Looking for an adventure that defies the ordinary and promises to push you beyond your comfort zone? Then come with us to visit these unique cenotes in Chemuyil.
Introduction
As local backpackers, we love absorbing the raw essence of a place and exploring the unknown. Allow us to tell you that these cenotes in Chemuyil are nothing short of extraordinary.
A Local Haven called Chemuyil
Nestled in the heart of ancient Mayan jungles, we found ourselves in a charming village called Chemuyil to venture into a local Mexican-Mayan experience.
How to reach Chemuyil
From Tulum, you can hop on to the Collectivo van, from opposite the ADO bus stop. The van will have Playa Del Carmen written on it.
Ask the driver to drop you to Chemuyil village. The bus ride from Tulum to Chemuyil is around 20 minutes and will set you back 30 pesos, that is just under $2.
Arriving slightly ahead of schedule, we passed the time inside a local house, which also served as an open-air cafe. Our breakfast was simple yet satisfying. Interacting with the residents brought a sense of authenticity to the entire experience. It was here that we crossed paths with Brian.
About cenotik
Brian is one of the brothers who runs Cenotik, the local company that orchestrates this experience. Cenotik’s main goal as a business is to introduce travelers from all across the world to Chemuyil. Show them around, engage them in exciting offbeat adventures; all in hope of meeting new people and cultural exchange.
Brian took us through what’s in store for us. The plan was straightforward: We were about to ride bikes without gear and travel the old school way! We were to visit 3 different Cenotes and take a dip in each… listening to stories and history behind each Cenote.
But before we jump into our adventure, let’s find out more about Cenotes.
What are Cenotes?
Cenotes are natural sinkholes or pits, that have exposed groundwater. In the entire world, best and largest number of Cenotes exist in the Yucatan Peninsula. They are created due to collapse of limestone bedrock, that forms most of the peninsula. It is believed that the asteroid hit which destroyed dinosaurs, created the Cenotes as well.
Exciting right? We definitely were intrigued to check out these ancient and unique cenotes in Chemuyil.
What is the significance of Cenotes in Mayan culture.
Cenotes hold special significance to the Mayan people. In ancient times, it was believed that cenotes were the entrance to the underworld, and a place where the Mayan gods would visit.
Mayans also believed in sacrificing worthy people by drowning them in the Cenotes. It is believed that during the hallowed month of October, the spirits of the dead emerge from the Cenotes and visit the living. Spooky!
Trivia for you!
Mayans who were born in 3rd week of August were believed to be the worthy ones. They lived a great life till about 20 years and were then sacrificed. Interesting right?
Visiting these cool cenotes in Chemuyil and hearing ancient tales definitely adds to the WOW factor of the whole experience.
getting back to the experience
We rode our bikes to 3 Cenotes, each different from the other. The first 2 Cenotes were private and completely isolated. Trust us, devoid of crowds, these 2 Cenotes are perfect for a peaceful and truly local visit.
The first Cenote ‘El Escondido’ was semi open and truly fascinating. Some of the air passages especially in the wet season can close up and pose to be dangerous. It is beneficial to visit such cenotes with knowledgeable local people like Brian who can tell us what’s safe and what’s not.
The cold and refreshing water in ‘El Escondido’ was perfect to beat the heat.
The second Cenote locally called ‘La Cuevita’, is found under a cave with bats hanging everywhere. Don’t worry the bats do not come down or hurt anyone. Cenotik gives very specific instructions before venturing into caves so as to not disturb the ecology there.
The water was very shallow and we could see all the underwater life and corals. It was one of the most stunning cenotes with pristine water.
Brian also took us deep inside the cave and showed us stalagmite and stalactite formation. This part is not for the faint hearted. If you are an absolute thrill seeker, you would love this.
The cave was dark and we could barely see anything. But after crossing the tough part, the experience turned out to be the best.
The final cenote on the list was Xunaan Ha. This public cenote is open and reaches depths of over 21 feet. Xunaan Ha has 2 diving points which most people thoroughly make use of. Xunaan Ha has a romantic and interesting backstory about the lady of the water.
Each of the Cenotes in Chemuyil are a 10-minute bike ride from each other.
Once back, Brian offered us delicious homemade nachos and salsa.
After the Cenote trip
Chemuyil is a cozy little village with tiny cafes and shops. Once the Cenote experience is complete, we highly recommend you to grab local food at La Palapa.
By experiencing this tour, you would not only witness something truly unique but also support a local initiative, where Cenotes and natural life is preserved.
We honestly took a chance by booking this expedition as we wanted to do something unconventional. Who knew that these Cenotes in Chemuyil, Mexico would turn out to be a memory of a lifetime.
