Cave cenote · Mérida
Cenote San Ignacio
- Type
- Cave cenote
- Area
- Mérida
- Entry fee
- General pass: adults 480 MXN, children (4–12) 380 MXN (national and foreign visitors); Yucatán residents 420 / 320 MXN
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Prices and hours change often. Last checked 2026-10-03. Fee source
Cenote San Ignacio in Chocholá is the closest cenote park to Mérida. The general pass includes a guided visit to its cave cenote and two other water attractions (Río Esmeralda and Corazón de Agua), plus a pool, loungers, hammocks and a life jacket.
Cenote San Ignacio is one of the best cenotes near Mérida in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote San Ignacio
- Covered cave cenote under a rock dome, with lighting inside.
- About 35 km from central Mérida, near the Oxkintok ruins and the Calcehtok caves.
- The official site reports water of about 28 °C and lots of visible fish.
- Part of an eco-park with a restaurant and a hacienda hotel.
Source: Cenote San Ignacio (official site), checked October 2026.
What to do at Cenote San Ignacio
- Cave swimming
- Pool
- Zipline (adventure pass)
Highlights
- Closest cenote park to Mérida (official site)
- Lit cave cenote with guided tours
- Pool, loungers and hammocks
- Adventure pass adds zipline and hanging bridge
How to get to Cenote San Ignacio
Location: In Chocholá, about 30–40 minutes southwest of Mérida.
Drive about 30–40 minutes southwest of Mérida toward Chocholá on the Campeche highway; taxis and tours also go there.
Cenote San Ignacio entrance fee and hours
Entry: General pass: adults 480 MXN, children (4–12) 380 MXN (national and foreign visitors); Yucatán residents 420 / 320 MXN (checked 2026-10-03, source).
Hours: Cenote San Ignacio is a cave cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
Prices and hours change often, so treat these as a guide.
How far is Cenote San Ignacio?
Approximate driving times to the Mérida cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Mérida centre to Cenote San Ignacio: 30–60 min
- Chichén Itzá to Cenote San Ignacio: 1 h 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote San Ignacio: 2 h
- Tulum to Cenote San Ignacio: 3 h 30 min
- Cancún to Cenote San Ignacio: 4 h
Plan your visit to Cenote San Ignacio
- 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 San Ignacio worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for closest to mérida, families, easy half day. At Cenote San Ignacio you can do: cave swimming, pool, zipline (adventure pass).
Tips and rules for visiting
- Rates on the official site are valid 1 Sept–15 Dec 2026.
- Bring ID if you qualify for resident rates.
- Good option on a rainy day: the cenote is covered.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in MéridaLearn more: Stalactites and stalagmites in cenotes, Types of cenotes, The Yucatán aquifer
Cenote San Ignacio FAQs
Is Cenote San Ignacio covered?
Yes, it is a cave cenote under a rock dome, lit with lights, near Chocholá about 40 minutes from Mérida (approx.).
How much is Cenote San Ignacio?
The official site lists a general pass of 480 MXN for adults and 380 MXN for children 4–12 (national and foreign), valid 1 Sept–15 Dec 2026 (checked 2026-10-03).
How far is San Ignacio from Mérida?
About 30–40 minutes by car, in Chocholá.
Is San Ignacio good for kids?
Yes, it has a pool, life jackets and guided cenote visits.