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brooke beyond

Girl on rock in front of Cotopaxi Volcano
Ecuador / Latin America

Hiking to Refugio José Rivas & Cotopaxi Glacier in Ecuador

March 28, 2020

Snow-capped and burnt-red Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador’s most striking natural icons, but also one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, rising nearly 5,900m above sea level and erupting more than 50 times in the last 300 years. It is an absolute highlight to see this volcano up close, and at just 2hrs from Quito, it’s also incredibly easy to include a visit to Cotopaxi National Park in any itinerary.

Foreigners are required a professional mountaineering guide in order to attempt the summit (not to mention experience and a lot of technical gear), but it’s actually possible to hike to the volcano’s “base camp” at Refugio José Rivas and as far as the base of the glacier without the need for any expensive guide, alpine skills, or specialised equipment (beyond a warm jacket and comfortable shoes)! In terms of reward for effort, this is hands-down one of the best hikes in Ecuador, bringing you right to the icy Cotopaxi Glacier at 5,000— breathtaking in every possible sense!

View of Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador
Girl looking at snowy Cotopaxi Volcano Ecuador

All the details: Hiking to Refugio José Rivas

Cost: The best way to do this hike is probably with a tour company, as the park is quite large and poorly connected to public transport. Ecuador Hop has an excellent 1-day tour out to Cotopaxi for just $49USD, including a knowledgable local guide, amazing meals at Chuquiragua Lodge, and heaps of park highlights. There’s also a 2-day option that combines the visit to Cotopaxi with Laguna Quilotoa and includes an overnight stay at the beautiful Chuquiragua Lodge for $149USD.

Getting there: Cotopaxi National Park is only about 90min from Quito, but it will take an additional hour to drive to the carpark at the base of the volcano. To my knowledge, it’s not possible to get to a public bus all the way here, so the tour recommended above (or another similar tour) is the best option.

Where to stay: Beautiful Chuquiragua Lodge is just outside the national park and offers either dorm beds or private rooms for $15USD/night (per person). The food here is simply spectacular, and there’s even a free spa and sauna on-site! Otherwise, Secret Garden Cotopaxi a bit farther north is a top choice for exploring Cotopaxi, with amazing views of the surrounding mountains, a great social vibe, and staff that can help you plan other activities.

Read more: THE PERFECT 2-3 WEEK GALÁPAGOS & MAINLAND ECUADOR TRAVEL ITINERARY

Cotopaxi Glacier

Cotopaxi Glacier

Setting off from Quito around 7am this morning with Ecuador Hop, I chat enthusiastically with several other passengers as we make the 90 minute drive to Cotopaxi National Park.

I am incredibly excited to be back in the mountains— following an entire month of non-stop hiking in Peru, I briefly traded my hiking boots for fins and spent some time diving in the Galápagos, but I am more than ready to stretch my legs on a new trail (even if I did post my hiking boots home and have to wear my runners instead).

With only limited time to see the highlights of mainland Ecuador (and regrettably not enough time to actually attempt the summit), a hike to Refugio José Rivas and the Cotopaxi Glacier is at the very top of my list. I don’t really know what to expect in terms of difficulty, as there’s surprisingly little written about this hike on the internet, but I do know that the views will be spectacular, and that’s all the convincing I need.

What to wear/bring on the hike to Refugio José Rivas:

– Warm fleece & possibly a down jacket for the top
– Runners/hiking boots— preferably boots & long socks if you have them!
– Warm hat, gloves, scarf
– Sunnies— that glacier glare can be strong!
– At least 1L of water
– Some coca candy/leaves to ease altitude headaches
– Camera

After a wonderful breakfast at the Chuquiragua Lodge and some sightseeing around the National Park, we finally cruise into the carpark at the base of the volcano and step out of the bus at a dizzying 4,500m. I am at a serious advantage after all the high-altitude trekking last month, finding that I can breathe and walk without any difficulty at what would normally be a headache-inducing altitude— which is confirmed by pretty much every other passenger, none of whom are properly acclimatised to such heights after just a few days in Quito at 2,850m.

As we start our ascent, moving very slowly and steadily up the switch-backing trail to the left of the carpark, we pass dozens of locals and travellers sprawled out on the ground in agony. What’s even more concerning is the hiker who looks nearly catatonic, being half-carried up the trail by friends against all better judgement.

Thankfully no one in our little convoy of 6 hikers reaches this level, but it’s pretty alarming to see how underprepared a majority of the people hiking to Refugio José Rivas really are. At just 360m elevation gain from the carpark to the Refugio, it’s not a long or arduous climb and it really shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes, but without at least some acclimatisation (and common sense), you may not make it!

Tips for trekking at altitude:

Decreased barometric pressure at high elevation, which in turn decreases the availability of oxygen in the air, triggers a host of altitude-related physiological responses to occur in our bodies within a few hours of ascending above 2,500m. In plain English: there’s less oxygen in the air at high altitudes, which can lead to unpleasant symptoms, like headache, shortness of breath, and general fatigue.

Refugio José Rivas (4,864m) and Cotopaxi Glacier (~5,000m) are both well above that 2,500m threshold, so it’s very possible that you will experience altitude-related symptoms or even altitude sickness if completing this hike without prior acclimatisation. Spending a few days in Quito (2,850m) might help with acclimatisation, especially if you make a trip up the TelefériQo and hang out on Pichincha Volcano (4,100m), as will spending time in Cotopaxi National Park before hitting the trail.

Even with some acclimatisation, though, it’s important listen to your body and go slow on the hike up. If you become dizzy, develop a bad headache, lose coordination, or start to feel intoxicated, stop immediately and evaluate whether you need to turn around and head back down. You do not want to be one of the people laying on the trail in agony!

