• home
  • about me
  • latest
  • brooke beyond

  • destinations
    • WORLD MAP
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Morocco
      • Namibia
      • South Africa
      • Zambia
      • Zimbabwe
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Indonesia
      • Laos
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Aus + NZ
      • Adelaide & South Australia
      • Brisbane & Queensland
      • Hobart & Tasmania
      • Melbourne & Victoria
      • Perth & Western Australia
      • Sydney & New South Wales
      • New Zealand
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Germany
      • Hungary
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Netherlands
      • Poland
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • UK
    • Latin America
      • Mexico
        • all Mexico
        • Baja Peninsula
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Panama
      • Peru
    • USA
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Hawaii
      • Idaho
      • Montana
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • Oregon
      • Utah
      • Washington
      • Wyoming
  • hiking guides

brooke beyond

Africa / South Africa

Driving the Garden Route Day 2: Visiting big cats at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

December 21, 2017

After a 20 minute drive from our guesthouse in Plettenberg Bay, we arrive at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre just before 730am this morning, exploding with excitement, ready to see some big kitties on our full day “Crazee Cat” tour. From its humble beginnings as just a shed behind the house of husband and wife conservationists, Tenikwa has since developed into one of the largest rehabilitation centres in South Africa’s Western Cape, rescuing and returning more than 2000 animals back to the wild since 2009. The awareness aspect of the centre was introduced as a way to educate both local and international visitors on the importance of protecting native animals and to raise funds for the ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

Despite the expense of caring for all the animals that pass through the centre, however, I really admire that Tenikwa has taken a strong stand against unethical tourism practices like allowing guests to hold lion cubs or pet cheetahs— there is absolutely no contact permitted between guests and any of the animals and guests are also not allowed to see any of the animals in the rehabilitation program that will be returning to the wild, as a fear of humans is essential to their survival and it is important to limit disruption of their natural instincts. The animals we will be seeing today are either unable to be rehabilitated due to the nature of their injuries or illness, or they were bred in captivity as part of conservation efforts. And Tenikwa is distinctly not a zoo, as the animals who do live here permanently are given huge enclosures that mimic their natural habitat and as much of their wild routine as possible has been preserved.

Following an introduction to the centre, we meet our private guide, Sizwe, and head over towards the cheetah, getting slightly pre-occupied along the way with a pair of caracals. These gorgeous African cats pose quite a threat to livestock, so they are often killed by farmers, dropping their numbers dangerously low in the wild. Awareness Centres like Tenikwa are therefore advocating for the use of dogs (to guard the sheep) or neck collars (to protect the sheep) rather than taking a shotgun to one of these beautiful animals. We can tell that Sizwe is incredibly passionate about this cause, as he chastises the farmers for not watching their livestock better and then being surprised when a wild animal does what wild animals do. Seriously though, just watch your sheep and stop shooting cats!

Finally, mum manages to pull me away from the little caracals and we continue towards the cheetah, soon catching sight of a huge male pacing along the fence, eagerly awaiting his morning walk. Sizwe introduces us to Duma (which means “cheetah” in Swahili) and I am instantly beside myself. Everything about him is beautiful, his piercing orange eyes and black tear-track markings; his strong shoulders and long, muscular tail; and his little spots and sleek, golden coat… Cheetah were the only animal on my wishlist that I didn’t get to see on safari in Kruger or Sabi Sands, so it’s pretty exciting to encounter one this close and to observe him at length in a relatively natural setting.

Duma has been bred in captivity, as was his mother before him, as part of a breeding program that aims to better adapt cheetah for changing conditions in the wild. Unlike leopards and lions who use stealth and sheer strength to hunt, cheetah rely primarily on their speed and therefore prefer open plains and flat grasslands as their habitat. Unfortunately, this flat land is also prime for building, so the cheetah are losing much of their territory to developments and are dying as a result of poor adaptation to varied landscapes. The aim is that, in a few generations, cheetah will be released into the wild and will be able to survive in thicker bush.

In an effort to mimic their natural routine as much as possible, the cheetahs are taken for walks in the early morning and late evening, as these are the times they would be most active in the wild. Even though Duma was bred in captivity, he still has many of his cheetah instincts intact, so he prowls in front of us, spraying trees as we pass, trying to get his back end as high as possible so that any passing cat would catch his scent far up the tree and know they are in the territory of a huge cheetah. He also takes to flopping down on the ground every few minutes, rolling around to really leave his smell all around, and stalks around the perimeter of his acreage, making sure that no cat has wandered into his territory.

Like all the cats we’ve seen so far, Duma is quite happy to put on a show and pose for photos, but always reminds us who is boss by walking in front and dictating the pace, even brushing past us to change directions abruptly. Mum and I are pretty delighted to have him all to ourselves. After 90 minutes, we start to edge him back towards his enclosure and he happily goes in, knowing that a delicious breakfast of raw chicken will be waiting for him and his brother, Zeus.

Speechless from our walk with Duma, mum and I return to the main lodge for a breakfast of our own (thankfully not raw chicken). Our little reserved table overlooks a pond and its heron and stork residents, who are also plenty amusing and more than a little odd looking. The marabou stork is particularly strange, with his giant pink air sac hanging below his neck, a head that looks like a balding grandpa with third-degree burns, and hollow legs (an adaptation for flight) that he has peed all over and turned brilliant white as a natural sunscreen. There is certainly no shortage of strange wildlife in Africa..

After breakfast, one of the animal keepers, Boniwe, takes us over to the rehabilitation centre and talks to us about the animals that are currently being looked after. Since we are on a private tour, she does actually let us see a couple of the animals that are being rehabilitated to go back into the wild, including a seagull who has developed botulism and lost the use of his legs. As part of his program, the seagull is in a pen with a pool where the animal keepers encourage him to swim and build strength up in his legs so he will be able to be released soon, which I find pretty amazing. There’s about a million seagulls (and they are always trying to eat my food at the beach), but here Tenikwa is taking the time to give bird physical therapy to one of these sick gulls!

