Open cenote · Chichén Itzá
Cenote Ik Kil
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Chichén Itzá
- Entry fee
- General admission 240 MXN; children 150 MXN; buffet package 530 MXN
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Prices and hours change often. Last checked 2026-10-03. Fee source
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.
Cenote Ik Kil is one of the best cenotes near Chichén Itzá in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote Ik Kil
- Open cenote about 60 m across, with the water some 26 m below ground level (commonly cited).
- Reported depth of about 40 m.
- Long vines and roots hang from the rim all the way down to the water.
- Has a restaurant, lockers and life jackets for rent and a parking area.
- Only about 3 km from Chichén Itzá, so it is often combined with the ruins.
Source: ChichenItza.com, checked October 2026.
What makes Ik Kil famous
Ik Kil is a round, open sinkhole with steep walls. Hanging vines and small waterfalls drop from the rim to the water far below, and a carved stone staircase leads down to a swimming platform. It is one of the most photographed cenotes in Mexico.
How deep is Ik Kil?
Visitors and operators report a water depth of about 26 m (85 ft), with almost no shallow area. Life jackets are provided and recommended for anyone who is not a strong swimmer.
Combining Ik Kil with Chichén Itzá
The ruins are about 3 km away. A common plan is the ruins at opening, then a swim at Ik Kil before tour buses arrive; most Chichén Itzá day tours include it in the afternoon, when it is busiest.
Crowds and best time
Late morning to early afternoon is the peak. Arrive at opening or go after about 15:00 for fewer people and softer light.
Facilities
The park has changing rooms, lockers, showers, a buffet restaurant and a shop. Some tickets include lunch. Showering before entering is required.
What to do at Cenote Ik Kil
- Swimming
- Jumping from the platform
- Buffet lunch
Highlights
- Opening about 60 m across (reported)
- Water about 26 m below the rim (reported)
- Depth reported at about 40 m
- Vines and roots hanging to the water
- Name usually translated as "place of the winds"
How to get to Cenote Ik Kil
Location: About 3 km east of Chichén Itzá, municipality of Tinum, Yucatán.
Ik Kil is a few minutes by car or taxi from Chichén Itzá on highway 180, about 45 minutes from Valladolid and about 2.5–3 hours from Cancun. Yucatán is one hour behind Quintana Roo (Cancun, Tulum) for most of the year, so check opening times in local Yucatán time.
Cenote Ik Kil entrance fee and hours
Entry: General admission 240 MXN; children 150 MXN; buffet package 530 MXN (checked 2026-10-03, source).
Hours: Cenote Ik Kil opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
Prices and hours change often, so treat these as a guide.
How far is Cenote Ik Kil?
Approximate driving times to the Chichén Itzá cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Chichén Itzá ruins to Cenote Ik Kil: 5–20 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Ik Kil: 45 min
- Mérida to Cenote Ik Kil: 1 h 45 min
- Tulum to Cenote Ik Kil: 2 h
- Cancún to Cenote Ik Kil: 2 h 30 min
Plan your visit to Cenote Ik Kil
- 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 Ik Kil worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for combining with chichén itzá, photos, strong swimmers. At Cenote Ik Kil you can do: swimming, jumping from the platform, buffet lunch.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Busiest late morning to early afternoon with tour buses; come right at opening.
- Life jackets are provided.
- The water is very deep everywhere.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in Chichén ItzáLearn more: The Sacred Cenote of Chichén Itzá, The Maya and cenotes, How deep are cenotes?, Maya cities built around cenotes
Cenote Ik Kil FAQs
Is Ik Kil too crowded?
It can be at midday when tour buses arrive; early morning and late afternoon are much calmer.
Can you jump at Ik Kil?
A low platform is used for jumping when staff allow it; follow their rules.
Are life jackets required at Ik Kil?
Visitors report that life jackets are mandatory for swimming and are included or rented at the entrance.
How much is Cenote Ik Kil?
The official site lists 240 MXN general admission, 150 MXN for children and a 530 MXN buffet package (checked 2026-10-03).
How far is Ik Kil from Chichén Itzá?
About 3 km, a few minutes by car.
How deep is Ik Kil?
Reported at about 40 m deep, with the water about 26 m below the rim.
Is Ik Kil the Sacred Cenote?
No. The Sacred Cenote is inside Chichén Itzá and swimming is not allowed there. Ik Kil is a separate cenote nearby.
Is Ik Kil too crowded?
It can be at midday. Go at opening, or choose Yokdzonot or Xcajum for a quieter swim.