Cave cenote · Homún
Cenotes Santa Bárbara
- Type
- Cave cenote
- Area
- Homún
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenotes Santa Bárbara is a park in Homún with three cenotes in one ticket: Cascabel, Xooch' and Pool Cocom. You travel between them by bicycle or by a cart on old hacienda rails, and lifeguards watch the cenotes.
Cenotes Santa Bárbara is one of the best cenotes in Homún in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Best time to visit Santa Bárbara
Arrive at opening on a weekday for calm water and fewer people. Weekends bring families from Mérida.
Midday light shines through the roof openings of the cave cenotes, which is best for photos.
What to bring
Swimwear, a towel, water shoes and cash. Life jackets are provided where required. Regular sunscreen and repellent are not allowed before swimming.
The cenotes at Santa Bárbara
The park links several cenotes along one path: Cascabel is fully underground, Chaksikín (also written Chacsikin) is semi-open with a roof hole, and Xooch' is the most open and easiest for swimming. Pool Cocom has been added more recently. One ticket covers all of them.
Bike or rail cart
You move between cenotes by bicycle or by a horse- or motor-drawn rail cart (truck) on old henequen tracks. Bikes are part of the experience; the cart is easier for families with small children.
Food and facilities
A restaurant serves Yucatecan dishes, and some tickets include lunch. Showers, toilets, lockers and life jackets are on site, which makes it one of the most organised places in Homún.
Who it suits
First-time cenote visitors and families who want everything in one place. It is busier and more structured than small family-run cenotes, so pick another site if you want silence.
Getting there from Mérida
Homún is about one hour by car from Mérida. Colectivos and tours also run; the park is signposted in Homún. Bring cash, water shoes and a towel, and skip sunscreen before swimming.
What to do at Cenotes Santa Bárbara
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Rail cart ride
- Restaurant
Highlights
- Three cenotes: Cascabel, Xooch' and Pool Cocom (official site)
- Bike or rail cart between cenotes
- Elevator into Pool Cocom (official site)
- Certified lifeguards (official site)
- Life jacket included in packages
How to get to Cenotes Santa Bárbara
Location: In Homún, Yucatán, about 1 hour southeast of Mérida.
Homún is about 1 hour southeast of Mérida by car or colectivo. In town, local mototaxis run cenote circuits; agree the price first. Santa Bárbara is signposted in town and has its own parking.
Cenotes Santa Bárbara entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenotes Santa Bárbara yet. Ask at the Homún entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenotes Santa Bárbara is a cave cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is Cenotes Santa Bárbara?
Approximate driving times to the Homún cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Homún village to Cenotes Santa Bárbara: 5–15 min
- Mérida to Cenotes Santa Bárbara: 1 h
- Chichén Itzá to Cenotes Santa Bárbara: 1 h 30 min
- Valladolid to Cenotes Santa Bárbara: 1 h 45 min
- Cancún to Cenotes Santa Bárbara: 3 h 45 min
Plan your visit to Cenotes Santa Bárbara
- 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 Cenotes Santa Bárbara worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for several cenotes in one visit, families. At Cenotes Santa Bárbara you can do: swimming, cycling, rail cart ride, restaurant.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Once you leave the cenote area, re-entry is not allowed (official site).
- Choose bike or cart at the ticket office.
- Restaurant on site.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in HomúnLearn more: The Ring of Cenotes, The Chicxulub crater and cenotes, Types of cenotes
Cenotes Santa Bárbara FAQs
How long do you need at Santa Bárbara?
Plan about 2 to 4 hours including lunch.
Is Santa Bárbara good for kids?
Yes; life jackets, the rail cart and the open Xooch' cenote make it family-friendly.
How many cenotes are at Santa Bárbara?
Three: Cascabel, Xooch' and Pool Cocom, according to the official site.
How do you get between the cenotes?
By bicycle or by a cart on old hacienda rails.
Is Santa Bárbara good for kids?
Yes, it has lifeguards and life jackets, though stairs and cave entrances need care.