We also get to look on as Boniwe feeds baby birds with tweezers, glance into pens where baby turtle hatchlings and 2 injured monitor lizards are being kept, and watch the penguin feeding, which is just as adorable as it sounds. Finally, we meet a little bush baby before making our way back over to the awareness side of the centre with food for the mongoose and meerkats. The mongoose gets a raw egg, which he holds in his paws and repeatedly throws at the ground until he’s able to crack it, and the meerkats get a bucket full of tasty compost (dirt crawling with thousands of earthworms). I absolutely adore meerkats, so the whole experience of watching them run out of their burrows to eat, always with one meerkat standing up on his hind legs and acting as the watch, is almost too much to handle.

After feeding the meerkats, we go back to the big cats with their midday meal and get to meet Chester and Zimbali, two other cheetah that live permanently at the centre. Chester was actually the first cheetah to come to Tenikwa, brought in at 2 days old and now approaching 10 years. When he was still very young, the owners noticed blood in his scat and some strange behaviour, but blood tests revealed nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn’t until he vomited and collapsed that a vet discovered Chester’s diabetes. He is fully insulin-dependent, ruling out the possibility of a release into the wild as he needs his daily shot, but he is now a happy and very healthy cat— you’d have no idea about his condition if the guides didn’t tell you.

Chester lives with Zimbali, a gorgeous female cheetah, and although the two are not related and could mate, they see each other more as siblings, which I think is extremely cute. Cheetah are not naturally social animals, as the females raise the cubs entirely alone and really the only interaction between the sexes would be for mating. Male cheetah do form “brotherly coalitions”, but females are completely solitary, so it’s a bit rare to observe this sort of relationship.

After meeting the other two cheetah, we do the rounds to visit the rest of the African cats starting with the serval. These medium-sized cats are often compared to cheetah because of their spots, but they have huge ears and extremely long legs that are distinctly different than pretty much all of the other wild cats. Sizwe takes us right up to the bush that the serval are sleeping in and we peer in at them through the brush. He has fashioned a cat toy that looks exactly like something I’ve bought previously for Henri and starts flipping it around, which draws the servals out immediately, but, unlike a house cat, when one of the servals latches onto the plastic ball, he crushes it in his jaw and rips the string clean off the stick. They may look adorable, but it’s a good reminder that I probably shouldn’t try and cuddle one.

Next on the list are the little African wild cats, which look just like pets, probably even smaller than Henri, but are allegedly quite vicious. Still, likely due to their size, the African wild cats regularly breed with domesticated cats, creating feral cats that then breed with other wild cats to create hybrids. Conservationists are hoping to prevent further dilution of the gene pool by desexing all of the hybrid and feral cats that they can possibly find, but of course it still happens (cats will be cats).

One of the wild cats at Tenikwa, Merlin, is completely blind and noticeably ancient. He struggles to walk normally and has to have his food sat right under his nose for him to find it. The little female kitty he lives with takes such sweet care of him, though, meowing loudly to tell him the food has arrived and helping to guide him around their habitat, so he is still enjoying a happy cat life and the centre is hoping to just let him pass naturally (hopefully peacefully in his sleep, dreaming of mice and birds).

Our last visit before lunch is possibly the most exciting of all, though. We saw several dozen lions in the wild on our safari last week, which was indescribably amazing, but the sheer size and beauty and proximity of these lions is breathtaking. The big male is a white lion who, while not an albino, is still at a great disadvantage due to the brilliant white of his coat— there are almost no white lions in the wild because they are unable to camouflage as well as their sandy-coloured counterparts. But, despite his poor adaptation for the wild, he is the definition of majestic.

He and his sister (who is also his mate because lions apparently have no boundaries) are simply enormous, far larger than any of the lions or lionesses we saw in Kruger or Sabi Sands. The size of their faces is basically the size of Henri, and Sizwe says they could crush a human skull in their jaws if they were so inclined. We aren’t allowed in the habitat with the lions, but we stand pressed up against the side and they get plenty close, trotting over when Sizwe pokes their ball through the fence. Unlike cheetah who will only look at you for a second before darting their eyes away, the lions are perfectly comfortable locking eyes with us, which is both incredible and a little intimidating. You have to humble yourself a little when you’re face to face with the king of the jungle. (Even though lion don’t live in what we would commonly refer to as “jungle”, the word itself is derived from Hindi and just refers to a place not inhabited by humans rather than specifically a heavily wooded forest area, so in this context it certainly includes plains and deserts.)

After a wonderful lunch back in front of the birds at the pond, we go back to see Chester and Zimbali for an afternoon grooming session. We sit with Sizwe as he brushes the cheetahs, ridiculously close to these gorgeous animals, almost deafened by Zimbali’s purring. Big cats that roar aren’t able to purr, so cheetah are some of the only African wild cats who are able to, and, by the sounds of it, exceptionally well.

It’s actually incredible to watch them interact with Sizwe— the love and respect between him and the cats is inspiring and makes our visit totally worthwhile. We want to support places that put the animals’ well being above all else and that aren’t willing to exploit these beautiful cats just for the sake of money. We have been very impressed that Tenikwa takes such great care to ensure that all animal interaction is done in an ethical manner and only in the name of educating people on animals and conservation efforts rather than just for a profit. We both feel confident that these cats are leading happy lives, and of course Chester would never have made it more than a few years in the wild due to his diabetes, so Tenikwa is truly his home.

