Cave cenote · Dzitnup
Cenote Xkeken
- Type
- Cave cenote
- Area
- Dzitnup
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Xkeken (also called Dzitnup cenote) is a cave cenote in Dzitnup village near Valladolid. Steps lead into a domed cavern full of stalactites and stalagmites, with a small hole in the roof that sends a narrow shaft of light onto turquoise water.
Cenote Xkeken is one of the Dzitnup cenotes in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote Xkeken
- Cave cenote with a small roof opening and large stalactites.
- Part of the Dzitnup complex with Cenote Samula, a few minutes' walk apart.
- Toilets, lockers, changing rooms and life jackets are reported.
- Gets crowded because it is so close to Valladolid; early morning is quietest.
Source: My Free Range Family, checked October 2026.
Inside the cavern
Xkeken is almost fully underground. A narrow stairway leads into a dome where huge stalactites hang from the ceiling and a big stalagmite rises near the water. A small hole in the roof lets in a thin ray of light, and lamps light the rest.
Swimming at Xkeken
Swimming is allowed with a life jacket, which is mandatory. Diving is not allowed here. Small black catfish swim in the clear water, and the air in the cave is humid and warm.
Xkeken or Samula first?
Both are on one ticket and a short walk apart. Go to Xkeken first at opening, when the cave is empty and quiet, then Samula around midday for its light beam.
Getting there
Dzitnup is about 3 km west of Valladolid. Take a taxi, colectivo, scooter or bike along the old road. Changing rooms, lockers and showers are reported at the entrance.
What to do at Cenote Xkeken
- Swimming
- Photography
Highlights
- Cavern about 30 × 20 m (reported)
- Water up to about 20 m deep (reported)
- Thick stalactites and stalagmites
- Shares a combined ticket with Samula
How to get to Cenote Xkeken
Location: In Dzitnup, about 3 km west of Valladolid, in the same park as Cenote Samula.
Take the old Mérida–Valladolid road and turn off to Dzitnup about 3 km before Valladolid; the park is about 2 km in. About 10–15 minutes from Valladolid by taxi or bike.
Cenote Xkeken entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Xkeken yet. Ask at the Dzitnup entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Xkeken is a cave cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is Cenote Xkeken?
Approximate driving times to the Dzitnup cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Valladolid centre to Cenote Xkeken: 10–15 min
- Chichén Itzá to Cenote Xkeken: 45 min
- Tulum to Cenote Xkeken: 1 h 30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Xkeken: 2 h
- Mérida to Cenote Xkeken: 2 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Xkeken
- Time needed: about 1–1.5 hours at the cenote, more if you combine it with nearby cenotes.
- Best time to go: Around midday if the roof has openings that create light beams; otherwise any time, ideally early before tour groups arrive.
- Packing: see what to bring to a cenote.
Is Cenote Xkeken worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for stalactites, photography, short visits. At Cenote Xkeken you can do: swimming, photography.
Tips and rules for visiting
- The cave is humid and low-lit; watch your step.
- Buy the combined ticket and see Samula too.
- Life jackets available.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in DzitnupLearn more: Stalactites and stalagmites in cenotes, Types of cenotes, How are cenotes formed?, Why cenotes have light beams
Cenote Xkeken FAQs
Can you visit Xkeken and Samula on one ticket?
They sit side by side at Dzitnup and a combined ticket is commonly reported; check current options at the entrance.
Is Xkeken the same as Dzitnup cenote?
Yes. Xkeken is often called the Dzitnup cenote; Samula is the second cenote in the same park.
How deep is Cenote Xkeken?
Reported at about 20 m at its deepest point.
Is Xkeken also called Keken?
Yes, you may see Keken or X'Keken; they all mean the same cenote.