Open cenote · Tulum
Cenote Escondido
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Tulum
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Escondido ("the hidden one", also called Mayan Blue) is a long, river-like open cenote in the jungle just south of Tulum, across the road from Cenote Cristal. It is calm and lightly developed, with simple platforms and a rope swing.
Cenote Escondido is one of the best cenotes in Tulum in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote Escondido
- Escondido means 'hidden' in Spanish.
- A long, narrow open cenote surrounded by jungle, across the highway from Cenote Cristal.
- Usually less crowded than the famous Tulum cenotes, especially in the morning.
Source: Mexico Cenotes and Ruins, checked October 2026.
What Cenote Escondido is like
Escondido is a long, narrow open cenote in the jungle south of Tulum, with clear water, aquatic plants and a rope swing. A cavern section at one end attracts divers.
Escondido vs Cristal
The two cenotes face each other across the road and share an entrance area. Cristal is round and family-friendly; Escondido is longer, wilder and better for snorkeling and adventure.
Facilities
Outdoor showers, toilets and basic parking are reported. There is no restaurant, so bring water and snacks.
Getting there
It is a few kilometers south of Tulum toward Cobá, easy by bike, car or taxi.
What to do at Cenote Escondido
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Rope swing
- Diving
Highlights
- Long, narrow open pool (about 6 × 45 m reported)
- Rope swing and simple platforms
- Shares ticket office with Cenote Cristal
- Also known as Mayan Blue
How to get to Cenote Escondido
Location: Just south of Tulum off Highway 307, across the road from Cenote Cristal; they share a ticket office.
A short drive, bike or taxi ride south from Tulum town on Highway 307, at the same turn-off as Cenote Cristal.
Cenote Escondido entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Escondido yet. Ask at the Tulum entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Escondido opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Escondido?
Approximate driving times to the Tulum cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Tulum town to Cenote Escondido: 10–30 min
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Escondido: 45 min
- Cancún to Cenote Escondido: 1 h 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Escondido: 1 h 30 min
- Mérida to Cenote Escondido: 3 h 30 min
Plan your visit to Cenote Escondido
- Time needed: 1–2 hours at the cenote, more if you combine it with nearby cenotes.
- Best time to go: Early morning (before about 10 am) for calm water and fewer people; weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- Packing: see what to bring to a cenote.
Is Cenote Escondido worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for quiet swim, snorkeling, cavern diving. At Cenote Escondido you can do: swimming, snorkeling, rope swing, diving.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Separate tickets for Cristal and Escondido (reported).
- Bring a mask for the fish.
- Few facilities; bring water.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in TulumLearn more: Types of cenotes, Wildlife in cenotes, Why is cenote water so clear?
Cenote Escondido FAQs
Is there a rope swing at Cenote Escondido?
Yes, a rope swing is a highlight.
Can you dive at Cenote Escondido?
Yes, there is a cavern section for guided dives; a separate dive fee is reported.
Is Cenote Escondido on the same ticket as Cristal?
They are on opposite sides of Highway 307 south of Tulum, and one ticket for both is commonly reported.
Is Cenote Escondido the same as Mayan Blue?
Yes, Mayan Blue is another name used for Cenote Escondido.
Where is Cenote Escondido?
Just south of Tulum, across Highway 307 from Cenote Cristal.
How much is Cenote Escondido?
Recent reports mention about 150 MXN to swim and more for diving; check at the ticket office.