Punta Laguna! Less than 1hr drive from Tulum area, this nature reserve is well worth a visit.
We arrived late afternoon, just as the spider monkeys appeared. We had a great local guide - his family had founded the nearby village - who was so knowledgeable about the nature and local area (and spoke great English). Just us and the monkeys. We then swam in the lagoon, which was had mostly to ourselves. Heaven!
This place is not at all commercial or touristy and supports the local community.
Bring cash as they don't accept card!! We didn't have enough cash with us so we couldn't pay for the zip line across the lagoon, or canoeing, or rappelling into the cenote activities but the fee other tourists we met there said it was great. I think it's 200 peso per person to enter the reserve. 400 peso for a guide to see the monkeys (not essential but worth it). And 800 peso per person if you want to do the zip line etc activity package. Great value and contributes to supporting the nature reserve. With more time, we may also have seen howler monkeys and other wildlife. Definitely a highlight!
Isabelle — Google review
Great place to meet Mayan descendants who leave nearby this natural reserve and guide tourists, encounter spider monkeys, slide on a zip line, paddle kayak, and swim in cenote and lagoon.
Anton Sochenov — Google review
This is a nature reserve where you can spent 2-3 hours in the forest to see some spider monkeys and learn more about them. The lagoon is beautiful, and there is a zip line there that you can take above the lagoon which provides a bit of excitement. The zip line was great fun and seemed well maintained. You need to row back across the lagoon with a kayak. Overall a good half a day can be spent here.
Mariusz Scislowski — Google review
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Quintana Roo Nuevo Durango - Coba, 77750 Q.R., Mexico
Ancient Mayan site with temple ruins & artifacts dating from 300 BCE to 1500 CE.
I really enjoyed visiting here over Tulum as it was a lot quieter and shaded. It's much smaller but the towers are much taller and impressive. Beautiful architecture on the rest of the pyramid. It costs about 65 pesos and has a free toilet facility.
Luke Barnaby — Google review
Fantastic ruins and a park that’s small enough to get through in the couple hours with the boat tour. Bring bug spray.
The lagoon boat tour was wonderful as you have the opportunity to “swim” in the natural canal. It’s “swimming” because the current is so strong it feels like a lazy river! Enjoyed the whole experience a lot.
Sarah Candee — Google review
So beautiful and you can walk about 10 min to the back of the site and continue to the biological sanctuary, which is then another 20 min walk to the beach.
There is a platform on the way that you can climb for about 5 stories and get a fantastic view!
Michelle Lin — Google review
This was great! Would do again just for the lazy river part! Be prepared to walk a-bit on some wooden plank walkways! Definitely well worth the trip! Completely incredible to see what they could create back then with what they had! Definitely wish could have a guided tour to know
More about the history!
J McCracken — Google review
Must see!!! One of the earliest and longest inhabited ancient Maya sites on the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula. It's an easy drive from Tulum. Around $3.50 to enter.
Brian Lawson — Google review
70 pesos per person to enter. Plus 50 pesos for drones or (professional) camera equipment. Plus 50 pesos to walk the wooden path from the ruins to the lagoon.
Well worth the entry fee and a few hours exploring. We did see a snake whilst walking along the path, can you spot it in my photo?
The park has written signs in three languages so you don’t need a tour guide, although they do work the area.
Parking is free at the entrance and there is a refreshment place and souvenirs across the road.
Jourdain W — Google review
Definitely add on the boat tour. It was 1,000 pesos when you buy it from the park. It's so worth it to see that part. There is another smaller ruin they take you to, and the view of the biosphere is amazing. You get to float a section of it, which is refreshing after you walk the ruins and the path through the park. They don't allow sunscreen or big repelant if you are going on the boat tour. There are definitely mosquitoes during the walk through the trail.
Kristiana Spehr — Google review
Fantastic place. Simple, silent, you feel the nature. When you go inside, you'll find a wooden door where you can go to a lagoon through forests and costs you extra 50 pesos. Definitely go there. It's an amazing adventure to walk there. You feel like in jungle 😍
Alexandru Tomuz — Google review
Cool little historical spot to check out for a couple hours. Not a hugely popular spot so you'll have a relatively private time. There are a few different ruins, some nice wooded trails with great trail maintenance. Then there is also a lagoon you can walk to using a wood plank path that's about 1km long. Fun little day trip with multiple street taco spots nearby.
Alex Trimpe — Google review
I really enjoy bringing people here. It is smaller than other Maya ruins but in some ways more approachable. There is ongoing restoration and the setting is very jungle like. Less commercialization and fewer people.
Diana Harris — Google review
Incredible sights. Would recommend using bug spray! Make sure you also book the boat tour through the laguna and lazy river, as that was the absolute best bit!
