Open cenote · Chichén Itzá
Cenote Xcajum
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Chichén Itzá
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
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.
Cenote Xcajum is one of the best cenotes near Chichén Itzá in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
What it looks like
Xcajum is a big open cenote, about 50 m across by reports. You walk down a long staircase past several lookout points, each giving a different view of the pool far below and the plants hanging from the walls.
Swimming and safety
The water is very deep, and life jackets are mandatory. Swim close to the platform if you are not confident, and use the stairs slowly when wet.
Food and facilities
There is a souvenir shop, ticket office with several packages, lockers, toilets, showers and a restaurant serving regional food.
Combine it with Chichén Itzá
Xcajum is about 20 minutes from Chichén Itzá, and about 1 hour 40 minutes from Mérida. It is a quieter swim than Ik Kil after the ruins.
What to do at Cenote Xcajum
- Swimming
- Restaurant
- Hammocks
Highlights
- Descent of about 36 m to the water (reported)
- Depth reported at more than 45 m
- Lockers, life jackets, showers and a restaurant
How to get to Cenote Xcajum
Location: Near Yaxcabá, about 10 km (around 20 minutes) from Chichén Itzá.
Drive about 20 minutes from Chichén Itzá; roughly 45 minutes from Valladolid and about 1 hour 40 minutes from Mérida.
Cenote Xcajum entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Xcajum yet. Ask at the Chichén Itzá entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Xcajum opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Xcajum?
Approximate driving times to the Chichén Itzá cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Chichén Itzá ruins to Cenote Xcajum: 5–20 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Xcajum: 45 min
- Mérida to Cenote Xcajum: 1 h 45 min
- Tulum to Cenote Xcajum: 2 h
- Cancún to Cenote Xcajum: 2 h 30 min
Plan your visit to Cenote Xcajum
- 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 Xcajum worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for quiet swim near chichén itzá, dramatic descent. At Cenote Xcajum you can do: swimming, restaurant, hammocks.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Bring a mask: the water is clear and deep.
- The climb back up is long.
- Bring cash.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in Chichén ItzáLearn more: How deep are cenotes?, Types of cenotes, Why is cenote water so clear?
Cenote Xcajum FAQs
How far is Xcajum from Chichén Itzá?
About 10 km, roughly 20 minutes by car.
How deep is Cenote Xcajum?
Reported at more than 45 m deep.
Where is Cenote Xcajum?
Cenote Xcajum is near Chichén Itzá. Near Yaxcabá, about 10 km (around 20 minutes) from Chichén Itzá.
What type of cenote is Cenote Xcajum?
Cenote Xcajum is an open cenote. Cenote Xcajum (X-Cajum) is an open cenote in an eco-tourism center near Yaxcabá, about 20 minutes from Chichén Itzá.