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The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We’ve Tried (Tulum, Valladolid)

par Bastien Rouire - Leptitcurieux.fr 11 November 2026
30
Published on November 11, 2026

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

If there’s one thing that made our trip to Mexico truly magical ✨, it’s the cenotes of Yucatán and Quintana Roo. These huge freshwater pools, hidden at the bottom of a cave or open in the middle of the jungle 🌴, number in the thousands across the peninsula, each more beautiful and mysterious than the last.

It was our very first trip outside France (and even outside Europe), in the middle of the COVID period: we often found ourselves almost alone in places that are usually packed 😮. Our very first cenote was Ik Kil, near Chichén Itzá: a few stone steps, then this huge vine-covered sinkhole above deep water. A jaw-dropping moment we’ll never forget.

But when you’re planning your itinerary between Cancún, Tulum, Valladolid, Mérida or Bacalar 🗺️, the choice quickly gets overwhelming. Which cenotes should you visit in Mexico? Which ones are really worth it? Which are the least touristy? Open-air or underground?

To help you, we’ve gathered here all the cenotes we explored, each with our honest review and what we loved ⭐.

We chose to be transparent: we only tell you about cenotes we actually visited, with no ranking, because each one has its own atmosphere. It’s up to you to see which one suits you 😉.

To plan your itinerary

Cenotes by area

  • Tulum & the coast

    Quintana Roo

    Beach and cenotes in a single stay

    Choo-HaCalaveraAzul
  • Valladolid & Chichén Itzá

    Yucatan

    The best base: 6 cenotes nearby

    Secreto MayaOxmanSuytunHubikuX'CanchéIk Kil
  • Mérida & Bacalar

    Yucatan · Quintana Roo

    Worth adding if you're in the area

    CuzamaBacalar
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 2The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 3
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THE MAP OF OUR MEXICO ROAD TRIP 🗺️

To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve gathered every place from our 30-day road trip in Mexico 🇲🇽 on an interactive map: cenotes, Mayan sites, beaches and stopover towns, from Yucatán to Quintana Roo. Click on each pin to discover the place in detail 📍. And to keep it handy during your trip, open it in Google Maps: you’ll find it easily on your phone 📱.

Our itinerary

Our trip to Mexico

1 month8 stops2 states: Yucatán & Quintana RooCar + ferry to the islands

The stops, in order

  1. 1

    Cancún

    1 night

    Arrival by plane, then last night before the flight home

  2. 2

    Holbox

    3 nights

    Beaches, sunsets and a timeless vibe

  3. 3

    Valladolid

    5 nights

    Suytun, Oxman, Ik Kil, Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam

  4. 4

    Mérida

    3 nights

    Uxmal and the 3 cenotes of Cuzamá

  5. 5

    Bacalar

    5 nights

    The lagoon of seven colors and its cenotes

  6. 6

    Tulum

    4 nights

    Ruins, Coba, Sian Ka'an, Cenote Azul and Calavera

  7. 7

    Cozumel

    4 nights

    Scuba diving and snorkeling

  8. 8

    Isla Mujeres

    3 nights

    Jet skiing, beaches and the end of the road trip

Loading the map…

Click on a pin to discover each place

Open in Google Maps

CENOTE CHOO-HA, NEAR THE COBA RUINS

Cenote Choo-Ha near Coba, Quintana Roo Underground

Cenote Choo-Ha

Quintana Roo Near Coba

What we lovedA true underground wonder with thousands of stalactites, and crystal-clear water that's perfect for families after the Coba ruins.

UndergroundGreat for families
Read the article

If you’re visiting the Coba archaeological site, Cenote Choo-Ha is the perfect stop to cool off: it’s just a few minutes’ drive from the ruins. You go down a small, fairly steep wooden staircase that takes you straight underground. It’s a real enclosed cave.

Down below, what strikes you is the impressive number of stalactites and stalagmites all around you. The water is incredibly clear and, above all, shallow (a bit cooler as a result 🥶). So it’s a great choice with kids or if you’re not comfortable in deep water.

⏰ Our tip: come early in the morning. The space is fairly small, and having it almost to yourself is a real privilege.

Discover Cenote Choo-Ha
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 4The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 5The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 6

CENOTE SECRETO MAYA, NEAR VALLADOLID

Cenote Secreto Maya near Valladolid, Yucatan Open-air

Cenote Secreto Maya

Yucatan Near Valladolid

What we lovedOne of our absolute favorites: vines hanging down to the water and almost no one around us.