Saying goodbye to the cheetah, we venture off to see the leopard, who, like the lions, can’t be viewed up close. It was wonderful to be right next to the cheetah and servals and wild cats, but the leopard is just too powerful and would happily kill a human just for sport, so we are kept opposite the fence to observe his feeding. In an effort to make him work just a little for his food, Sizwe chucks huge hunks of raw meat over the fence and the leopard takes off with frightening speed to grab it, devouring the food in seconds and coming back for more. We also saw plenty of leopards in the wild on our safari, but it’s still amazing to see one running about so close to us. We really get an appreciation for just how powerful these animals are.

Our last activity is to bring food to all of the animals, including the servals and wild cats (raw chicken), the mongoose (raw sardines), the meerkats (boiled chicken), and lastly the lions (kilos and kilos of chicken). We finally have to say goodbye to Sizwe, thanking him profusely for what has been such an amazing day with some truly incredible animals in a very special place, and drive on back to our B&B in Plettenberg Bay, but I am already planning to tell everyone I know about Tenikwa and spam people with my 1100 cat photos (not an exaggeration, I literally took 1100 photos today).

Read more about our road-trip along the Garden Route

DRIVING THE GARDEN ROUTE DAY 1: ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK

DRIVING THE GARDEN ROUTE DAY 3: HIKING THROUGH ROBBERG NATURE RESERVE

DRIVING THE GARDEN ROUTE DAY 4: WINE TASTING & OSTRICHES IN OUDTSHOORN

DRIVING THE GARDEN ROUTE DAY 5: SEASIDE IN MOSSEL BAY & HERMANUS

DRIVING THE GARDEN ROUTE DAY 6: EXPLORING HERMANUS & FERNKLOOF NATURE RESERVE

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DRIVING SOUTH AFRICA’S GARDEN ROUTE

TAGS:road tripswildlife
0 Comments
Share
brooke brisbine

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics, teaching at a university & securing permanent residency in Australia. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

You May Also Like

January 9, 2018

Adventuring through Botswana’s Okavango Delta by land, water & air

January 19, 2018

Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn

December 10, 2017

Visiting Number Four Prison in Johannesburg

hi, I’m brooke!

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

read my story
currently exploring

currently exploring

mexico

img

travel resources

flights ✈️ Skyscanner

hotels 🏨 booking.com

adventure gear 🥾 REI

travel essentials 📸 Amazon

travel guides

hiking guides

vanlife resources

moving to australia

trip itineraries

recent posts

  • Alta Via 4 Italian Dolomites hiking via ferrata guide

    Alta Via 4 (day 0): San Candido to Rifugio Tre Scarperi

    December 28, 2022
  • Alta Via 2 Italian Dolomites hiking via ferrata guide

    Alta Via 2 (day 13): Rifugio Boz to Croce d’Aune

    October 11, 2022
  • Alta Via 2 Italian Dolomites hiking via ferrata guide

    Alta Via 2 (day 12): Passo Cereda to Rifugio Boz

    October 11, 2022
  • Alta Via 2 Italian Dolomites hiking via ferrata guide

    Alta Via 2 (day 11): Rifugio Treviso to Passo Cereda + Via Ferrata Canalone

    October 11, 2022
  • Alta Via 2 Italian Dolomites hiking via ferrata guide

    Alta Via 2 (day 10): Rifugio Pradidali to Rifugio Treviso + Via Ferrata Porton & Nico Gusella

    October 3, 2022

@brookebeyond_
BB ON INSTAGRAM

@brookebeyond_

  • One of the most unique cenotes experiences you can have anywhere— kayaking in a cave, around a small circular island, surrounded by fish & turtles.
  • A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨

Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. 

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

UXMAL
✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court
⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs
💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH)

KABÁH
✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 75p

SAYIL
✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs 
⌛️ recommended time: 1hr
💸 entrance fee: 70p

XLAPAK
✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops)
⌛️ recommended time: 30min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

LABNÁ
✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
  • If it can’t be the mountains, then it better be the ocean! Where do you feel the most free? 🤩

🚁: @cal_field 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #mexicoroadtrip #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #roamtheplanet #roadtrip #yucatanpeninsula #allaboutadventures #adventureculture #travelblog #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls #beachbum #quintanaroo #quintanaroomexico #holbox #islaholbox #holbox mexico #foryou #fyp #travelreel
  • FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Sac Aua 💎
incredibly unique semi-open cenote with a small, tree-covered island surrounded by a vividly blue ring of water (look out for the resident turtle!). Entry is 150p entry; for an additional 100p, hire a kayak for 35min. Only locals here when we visited on a Saturday afternoon!
~ best for: kayaking in a unique cenote

💎 Cenote Chukum 💎
my favourite cave cenote in Yucatán, this is a built-up yet blissfully uncrowded adventure park 18m below the ground with jump platforms, a tandem flying fox & spectacular light beams. Entry is 200p entry; life jacket is mandatory and included in cost. There’s also a restaurant onsite. 
~ best for: adventure activities in a beautiful setting 

💎 Cenote Toh 💎 
seemingly located in someone’s backyard, this cenote was recommended by a local & indeed we were the only ones there (1-3pm on a Friday during busy season). A long spiral staircase descends into a massive cave illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. Entry is 150p; I’d recommend bringing your own floatie, some beers, and a speaker! 
~ best for: complete solitude 

💎 Cenote Xcanche 💎 
located just 2km from El Balam, either drive your own car, walk, or catch a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p & includes access to jump platforms & a rope swing; additional 150p for rappelling into the cenote, 150p to zipline, or 100p for the flying fox. Busy because of proximity to the ruins, but worth the visit!
~ best for: cooling off after Ek Balam

💎 Cenote Lol-Ha 💎
after visiting Chichén Itza, skip crowded Ik-Kil & instead venture 30min south to this beautiful open cenote— you can expect to be the only ones here! Entry is 100p & there are no amenities, but it’s worth it for the solitude.
~ best for: a quiet dip after Chichén Itzá
  • FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
  • VALLADOLID TRAVEL GUIDE 🌈🇲🇽✨

From its colonial streets & sparkling central park to the centuries-old Mayan ruins & otherworldly cenotes that surround it, this colourful pueblo mágico in central Yucatán is not to be missed!

