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brooke beyond

Moving to Australia

FBI police checks for Americans applying for the 820/801 Australian Partner Visa

February 21, 2020

If you’ve lived in the United States of America for a period of more than 12 months during the last 10 years, you’ll need to submit an FBI Identity History Summary police check as part of the requirement for your 820/801 Australian Partner Visa. This applies even to non-US citizens and non-US permanent residents who have lived in America.

Unfortunately, it can be a bit of a headache to complete the FBI police check if you’re currently living in Australia— you’ll be required to mail off a set of fingerprints and the FBI is notoriously particular about it, which means most people will use a professional fingerprinting service… expensive and very limited appointments. Instead, I decided to take my own fingerprints and had great success! Here’s everything you need to know about getting your FBI police check while living in Australia.

Need to complete your police check in Australia, too? COMPLETING AFP NATIONAL POLICE CHECKS (NPC) FOR YOUR 820/801 AUSTRALIAN PARTNER VISA

Read my whole series on applying for the 820/801 Australian Partner Visa for more information about preparing your evidence, lodging your application, and the next steps. If you’re just beginning, start with this post to get an overview (and to read about our story). And, as always, please remember that I am not a migration agent or affiliated with Home Affairs in any way, so all the information provided in these posts and in the comments below is based entirely on my own experience and my own understanding of the application process.

What's in this travel guide

  • How to apply for the FBI police check
    • Online application for FBI police check
  • Getting your fingerprints in Australia
    • Professional fingerprinting
    • Taking your own fingerprints
  • Sending your police check request to the FBI

How to apply for the FBI police check

There are essentially 3 options for applying for the FBI police check:

  • Online: submit the application for an FBI police check online and then mail just the fingerprints to America
  • Snail mail: mail the entire FBI police check application along with your fingerprints to America
  • Use an authorised “channeler”: a third-party service can submit this request for you. I’ve heard that this is the easiest and quickest option for getting your FBI police check, but it is more expensive, can only be used by American citizens or PRs (so not someone who has just lived in America on a visa), and you need to be in America to receive the results by mail. So this is not useful if you’re applying for a Partner Visa onshore in Australia!

The FBI also has a great page outlining all of the different options and steps. This post will cover the steps for submitting an online application for an FBI police check, as this is the best option in my opinion!

Online application for FBI police check

1. To begin your online application, visit the Electronic Departmental Order website and enter your email address in the blue box on the right hand side of the screen (you’ll need to scroll about half way down the page).

Enter your email address in the blue box

2. You’ll receive an email from Criminal Justice Information Services with a 6-digit PIN number. Click the link in your email (“Click here to access your request”) to be directed to a new webpage, where you can enter the PIN.

The email containing your application PIN
Enter your PIN

3. Begin the application by completing some basic personal information, including your full name, DOB, and the last 4 digits of your social security number.

Provide some basic personal information

4. Provide your mailing address and phone number in Australia (if you are living in Australia).

Address and mobile number

5. Confirm how you would like to receive the FBI police check. I requested a hard-copy for my records (it’s likely that an electronic copy would suffice, but I wanted to be safe!).

Confirm that you would like a hard-copy of the police check

6. You’ll be asked to confirm your full name, mailing address, DOB, and social security number one last time.

7. You can pay for the FBI police check using a credit card, PayPal, or Amazon Pay. As far as I could tell, the cost is $18USD irrespective of payment method.

8. Following payment, you will be redirected to a page with status information about your application. Don’t be alarmed that it reads INCOMPLETE, this just means that the FBI is still waiting on your fingerprints. Take note of the address on this page, it’s where you’ll be sending your fingerprints! I’d also recommend downloading a copy of the application (using that long blue button on the top of the page) just for your own records.

The application is paid, but still incomplete pending fingerprints

Getting your fingerprints in Australia

Regardless of whether you’ve applied online or by paper application for the FBI check, you’ll need to mail fingerprints to the FBI in America. These fingerprints must be on an Applicant Fingerprint Form (FD-258), which you’ll also fill out with some personal information (name, DOB, address, social security number, height, weight, eye colour, hair colour, etc).

Personal details on the FD-258 Form for an FBI police check
Personal details on the FD-258 Form for an FBI police check

Professional fingerprinting

It used to be that you could just rock up to a police station and get your fingerprints taken for free, but apparently that’s no longer the case. There are only a few police stations that offer the service now and you’ll need to make an appointment, as well as pay a fee ($50.40 for a single set or $71.10 for 2 sets; note that these prices may be specific to VIC).

You can make an appointment or find more information on these pages:

  • VIC Police
  • QLD Police
  • NSW Police

I originally planned to just get my fingerprints done at the police station in Melbourne since it seemed the easiest choice, but appointments were booked out months in advance and I didn’t like the idea of turning over $71.10 (better to get 2 sets, in case one is rejected by the FBI, which does happen), so I ended up taking my own prints.

Fingerprints required on the FD-258 Form for an FBI police check
Fingerprints required on the FD-258 Form for an FBI police check

Taking your own fingerprints

It’s surprisingly easy to take your own fingerprints— I’d recommend getting a specific “fingerprinting pad” (these are actually inkless, so they don’t smudge or stain), which should cost around $10-15 from a craft store.