Open-air, in the jungleGreat for peace and quiet
Read the article

Cenote Secreto Maya lives up to its name 🤫. Unlike some of its neighbors around Valladolid, overrun by tour buses, it remains a true haven of peace.

It’s an open-air cenote surrounded by lush jungle 🌿. The rock walls are huge, and long vines hang down to the water’s surface, giving it a very wild feel. For an adrenaline rush, there are platforms to jump off the cliff and even a rope to swing out over the water. There’s even a jump of about 22 meters for the most daring: I didn’t try it myself 😅.

Discover Cenote Secreto Maya
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 7The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 8The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 9

CENOTE CALAVERA, NEAR TULUM

Cenote Calavera near Tulum, Quintana Roo Semi-open

Cenote Calavera

Quintana Roo Near Tulum

What we lovedWe jumped straight through the skull's holes into the clear water, and it was so much fun! The swing is perfect for photos.

Semi-openGreat for jumping
Read the article

Cenote Calavera is one of the best known around Tulum. Its name means “skull” in Spanish 💀: seen from above, its three holes in the rock look like a face.

You reach the water by a very photogenic wooden ladder, but the bravest jump straight through the holes. That’s what we did, and it was so much fun 🤩! In the cave, a swing lets you relax or take great photos. The water is clear, and the atmosphere is perfect with friends. A victim of its success on social media, it draws big crowds.

Our tip: arrive at opening time, around 8 a.m., to jump without waiting in line.

Discover Cenote Calavera
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 10The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 11The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 12

CENOTE AZUL, BETWEEN PLAYA DEL CARMEN AND TULUM

Cenote Azul near Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo Open-air

Cenote Azul

Quintana Roo Near Playa del Carmen

What we lovedHuge pools in full sun, with little fish that come and tickle your feet while you relax.

Open-air, large poolsGreat for families
Read the article

Easy to reach from the main road between Playa del Carmen and Tulum 🚗, Cenote Azul is a must-see classic in the area. No dark cave here: it’s a huge open-air natural pool, a little tropical paradise in shades of blue and green.

The site is divided into several areas, including shallow parts where you can stand, which are very handy for families. A small cliff a few meters high also lets you jump. Sit quietly in the water: little fish will come and give your feet a natural scrub 🐟! There’s shade under the trees for a picnic.

Discover Cenote Azul
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 13The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 14The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 15

THE CENOTES OF BACALAR, IN THE LAGOON OF SEVEN COLORS

Cenotes de Bacalar near Bacalar, Quintana Roo Lagoon

Cenotes de Bacalar

Quintana Roo Near Bacalar

What we lovedThat dizzying feeling when you suddenly swim over a navy-blue abyss in the middle of the lagoon of seven colors.

In the lagoonGreat by kayak
Read the article

In Bacalar, the experience is different from the rest of the peninsula. Here, most of the Bacalar cenotes, like Cenote Negro or Cenote Esmeralda, are right in the lagoon: they’re gigantic underwater holes.

You’re swimming in clear water barely a meter deep and, suddenly, you pass over a navy-blue abyss plunging dozens of meters down 😱. Very impressive! The best way to explore them is a boat tour or kayak trip on the lagoon. There’s also Cenote Azul in Bacalar, separate from the lagoon and surrounded by forest, with a huge freshwater pool.

And while you’re in the area, don’t miss Los Rápidos de Bacalar, where you float along with the current in turquoise water 🛟.

Discover the cenotes of Bacalar
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 16The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 17The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 18

CENOTE OXMAN, NEAR VALLADOLID

Cenote Oxman near Valladolid, Yucatan Open-air

Cenote Oxman

Yucatan Near Valladolid

What we lovedThose huge roots reaching down to the water, and the famous rope to swing like Tarzan in the hacienda gardens.

Open-air sinkholeGreat for jumping
Read the article

Cenote Oxman is a gem a few kilometers from the center of Valladolid. It’s in the gardens of the Hacienda San Lorenzo, which gives it historic charm from the moment you arrive 🏛️.

It’s a sinkhole-shaped cenote, completely open to the sky. The view from above is spectacular, but it’s when you go down to the water that it really blows you away: huge roots hang from the natural ceiling 🌳. The big bonus is the rope set up like a trapeze, to jump into the clear water in style.