WHAT TO DO
🌴 Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado: this bustling central plaza is the lifeblood of Valladolid, hosting vendors, live music & beautiful views of Templo de San Servacio
🌈 La Calzada de los Frailes: this colourful street is my favourite spot for a stroll past artisan boutiques & trendy restaurants
🥃 Mayapán Agave Distillery: it’s only “tequila” if it’s made in Tequila, Jalisco & a few surrounding municipalities, but this distillery in Valladolid produces the only blue agave spirit in Yucatán & it’s pretty delicious! (100p for 15min tour & 5 samples)
💎 Cenotes: some of Mexico’s best cenotes are located within easy driving distance of Valladolid [stay tuned for a future post with specific recommendations]
🛕 Chichén Itzá: one of the 7 Wonders of the World, this Mayan archaeological site is just 1hr from Valladolid (576p entry)
🗿 Ek Balam: 1500-year-old+ Mayan archaeological site with one of the few pyramids you can still climb (499p entry)

WHERE TO EAT
🥩 Conato: phenomenal restaurant offering a modern interpretation of traditional Yucatecan food and full-to-the-brim mezcal cocktails 
🐖 Taquería Rosario: fantastic cochinito pibil (15p tacos, 30p tortas)
🌮 El Tigrillo: roadside taco stand bustling with locals, serving up excellent cochinita pibil (20p tacos)
🥞 Marquesitas Los 3 Reyes: you might not imagine gouda, nutella & a cream cheese to be a good crepe combo, but you’d be wrong. Try delicious marquesitas (traditional Yucateca dessert) from 4-9pm daily in Parque Principal, just in front of the church (30-40p)
🐆 Ix Cat Ik Tradicional Mayan Comida: touristy restaurant with prices to match, but excellent food and a great atmosphere for trying traditional Mayan fare
  • EK BALAM: THE BLACK JAGUAR 🐆 

One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Yucatán is Ek Balam, whose name means “the black jaguar”— a representation of bravery & power, a symbol of the fearless warrior. In Mayan mythology, the jaguar was also one of the rulers of Xibalbá, the underworld, and therefore a symbol of the night sun & darkness 🌙 

Built in 100BCE & still inhabited when the Spanish invaded in the 1500s, Ek Balam was the centre of a flourishing Mayan kingdom. Only a fraction of the city was excavated in the 90s, but it’s a fascinating look into the history of this storied region that absolutely should not be missed!

Here’s what you need to know ↯

🚗 GETTING HERE
Ek Balam is just 30km (30min) north of Valladolid & can be accessed by car, bus, or organised tour. Driving will give you the most flexibility & it’s a very straightforward journey!

💸 COST
Entry is steep at 499p, but it’s one of the few ruins where you are still permitted to climb the pyramids! You can also hire a guide at the entrance for an additional 600p. 

⌛️ RECOMMENDED TIME
Allow at least 2hrs to explore the sprawling complex of Ek Balam, read all the informational plaques, and climb the Acropolis & other nearby structures. 

🤩 DON’T MISS
The incredible carved reliefs on display at the top of the Acropolis are among the best preserved examples of ancient art in all of Mesoamérica!

💎 NEARBY
Visit Cenote Xcanché for a refreshing dip after a hot afternoon at Ek Balam— it’s located 2km from the ruins, so either drive your car, walk, or hop in a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p. 

Have you been to Ek Balam?
  • IZAMAL TRAVEL GUIDE 💛🍋✨

Painted entirely in bright yellow & overflowing with small-town charm, this sunny pueblo mágico between Valladolid & Mérida is an enchanting stop on any Yucatán road trip! Here’s what you need to know about Mexico’s “Yellow Town” ↯

WHAT TO DO
🍋 Wander through the colourful streets: perhaps the best thing to do in Izamal is simply wander through the cobbled streets & admire the bright yellow buildings
✝️ Convento de San Antonio de Padua: striking 16th century convent in the middle of town, don’t miss the chance to wander through the grounds!
🛕Pirámide Kinich Kakmó: dedicated to a Mayan god who descended each day as a fire macaw to collect sacrifices, this ancient pyramid is located right in the middle of town & you can climb to the top for beautiful views (free!)
💎 Anillo de Cenotes: within a 60-90min drive, explore the “Ring of Cenotes”, formed by the same asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 66mil years ago [stay tuned for specific cenote recommendations!]

WHERE TO EAT
🐖 Kinich: rated one of Mexico’s best restaurants, this beautifully decorated patio space serves up local Mayan delicacies like poc chuc, cochinita pibil, sikil pak & empanadas de chaya
🌱 La Casona de Izamal: trendy cafe located behind a boutique, offering a mix of Mayan & Mexican cuisine
🌮 taco stands surrounding the main plaza 

WHERE TO STAY
@hotelquintaizamal
  • An absolute dream 💎
follow @brookebeyond_

travel beyond the ordinary

Explore my travel guides, custom itineraries & blog posts with an interactive world map ✨

all destinations

  • One of the most unique cenotes experiences you can have anywhere— kayaking in a cave, around a small circular island, surrounded by fish & turtles.
  • A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨

Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. 

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

UXMAL
✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court
⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs
💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH)

KABÁH
✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 75p

SAYIL
✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs 
⌛️ recommended time: 1hr
💸 entrance fee: 70p

XLAPAK
✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops)
⌛️ recommended time: 30min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

LABNÁ
✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
  • If it can’t be the mountains, then it better be the ocean! Where do you feel the most free? 🤩

🚁: @cal_field 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #mexicoroadtrip #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #roamtheplanet #roadtrip #yucatanpeninsula #allaboutadventures #adventureculture #travelblog #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls #beachbum #quintanaroo #quintanaroomexico #holbox #islaholbox #holbox mexico #foryou #fyp #travelreel
  • FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Sac Aua 💎
incredibly unique semi-open cenote with a small, tree-covered island surrounded by a vividly blue ring of water (look out for the resident turtle!). Entry is 150p entry; for an additional 100p, hire a kayak for 35min. Only locals here when we visited on a Saturday afternoon!
~ best for: kayaking in a unique cenote

💎 Cenote Chukum 💎
my favourite cave cenote in Yucatán, this is a built-up yet blissfully uncrowded adventure park 18m below the ground with jump platforms, a tandem flying fox & spectacular light beams. Entry is 200p entry; life jacket is mandatory and included in cost. There’s also a restaurant onsite. 
~ best for: adventure activities in a beautiful setting 

💎 Cenote Toh 💎 
seemingly located in someone’s backyard, this cenote was recommended by a local & indeed we were the only ones there (1-3pm on a Friday during busy season). A long spiral staircase descends into a massive cave illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. Entry is 150p; I’d recommend bringing your own floatie, some beers, and a speaker! 
~ best for: complete solitude 

💎 Cenote Xcanche 💎 
located just 2km from El Balam, either drive your own car, walk, or catch a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p & includes access to jump platforms & a rope swing; additional 150p for rappelling into the cenote, 150p to zipline, or 100p for the flying fox. Busy because of proximity to the ruins, but worth the visit!
~ best for: cooling off after Ek Balam

💎 Cenote Lol-Ha 💎
after visiting Chichén Itza, skip crowded Ik-Kil & instead venture 30min south to this beautiful open cenote— you can expect to be the only ones here! Entry is 100p & there are no amenities, but it’s worth it for the solitude.
~ best for: a quiet dip after Chichén Itzá
  • FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
One of the most unique cenotes experiences you can have anywhere— kayaking in a cave, around a small circular island, surrounded by fish & turtles.
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
One of the most unique cenotes experiences you can have anywhere— kayaking in a cave, around a small circular island, surrounded by fish & turtles.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨

Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. 

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

UXMAL
✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court
⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs
💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH)

KABÁH
✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 75p

SAYIL
✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs 
⌛️ recommended time: 1hr
💸 entrance fee: 70p

XLAPAK
✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops)
⌛️ recommended time: 30min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

LABNÁ
✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨

Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. 

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

UXMAL
✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court
⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs
💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH)

KABÁH
✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 75p

SAYIL
✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs 
⌛️ recommended time: 1hr
💸 entrance fee: 70p

XLAPAK
✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops)
⌛️ recommended time: 30min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

LABNÁ
✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨

Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. 

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

UXMAL
✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court
⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs
💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH)

KABÁH
✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 75p

SAYIL
✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs 
⌛️ recommended time: 1hr
💸 entrance fee: 70p

XLAPAK
✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops)
⌛️ recommended time: 30min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

LABNÁ
✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨

Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. 

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

UXMAL
✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court
⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs
💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH)

KABÁH
✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 75p

SAYIL
✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs 
⌛️ recommended time: 1hr
💸 entrance fee: 70p

XLAPAK
✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops)
⌛️ recommended time: 30min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

LABNÁ
✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨

Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. 

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

UXMAL
✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court
⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs
💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH)

KABÁH
✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 75p

SAYIL
✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs 
⌛️ recommended time: 1hr
💸 entrance fee: 70p

XLAPAK
✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops)
⌛️ recommended time: 30min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

LABNÁ
✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨

Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. 

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

UXMAL
✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court
⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs
💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH)

KABÁH
✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 75p

SAYIL
✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs 
⌛️ recommended time: 1hr
💸 entrance fee: 70p

XLAPAK
✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops)
⌛️ recommended time: 30min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

LABNÁ
✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨

Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. 

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

UXMAL
✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court
⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs
💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH)

KABÁH
✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 75p

SAYIL
✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs 
⌛️ recommended time: 1hr
💸 entrance fee: 70p

XLAPAK
✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops)
⌛️ recommended time: 30min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

LABNÁ
✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨

Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. 

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

UXMAL
✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court
⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs
💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH)

KABÁH
✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 75p

SAYIL
✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs 
⌛️ recommended time: 1hr
💸 entrance fee: 70p

XLAPAK
✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops)
⌛️ recommended time: 30min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

LABNÁ
✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨

Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. 

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

UXMAL
✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court
⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs
💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH)

KABÁH
✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 75p

SAYIL
✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs 
⌛️ recommended time: 1hr
💸 entrance fee: 70p

XLAPAK
✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops)
⌛️ recommended time: 30min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

LABNÁ
✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle
⌛️ recommended time: 45min
💸 entrance fee: 70p

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
A GUIDE TO RUTA PUUC (UXMAL & BEYOND) 🛕🗿✨ Just 80km (1hr) from Mérida, the Puuc Route is a string of 5 impeccably preserved & staggeringly ornate archaeological sites that are among my favourite in all of Mexico! The best part: you’re likely to be the only one at some of these off-the-beaten-path ruins. Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯ UXMAL ✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court ⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs 💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH) KABÁH ✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac ⌛️ recommended time: 45min 💸 entrance fee: 75p SAYIL ✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs ⌛️ recommended time: 1hr 💸 entrance fee: 70p XLAPAK ✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops) ⌛️ recommended time: 30min 💸 entrance fee: 70p LABNÁ ✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle ⌛️ recommended time: 45min 💸 entrance fee: 70p ⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC - aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!) - allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!) - it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná - there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
If it can’t be the mountains, then it better be the ocean! Where do you feel the most free? 🤩 🚁: @cal_field . . . . . . . . . #mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #mexicoroadtrip #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #roamtheplanet #roadtrip #yucatanpeninsula #allaboutadventures #adventureculture #travelblog #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls #beachbum #quintanaroo #quintanaroomexico #holbox #islaholbox #holbox mexico #foryou #fyp #travelreel
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Sac Aua 💎
incredibly unique semi-open cenote with a small, tree-covered island surrounded by a vividly blue ring of water (look out for the resident turtle!). Entry is 150p entry; for an additional 100p, hire a kayak for 35min. Only locals here when we visited on a Saturday afternoon!
~ best for: kayaking in a unique cenote