Pablo Orlando — Google review
Super cool if you’re into historical sites. Definitely recommend going on the earlier side and bring bug spray. You can pay on site to enter its about 70 pesos. If you would like to explore the wooden bridge that takes you to the lagoon it’s about another 50 pesos to enter that part and another 50 or so if you want to take a boat ride on the lagoon. There’s also a cool wooden tower you can climb along the way!
Jordan Watson (Ace King) — Google review
This is a really cozy site! There is a jungle walk possible after seeing the ruins. And thereafter there's a boat tour on the lagoon that you could take.
The ruin entrance costs $70, the jungle walk is $50, and the boat tour $160.
Sofia T A — Google review
Amazing. Vast in thr jungle with some bright colors and relifs. Caves and affordable. Monkey's can be heard. No wifi. It links yo an amazing walk and boat tour where manatee and turtles are. Check out the full review on tiktok annastravels and on ig annastravelsnyc
Anna Hess — Google review
I drove and used google maps to get to the office. Talked to one of the guys inside the booth to purchase the ticket and also the boat ride to the lagoons. Ticket price is 70 mx for the ruins and additional 50 if you proceeded to take the pathway at the back of the ruin. If you’re not going to take the boat ride, I suggest to only purchase the ticket for the ruins. There’s not much to do aside from the sketchy tower that you can climb when you’re close to the dock where they take you to the lagoon if you purchase the boat ride. The best is if you take the boat ride. It’s 1000 mx per person. They’ll take you to the 2 lagoons then lastly to the shallow canal where they let you float around for almost an hour.
Donald Harvey — Google review
Cost for Ruins = 75 MXN per person.
Cost for Bridge and Walk to Lagoon (chance to see wildlife) = 50 MXN per person.
Cost for Lagoon Exploration Ride = 1000 MXN per person. (1 hr, swim in lagoon).
We only did the first two. Would recommend the first, but not the second, unless you intend on the lagoon excursion. If not, save your pesos, the walk is too long for little ROI.
We met a father/daughter who said the Lagoon excursion was worth it.
Ali V — Google review
The tour for the site at the time we arrived was $70MXN. There is an additional cost to walk the trail that leads from the end of the archeological site down to the lagoon behind it and the cost was $50MXN. We highly recommend the trail; it takes you through the jungle and you can see a few very small cenotes (not swimmable) and wild life. Also, if you can, book the lagoon tour with them directly. They sell it for a third of the cost of third party tour operators and the money goes towards the Mayan community in the area that protects the site. Raul was our tour guide and provided us with a great experience. The cost of that tour is $1000MXN.
Gabriela Carrillo — Google review
As an explorer, here's my spin... I would have never found this on my own on how to get here unless you take an inflated tour. Found some travelers that has gone here before and tagged along for the adventure. Went to the local bus station ADO and found the bus that was heading that direction, paid 35pesos directly to the bus driver was what we were told at the ticketing booth. The Arqueologica de Muyil (75pesos) was being rebuilt on most of the ruins, the paths were not marked out properly, but it was not too big a site. The strangest extra 50 pesos to walk on a shabby not well maintained boardwalk through the jungle was simply a scam, a rickety tower that is downright dangerous and really the view on top was not worth it. We took the boat tour to the lagoon river (you get to float in the river for about half hour in crystal clear water) was pretty good but pricey, good for the experience.
Eddie Wong — Google review
Pretty good time at the ruins overall. It’s a small park; the ruins are for sure the highlight for me, and you can explore them all within about an hour and a half. Reasonable price and there are quite a few good food/drink options for such a rural area. But in my G-d’s honest opinion… don’t waste your money on the rest of the park. The lagoon is nice or whatever but unless you’re going to spend $800+ per person (not per boat) to go farther across the lagoon, it’s not worth it… but the ruins were great, and I did enjoy the walk and the view! We just couldn’t justify paying $1600p for a two hour boat tour, and we weren’t allowed to just rent our own kayaks. And as you can see, they are speed boats, so it isn’t like the guy would have to be rowing extra weight to justify the cost (we are both very thin anyhow).
The hardest part for us was getting home. You can catch the ADO bus from the cement parada but Lord only knows when it’s coming, and if it will stop! We ended up hitching a ride back to Tulum with a random van driver. (NOTE: This is NOT recommended for people who don’t speak Spanish or women traveling alone!) If I were alone I wouldn’t do that, but I do speak Spanish and was with my boyfriend. We were fine, BH, but please be aware that if you didn’t drive, getting home can be a challenge (regardless of whether or not you bought round-trip ADO Bus tickets!)