You need to provide a rolled fingerprint for all 10 fingers, as well as a flat fingerprint for each hand (4 fingers together for right and left, then both thumbs together), and the best way to learn the technique is to watch this YouTube video and read this handout from the FBI on fingerprinting:

  • Fingerprinting Technique Using a 10 Print Card
  • Capturing Legible Fingerprints

Using these resources, I managed to take decent fingerprints completely on my own and these were accepted by the FBI. Granted, I sent them 6 copies of the form because I wasn’t sure which prints they’d like best and I wanted to be safe… but my Police Check was finalised with no issue! I’d suggest sending at least a few versions to avoid possible delays.

How to take your own fingerprints for the FBI police check
How to take your own fingerprints for the FBI police check

Sending your police check request to the FBI

After completing your FD-258 fingerprint form (including all the necessary personal details), you need to mail that form AND a copy of your online application email confirmation to the FBI at the following address:

FBI CJIS Division
ATTN: ELECTRONIC SUMMARY REQUEST
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306

The best way to do this is by Registered Post or Express International Post, since these both have end-to-end tracking. It’ll definitely cost you ($24 or $36, depending on which option you choose), but at least you’ll know exactly when your forms have been received.

Registered Post or Express International Post
Send your forms by Registered Post or Express International Post

Just 4 days after I got the SMS notification from AusPost that my parcel had been delivered, I got an email from the FBI saying that my “Identity History Summary Response” was available for review online.

Using the link and pin given in their original email (after submitting the online application), I was able to log-in and download my letter from the FBI, which could then be uploaded to my application. It’s not to say that everyone’s turn-around will be this quick, but at least it’s promising to know that there’s not a large backlog of these requests at the FBI!

* I am not a migration agent or affiliated with Home Affairs in any way, so all the information provided in these posts and in the comments below is based entirely on my own experience and my own understanding of the application process. 

If you found this post helpful and want to contribute to some of the costs associated with running BrookeAroundTown.com, I would be infinitely grateful!

You can use the PayPal button below to donate whatever you feel this information is worth. If you aren’t able, don’t worry— I will always keep my posts free and accessible for everyone!

UPDATE: A MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who’s commented to let me know that you found these posts helpful— I can’t tell you how much it means to me to read your success stories! I worked incredibly hard to compile all of this information (while getting my PhD & teaching), but it’s genuinely been worth it to make even a small difference for my fellow immigrants.

More importantly, though, THANK YOU to everyone who has shared their own experience or answered questions for other readers in the comments below! We are building a wonderful & supportive community of Partner Visa applicants here, and every comment and question is a resource for others.

If you felt like these posts helped with your application, I’d encourage you to come back after your visa is granted (or even after various milestones) and let us all know what happened— it might mean the world to someone else struggling with this process! Best wishes to you all xx bb

TAGS:australian partner visamoving to australia
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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

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The Comments

  • Gabriel
    May 16, 2022

    Hi Brooke,

    After filling out the form and putting your fingerprints down, did you still need a Police Officer to sign the form before submitting it to USA?

    Thanks Gab

    Reply
    • brooke
      Gabriel
      May 18, 2022

      Hi Gab,

      Nope, no need for anyone to witness or sign the prints!

      xx bb

      Reply
  • Vanessa
    April 8, 2022

    HI Brooke,

    Thank you so much for your blog it is really helpful. I am not an US citizen but lived in NY for 2 years (2006-2007). I was single back then. Should I include my single name – as this is how they would know me there – or my married name, which is my current name and the one I am using in my application.

    Thank you!
    Vanessa

    Reply
    • brooke
      Vanessa
      May 18, 2022

      Hi Vanessa,

      On the physical form, there’s a space for you to write other “aliases”, so you should be able to include both your married and maiden name on the form. As for the online application, your instinct to use the legal name you had while living in the US is probably correct, but that’s just my opinion and not based on any actual experience. Best of luck!

      xx bb

      Reply
  • Grace
    March 12, 2022

    Thanks for this! Quick question: Did you leave the “ORI” field blank? The card says it’s a required field but seeing as I’m doing the prints myself, I don’t know what to put there.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Grace
      March 27, 2022

      Hi Grace,

      From memory, I just left all those fields (related to who took the prints) blank.

      Hope that helps!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Jennifer
    February 1, 2022

    Do you know if non-americans can submit their request online then send the fingerprint cards? Or is the only option to submit everything by post (e.g. application form etc).

    Any insight would be super helpful! My Aussie visa has been approved pending the FBI history check.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Jennifer
      February 4, 2022

      Hi Jennifer,

      I actually don’t know about that one– all I know is that I was able to submit the request online, but as an American myself, I can’t say whether this applies to everyone.

      Perhaps another reader will know the answer to this??

      Reply
    • Hehe
      Jennifer
      February 16, 2022

      Hey, Jennifer, yes, I am Korean and did it and it worked well. I mostly followed steps that Brooke did. I did it as it’ was one of my visa requirements in Aus and I lived in US for a bit

      Reply
  • Cata Wanderlust
    January 19, 2022

    Brooke,
    Thank you so so much for sharing your experience and guiding us step-by-step. I was freaking out when I found out I had to get an FBI Check Report as a non-American. Hands-on!

    Thank you again and safe travels.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Cata Wanderlust
      February 4, 2022

      So happy to hear this post helped you, Cata! Best of luck with your application 🙂

      Reply
  • Tamim Mia
    October 14, 2021

    Great post. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Tamim Mia
      October 26, 2021

      Thanks, Tamim!