💎 Cenote Chukum 💎
my favourite cave cenote in Yucatán, this is a built-up yet blissfully uncrowded adventure park 18m below the ground with jump platforms, a tandem flying fox & spectacular light beams. Entry is 200p entry; life jacket is mandatory and included in cost. There’s also a restaurant onsite. 
~ best for: adventure activities in a beautiful setting 

💎 Cenote Toh 💎 
seemingly located in someone’s backyard, this cenote was recommended by a local & indeed we were the only ones there (1-3pm on a Friday during busy season). A long spiral staircase descends into a massive cave illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. Entry is 150p; I’d recommend bringing your own floatie, some beers, and a speaker! 
~ best for: complete solitude 

💎 Cenote Xcanche 💎 
located just 2km from El Balam, either drive your own car, walk, or catch a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p & includes access to jump platforms & a rope swing; additional 150p for rappelling into the cenote, 150p to zipline, or 100p for the flying fox. Busy because of proximity to the ruins, but worth the visit!
~ best for: cooling off after Ek Balam

💎 Cenote Lol-Ha 💎
after visiting Chichén Itza, skip crowded Ik-Kil & instead venture 30min south to this beautiful open cenote— you can expect to be the only ones here! Entry is 100p & there are no amenities, but it’s worth it for the solitude.
~ best for: a quiet dip after Chichén Itzá
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Sac Aua 💎
incredibly unique semi-open cenote with a small, tree-covered island surrounded by a vividly blue ring of water (look out for the resident turtle!). Entry is 150p entry; for an additional 100p, hire a kayak for 35min. Only locals here when we visited on a Saturday afternoon!
~ best for: kayaking in a unique cenote

💎 Cenote Chukum 💎
my favourite cave cenote in Yucatán, this is a built-up yet blissfully uncrowded adventure park 18m below the ground with jump platforms, a tandem flying fox & spectacular light beams. Entry is 200p entry; life jacket is mandatory and included in cost. There’s also a restaurant onsite. 
~ best for: adventure activities in a beautiful setting 

💎 Cenote Toh 💎 
seemingly located in someone’s backyard, this cenote was recommended by a local & indeed we were the only ones there (1-3pm on a Friday during busy season). A long spiral staircase descends into a massive cave illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. Entry is 150p; I’d recommend bringing your own floatie, some beers, and a speaker! 
~ best for: complete solitude 

💎 Cenote Xcanche 💎 
located just 2km from El Balam, either drive your own car, walk, or catch a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p & includes access to jump platforms & a rope swing; additional 150p for rappelling into the cenote, 150p to zipline, or 100p for the flying fox. Busy because of proximity to the ruins, but worth the visit!
~ best for: cooling off after Ek Balam

💎 Cenote Lol-Ha 💎
after visiting Chichén Itza, skip crowded Ik-Kil & instead venture 30min south to this beautiful open cenote— you can expect to be the only ones here! Entry is 100p & there are no amenities, but it’s worth it for the solitude.
~ best for: a quiet dip after Chichén Itzá
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Sac Aua 💎
incredibly unique semi-open cenote with a small, tree-covered island surrounded by a vividly blue ring of water (look out for the resident turtle!). Entry is 150p entry; for an additional 100p, hire a kayak for 35min. Only locals here when we visited on a Saturday afternoon!
~ best for: kayaking in a unique cenote

💎 Cenote Chukum 💎
my favourite cave cenote in Yucatán, this is a built-up yet blissfully uncrowded adventure park 18m below the ground with jump platforms, a tandem flying fox & spectacular light beams. Entry is 200p entry; life jacket is mandatory and included in cost. There’s also a restaurant onsite. 
~ best for: adventure activities in a beautiful setting 

💎 Cenote Toh 💎 
seemingly located in someone’s backyard, this cenote was recommended by a local & indeed we were the only ones there (1-3pm on a Friday during busy season). A long spiral staircase descends into a massive cave illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. Entry is 150p; I’d recommend bringing your own floatie, some beers, and a speaker! 
~ best for: complete solitude 

💎 Cenote Xcanche 💎 
located just 2km from El Balam, either drive your own car, walk, or catch a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p & includes access to jump platforms & a rope swing; additional 150p for rappelling into the cenote, 150p to zipline, or 100p for the flying fox. Busy because of proximity to the ruins, but worth the visit!
~ best for: cooling off after Ek Balam

💎 Cenote Lol-Ha 💎
after visiting Chichén Itza, skip crowded Ik-Kil & instead venture 30min south to this beautiful open cenote— you can expect to be the only ones here! Entry is 100p & there are no amenities, but it’s worth it for the solitude.
~ best for: a quiet dip after Chichén Itzá
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Sac Aua 💎
incredibly unique semi-open cenote with a small, tree-covered island surrounded by a vividly blue ring of water (look out for the resident turtle!). Entry is 150p entry; for an additional 100p, hire a kayak for 35min. Only locals here when we visited on a Saturday afternoon!
~ best for: kayaking in a unique cenote