Gorgeous ruins though, A+
Shark Bolan — Google review
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Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez km 25, 77710 Chunyaxché, Q.R., Mexico
Natural limestone pool in the jungle, known for clear water & popular with snorkelers & cave divers.
As a wedding photographer, I couldn't have asked for a better spot!
Marius Dragan — Google review
Super clear water and really quiet and calm. Just not a lot of places to lay down
Lisa Valerie (Lisky) — Google review
We had a very nice time here. We arrived early and had the cenote all to ourselves. We even got to relax in the hammocks available there. The water was clear with lots of fish and even a peaceful turtle. I don't know what the blue velvety birds were, but they were gorgeous. It seems this cenote is the entry point to a very vast system of underwater caves. You are not allowed to wear sunscreen and have to pay an extra 25 pesos to bring in your ice box with food and drinks. There is no restaurant inside. Smoking is not allowed. The place got busy and noisy later, but we moved to the sister cenote Escondido on the other side of the road.
Delia Iordache — Google review
Do yourself a favor and do NOT come here. Like others mentioned, the "staff" are RUDE and hate tourists. One of the staff members physically ASSAULTED me, I had to get the police and national guard involved. Additionally, it does not look like a cenote, it looks like a SWAMP. I actually feel bad for the girl that works at the front, she seems to hate her life so much, and projects that onto every person she encounters (locals too). Save your money and go to GRAN CENOTE or CASA TORTUGA--they are beautiful and the staff are super nice there.
Selina — Google review
Water not as clear as expected. It seems the "outdoor" toilets which aren't flushable have contents that easily make way to the cenote.
FAY E. — Google review
Warning this Cenote is not the main entry into the Naharon system. The main line passes into a very silty restriction which was exited by touch, it is zero viz, complete black out.
However the pool is warm, but green and the facilities are good. To enter the Naharon system go to Cenote Crystal on the way back to Tulum😀
Victoremanuel1965 — Google review
A couple years ago a father with his son died got drowned and..they don't have first aid equipment
Rocio Vargas — Google review
Loved this cenote. Water was crystal clear, entry affordable. What a relaxing and rejuvenating thing to check after a jungle party
Very, very beautiful!!! Totally worth it. A bit pricey though, but a life jacket and snorkel kit is included. Bring an ID to secure the snorkel
Hayat Katerji — Google review
Overpriced, overcrowded, underwhelming: no changing rooms, you have to change clothes in a dirty toilet without shelves, no towels. Tourist trap. Go to Akumal, pay a fraction and see more. This here is just an empty cool pond.
Beda Hammerschmidt — Google review
MXN 500,- per person,
MXN 250,- per child.
MUST wear swimwest & shower (incl. hair) before swimming in the cenote.
you can see turtles there. feel sorry for them bc of the overtourism which infects their habitat :-/
the ppl, who work there are very unfriendly and not helpful.
Sabrina Z — Google review
Beautiful cenote but very overpriced
Sóley Jónsdóttir — Google review
Beautiful cenote. Worth it for the wildlife alone! So many turtles and fish and bats and birds. We’re able to swim so close to the turtles. Beautiful. There was a line waiting when they opened. It’s a busy one so get there early.
Open 8:10am-4:45pm
300 pesos or $15 USD
Includes a life vest
Stephanie O'Callaghan — Google review
Swimming with the turtles was more fun for adults and scared the little patooties around. The place is magical like you entered a different dimension! The entrance fee was very affordable too! We drove 2 hours from Cancun to Tulum and also paid a visit to this most talked-about Cenote.
Ja Ric — Google review
At 500 pesos, very overpriced for what it is. We spend about 2 hours here, snorkeling, laying on the grass and taking some pictures. Beware that if you want to use their snorkeling equipment, you will need to leave your ID with them or a very big deposit.
You can reach this place by bike from Tulum, the road is not that bad.
Bollejef — Google review
Amazing cenote with sump-turtles. Really beautiful place and great with an open space on top where we could enjoy the sun before going back in the cenote.
Sebastian Demant Pedersen — Google review
Really cool place, definitely recommend to go there. Entry cost 180 pesos, well worth the money. You can find turtles and "pedicure fish", it was quite busy when we got there by still really enjoyable. Bring your snorkelling stuff or you can rent them anyway there. Definitely do it:)
MayamarFantasticJungle is a private property near Akumal, owned by Roberto, who offers an amazing tour of the jungle and cenotes. Visitors can enjoy zip lining, rappelling, and cave exploration in this beautiful natural setting. Roberto's genuine enthusiasm and knowledge make for a fantastic and intimate experience for both adults and children. It's a great place to visit for those seeking adventure and nature exploration.
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avenida gonzalo guerrero km 4.5, 77776 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico