Cenotes, or underground rivers, are naturally formed wonders created by the filtration of water through the limestone surface. They are sources of plentiful crystalline water and can be found only in the Yucatán Peninsula, Florida and the island of Cuba. The Mayans consider these 'sinkholes' sacred and gifted by the gods. Their name for them is dzonot. To the Spanish ear, this word was registered as cenote.
Today at least 1000 cenotes have been located among the approximately four thousand that are believed to exist in the State of Yucatán. It is believed cenotes were created by an intensely slow process which began when a meteor impacted the Earth more than 65 million years ago. This impact that has been linked to a major biological catastrophe where more than 50 percent of the Earth's species, including the dinosaurs, became extinct.
Cenotes are unique and a great way to cool down from the heat. Don't miss this journey into the depths of the earth, traversing the fabulous watery labyrinths of Yucatán.
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Cenotes near Macan ché |
 There are hundreds (probably thousands) of cenotes within an easy drive of Macan ché. Below we'll report on either cenotes we have personally visited or those our guests have visited and enjoyed.
There are four different types of cenotes--those that are completely underground, those that are semi-underground, those that are at land level like a lake or pond, like the one at Dzibilchaltun, and those that are open wells, like the one in Chichén Itzá. Some of them are accessible for swimming and cave diving, but this is a sport that should ONLY be practiced with a professional guide. |
Cuzama |
 This is a slice of "real" Yucatán. Until Hurricane Isidoro hit, the town of Cuzama was a working henequin hacienda. The great legacy of that time are the "truks," little horse-drawn carts once used to bring in the henequin for processing. The old hacienda contained three very lovely cenotes and now the truks are used to take visitors to the cenotes. It's about an 1-1/4 hour drive from Macan ché. We've had people leave as late as 2pm and still make a great trip of it (though they opted for only 2 cenotes due to the fading light).
This trip is fantastic and we can say that since we just recently did it. The truk ride is 9 Km, so you might want to bring along some refreshments because you're heading out into the fields. Just sit back and enjoy the ride through the old henequin plantation. We'd suggest you go the last cenote first and then work your way back. The truk drivers will offer the option. If you go this way, you'll arrive at the end of the line and make your way to cenote Bolonchoojol.
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| • Cenote Bolonchoojol "Nine Drops of Water" at Cuzama |
 This impressive cenote is the subject of MANY pictures used for publicity on cenotes in the Yucatán. (This is the cenote pictured at the beginning of this section.) The entrance is a hole in the ground with a railroad tie ladder. The hole looks narrow but once you get down, you will find yourself in a huge, well-lit cavern with the crystal clear blue toned water of the cenote. In the middle of the cenote the stalactites have formed what looks like a huge tree. Enjoy your swim here and don't forget those photographs!
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| • Cenote Chansinic'che "Tree with Small Ants" at Cuzama |
Back aboard the truk for a short ride to cenote, Chansinic'che. It is a bit harder to get into. The first thing you will find is a hole in the ground and a ladder made out of the railroad tracks. This ladder is somewhat less than plumb and can feel intimidating, but it's really an easy descent. Climb down the ladder for about 10 meters or 30 feet and you are in another transparent cenote for another refreshing swim.
Of course, there is an easier, albeit scarier way in. When we arrived at this cenote, there was a couple standing at the precipice getting up the nerve for the jump. Our friend Nathaniel took pity on them and jumped right in (10 meters down) to show them that it was doable. They took his lead and followed on his heels.
The water here is darker and very deep. The cave formations are quite amazing as is the giant roots of a tree growing right down into the water. You can feel the power and calm in this cenote. Take the plunge if you're bold or climb the ladder. While we were there they were working on improving the entrance, so you might find it has easier access by the time you arrive.
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| • Cenote Chelentun "Laying Down Rock" at Cuzama |
 If you go from the extent of the ride to Bolonchoojol and make your way back, you'll finally come to Chelentun. This cenote has the easiest access. The cement stairs and handrail make it easy to go down for a swim in the crystal clear water. The cave extends a long way back, but it is swimable. Make your way to the back of the cavern and look back at the natural arch and the beautiful pattern made by the 100-year-old concrete stairway. Then its back to the truk for a ride back to town and your adventure at Cuzama becomes a beautiful memory.
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Cenotillo |
| The town of Cenotillo is located 29 Km east from Izamal. The village got its name ("little cenote) from the large number of cenotes located within the town and the open fields around. There are more than 150 cenotes, but you will need to hire a local guide to find them. The main cenotes at Cenotillo are Kaipech, Xayin and Ucil. As yet, we have not visited Cenotillo personally, but we are told the cenotes there are quite beautiful.
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