Semi-open cenote · Valladolid
Cenote X'Canché
- Type
- Semi-open cenote
- Area
- Valladolid
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote X'Canché (also written Xcanche or X-Canche) is a round, semi-open cenote inside the Ek Balam archaeological area north of Valladolid. Wooden stairs lead down high walls covered in roots to a pool about 40 m across with a small waterfall. A community eco-center runs it, with a zipline, rappel and cabins.
Cenote X'Canché is one of the best cenotes in Valladolid in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
A community-run cenote
X'Canché is run by people from the nearby village of Ek Balam. They began turning it into a visitor site in 2002, so your entry fee supports local jobs and care of the area.
What to do
Swim in the round, deep pool, or try a zipline and rappel down the wall into the water. Hammocks, a small restaurant, showers and bike rental are reported. Some visitors camp at the site.
Getting from the ruins
The cenote lies about 1.5 km from the Ek Balam ruins. You can walk, rent a bike or take a tricycle taxi from the entrance. It closes earlier than many cenotes, so plan your ruins visit first.
What to do at Cenote X'Canché
- Swimming
- Zipline
- Rappel
- Bike rental
Highlights
- Circle of water about 40 m across (Visit Mexico)
- Roots and a small waterfall down the walls
- Community-run eco-tourism center
- Bike or pedicab from the Ek Balam entrance (reported)
How to get to Cenote X'Canché
Location: About 1.5 km from the Ek Balam ruins, roughly 30 minutes north of Valladolid.
Drive or take a taxi about 30 minutes north from Valladolid to Ek Balam. From the archaeological site, walk about 1.5 km, rent a bike or take a pedicab to the cenote.
Cenote X'Canché entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote X'Canché yet. Ask at the Valladolid entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote X'Canché is a semi-open cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is Cenote X'Canché?
Approximate driving times to the Valladolid cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Valladolid centre to Cenote X'Canché: 5–20 min
- Chichén Itzá to Cenote X'Canché: 45 min
- Tulum to Cenote X'Canché: 1 h 30 min
- Cancún to Cenote X'Canché: 2 h
- Mérida to Cenote X'Canché: 2 h
Plan your visit to Cenote X'Canché
- Time needed: 1–2 hours at the cenote, more if you combine it with nearby cenotes.
- Best time to go: Late morning to early afternoon, when sun reaches through the roof opening; arrive early on weekends to beat tour groups.
- Packing: see what to bring to a cenote.
Is Cenote X'Canché worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for ek balam visitors, quiet mornings, adventure add-ons. At Cenote X'Canché you can do: swimming, zipline, rappel, bike rental.
Tips and rules for visiting
- See Ek Balam first, then cool off here.
- Go early: it is quiet before about 11 am.
- Bring cash for bikes and extras.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in ValladolidLearn more: The Maya and cenotes, Types of cenotes, How are cenotes formed?, Maya cities built around cenotes
Cenote X'Canché FAQs
Where is Cenote X'Canché?
At Ek Balam, about 1.5 km from the ruins and roughly 30 minutes north of Valladolid.
How do you spell X'Canché?
You will see X'Canché, Xcanche and X-Canche; they are the same cenote.
Can you combine Ek Balam with a cenote?
Yes, X'Canché is inside the Ek Balam area and is the usual swim after the ruins.
What type of cenote is Cenote X'Canché?
Cenote X'Canché is a semi-open cenote. Cenote X'Canché (also written Xcanche or X-Canche) is a round, semi-open cenote inside the Ek Balam archaeological area north of Valladolid.