      Reply
      • Anonymous
        brooke brisbine
        January 19, 2022

        Thanks for the post Brooke! What is your advice regarding old fingerprints? Say I have a set in my storage from a few years ago, do you reckon they’ll still be accepted or do they require them taken within a certain time frame? Thanks in advance

        Reply
        • brooke brisbine
          Anonymous
          February 4, 2022

          Since the prints need to be directly on the FBI’s official fingerprint sheet, I don’t think it would work to use old prints– unfortunately!

          Reply
  • Kayla
    September 15, 2021

    Hi Brooke! Firstly wanted to say thank you so much for putting in the time and effort to make this blog it has helped my partner and I so much through this process. For the fingerprinting is it okay to use a standard ink pad? Im unable to find an inkless one in store and wanted to confirm it wasn’t a requirement.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Kayla
      October 26, 2021

      Hi Kayla, thanks for your lovely comment!

      I’d definitely recommend inkless, it will print much more clearly and give you a better chance of having them accepted the first time. You can order it online from a link in this post, I believe!

      Reply
  • Cora
    September 5, 2021

    Hey Brooke – thanks so much for this page. It is awesome.

    Quick Q – I got my FBI check granted over 2 years ago for my 482 sponsor visa. I now plan to use the same granted FBI check to lodge my partner visa.
    This is because I have not returned to the US for longer than 2 weeks since my last FBI check. I plan to just submit a stat dec with it.

    Do you know anything about this/if this approach is OK?

    Thank you!!
    Cora

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Cora
      October 26, 2021

      Hi Cora,

      Unfortunately, the FBI police check is only valid for 1 year, so you’ll probably have to redo it, even though you haven’t lived there since your last check– ugh!

      Reply
  • Homer
    August 2, 2021

    Thanks for this blog post Brooke. I was scouring the internet for resources, and glad I saw yours. The WA Police don’t do fingerprinting services anymore. Since I am in a rush, I decided not to do the fingerprinting myself and just chose to go to a fingerprinting company here that offers money back guarantee if the prints were declined. Your blog helped me fill in the form though. Saved me time, i was in and out of the place within 20 minutes, and paid $100. Small price to pay for peace of mind.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Homer
      October 26, 2021

      Thanks for the comment, Homer!

      Do you mind sharing the name or website of the fingerprinting company you used in WA, just for other local readers?

      Reply
  • Thanga
    May 22, 2021

    Hi Brooke,

    This is such an amazing post for the community detailing out everything related to getting a FBI clearance.. Great run through of steps and well compiled to guide the ones who are after the same thing.. I followed this for my wife and got the result exactly as you described. Thank you so much for this article… just a funny side note – I tried hard to get the inkless pad that you referred to, but for some reason there’s was a huge delay in processing those orders.. so got a $2.50 usual ink pad from a local dollar shop and my wife was able to practice it with couple of finger print cards to get trained and then tried to do 3 more cards to send it via express post.. was fingers crossed and got the result just then..!!

    Also another pointer (not needed though): Officeworks team were able to help me in printing the FD258 cards in a kind of a thick A4 thick card kind of paper and was able to cut the cards along those lines to make it look like the ones from Amazon… looks like that might have helped when my wife used the usual ink pad…

    Cheers! Thanks heaps again!

    Reply
  • Erin
    April 20, 2021

    Thank you for creating this blog! It has made the process of applying for Australian PR so much easier!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Erin
      April 20, 2021

      Hi Erin, so glad you found it helpful!

      Best of luck 🙂

      Reply
  • Tea
    April 17, 2021

    Hi Brooke, just wanted to say a MASSIVE thank you for sharing this info with us all! I did my own fingerprints following your instructions and they got approved!!! I am so surprised and happy, saved $50 doing it myself instead of going to a police station here and only getting one fingerprint card.

    Anyways, thank you soooo much again. I can’t believe I did it! (Wouldn’t have been able to if it weren’t for your article)

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Tea
      April 20, 2021

      Hi Tea,

      So happy this post was helpful AND managed to save you some money in the process 🙂

      Best of luck with your application!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Monisha Viswa
    April 12, 2021

    Hi Brooke,

    Thank you for the amazing posts. You are really amazing .

    My situation , I have been in Seattle (2014-2016) and came to Australia to do my Uni mid 2016 and have been here since.

    I am in the process of applying for Spouse Visa(820) onshore applicant. I got RFI for US Police Clearance . So my questions :

    1) Do we need State Police Clearance from US , In my case from Washington ?
    If yes can you please let me know how to apply for Washington State Police Clearance?

    2) I got FBI Clearance but there is a line in clearance that states ‘This IDHS is not provided for the purpose of licensing or employment or any other purpose enumerated in 28 CFR 20.33’ even after selecting Live , Work or Travel from the drop-down . Will Australian Immigration Dept accept the clearance ?

    Thank you for helping again 🙂

    Regards,
    Monisha.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Monisha Viswa
      April 14, 2021

      Hi Monisha,

      You only need the FBI clearance, not individual state clearance from the US– everything you see in this post is everything you need for the police checks from America.

      As for the specific line you’re mentioning, that seems to me like a standard line and nothing you should be concerned about– the clearance definitely works for this visa!