Discover Cenote Oxman
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 19The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 20The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 21

CENOTE SUYTUN, NEAR VALLADOLID

Cenote Suytun near Valladolid, Yucatan Underground

Cenote Suytun

Yucatan Near Valladolid

What we lovedThe platform lit by the shaft of light blew us away, even after a 30-minute line for the photo.

UndergroundGreat for photos
Read the article

If you’ve ever looked at pictures of Mexico, you’ve surely seen Cenote Suytun 📸. It’s a completely enclosed cenote, famous for its circular stone platform built in the middle of the water (every influencer goes there 😄).

Above, a small hole in the vault lets in a ray of sunlight that lights up the platform around noon, for a mystical atmosphere ☀️. The water isn’t very deep: you come more for the beauty of the place than for a long swim.

⚠️ The place has become extremely touristy. Even when it isn’t crowded, expect to wait for your photo on the platform: everyone stays 4 to 5 minutes, and we waited 30 minutes on the stairs. Arrive at opening time to limit the line.

Discover Cenote Suytun
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 22The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 23The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 24

THE 3 CENOTES OF CUZAMÁ, NEAR MÉRIDA

Cenotes de Cuzama near Mérida, Yucatan 3 cenotes

Cenotes de Cuzama

Yucatan Near Mérida

What we lovedA real adventure by cart on old rails in the middle of the forest: one of our best experiences in Mexico.

Open-air and cavesGreat for adventure
Read the article

Visiting the Cuzamá cenotes is much more than a swim: it’s a real old-fashioned adventure! About an hour from Mérida, the site is famous for its means of transportation.

To reach the cenotes hidden in the forest, you climb onto “truks”, small horse-drawn wooden carts running on old rails once used for growing agave 🐎. It’s rustic, fun, and you get immersed in the history of the region. The route stops at three different cenotes, some underground with stalactites, others open-air.

⏳ Plan for a full half-day. It’s one of our best experiences in Mexico: we absolutely loved it, it was magnificent and incredible 🤩.

In the same region, the Calcehtok caves are another great underground adventure, with thousands of bats at nightfall 🦇.

Discover the cenotes of Cuzama
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 25The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 26The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 27
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CENOTE HUBIKU, BETWEEN VALLADOLID AND EK BALAM

Cenote Hubiku near Valladolid, Yucatan Underground

Cenote Hubiku

Yucatan Near Valladolid

What we lovedA gigantic underground dome where the sun's rays shine in, with cool, perfectly clear water.

Underground, huge domeGreat for swimming
Read the article

Cenote Hubiku is very well located, on the road between Valladolid and the Ek Balam ruins. It’s a gigantic underground cenote, with cool, perfectly clear water 💎.

The ceiling has a big hole that lets in natural light and even forms a pretty waterfall when it rains 🌧️.

The site is very developed: a buffet restaurant, a reconstructed Mayan village and even a tequila museum with tastings 🥃. We didn’t try them (we’d come for the swim), but they’re there if you want to spend more time. The huge size of the pool leaves plenty of room to swim in peace. We were very lucky, as there was no one there!

Discover Cenote Hubiku
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 28The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 29

CENOTE X’CANCHÉ, NEXT TO THE EK BALAM RUINS

Cenote X'Canché near Ek Balam, Yucatan Open-air

Cenote X'Canché

Yucatan Near Ek Balam

What we lovedWe rode there by bike from the Ek Balam ruins, then went down the big wooden stairs to the water: incredible.

Open-air, green waterGreat by bike
Read the article

It’s the perfect cenote after visiting Ek Balam: it’s only 1.5 kilometers from the entrance to the ruins. You can easily get there on foot or by bike, rented right at the entrance. That’s what we did, and the ride was incredible 🚴.

It’s a magnificent open cenote with bright green water 💚 and a real sense of adventure: you go down big wooden steps to swim, you can zip over the water on a zip line or even rappel down the wall. The site is run by the local Mayan community, a guarantee of an authentic experience.

It’s actually one of our absolute favorites: I climbed up to the highest platform to jump, about 6 to 7 meters. All our tips are in our article on Cenote X’Canché 🚲.

Discover Cenote X'Canché
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 30The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 31The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 32

CENOTE IK KIL, NEAR CHICHÉN ITZÁ

Cenote Ik Kil near Chichén Itzá, Yucatan Open-air

Cenote Ik Kil

Yucatan Near Chichén Itzá

What we lovedIts giant funnel and hanging vines took our breath away. The water feels amazing after the heat of the Mayan ruins.

Open-air, well-shapedGreat after the ruins
Read the article

Cenote Ik Kil is probably the most visited in Mexico, and for good reason: it’s a few minutes from Chichén Itzá, one of the seven wonders of the world 🏛️.

It’s a cylindrical open cenote, with dizzying walls covered in vines hanging down toward deep water. A real adventure-movie set 🎬. Its location makes it very popular with travelers from all over the world.

Our tip: arrive at opening time, 9 a.m., or do as we did: Chichén Itzá from 8 a.m., then a swim at Ik Kil to cool off. There were still a few people despite the COVID period, but starting our trip with this cenote, our very first one, remains a wonderful memory.

Discover Cenote Ik Kil
The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 33The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 34The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 35

VISITING CENOTES IN MEXICO: THINGS TO KNOW

As always in our articles, here are our practical tips for enjoying the cenotes of Yucatán and Quintana Roo without any bad surprises 🥰.

The 3 types of cenotes

Open-air, semi-open or underground?

Open-air

Light

A large open-air natural pool, in full sun.

Those who love the sun and swimming
In our selection
AzulSecreto MayaOxmanX'CanchéIk Kil

Semi-open

Light

A cave with a shaft of light in the ceiling, often crossed by roots.

Photos and atmosphere
In our selection
Calavera

Underground

Light

An enclosed cave, among stalactites and stalagmites.

Lovers of mystery
In our selection
Choo-HaSuytunHubiku

What we learned on the ground:

  • ⏰ Arrive at opening time, often between 8 and 9 a.m. At Suytun, we still waited 30 minutes for the photo on the platform even though it wasn’t crowded (everyone spends 4 to 5 minutes there), and even in the middle of the COVID period there were people at Ik Kil.
  • 🦺 Life jackets are often lent out and included in the price. Adeline wanted one every time. Perfect for floating peacefully if you don’t swim much or are with kids.
  • 🚿 Shower before swimming when the cenote has a shower: not all of them do yet, but it’s the rule to protect the water.
  • 🚲 Combine ruins and cenotes: we did Ek Balam and X’Canché by bike, Coba and Choo-Ha, Chichén Itzá and Ik Kil. Nothing beats cooling off after the heat of the Mayan sites.
  • 🐟 Don’t be surprised by the little fish tickling your feet or the bats on the ceilings of underground cenotes: they’re completely harmless.

Other good habits:

  • 🧴 No sunscreen or bug spray before swimming: they pollute very fragile water, and many cenotes ban them.
  • 💵 Bring pesos in cash: cards aren’t accepted everywhere (cash is king).
  • 🚪 Check that the cenote is open: we wanted to visit Cenote Zací, right in the center of Valladolid, but it was closed when we were there. For pesos, here are our tips for withdrawing money in Mexico.
  • 🚗 A car is still the most practical: many cenotes are far from towns and poorly served by public transportation. Here’s how to rent a car in Mexico without getting scammed.
  • 👟 Water shoes: not required at all, it’s up to you.
  • 📱 Waterproof pouch to film in the water safely.
  • 🗓️ Two or three cenotes a day are enough: any more and you end up rushing and enjoying them less.

Book a tour: if you’d rather have a guide, many tours combine Mayan ruins and cenotes (Chichén Itzá + Ik Kil, Coba + Choo-Ha).

Powered by GetYourGuide

OUR REVIEW OF MEXICO’S CENOTES

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know we love natural places like these 💚. The cenotes were the real common thread of our trip: each one has its own atmosphere, from the mysterious cave full of stalactites to the large open pool in the middle of the jungle.

Honestly, it’s impossible to rank them: we loved them all, and the right choice mainly depends on what you’re looking for (jumps, photos, peace and quiet, kids…). Our absolute favorites are still the Cuzamá cenotes, magnificent and incredible with their cart ride, and Ik Kil, our very first cenote. We also really loved Secreto Maya and X’Canché. And keep in mind that these places are fragile: shower before swimming, no sunscreen, and leave nothing behind ♻️.

Before you go, also take a look at our 10 things to know before visiting Mexico.

👉 What about you, what’s your favorite cenote? Tell us in the comments 💬!