💎 Cenote Chukum 💎
my favourite cave cenote in Yucatán, this is a built-up yet blissfully uncrowded adventure park 18m below the ground with jump platforms, a tandem flying fox & spectacular light beams. Entry is 200p entry; life jacket is mandatory and included in cost. There’s also a restaurant onsite. 
~ best for: adventure activities in a beautiful setting 

💎 Cenote Toh 💎 
seemingly located in someone’s backyard, this cenote was recommended by a local & indeed we were the only ones there (1-3pm on a Friday during busy season). A long spiral staircase descends into a massive cave illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. Entry is 150p; I’d recommend bringing your own floatie, some beers, and a speaker! 
~ best for: complete solitude 

💎 Cenote Xcanche 💎 
located just 2km from El Balam, either drive your own car, walk, or catch a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p & includes access to jump platforms & a rope swing; additional 150p for rappelling into the cenote, 150p to zipline, or 100p for the flying fox. Busy because of proximity to the ruins, but worth the visit!
~ best for: cooling off after Ek Balam

💎 Cenote Lol-Ha 💎
after visiting Chichén Itza, skip crowded Ik-Kil & instead venture 30min south to this beautiful open cenote— you can expect to be the only ones here! Entry is 100p & there are no amenities, but it’s worth it for the solitude.
~ best for: a quiet dip after Chichén Itzá
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Sac Aua 💎
incredibly unique semi-open cenote with a small, tree-covered island surrounded by a vividly blue ring of water (look out for the resident turtle!). Entry is 150p entry; for an additional 100p, hire a kayak for 35min. Only locals here when we visited on a Saturday afternoon!
~ best for: kayaking in a unique cenote

💎 Cenote Chukum 💎
my favourite cave cenote in Yucatán, this is a built-up yet blissfully uncrowded adventure park 18m below the ground with jump platforms, a tandem flying fox & spectacular light beams. Entry is 200p entry; life jacket is mandatory and included in cost. There’s also a restaurant onsite. 
~ best for: adventure activities in a beautiful setting 

💎 Cenote Toh 💎 
seemingly located in someone’s backyard, this cenote was recommended by a local & indeed we were the only ones there (1-3pm on a Friday during busy season). A long spiral staircase descends into a massive cave illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. Entry is 150p; I’d recommend bringing your own floatie, some beers, and a speaker! 
~ best for: complete solitude 

💎 Cenote Xcanche 💎 
located just 2km from El Balam, either drive your own car, walk, or catch a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p & includes access to jump platforms & a rope swing; additional 150p for rappelling into the cenote, 150p to zipline, or 100p for the flying fox. Busy because of proximity to the ruins, but worth the visit!
~ best for: cooling off after Ek Balam

💎 Cenote Lol-Ha 💎
after visiting Chichén Itza, skip crowded Ik-Kil & instead venture 30min south to this beautiful open cenote— you can expect to be the only ones here! Entry is 100p & there are no amenities, but it’s worth it for the solitude.
~ best for: a quiet dip after Chichén Itzá
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Sac Aua 💎
incredibly unique semi-open cenote with a small, tree-covered island surrounded by a vividly blue ring of water (look out for the resident turtle!). Entry is 150p entry; for an additional 100p, hire a kayak for 35min. Only locals here when we visited on a Saturday afternoon!
~ best for: kayaking in a unique cenote

💎 Cenote Chukum 💎
my favourite cave cenote in Yucatán, this is a built-up yet blissfully uncrowded adventure park 18m below the ground with jump platforms, a tandem flying fox & spectacular light beams. Entry is 200p entry; life jacket is mandatory and included in cost. There’s also a restaurant onsite. 
~ best for: adventure activities in a beautiful setting 

💎 Cenote Toh 💎 
seemingly located in someone’s backyard, this cenote was recommended by a local & indeed we were the only ones there (1-3pm on a Friday during busy season). A long spiral staircase descends into a massive cave illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. Entry is 150p; I’d recommend bringing your own floatie, some beers, and a speaker! 
~ best for: complete solitude 

💎 Cenote Xcanche 💎 
located just 2km from El Balam, either drive your own car, walk, or catch a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p & includes access to jump platforms & a rope swing; additional 150p for rappelling into the cenote, 150p to zipline, or 100p for the flying fox. Busy because of proximity to the ruins, but worth the visit!
~ best for: cooling off after Ek Balam

💎 Cenote Lol-Ha 💎
after visiting Chichén Itza, skip crowded Ik-Kil & instead venture 30min south to this beautiful open cenote— you can expect to be the only ones here! Entry is 100p & there are no amenities, but it’s worth it for the solitude.
~ best for: a quiet dip after Chichén Itzá
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Sac Aua 💎
incredibly unique semi-open cenote with a small, tree-covered island surrounded by a vividly blue ring of water (look out for the resident turtle!). Entry is 150p entry; for an additional 100p, hire a kayak for 35min. Only locals here when we visited on a Saturday afternoon!
~ best for: kayaking in a unique cenote

💎 Cenote Chukum 💎
my favourite cave cenote in Yucatán, this is a built-up yet blissfully uncrowded adventure park 18m below the ground with jump platforms, a tandem flying fox & spectacular light beams. Entry is 200p entry; life jacket is mandatory and included in cost. There’s also a restaurant onsite. 
~ best for: adventure activities in a beautiful setting 

💎 Cenote Toh 💎 
seemingly located in someone’s backyard, this cenote was recommended by a local & indeed we were the only ones there (1-3pm on a Friday during busy season). A long spiral staircase descends into a massive cave illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. Entry is 150p; I’d recommend bringing your own floatie, some beers, and a speaker! 
~ best for: complete solitude 