      Best of luck 🙂
      -Brooke

      Reply
      • Monisha Viswa
        brooke brisbine
        April 15, 2021

        Thank you so much 🙂

        Reply
  • Lisa
    April 1, 2021

    Hi Brooke. What sweet relief to come across your blog site. You write in a way that flows well and truly helps make sense of this partner visa tangle.
    My question about the FBI check.. I’m living in the US and will be here until Australia’s borders open. I’m flying there to get married as soon as possible and then split onshore. Can I get the FBI check done while I’m still here in the states waiting, or will it be too out of date to bring it with me at that time?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Lisa
      April 20, 2021

      Hi Lisa,

      The FBI check only has a 12-month validity, so as long as your application is reviewed in the next year, the check should still be good 🙂

      Best of luck!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Consuela
    March 29, 2021

    Hi Brooke! Thank you so much for this post. I was curious about the fingerprint paper. Did you use any special paper or cardstock for this? I was wondering if I could just download the form online and then print it on original paper. Thanks again for this post. I found it so helpful! 😁

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Consuela
      April 20, 2021

      Hi Consuela, so glad you found the post helpful! I just used normal A4 printer paper and mine were accepted 🙂

      Reply
  • Polly
    March 16, 2021

    Hi Brooke,

    What did you put in the “Reason fingerprinted” section of the form?

    Thanks!

    Polly

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Polly
      April 20, 2021

      Hi Polly,

      I listed “Aus permanent residency” or something similar to that… I couldn’t find a list of choices, but that worked for me!

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Peyton
    March 4, 2021

    I cant express to you how valuable this blog has been to me. I am living in Melbourne as well, and hiring a lawyer for my partner visa was never financially an option. Your site has guided me through the whole process on my own and has given me the confidence in my application. Thank you so much Brooke xx

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Peyton
      April 20, 2021

      Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Peyton, it’s always wonderful to hear that these posts are helping others!

      Hiring a lawyer wasn’t an option for me either and I was constantly confused during the application process due to either conflicting or non-existent info online… hope this makes it a little easier for you 🙂

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Megan
    March 3, 2021

    I want to thank you so much for this detailed tutorial, my fingerprints were accepted and I am soo relieved!

    For reference – I was so worried the prints would be rejected, I ended up doing 7 copies (and it was very difficult doing it myself, as everyone else was hesitant to help with the fingerprints). I just followed the video linked above, and tried to be super careful not to touch anything with inky fingers (and wash my hands thoroughly after printing each hand). I paid for international express postage, but it still took about 10 days to get there due to COVID shipping delays. Then it took about 3.5 business days before I got the email telling me my response was ready.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Megan
      April 20, 2021

      Thanks for the update, Megan, great to hear that others are also having success with DIY fingerprinting 🙂

      Reply
  • Ying Zhe Ha
    February 15, 2021

    Hi Brooke,

    I am also currently in the process of applying for a USA Police check. My first one got rejected (it was technically my fault because I didn’t read the instructions clearly and did all “flat” finger prints instead of rolled one sigh..) But anyway, I just submitted my second application (as per instruction you have posted above, I have read through the documents and have watched the video you recommended!). However, just wanted some more clarity with the ink that we are allowed to use for the FBI fingerprint card, can I just get the ink pad from a craft store (like officeworks) and just follow the instruction? Or is there like a specific ink that we are required to use? I don’t have the time to order the fingerprint ink pads online at the moment… so I was wondering if just normal ink pad are usable? Also, I tried my best to get the best and smudge-less fingerprints, however i find it IMPOSSIBLE for the rolled fingerprints to not smudge because basically you are ROLLING from one side to another, nail to nail! The smudge wasn’t obvious, but you can see it if you look really really close on it. (I also sent them four copies, just in case any of them doesn’t work…)

    And just wondering if I failed to get them to accept my second round of fingerprints.. what should i do if I want to get someone professional to get my fingerprints done for me (like at the police station etc)? Nonetheless your post is amazing! It was a really really helpful guide for those submitting their USA fingerprint cards for the first time! Thanks a lot x!

    Yours Sincerely,
    Ying Zhe Ha

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Ying Zhe Ha
      April 20, 2021

      Hi Ying, thanks for your comment!

      I used a specialised fingerprinting pad– since these are technically inkless (don’t ask me how that works lol), it’s much easier to get a good fingerprint! I can’t comment on whether it’s possible with something from Officeworks, but I can tell you it’s super easy with a special pad ordered online, if time allows.

      Hope you were able to get your second set approved!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Anonymous
    February 10, 2021

    Hey Brooke,

    Thanks so much for this post it is just what I needed! I’m not american, but lived in usa for a year and a half and I need to do this. I had a social security number when I lived in VA, but I don’t have it anymore and have no access to my old one. I read somewhere that it is ok and you can just put N/A in that field. Have you ever read any info about this? I know this is only your experience but maybe you know something more than I do hahaha. I’m about to get my fingerprints taken in the NT but reading all the comments I am so tempted to do it DIY… Did you just print the fingerprints form in regular paper?

    Thanks so much for your help and posts, you can’t imagine how helpful it has been in the process of applying!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Anonymous
      April 20, 2021

      I haven’t actually heard anything specific about what to do if you don’t have a SSN, but I would imagine N/A would be the only option if you truly don’t have one!

      Yes, I printed the form on normal printer paper and it was super easy… up to you, but it is a nice way to save some money on this expensive application 🙂

      Best of luck x

      Reply
  • Darcy
    February 3, 2021

    Hi, Thanks for your incredible post.
    I would like to ask 2 questions if you don’t mind.
    In the section that it asks country of residence, did you put Aus or US.
    I am from another country but holding student visa in AUS and need fbi check to another visa, since I lived in USA for some years.
    Another question is, did you print your fingerprint paper black and white or does it have to be colored?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Darcy
      April 20, 2021

      Hi Darcy,

      I listed Aus as my country of residence, since it’s where I was living at the time of application, and I printed the fingerprinting page in black and white. Hope that helps!