For heaps more on altitude sickness in the mountains, check out this post: HIGH-ALTITUDE TREKKING: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PREVENTING & TREATING ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Hiker standing at Refugio Jose Rivas sign on Cotopaxi

Arriving at Refugio José Rivas

Delightedly arriving at the 4,864m Refugio José Rivas without any casualties, the group heads inside the hut for a relax and some warm drinks while I power-hike ahead to the glacier. Contrasted against the brilliant rust-coloured ash and rocks of the volcano, Cotopaxi Glacier is blindingly white and insanely beautiful. Coupled with the sunny, clear skies (pretty rare in the mountains!), the view couldn’t possibly be more perfect.

Although it’s typically not wise to run up a mountain at altitude, if you’ve had the luxury of more than a month of conditioning, you can pretty well fly by every single hiker on the trail and easily make it to the base of the glacier in 30 minutes. For those moving a bit slower, 45-60 minutes is a more than conservative estimate to make the roughly 100m gain up the loose red trail.

View of Cotopaxi Glacier on hike
View of volcanos in Cotopaxi National Park

The return route to the Refugio and onwards to the carpark is far quicker than the ascent, especially as you can skid down the loose volcanic rock on the steeper, more direct trail (the switch-backs are better on the way up, but opt for the straight-shot on your way down!). I made it down from the glacier and back to José Rivas in about 15 minutes and then it took the group around 25 minutes to slip and slide our way down to the carpark.

My shoes collected about 2kg of rocks along the way, which is yet another reason to opt for hiking boots and long socks if you have them— but still, a fun end to a superb hike.

All said and done, it’s not a long or overly demanding trek to Refugio José Rivas and the Cotopaxi Glacier a bit farther ahead, but it is undeniably spectacular in terms of both the views over surrounding volcanos and the intimate look at Cotopaxi itself. On the return trip to Ecuador I’m already planning in my head, I’ll be attempting that summit for sure.

Trail stats & tips:

The 360m climb from the carpark to Refugio José Rivas takes around 45min at a modest pace, and I’d recommend the switchback trail to the left of the carpark, since it’s a bit gentler and just generally in better condition.

From the Refugio, the final 100m climb to the glacier only takes 45-60min, there and back.

Allow a total of 3-4hrs to hike to the glacier, stop for photos, spend some time relaxing at Refugio José Rivas, and then return to the carpark.

 

Hiker at Cotopaxi Glacier on volcano Ecuador

Hiking to Cotopaxi Glacier


View of Cotopaxi Glacier on hike

Cotopaxi Glacier

Read more about Ecuador

THE ULTIMATE ECUADOR TRAVEL GUIDE

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A LAND-BASED TRIP TO THE GALÁPAGOS (WITHOUT A CRUISE)

GALÁPAGOS PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK FOR A LAND-BASED TRIP

THE BEST PLACE TO SCUBA DIVE WITH MANTA RAY IN ECUADOR: BAJO COPE, AYANGUE

WHAT TO DO IN QUITO: 12 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN ECUADOR’S CAPITAL

RUTA DE LAS CASCADAS: BIKING THE WATERFALL ROUTE IN BAÑOS, ECUADOR

9 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN BAÑOS: A GUIDE TO ECUADOR’S ADVENTURE CAPITAL

THE PERFECT 2-3 WEEK GALÁPAGOS & MAINLAND ECUADOR TRAVEL ITINERARY

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

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

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

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

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

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

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

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

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

🚁: @cal_field 
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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
  • FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 1] 🌈🇲🇽✨

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s what you need to know ↯

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯

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

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

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

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

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

⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC
- aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!)
- allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!)
- it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná
- there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
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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. Dive into 1500+ years of history on Ruta Puuc ↯ UXMAL ✨ highlights: the rounded Pirámide del Adivino (Pyramid of the Sorcerer) dominates as you enter the site, but the extravagantly adorned Governor’s Palace is equally impressive, as is the well-preserved Mayan Ball Court ⌛️ recommended time: 2hrs 💸 entrance fee: 499p (409 + 90 INAH) KABÁH ✨ highlights: the impossibly striking Palacio de los Máscaras is decorated with 300 masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac ⌛️ recommended time: 45min 💸 entrance fee: 75p SAYIL ✨highlights: El Gran Palacio (also called the North Palace) is a breathtaking spectacle of columns & Puuc-style bas-reliefs ⌛️ recommended time: 1hr 💸 entrance fee: 70p XLAPAK ✨highlights: beautifully decorated El Palacio (though admittedly the least exciting of all the stops) ⌛️ recommended time: 30min 💸 entrance fee: 70p LABNÁ ✨highlights: El Arco, a lavishly decorative arch in flawless condition & surrounded by jungle ⌛️ recommended time: 45min 💸 entrance fee: 70p ⚠️ OTHER TIPS FOR RUTA PUUC - aim to arrive to Uxmal near opening at 8am for a super quiet experience (& to beat the afternoon heat as you continue to other sites!) - allow ~9hrs from Mérida to drive the entire route, visit all 5 archaeological sites & then return to Mérida (+2hrs if you want to stop at a cenote on the way back, which I’d recommend!) - it’s about 20min from Uxmal to Kabah, but the subsequent ruins get closer & closer together until you’re driving <5min from Xlapak to Labná - there is extremely limited Telcel service once you’re at the ruins, so it’s not a bad idea to download offline Google Maps on your phone
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
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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
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
FAVOURITE CENOTES NEAR VALLADOLID [PART 2] 🌈🇲🇽✨

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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