Open cenote · Valladolid
Cenote Saamal
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Valladolid
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Saamal is a large open cenote at Hacienda Selva Maya, just outside Valladolid. Stone stairs lead down the side of a round sinkhole about 50–60 m across, with hanging roots and an artificial waterfall. It is often compared with Ik Kil but is usually quieter.
Cenote Saamal is one of the best cenotes in Valladolid in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote Saamal
- Inside Hacienda Selva Maya, just off Highway 180 near Valladolid.
- Open cenote reported at about 50 m across, with hanging roots and a small waterfall effect.
- Restaurant, lockers, life jackets and parking are reported.
- Arrive at opening; tour buses come later in the day.
Source: Your Friend the Nomad, checked October 2026.
What Cenote Saamal is like
Saamal is a deep open cenote at Hacienda Selva Maya, a short drive from Valladolid. Steep walls covered in plants and hanging roots surround the round pool, and a small cascade pours in from above.
Swimming and jumping
A platform lets you jump into deep water, and life jackets are mandatory. The water is clean and cool, and there is little shallow space.
Facilities
Changing rooms, showers and lockers are reported. The hacienda also has a restaurant, and some packages add lunch, zip-lining or bike rental.
Best time to visit
Saamal is on the main Valladolid–Chichén Itzá road, so tour groups stop here around lunchtime. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Getting there
It is about 10 minutes by car or taxi from Valladolid, or reachable by scooter or bike. Combine it with the Dzitnup cenotes, which are close by.
What to do at Cenote Saamal
- Swimming
- Buffet lunch
Highlights
- Opening reported at about 50–60 m across
- Depth reported at 45 m or more (sources vary)
- Hanging roots and an artificial waterfall
- Buffet restaurant at the hacienda
How to get to Cenote Saamal
Location: At Hacienda Selva Maya, about km 3 of the Valladolid–Mérida highway, roughly 4 km from Valladolid.
Saamal is about 10 minutes from Valladolid by taxi or car on the Mérida highway, at Hacienda Selva Maya. Tour buses between Chichén Itzá and Valladolid often stop here.
Cenote Saamal entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Saamal yet. Ask at the Valladolid entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Saamal opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Saamal?
Approximate driving times to the Valladolid cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Valladolid centre to Cenote Saamal: 5–20 min
- Chichén Itzá to Cenote Saamal: 45 min
- Tulum to Cenote Saamal: 1 h 30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Saamal: 2 h
- Mérida to Cenote Saamal: 2 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Saamal
- 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 Saamal worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for ik kil alternative, families with life jackets, lunch stop. At Cenote Saamal you can do: swimming, buffet lunch.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Packages with buffet are sold; check prices on arrival.
- Deep water: use a life jacket if unsure.
- Arrive before tour groups at lunch.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in ValladolidLearn more: Types of cenotes, How are cenotes formed?, The Ring of Cenotes
Cenote Saamal FAQs
Are life jackets mandatory at Saamal?
Yes, life jackets are required and provided.
Is there food at Cenote Saamal?
Yes, the hacienda has a restaurant; some tickets include a meal.
Is Cenote Saamal like Ik Kil?
Yes, it is a similar deep open sinkhole with hanging roots, at Hacienda Selva Maya near Valladolid, and is often reported as less crowded.
Where is Cenote Saamal?
At Hacienda Selva Maya, about 4 km from Valladolid on the Mérida highway.
Is Saamal like Ik Kil?
Yes, both are round open sinkholes with roots and stairs to the water. Saamal is usually less crowded.
How deep is Saamal?
Reported at 45 m or more; sources vary.