      -Brooke

      Reply
      • Darcy
        brooke brisbine
        April 23, 2021

        Hi Brooke,
        Haha as you can see my comment was a few months ago, so guess what? I got mine approved. Thank you so much! I attached several copies of mine, some if them was black and white and some of them were colored😂 since I am a chicken. And residency I searched a lot on the internet and did what you replied.
        I am quite sure yours is the only post that explains about this fbi fingerprint check. I don’t know if you already have one but I recommend you to create youtube video about this, which I am sure will generate many many views over time.

        Reply
        • brooke brisbine
          Darcy
          May 14, 2021

          Hi Darcy,

          So glad to hear you were successful (even if my comment was too late to be helpful)!

          I’ll definitely consider putting a video together if you think that would be a good way to help others with the process.

          Best of luck!
          -Brooke

          Reply
      • Morgan
        brooke brisbine
        August 18, 2021

        Hi Brooke,

        I saw that in your screenshot you listed Australia and the US as countries of residence. Did you keep it that way for the application?

        Thanks heaps! The US police check is such a headache.

        Reply
        • brooke brisbine
          Morgan
          October 26, 2021

          Hi Morgan,

          Apologies for the confusion, I put both countries on the online portion and then only Australia on the written fingerprint card.

          Hope that helps!
          -Brooke

          Reply
  • Kira
    January 28, 2021

    Hi there!

    Brooke, I just wanted to thank you so much for putting this blog together. It was easy to follow and it made me feel much more comfortable doing my own prints.

    I just thought I’d give new readers my timeline! I applied for my 820 visa in June 2019. I did my health assessment in November 2020. I did my background check in January 2021.

    I waited longer to do my background check and health check because the processing time for my visa was originally 24-27 months, but it shot up to 36 months during the height of Covid. My processing time is now back down to 23-27 months, so hopefully, I will be approved soon!

    I did my FBI background check on 19.01.20. I mailed my prints off the very next day 20.01.20. It cost $36 and they arrived in West Virginia on 26.01.20. I received an email at 4 AM on 28.01.20 saying that my prints had been received and I could review the status of my application!

    They were approved and I was able to download them and upload them straight to my application.

    ** I will also note that I FORGOT to attach the confirmation email when I mailed in my prints. I almost had a panic attack when I finally realized, but they were approved without the email printout. I am not recommending to not send it, but if you forget there’s a good chance you will still get approved. **

    Also, I was advised by a lawyer that you do not have to submit a state background check if you haven’t lived in your home state for more than a year, in case anyone has been wondering about that.

    If you are reading this and aren’t a part of the Partner Visa Australia Group on Facebook, I highly recommend joining now! It is extremely helpful.

    Good luck everyone, and thanks again, Brooke!

    xoxo
    Kira

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Kira
      April 20, 2021

      Thanks so much for the detailed comment, Kira, it’s always great to hear about other readers’ experiences!

      Best of luck with you application, hopefully good news isn’t long off 🙂

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Linsey Marchant
    January 22, 2021

    Hey Brooke! Your page was such an awesome spot to stumble on. I have referred back to it many times in the process. About the FBI check, do you think there would be an issue with sending both mine and my husband’s prints in 1 express mailer if they are then in separate envelopes inside with the reference numbers and prints?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Linsey Marchant
      January 25, 2021

      Hi Linsey, so happy to hear these posts have been helpful!

      I’m honestly not sure about mailing both together– on the one hand, surely it wouldn’t make a difference, but the FBI have also been known to be particular, so I probably wouldn’t risk it personally. But it could be fine!

      Let me know if you do end up sending them together, it would be great to hear if that works 🙂
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Jason
    January 21, 2021

    Hi Brooke,

    Thanks for sharing your own experiences with the partner visa. I was just curious if printing the FD-258 on A4 paper was what you did. I think paper sizes are different between Australia and the USA so just wanted to double check with you.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Jason
      January 25, 2021

      Hi Jason,

      Just a standard piece of printer paper is fine– you’re right that A4 is slightly different than the American standard 8.5″ x 11″, but I had no issue using A4 for my submission, I don’t think they are quite that particular when it comes to a few millimetres.

      Hope that helps!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Chelsea
    January 5, 2021

    Hey Brooke-

    How long did it take for them to accept the fingerprints after they were delivered to the location in West Virginia?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Chelsea
      January 18, 2021

      Hi Chelsea,

      They accepted my prints 4 days after they arrived!

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Dave
    January 5, 2021

    Thanks for a wonderful blog. It’s been a really useful resource as we apply for my wife’s partner visa from the states.

    A small update for those applying from the US. Many US post offices now have fingerprinting services. (You can check which ones here: https://www.edo.cjis.gov/#/org/USPS)

    My wife and I recently applied for the FBI check online, went to a nearby post office to submit our prints, and got the result from the FBI by email 30 MINUTES LATER!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Dave
      January 20, 2021

      Hi Dave, so glad to hear these posts have been helpful to you!

      And a huge thanks for providing an update on fingerprinting in the US– I’m sure this will be a massive help to those getting their FBI check done outside of Aus.

      Best of luck with your application 🙂
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • tim coon
    December 10, 2020

    hey, brooke …

    – very helpful; thanks!

    – BUT … i’m struggling to understand how the fbi is willing to accept ‘home-made’ fingerprints … ie, wouldn’t they be concerned that someone with concerns about their OWN fingerprints would ‘pass off’ some other innocent person’s prints in place of theirs?