The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 36The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 37The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Mexico We've Tried (Tulum, Valladolid) 38

RENTING A CAR IN MEXICO 🚗

To explore Yucatán and Quintana Roo, we think a rental car is the best option: you’re free to string together cenotes, Mayan sites and beaches at your own pace, without depending on bus schedules or organized tours 🌴.

We did our whole one-month road trip by car, and everything went really well. Here’s the agency we used and recommend, plus an alternative if you’d rather compare 👇

Our rental tip

Renting a car in Mexico

The agency we used, and an alternative to compare.

Our pick · tested on the ground
TouraCancun

TouraCancun

Car rental in Mexico

We rented with them for our whole road trip: we recommend them without hesitation!

Our budget€95028 days, insurance included · ~€34/day

  • Tested for 1 month
  • Pick-up in Cancún
  • Our go-to in Mexico
Book on TouraCancunRead our full article
Alternative · to compare
DiscoverCars

DiscoverCars

Rental comparison site

To compare several rental companies in a single search.

Excellent rating290,000+ Trustpilot reviews

  • 1,000+ rental companies compared
  • Free cancellation
  • 24/7 support
Compare prices

To compare before you choose

Good to know before you rent

  • Third-party liability insurance is mandatoryIn Mexico, it's often not included in the price shown online: check before you pay.
  • A deposit on a credit cardAn amount is held on your card for the whole rental. Bring a card with a high enough limit.
  • Your French driving license is enoughIt's accepted for tourists. The international driving permit is optional: only if you want one.
  • Photos and video at pick-upFilm the car from every angle when you collect it, to avoid any dispute when you return it.
  • Filling up at the gas stationCheck that the pump meter is at zero before the attendant starts.
  • Watch out for “topes”These speed bumps are everywhere, sometimes without a sign: slow down as you enter villages.

FAQ: YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT CENOTES IN MEXICO ❓

These are questions people often ask when they want to discover cenotes in Mexico; here are all the answers. Feel free to leave other questions in the comments so I can expand this FAQ and answer them 💬.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A CENOTE?

A cenote is a large natural sinkhole filled with fresh water, formed when the ceiling of an ancient underground cave collapses. For the Maya, these places were sacred: they saw them as the gateway to the underworld, the world of spirits.

HOW MANY CENOTES ARE THERE IN MEXICO?

Several thousand, mainly in the Yucatán Peninsula, which includes the states of Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Campeche. Only some of them are set up for swimming.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CENOTES?

There are three: open-air cenotes, like big natural pools; semi-open cenotes, in a cave with a shaft of light in the ceiling; and underground cenotes, entirely inside a cave, among the stalactites.

WHAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CENOTE IN MEXICO?

It really depends on what you’re looking for, which is why we didn’t want to rank them! Our absolute favorites: the Cuzamá cenotes for the adventure and Ik Kil for its movie-set look. Secreto Maya is perfect for its wild feel 🌿, and for photos, it’s Suytun 📸 (expect to wait).

WHICH CENOTES SHOULD YOU VISIT NEAR TULUM?

Among the ones we did: Cenote Calavera, a few minutes from Tulum, Cenote Azul, on the road to Playa del Carmen, and Choo-Ha, near the Coba ruins.

WHICH CENOTES SHOULD YOU VISIT NEAR VALLADOLID?

Valladolid is the best base for cenotes: Oxman, Suytun, Secreto Maya, Hubiku and X’Canché (next to Ek Balam) are all less than an hour away. Ik Kil, near Chichén Itzá, is also about a 45-minute drive. To stay there, 👉 find your hotel in Valladolid on Booking, ideally with parking if you’re driving.

IS CENOTE WATER COLD?

Not at all! It stays around 24°C (75°F) all year round (and even warmer depending on the cenote). It’s very refreshing after a day under the Mexican sun.

DO YOU NEED TO BE A GOOD SWIMMER TO ENJOY CENOTES?

No. Most cenotes lend or require a life jacket, often included in the price. Perfect for floating peacefully, even with kids: Adeline wanted one every time 😄.

CAN YOU WEAR SUNSCREEN IN A CENOTE?

No. Sunscreen and bug spray pollute very fragile water, and many cenotes ban them. You shower before getting in the water, when a shower is available.

ARE THERE ANIMALS IN CENOTES?

Yes, and they’re harmless. Little black fish often come and tickle your feet, like at a spa 🐟. In underground cenotes, you’ll also see bats on the ceiling: they don’t come near you.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT A CENOTE?

