Cave cenote · Valladolid
Cenote Xcanahaltún
- Type
- Cave cenote
- Area
- Valladolid
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Xcanahaltún (also Ka'ana Jaltun) is a family-run cave cenote north-east of Valladolid: a big chamber with holes in the roof, light beams and a blue underground lake reached by a spiral staircase.
Cenote Xcanahaltún is one of the best cenotes in Valladolid in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
What Xcanahaltún is like
Xcanahaltún is a large underground cenote with a closed ceiling, stalactites and a wide lake of bright blue water lit through small openings. It is much quieter than the famous cenotes near Valladolid.
Swimming and kayaking
Swimming is allowed, and kayak rentals are reported, which is rare inside a cave cenote. Life jackets are available.
Facilities
Changing rooms, showers and lockers are reported. Bring a towel and drinking water; there are few shops nearby.
Getting there
It is about 30 km north-east of Valladolid on rural roads. Public transport is limited, so a rental car, scooter or taxi works best.
Nearby cenotes
Secreto Maya, Sac Aua, Palomitas and Agua Dulce lie in the same area, so you can make a quiet half-day loop.
What to do at Cenote Xcanahaltún
- Swimming
- Jumping
Highlights
- Light beams through the roof
- Few tour buses
- Spiral staircase entrance
How to get to Cenote Xcanahaltún
Location: Near Yalcobá, about 30 km north-east of Valladolid.
Roughly 35–45 minutes by car from Valladolid via Tikuch and Yalcobá; there is no public transport.
Cenote Xcanahaltún entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Xcanahaltún yet. Ask at the Valladolid entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Xcanahaltún is a cave cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is Cenote Xcanahaltún?
Approximate driving times to the Valladolid cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Valladolid centre to Cenote Xcanahaltún: 5–20 min
- Chichén Itzá to Cenote Xcanahaltún: 45 min
- Tulum to Cenote Xcanahaltún: 1 h 30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Xcanahaltún: 2 h
- Mérida to Cenote Xcanahaltún: 2 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Xcanahaltún
- 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 Xcanahaltún worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for quiet swim, photography. At Cenote Xcanahaltún you can do: swimming, jumping.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Recent reports put entry around 250 MXN; bring cash.
- Not suitable for limited mobility (stairs).
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in ValladolidLearn more: Types of cenotes
Cenote Xcanahaltún FAQs
Can you kayak at Xcanahaltún?
Kayak rentals are reported inside the cave.
How far is Xcanahaltún from Valladolid?
About 30 km, roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car.
Is Cenote Xcanahaltún worth it?
Reviewers call it one of the most beautiful and least crowded cave cenotes near Valladolid.
Where is Cenote Xcanahaltún?
Cenote Xcanahaltún is near Valladolid. Near Yalcobá, about 30 km north-east of Valladolid.