    – did you ever get any direct confirmation from fbi that this was ok?

    Tim

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      tim coon
      January 11, 2021

      Hi Tim,

      When you complete the fingerprints yourself, you leave blank the section about which official conducted the printing– so it is definitely clear to the FBI that you’ve done it yourself, it wasn’t as if I slipped through the cracks with my DIY prints. Considering that (and that dozens of readers on this site have successfully submitted their own prints, too), I would say that it is 100% fine to do yourself.

      Hope that helps 🙂
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Evan
    November 26, 2020

    Brooke! Stumbling across your blog has been SO incredibly helpful. As I’m finishing up my partner visa, I have been able to follow your steps to a T. Thank you so so so so much.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Evan
      December 4, 2020

      So happy to hear you found all these posts helpful, Evan! Best of luck to you and your partner on the application 🙂

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Lauren
    October 28, 2020

    Thank you so much for this super helpful post! I have been using the advice on your blog since lodging my 820 application and it has made all of the confusing bits so much clearer. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and information!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Lauren
      January 11, 2021

      Hi Lauren,

      Apologies for my delayed response, but thank you so much for the lovely comment! Always happy to help 🙂

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Christian P
    October 24, 2020

    Hi Brooke,

    All your information is so helpful. Thank you.

    One quick follow up….did you need to supply a state level police report?

    My understanding is that if you are applying for the visas onshore in Australia, this is not needed. It’s only the FBI report needed.

    Any thoughts on this would be great.

    Thanks – CP

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Christian P
      January 11, 2021

      Hi Christina, so sorry for my delayed response!

      Yes, it is only the FBI report required, nothing from the state level 🙂

      -Brooke

      Reply
      • Michelle
        brooke brisbine
        January 22, 2021

        Hi Brooke! Thanks so much for all this wonderful information. It’s been so great for my application. I wanted to follow-up on this question about the state level police report – where did you find the information that it’s not required? I read somewhere that it is required if 12 months prior to applying for your visa, if you have lived in any state for at least 3 months, you need a state clearance report? I’m onshore, and applied onshore, but haven’t crossed my 12 month mark in AUS yet, so I’m confused. Can you point us to where you found that information about the state level police not required for onshore? Thank you so much!!

        Reply
        • brooke brisbine
          Michelle
          April 20, 2021

          Hi Michelle,

          It’s possible that you are actually required to have a state clearance if you have recently lived in that state– apologies if my earlier statement was misleading! All I can say for certain is that it’s definitely not required if you haven’t lived in the US in the last year (unlike the FBI clearance, which is still required).

          If any other readers have info on state checks, that would be incredibly helpful!

          Reply
  • CM Miranda
    October 19, 2020

    Hi! Not applying for a partner visa but needed to submit this for Australia PR application and your post was such a huge help! Been waiting for the Melbourne restrictions to be lifted so I can go to a police station but now I’ve decided that I’m going to take my prints myself instead. Thank you!!!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      CM Miranda
      December 4, 2020

      So happy to hear this post was helpful! Hoping your fingerprints were approved without issue 🙂

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Joe K.
    September 21, 2020

    Massively helpful post.
    Kudos on the impressive webpage, and well done documenting your lovely travels.
    Thank you for posting your experiences, and thank you for your diligence in adding such easy to use links for the processes.
    Thanks again from a Mile High, Centennial Stater relocated to NSW.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Joe K.
      October 6, 2020

      Hi Joe,

      So happy to hear these posts have been helpful to you! Best of luck on your visa 🙂

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Judith Swanson
    September 20, 2020

    Been following your bushwalking adventures near Seattle. The beauty of the places you hiked through made me achingly homesick! Keep those blogs coming, so I can vicariously live through your Washington experiences!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Judith Swanson
      October 6, 2020

      Hi Judith,

      So glad I can bring a little bit of Washington to you right now! Plenty more to come, stay tuned 🙂

      Keep well,
      Brooke

      Reply
  • Judith Swanson
    September 16, 2020

    Just an update on my fingerprint adventure. I purchased official FBI fingerprint cards from Amazon, as well as an ink-less pad. I sent in 4 completed fingerprint cards via Australian International Express Post. Due to lockdown limitations on flights, the document packet sat at the Melbourne airport for 10 days. But, once it reached the FBI, I received my successful letter from them within two days! So, good to go!

    I cannot tell you how much Brooke’s blog helped me to resolve this ‘roadblock’ to a somewhat laborious process.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Judith Swanson
      September 20, 2020

      Hi Judith,

      Thanks so much for sharing your experience, and I’m so glad to hear this guide was helpful to you in submitting DIY fingerprints 🙂

      Best of luck with your visa!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Samantha
    September 16, 2020

    I’m so glad I found this post thank you so much! I actually went to a police station here in QLD to do my fingerprints, mailed them back, and got a denial letter saying they weren’t done properly which was very upsetting considering it cost $100 and several weeks to wait which has delayed the process so I am going to take your advice and try it myself. Thanks heaps again. The big question is once you become a resident do you get a Medicare card? Yay for free health care hahaha 😂

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Samantha
      September 16, 2020

      Hi Samantha, I am so happy to hear you found this post useful! And how incredibly frustrating about the rejected prints!

