Cenotes Dzitnup: the village cenote park

Yes, if you want two very different cave cenotes on one ticket, close to Valladolid. Samula has a single roof opening with a beam of light and tree roots hanging into the water, while Xkeken is a domed cavern with stalactites.

It is busier than smaller cenotes, so arrive at opening for the calmest water.

Dzitnup is on the way from Valladolid toward Chichén Itzá, so many people swim here in the morning, then continue to the ruins. Others visit in the afternoon after the ruins.

Cenote Zací in town and Suytun to the east round out a full cenote day around Valladolid.

Xkeken is a domed cave about 30 by 20 m, with a depth of about 20 m (reported), heavy stalactites and a small hole in the roof. Samula is brighter, with a single opening where a long tree root drops straight to the water and a sunbeam hits the pool around midday.

The park has changing rooms, lockers, showers and parking. Life jackets are mandatory in both cenotes and you must shower before entering. Local stalls at the entrance sell crafts and snacks.

Arrive at opening, around 8:00 to 9:00, before tour groups from Chichén Itzá and Cancún. Samula's sunbeam is strongest near midday. Weekdays are calmer than weekends.

A flat cycle path follows the old road from Valladolid, about a 30 to 40 minute ride. Bikes can be rented in town. It is the cheapest way to visit and lets you add Cenote Oxman on the way.

Oxman, at a nearby hacienda, has a rope swing. Suytun is about 15 minutes east of Valladolid and Zaci is in the town center, so three or four cenotes fit in one day.