Cave cenote · Valladolid
Cenote Palomitas
- Type
- Cave cenote
- Area
- Valladolid
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Palomitas is a large cave-chamber cenote at Yalcobá near Valladolid, with a stalactite dome and kayaks, next to Cenote Agua Dulce.
Cenote Palomitas is one of the best cenotes in Valladolid in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
What Palomitas is like
Palomitas is a large closed cave cenote in Yalcobá, north-east of Valladolid. A dome full of stalactites rises above a wide pool of blue water, lit by a small roof opening and some artificial lights. A local source reports it at about 60 m wide.
Palomitas and Agua Dulce
Palomitas shares a property with Cenote Agua Dulce. Agua Dulce is sometimes reserved for tour groups, so check which one is open when you arrive.
Facilities
Parking, a restaurant, toilets, changing rooms, lockers, life jackets and kayak rental are reported.
Getting there
It is about 30 to 40 minutes from Valladolid by car or scooter. In Yalcobá, follow the signs past the church to a dirt road leading to the entrance.
What to do at Cenote Palomitas
- Swimming
- Kayaking
Highlights
- About 60 m wide chamber
- Paired with Agua Dulce
How to get to Cenote Palomitas
Location: Rancho Agua Dulce, Yalcobá, about 24 km from Valladolid.
Drive north-east from Valladolid via Tikuch to Yalcobá.
Cenote Palomitas entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Palomitas yet. Ask at the Valladolid entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Palomitas is a cave cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is Cenote Palomitas?
Approximate driving times to the Valladolid cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Valladolid centre to Cenote Palomitas: 5–20 min
- Chichén Itzá to Cenote Palomitas: 45 min
- Tulum to Cenote Palomitas: 1 h 30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Palomitas: 2 h
- Mérida to Cenote Palomitas: 2 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Palomitas
- 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 Palomitas worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for photography, swimming. At Cenote Palomitas you can do: swimming, kayaking.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Combined ticket with Agua Dulce is common (reported).
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in ValladolidLearn more: Stalactites and stalagmites in cenotes
Cenote Palomitas FAQs
Is Palomitas the same place as Agua Dulce?
They are two cenotes on the same property.
How far is Palomitas from Valladolid?
About 30 to 40 minutes by car.
Where is Cenote Palomitas?
At Yalcobá near Valladolid, Yucatán.
What type of cenote is Cenote Palomitas?
Cenote Palomitas is a cave cenote. Palomitas is a large cave-chamber cenote at Yalcobá near Valladolid, with a stalactite dome and kayaks, next to Cenote Agua Dulce.