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The best cenotes near Chichén Itzá

You cannot swim in the Sacred Cenote inside Chichén Itzá, but several swimmable cenotes are close by. Ik Kil is about 3 km from the ruins and is the most famous; Yokdzonot and Xcajum are quieter community-run cenotes about 20 minutes away, and Lol Ha sits next to the small Maya site of Yaxunah to the south.

Quick picks

  1. #1 · Cave cenote

    Cenote Holtún

    Holtún is a cave cenote near Chichén Itzá known for the column of sunlight that falls through its roof opening around midday.

    Best for: Photography, Swimming

    Full guide to Cenote Holtún →

  2. #2 · Open cenote

    Cenote Ik Kil

    Cenote Ik Kil is a round open cenote about 3 km from Chichén Itzá, famous for the long vines that hang about 26 m from the jungle rim down to the water. Carved stairs lead down to a swimming platform. It is the most popular swim stop on Chichén Itzá tours.

    Best for: Combining with Chichén Itzá, Photos, Strong swimmers

    Entry: General admission 240 MXN; children 150 MXN; buffet package 530 MXN (checked 2026-10-03)

    Full guide to Cenote Ik Kil →

  3. #3 · Open cenote

    Cenote Yokdzonot

    Cenote Yokdzonot is a large open cenote run by a community cooperative in the village of Yokdzonot, west of Chichén Itzá. Stairs descend about 18 m to a wooden platform on a round pool about 40 m across. It is a quieter alternative to Ik Kil.

    Best for: Ik Kil alternative, Community tourism, Adventure

    Full guide to Cenote Yokdzonot →

  4. #4 · Open cenote

    Cenote Xcajum

    Cenote Xcajum (X-Cajum) is an open cenote in an eco-tourism center near Yaxcabá, about 20 minutes from Chichén Itzá. A long staircase decorated with Maya motifs descends about 36 m to a deep pool.

    Best for: Quiet swim near Chichén Itzá, Dramatic descent

    Full guide to Cenote Xcajum →

  5. #5 · Open cenote

    Cenote Lol Ha

    Cenote Lol Ha is a community-run open cenote next to the village and small archaeological site of Yaxunah, south of Chichén Itzá. It sees few tourists and is often visited on community tours that include the Yaxunah ruins.

    Best for: Off the beaten path, Community tourism

    Full guide to Cenote Lol Ha →

Best cenotes to pair with Chichén Itzá

Ik Kil is the closest well-known cenote, a deep open sinkhole with hanging vines a few minutes from the ruins. Yokdzonot is a community-run cenote a bit farther west and usually quieter. Saamal, Oxman and Dzitnup are closer to Valladolid.

For a calmer swim, choose a cenote away from the main tour-bus stop or visit late in the day.

Ruins first or cenote first?

The ruins are coolest and quietest at opening time, so most people see Chichén Itzá in the morning, then cool off in a cenote around midday. Tour buses usually reach Ik Kil around lunch, so it can get busy.

If you start from Valladolid, a morning swim at Dzitnup or Saamal followed by the ruins in the afternoon also works.

What to bring for Chichén Itzá and a cenote

Bring a hat, water, comfortable shoes, swimwear and a towel. Regular sunscreen is not allowed in many cenotes, so cover up at the ruins or use a biodegradable one.

Carry some pesos for cenote entries, lockers and life jackets, which some cenotes require.

How to get to the cenotes from Chichén Itzá

  • Ik Kil: about 3 km east of Chichén Itzá on highway 180, a few minutes by car or taxi.
  • Yokdzonot and Xcajum: roughly 20 minutes west of Chichén Itzá toward Mérida.
  • Lol Ha: next to the village of Yaxunah, south of Chichén Itzá via Pisté.
  • Tours from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Valladolid and Mérida often pair Chichén Itzá with Ik Kil.
  • Yucatán is one hour behind Quintana Roo (Cancun, Tulum) for most of the year, so check opening times in local Yucatán time.

FAQs about cenotes in Chichén Itzá

Can you swim in the cenote at Chichén Itzá?

No. The Sacred Cenote inside the archaeological site is protected and swimming is not allowed. Ik Kil, 3 km away, is the usual swim stop.

What is the closest cenote to Chichén Itzá?

Cenote Ik Kil, about 3 km east of the ruins.

Which cenote near Chichén Itzá is least crowded?

Yokdzonot, Xcajum and Lol Ha usually see far fewer tour buses than Ik Kil.

Should I visit the cenote before or after Chichén Itzá?

Visit the ruins at opening time, then swim after; Ik Kil is busiest late morning to early afternoon when tour buses arrive.

More cenote areas

New to cenotes? Read what a cenote is and compare the types of cenotes.