Open cenote · Mérida
Cenote Yaal Utzil
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Mérida
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Yaal Utzil ("good son" in Maya) is a deep open cenote in Mucuyché village, Abalá, south of Mérida. Stairs of about 10 m lead to the water, and there are two jumping platforms of about 3 m and 8–10 m.
Cenote Yaal Utzil is one of the best cenotes near Mérida in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
What to do at Cenote Yaal Utzil
- Swimming
- Jumping
Highlights
- Two jumping platforms, about 3 m and 8–10 m (reported)
- Depth reported at more than 40 m
- Simple, village-run facilities
How to get to Cenote Yaal Utzil
Location: In Mucuyché village, Abalá municipality, about 40 minutes south of Mérida.
Drive about 40 minutes south of Mérida to Mucuyché village (Abalá); public transport also reaches the village.
Cenote Yaal Utzil entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Yaal Utzil yet. Ask at the Mérida entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Yaal Utzil opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Yaal Utzil?
Approximate driving times to the Mérida cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Mérida centre to Cenote Yaal Utzil: 30–60 min
- Chichén Itzá to Cenote Yaal Utzil: 1 h 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Yaal Utzil: 2 h
- Tulum to Cenote Yaal Utzil: 3 h 30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Yaal Utzil: 4 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Yaal Utzil
- 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 Yaal Utzil worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for jumping, budget visit, locals' cenote. At Cenote Yaal Utzil you can do: swimming, jumping.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Life jackets are lent at the entrance (reported).
- Very low entry fee reported; bring small change.
- Combine with Hacienda Mucuyché and Kankirixché.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in MéridaLearn more: How deep are cenotes?, The Maya and cenotes, Types of cenotes
Cenote Yaal Utzil FAQs
What does Yaal Utzil mean?
It is translated from Maya as "good son".
Can you jump at Yaal Utzil?
Yes, there are two platforms, reported at about 3 m and 8–10 m.
Is Yaal Utzil in Homún?
No. It is in Mucuyché village, Abalá, south of Mérida.
Where is Cenote Yaal Utzil?
Cenote Yaal Utzil is near Mérida. In Mucuyché village, Abalá municipality, about 40 minutes south of Mérida.