      Many readers (in addition to me) have had good success with DIY prints, so hopefully the same will be true for you 🙂

      You are actually eligible for a Medicare card as soon as you submit your visa application! You’ll be issued an “interim” card until your residency is actually granted, but it comes with all the same benefits (just a 12mo expiry date before you need to renew again, if your visa hasn’t been granted by then). I have some brief instructions in this post: https://brookebeyond.com/australian-permanent-residency-through-820-801-partner-visa#7_%7C_Enrol_in_Medicare

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Greg
    August 28, 2020

    Hey Brooke thanks so much for this. Currently doing my fingerprints now- quite stressful i hope mine are accepted 😅. I’ll be sending 4 sets. I bought the same ink (also hoping it doesn’t run out as my partner needs to do his too) as you but im wondering if the prints will smudge when i put the papers together? Did you do anything special or just combine them regularly before putting them in the envelope.

    Thanks again,
    Greg

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Greg
      September 1, 2020

      Hi Greg,

      There should be plenty of ink, so don’t worry about that! I practiced a lot and still had heaps left over 🙂

      As for smudging, as long as you let them dry individually, mine didn’t appear to smudge at all when I stacked them together. Yet another reason it’s good to submit several, though, just in case! I think 4 is a good idea.

      Best of luck with it!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • annie
    August 17, 2020

    Hey Brooke 🙂
    We are also doing the fingerprints at home without a professional.
    Did you fill out the ORI? Or is that for an agency to fill out if you get them done professionally?
    Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      annie
      August 19, 2020

      Hi Annie, I just left that blank 🙂

      Best of luck to you guys on your application!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Judy Swanson
    August 3, 2020

    Hi Brooke,

    First off, good to see that another Seattleite (I’m a former Capital Hill dweller) has found their way to Melbourne! I arrived in Feb. 2018 and put in my application for residency at that time, although applying for a different visa type than yours. And, congrats on your success with that!

    I am attempting to update my FBI record as mine is dated 2017. The office here in Melbourne appears to have suspended their services, (Lockdown!) so, I downloaded the correct form and purchased an inkless stamp and am ready to DIY, as you recommended. But, I wondered if the FBI will accept prints not signed off by a notary or some sort of official person. Any insight you can provide would be wonderful!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Judy Swanson
      August 3, 2020

      Hi Judy,

      I love hearing from other Seattleites on this site, always a pleasure! My brief stint at Seattle U had me living in Capital Hill for a few months and I loved it 🙂

      To clarify, if you want to DIY the fingerprints, there’s absolutely no need to have the prints signed by a notary or other official– you can leave that blank. I had no issue getting my prints accepted like this.

      Hope that helps!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Julie
    August 1, 2020

    Hi Brooke,
    Thank you so much for this blog. It’s incredible!
    I was just wondering: I saw on your instagram, you’re now a permanent resident (HUGE congratulations!!!), but does that mean you’ve been granted the 801 or “just” the 820? When did your 820 visa get granted? Hope I’m making sense.
    Cheers
    Julie

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Julie
      August 1, 2020

      Hi Julie,

      So happy to hear you’ve found this blog helpful– and thank you 🙂

      I had my 820 and 801 granted simultaneously, so rather than spending 2 years as a temporary resident, I got to move straight onto permanent residency. That is typically the case when you’ve been de facto with your partner 3+ years at the time of application (or 2+ years if you have a child together). You can read more about my experience in this post: https://brookebeyond.com/my-experience-with-the-australian-partner-visa-820-801-permanent-residency-granted-simultaneously

      Hope that helps!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Nicola
    July 21, 2020

    Awesome thank you for clarifying Brooke! Fingers crossed our application goes smoothly!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Nicola
      July 25, 2020

      Best of luck with it, Nicola 🙂

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Nicola
    July 15, 2020

    Hi Brooke thanks so much for your blog this is so useful!!

    Can I ask with the FBI check – Did you just submit a digital copy and it was accepted?
    I am thinking of using one of the approved third party vendors just to speed up the process but it seems they only issue online copies to uS citizens outside of America. Curious to see what you did.

    Also the partner visa application continues to reference ‘certified copies’ of birth certificate / passport etc. who did you get to sign this? I am
    Not located in the USA right now which makes it complicated.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Nicola
      July 19, 2020

      Hi Nicola,

      I’m not totally sure I understand your question, but I submitted the “request” for an FBI check online and then mailed in my fingerprints as described in this post. In my opinion, there’s no real need to use a 3rd party, the process is super easy and very quick 🙂

      Where did you read that you need a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport? This is the case when you apply by paper application, but there’s no requirement to certify those documents if you’re applying online. A clear, colour scan is all you need, so don’t stress!

      Hope that helps 🙂
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Evan
    July 6, 2020

    Hi! Thanks so much for posting this awesome guide—just used it to send off my for US background check. I came across this useful FBI guide to filling out the FD-258 form (as well as a few other forms). It lists the codes that are supposed to be used for eye color, hair color, sex, race, etc., and gives some more details that I found helpful. The instructions for filling out the FD-258 start on page 12 (they refer to it as a “Civil Fingerprint Card”): https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/guidelines-for-preparation-of-fingerprint-cards-and-association-criminal-history-information.pdf/view

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Evan
      July 7, 2020

      Thanks for the additional information, Evan, very helpful!

      Note to other readers that I just wrote in my actual eye, hair colour, etc (not codes) and this was accepted, so I think either works 🙂

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Ceili
    July 6, 2020

    Hello!

