Open cenote · Tulum
Cenote Yax Kin
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Tulum
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Yax Kin is a quiet open cenote in the jungle on Highway 307 north of Tulum, shallow at the entrance and deeper across the pool, with camping available.
Cenote Yax Kin is one of the best cenotes in Tulum in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
What Yax Kin is like
Yax Kin, usually translated from Maya as "new sun", is an open jungle cenote with clear, partly shallow water, a wooden bridge and sun loungers. It is popular with local families and expats and calmer than the famous Tulum cenotes.
Good for kids and snorkeling
Shallow areas make it one of the easier cenotes for children. Snorkelers see small fish and, according to the operator, the occasional turtle.
Facilities
The operator lists a food area, a front desk for tickets and rentals, and camping spots. Bring cash, a towel and your own mask if you have one.
Getting there
Yax Kin lies off Highway 307 between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, an easy drive or taxi ride from either town.
What to do at Cenote Yax Kin
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Camping
Highlights
- Shallow entry, deeper on the far side
- Camping on site (reported)
- Low-key jungle setting
How to get to Cenote Yax Kin
Location: On Highway 307, about 15 km north of Tulum.
Drive or take a colectivo about 15 minutes north of Tulum on Highway 307.
Cenote Yax Kin entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Yax Kin yet. Ask at the Tulum entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Yax Kin opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Yax Kin?
Approximate driving times to the Tulum cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Tulum town to Cenote Yax Kin: 10–30 min
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Yax Kin: 45 min
- Cancún to Cenote Yax Kin: 1 h 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Yax Kin: 1 h 30 min
- Mérida to Cenote Yax Kin: 3 h 30 min
Plan your visit to Cenote Yax Kin
- 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 Yax Kin worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for quiet swim, camping. At Cenote Yax Kin you can do: swimming, snorkeling, camping.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Bring cash.
- Facilities are basic.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in TulumLearn more: Types of cenotes, Wildlife in cenotes, The Yucatán aquifer
Cenote Yax Kin FAQs
What does Yax Kin mean?
It is usually translated from Maya as "new sun".
Can you camp at Yax Kin?
The operator lists camping spots on site.
Where is Cenote Yax Kin?
On Highway 307 about 15 km north of Tulum.
Can you camp at Yax Kin?
Camping is reported as available; confirm on arrival.