💎 Cenote Xcanche 💎 
located just 2km from El Balam, either drive your own car, walk, or catch a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p & includes access to jump platforms & a rope swing; additional 150p for rappelling into the cenote, 150p to zipline, or 100p for the flying fox. Busy because of proximity to the ruins, but worth the visit!
~ best for: cooling off after Ek Balam

💎 Cenote Lol-Ha 💎
after visiting Chichén Itza, skip crowded Ik-Kil & instead venture 30min south to this beautiful open cenote— you can expect to be the only ones here! Entry is 100p & there are no amenities, but it’s worth it for the solitude.
~ best for: a quiet dip after Chichén Itzá
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Sac Aua 💎
incredibly unique semi-open cenote with a small, tree-covered island surrounded by a vividly blue ring of water (look out for the resident turtle!). Entry is 150p entry; for an additional 100p, hire a kayak for 35min. Only locals here when we visited on a Saturday afternoon!
~ best for: kayaking in a unique cenote

💎 Cenote Chukum 💎
my favourite cave cenote in Yucatán, this is a built-up yet blissfully uncrowded adventure park 18m below the ground with jump platforms, a tandem flying fox & spectacular light beams. Entry is 200p entry; life jacket is mandatory and included in cost. There’s also a restaurant onsite. 
~ best for: adventure activities in a beautiful setting 

💎 Cenote Toh 💎 
seemingly located in someone’s backyard, this cenote was recommended by a local & indeed we were the only ones there (1-3pm on a Friday during busy season). A long spiral staircase descends into a massive cave illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. Entry is 150p; I’d recommend bringing your own floatie, some beers, and a speaker! 
~ best for: complete solitude 

💎 Cenote Xcanche 💎 
located just 2km from El Balam, either drive your own car, walk, or catch a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p & includes access to jump platforms & a rope swing; additional 150p for rappelling into the cenote, 150p to zipline, or 100p for the flying fox. Busy because of proximity to the ruins, but worth the visit!
~ best for: cooling off after Ek Balam

💎 Cenote Lol-Ha 💎
after visiting Chichén Itza, skip crowded Ik-Kil & instead venture 30min south to this beautiful open cenote— you can expect to be the only ones here! Entry is 100p & there are no amenities, but it’s worth it for the solitude.
~ best for: a quiet dip after Chichén Itzá
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨ 💎 Cenote Sac Aua 💎 incredibly unique semi-open cenote with a small, tree-covered island surrounded by a vividly blue ring of water (look out for the resident turtle!). Entry is 150p entry; for an additional 100p, hire a kayak for 35min. Only locals here when we visited on a Saturday afternoon! ~ best for: kayaking in a unique cenote 💎 Cenote Chukum 💎 my favourite cave cenote in Yucatán, this is a built-up yet blissfully uncrowded adventure park 18m below the ground with jump platforms, a tandem flying fox & spectacular light beams. Entry is 200p entry; life jacket is mandatory and included in cost. There’s also a restaurant onsite. ~ best for: adventure activities in a beautiful setting 💎 Cenote Toh 💎 seemingly located in someone’s backyard, this cenote was recommended by a local & indeed we were the only ones there (1-3pm on a Friday during busy season). A long spiral staircase descends into a massive cave illuminated by a single light hanging from the ceiling. Entry is 150p; I’d recommend bringing your own floatie, some beers, and a speaker! ~ best for: complete solitude 💎 Cenote Xcanche 💎 located just 2km from El Balam, either drive your own car, walk, or catch a tuk tuk. Entry is 170p & includes access to jump platforms & a rope swing; additional 150p for rappelling into the cenote, 150p to zipline, or 100p for the flying fox. Busy because of proximity to the ruins, but worth the visit! ~ best for: cooling off after Ek Balam 💎 Cenote Lol-Ha 💎 after visiting Chichén Itza, skip crowded Ik-Kil & instead venture 30min south to this beautiful open cenote— you can expect to be the only ones here! Entry is 100p & there are no amenities, but it’s worth it for the solitude. ~ best for: a quiet dip after Chichén Itzá
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎
beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. 
~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch

💎 Cenote Suytun 💎
this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. 
~ best for: photography 

💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎
incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. 
~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures

💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎
quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!).
~ best for: amazing stalactites 

💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎
in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. 
~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨ 💎 Cenote Oxmán 💎 beautiful open cenote beneath towering limestone walls covered in verdant foliage. Entry is 150p or 300p for entry plus a 250p-coupon to spend at the pool-front restaurant! Life jackets required. ~ best for: swimming & then grabbing lunch 💎 Cenote Suytun 💎 this instafamous cenote features a stunning stone walkway into the middle of the cave and is absolutely crawling with people, BUT if you stay in the cabañas on-site for 900p, you’ll get the 200p/person entry for free AND easily be the first ones inside when it opens at 9am. ~ best for: photography 💎 Cenote Secretó Maya 💎 incredible open cenote dripping in vines and ringed by agave, with a whopping 54m depth. Several jump platforms & an epic rope swing, plus an on-site restaurant, cabañas for rent & even massages. Entry is 200p or 300p with a cave tour; life jacket available but not required. ~ best for: off-the-beaten-path adventures 💎 Cenote Palomitas 💎 quiet & lesser visited cave cenote with amazing stalactites. Entry is 170p with optional life jacket/tube or 270p with delicious lunch buffet (great value!). ~ best for: amazing stalactites 💎 Cenote Agua Dulce 💎 in the same complex as Palomitas but with a separate entrance fee (170p), this is another amazing cave cenote with a floating dock and few people. ~ best for: a quiet cave cenote
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

  • home
  • about me
  • latest
  • destinations
  • hiking guides
  • moving to Australia
  • vanlife resources
  • contact

COPYRIGHT © 2022 BROOKE BEYOND. TRAVEL BEYOND THE ORDINARY. Site Powered by Pix & Hue.