At opening time, often around 8 or 9 a.m., to avoid the crowds. In semi-open cenotes, the midday light creates beautiful sunbeams falling into the water ☀️.

HOW MANY CENOTES SHOULD YOU VISIT PER DAY?

Two or three, which is what we did. Between the drive, the shower and the swim, each cenote takes at least one to two hours to enjoy.

HOW MUCH DOES A CENOTE ENTRANCE COST?

During our trip in October 2021, we paid between 25 pesos (€1) at Cenote Azul in Bacalar and 150 pesos (€6.50) at Ik Kil, Suytun, Hubiku or X’Canché, often with the life jacket included. Prices have gone up since: Hubiku, for example, is now around 200 pesos (€10). Always bring pesos in cash.

WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO 🏨

During our one-month road trip in Mexico 🇲🇽, we stayed in 8 different towns, alternating between Airbnbs and hotels. And we were always very happy with where we stayed 😇.

We deliberately avoided “All Inclusive” packages. It’s not our idea of travel: we’d rather be in the heart of towns and villages, eat local and discover the country at our own pace 🌮.

OUR TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLACE TO STAY

  • 📅 Book ahead in high season: the best places go fast and prices climb.
  • 🚗 Private or secure parking if you’re traveling with a rental car. You’ll see, it’s not always available, but depending on the town it can be really worth having.
  • ❄️ Air conditioning: essential in Yucatán and Quintana Roo, where it’s hot all year round.
  • 🏊 A pool: up to you whether you want one at some of your stays, because it can quickly push the price up.
  • 📍 A place close to the center: so you can do everything on foot in the evening. That said, if you like places outside town and you have the car, nothing forces you to stay near the center
  • ✅ Free cancellation, to keep your itinerary flexible.

AIRBNB OR HOTEL IN MEXICO?

Both have their advantages. An Airbnb is ideal for more space, a kitchen and living like a local. A hotel is more convenient for one or two nights passing through, with a reception desk and often breakfast included. As for us, we liked both. It all depends on what you want, whether you’re with family, solo or as a couple, and how you like to travel.

HOW MUCH DOES ACCOMMODATION COST IN MEXICO?

There’s something for every taste and every budget. We paid between €40 and €100 a night for two. To be completely transparent with you: €1,800 for 29 nights, or about €62 a night on average (that was in 2021, prices may have changed since).

👇 Here are the 8 places where we slept during our road trip, with our review of each one.

Tested during our road trip

Our 8 places to stay in Mexico

AirbnbHotel

  • Our Airbnb in Holbox, MexicoAirbnb

    Holbox

    An incredible room, with the pool right next door to cool off. Just perfect!

    • Room
    • Pool right next door
    • Incredible room
    Book
  • Our hotel in Valladolid, MexicoHotel

    Valladolid

    A stunning setting and a super spacious room, ideal for catching your breath between two cenotes.

    • Very spacious room
    • Pool
    • On-site massages
    Book
  • Our Airbnb in Mérida, MexicoAirbnb

    Mérida

    A whole house just for us, with a small pool to relax.

    • Whole house
    • Small pool
    • A bit out of the way
    Book
  • Our hotel in Bacalar, MexicoHotel

    Bacalar

    A gorgeous place right in the town center, with a superb pool.

    • Hotel
    • Superb pool
    • Town center, far from the lagoon
    Book
  • Our Airbnb in Tulum, MexicoAirbnb

    Tulum

    A whole place with a pool, but very far out: you'll need the car.

    • Whole place
    • Pool
    • Far out, car essential
    Book
  • Our Airbnb in Cozumel, MexicoAirbnb

    Cozumel

    A clean, well-located studio, so you can do everything on foot from the town center.

    • Studio
    • Clean and well designed
    • Close to the center
    Book
  • Our hotel in Isla Mujeres, MexicoHotel

    Isla Mujeres

    A beautiful seafront hotel with a magnificent pool.

    • Hotel
    • Magnificent pool
    • Seafront, a bit out of the way
    Book
  • Our hotel in Cancún, MexicoHotel

    Cancún

    Right next to the airport: perfect for the first or last night of the trip.

    • Hotel
    • Close to the airport
    • Ideal for the 1st or last night
    Book

MY MUST-HAVE TRAVEL GEAR 🧳

It’s a question that comes up a lot when preparing a trip “What should I bring?” That’s why you’ll find below some essential travel accessories to set off on vacation with peace of mind (your documents kept safe) 🛡️ . Planning ahead and getting these items in advance helps you save money and avoid paying for some of them on the spot, where they’ll cost you much more 💸 These are the accessories we took to Mexico and still use for every destination we travel to 👇.