    I was wondering what kind of paper you used for the fingerprinting. In some cases I see that regular printing paper should be fine while in others it seems they require some kind of stock paper. Just wondering what you used.
    Thank you so much for doing all of this!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Ceili
      July 6, 2020

      Hi Ceili,

      I just used normal printer paper and mine were approved with no issue 🙂

      Hope that helps!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Justine
    May 29, 2020

    Once you’ve submitted your police checks, how long until they granted you the visa?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Justine
      May 31, 2020

      Hi Justine,

      I uploaded my police checks around the 16 month mark, it’s been 18 months since I submitted my visa now and I’m still waiting– but this is different for everyone!

      -Brooke

      Reply
      • Dee P
        brooke brisbine
        July 31, 2020

        Hi Brooke,

        How are you? Thanks for making this blog. Its been a big help to get a very detailed summary of the visa process.

        Anyway, I was quite worried that once we submit our application without supplying all the required docs eg FBI police check, this would be an issue. But just wanted to confirm that you ACTUALLY didnt upload yours as soon as you applied? And you just did after a year during the visa processing?

        Cheers!

        Reply
        • brooke brisbine
          Dee P
          July 31, 2020

          Hi Dee, so glad this blog has been useful to you!

          Yes, I submitted my application a full year before submitting my FBI police checks (and 6 months before completing my health check and my AFP check, as well)! Since these expire within a year, it’s a bit risky to upload everything with your original application– it DOES happen that some applications are granted within the first 12 months, but it seems pretty rare.

          You might choose to do yours within 6 months, that would be a bit safer than waiting 12– totally up to you, as there’s no way to predict when your application will actually be reviewed.

          Hope that helps 🙂
          -Brooke

          Reply
  • BE
    May 19, 2020

    I appreciate your time and effort!
    You are filling the gap what is needed most among us who apply for spouse visa.
    Very valuable indeed and you will get something in return for sure.
    Cheers

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      BE
      May 21, 2020

      Happy I could help!

      Best of luck on the visa 🙂
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • BE
    May 19, 2020

    Thank you very much for your help!
    Just a few quick question about the form. I do not understand some of the part in the form such as “signature of official taking fingerprints”. Did you fill this part.
    Also what sould I put for the following sections?
    1 -Aliases
    2 – Your no
    3 – FBI no
    4 – Armed forces no
    5- miscelleonous no
    6 – ORI

    Thank you , thank you, thank you!!!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      BE
      May 19, 2020

      Hi BE, happy to hear you found this post helpful!

      If you’re taking your own fingerprints, you don’t need to include a “signature of official”– just leave that one blank.

      All of these other questions are only relevant to limited people. If you don’t have another legal name and aren’t in the FBI or Armed Forces, leave them all blank. I think it’s assumed that if they apply to you, you’d know what they are, so that’s why no explanation is given.

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • W
    April 30, 2020

    Hi Brooke!
    Your blog is amazing and has been an incredible help, I appreciate your hard work and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
    I have a couple of questions. I’m really sorry if you’ve mentioned this before, but I have been over some of your other posts and I couldn’t find any answers (it is late here though and I’m pretty tired!).
    1. When does the FBI Police Check expire? Is it valid for 12 months like the Australian one?
    2. Just regarding the Australian Police Check, the NPC, do either of us (given you said we both should do it) have to provide fingerprints? I’m assuming we don’t since it hasn’t been mentioned anywhere but I want to be sure.
    Thank you! 🙂 Love your work!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      W
      May 5, 2020

      Hi W, thank you so much for the lovely comment!

      1. I’m actually not 100% sure on this, but I’ve always assumed it was 12 months. That seems to be standard for a police check.
      2. There is (thankfully) no need to submit fingerprints for the NPC, it’s a super quick and easy online process.

      Hope that helps 🙂
      -Brooke

      Reply

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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

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  • jumping into the underworld like 🤙🏼

📍 cenote calavera, quintana roo 🇲🇽 
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #mexicoroadtrip #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yucatanpeninsula #allaboutadventures #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls #quintanaroo #quintanaroomexico #cenote #cenotes #cenotecalavera #tulum #tulummexico
  • One of the most unique cenotes experiences you can have anywhere— kayaking in a cave, around a small circular island, surrounded by fish & turtles.
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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. 

{note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas}

⚡️ 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
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🚁: @cal_field 
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💎 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
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  • jumping into the underworld like 🤙🏼

📍 cenote calavera, quintana roo 🇲🇽 
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #mexicoroadtrip #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yucatanpeninsula #allaboutadventures #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls #quintanaroo #quintanaroomexico #cenote #cenotes #cenotecalavera #tulum #tulummexico
  • 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. 

{note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas}

⚡️ 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 
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#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
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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jumping into the underworld like 🤙🏼 📍 cenote calavera, quintana roo 🇲🇽 . . . . . . . . #mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #mexicoroadtrip #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yucatanpeninsula #allaboutadventures #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls #quintanaroo #quintanaroomexico #cenote #cenotes #cenotecalavera #tulum #tulummexico
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
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.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
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. 

{note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas}

⚡️ 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. 

{note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas}

⚡️ 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. 

{note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas}

⚡️ 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. 

{note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas}

⚡️ 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. 

{note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas}

⚡️ 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. 

{note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas}

⚡️ 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. 

{note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas}

⚡️ 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. 

{note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas}

⚡️ 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. 

{note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas}

⚡️ 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
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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. {note: all of these photos were taken in areas open to the public; ALWAYS respect culturally significant sites by obeying local regulations & only walking in permitted areas} ⚡️ 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
7 days ago
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@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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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
1 week ago
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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
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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
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5/5

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