Open cenote · Chichén Itzá
Cenote Yokdzonot
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Chichén Itzá
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
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.
Cenote Yokdzonot is one of the best cenotes near Chichén Itzá in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
A cenote that changed a village
Yokdzonot is a small Maya village where most people speak both Maya and Spanish. A group of local women started the cenote project, and today the cooperative runs the site, restaurant and activities, so visits support the community directly.
Activities
Besides swimming and jumping from the platform, the site offers ziplining and rappelling down the wall. Life jackets are provided. The restaurant serves Yucatecan dishes, and some packages include a traditional cooking workshop.
Best time to go
It is about 20 minutes west of Chichén Itzá, so visit right after the ruins for a cooling swim, or arrive at opening for calm water before tour buses come.
What to do at Cenote Yokdzonot
- Swimming
- Zipline
- Rappel
- Camping
Highlights
- About 40 × 40 m water surface (Yucatán environment ministry)
- Maximum depth about 45 m (same source)
- Stairs down about 18 m to a wooden platform
- Community-run, with a restaurant
How to get to Cenote Yokdzonot
Location: In Yokdzonot village, municipality of Yaxcabá, roughly 20 minutes west of Chichén Itzá.
Yokdzonot is just off highway 180 between Chichén Itzá and Mérida, roughly 20 minutes west of the ruins by car.
Cenote Yokdzonot entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Yokdzonot yet. Ask at the Chichén Itzá entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Yokdzonot opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Yokdzonot?
Approximate driving times to the Chichén Itzá cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Chichén Itzá ruins to Cenote Yokdzonot: 5–20 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Yokdzonot: 45 min
- Mérida to Cenote Yokdzonot: 1 h 45 min
- Tulum to Cenote Yokdzonot: 2 h
- Cancún to Cenote Yokdzonot: 2 h 30 min
Plan your visit to Cenote Yokdzonot
- 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 Yokdzonot worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for ik kil alternative, community tourism, adventure. At Cenote Yokdzonot you can do: swimming, zipline, rappel, camping.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Good stop on the drive from Mérida to Chichén Itzá.
- Deep water: wear a life jacket if unsure.
- Bring cash.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in Chichén ItzáLearn more: Types of cenotes, How deep are cenotes?, The Maya and cenotes
Cenote Yokdzonot FAQs
Where is Cenote Yokdzonot?
In Yokdzonot village, about 20 minutes west of Chichén Itzá toward Mérida.
How deep is Yokdzonot?
The Yucatán environment ministry lists a maximum depth of about 45 m.
Is Yokdzonot better than Ik Kil?
It is usually much quieter and community-run; Ik Kil is closer to the ruins and more dramatic, but busier.
What type of cenote is Cenote Yokdzonot?
Cenote Yokdzonot is an open cenote. Cenote Yokdzonot is a large open cenote run by a community cooperative in the village of Yokdzonot, west of Chichén Itzá.