Our road trip checklist

What to pack for Mexico?

Most of these items came with us throughout our 30-day road trip.

0 / 12 in my suitcase · check what you already have

  • Essential

    ElectronicsUniversal travel adapter

    In Mexico, outlets are the American type: French chargers won't fit.

    Buy
  • Essential

    ElectronicsPower bank

    Long days between ruins and cenotes: your phone lasts until evening.

    Buy
  • Essential

    Health & protectionBiodegradable sunscreen

    Mineral and biodegradable, kinder to cenotes and reefs.

    Buy
  • Essential

    Health & protectionMosquito repellent

    Mosquitoes are everywhere, especially in the evening and near the jungle.

    Buy
  • Essential

    Cenotes & beachWaterproof phone pouch

    To film in cenotes and at the beach without any risk.

    Buy
  • Recommended

    Health & protectionFilter water bottle

    Tap water isn't drinkable in Mexico: filter it and avoid plastic.

    Buy
  • Recommended

    Health & protectionTravel first-aid kit

    Band-aids, painkillers, anti-diarrhea meds: enough to handle small issues.

    Buy
  • Recommended

    Cenotes & beachWaterproof bag

    Papers and keys kept dry on boats, at the beach or by the cenotes.

    Buy
  • Recommended

    Cenotes & beachWater shoes

    For slippery cenote steps and rocky seabeds.

    Buy
  • Recommended

    Cenotes & beachMicrofiber towel

    Light and quick-drying: perfect for swim after swim.

    Buy
  • Bonus

    Travel & securityTSA lock

    To lock your suitcase on the plane, with no risk of it being broken at security.

    Buy
  • Bonus

    Travel & securityAirTag

    To track your suitcase if your luggage is delayed or lost.

    Buy

Scroll through the list

OUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS IN MEXICO 🎥

During our 30-day road trip in Mexico 🇲🇽, we filmed everything! From Holbox to Cancún, by way of Valladolid, Mérida, Bacalar, Tulum, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, we take you along with us step by step in our vlogs.

You’ll discover the cenotes we swam in, the Mayan sites we explored, the beaches that made us dream, our places to stay, our favorite spots to eat… and above all our honest take on each place: what amazed us, and what disappointed us a little 😉.

If you’re planning your trip, or simply dreaming of getting away, these videos will give you a real glimpse of Mexico, far from the tourist brochures.

Our road trip on video

Our YouTube videos in Mexico

Now watching: Episode 1 · Discovering Mexico & Holbox

  • Mexico - Episode 1 | Discovering Mexico & Holbox21 minEpisode 1Discovering Mexico & Holbox
  • Mexico - Episode 2 | Discovering cenotes & Mayan cities17 minEpisode 2Cenotes & Mayan cities
  • Mexico - Episode 3 | Mérida, Uxmal, the 3 cenotes of Cuzamá & the bats9 minEpisode 3Mérida, Uxmal, Cuzamá & the bats
  • Mexico - Episode 4 | Bacalar, one of Mexico's hidden paradises!13 minEpisode 4Bacalar, a hidden paradise
  • Mexico - Episode 5 | Tulum, Coba ruins, Sian Ka'an and Cenote Azul12 minEpisode 5Tulum, Coba, Sian Ka'an & Cenote Azul
  • Mexico - Episode 6 | Cozumel Island, scuba diving and incredible snorkeling12 minEpisode 6Cozumel, diving & snorkeling
  • Mexico - Episode 7 | Isla Mujeres, jet skiing & the end of our road trip17 minEpisode 7Isla Mujeres, jet skiing & the end of the road trip
Watch this episode on YouTubeSubscribe to the channel
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THANKS FOR YOUR FEEDBACK 👏

Thanks for reading this article all the way to the end 🙏! We hope it helps you plan your trip.

A question, a doubt about your itinerary, or simply want to tell us what you thought? Write to us in the comments. Your messages also help other travelers plan their trip, and they always make us very happy 💚.

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About me

About me

Le Ptit Curieux

My name is Bastien and I'm so happy to introduce you to my travel blog! I love discovering new places, cultures and countries… This passion made me want to share my discoveries, my tips and my best deals with you so you can travel with peace of mind!

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