Semi-open cenote · Valladolid
Cenote Zací
- Type
- Semi-open cenote
- Area
- Valladolid
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Zací is a large semi-open cenote right in Valladolid town. Stone stairs lead down through a cave mouth to a deep pool under a half-collapsed roof with stalactites. It was once the town's water source and gave its Maya name, Zací ("white hawk"), to the settlement before Valladolid was founded.
Cenote Zací is one of the best cenotes in Valladolid in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote Zací
- Semi-open cenote with a large overhanging rock roof on one side.
- Less than 10 minutes' walk from Valladolid's main square.
- A restaurant overlooks the cenote; life jackets are reported for rent.
- Popular for jumping from the rock ledges and for a cheap, quick swim in town.
Source: Laidback Trip, checked October 2026.
What Zací is like
Zací is a large semi-open cenote right in Valladolid. Part of the pool lies under a big rock overhang with stalactites, and the rest is open to the sky. A local source reports it at about 45 m across and 40 m deep.
Swimming and jumping
The water is deep from the edge, so life jackets are recommended and available. Locals jump from rock ledges; check the depth and wait for a clear spot.
Facilities
A restaurant, parking, changing rooms and life jacket rental are reported. It is one of the cheapest cenotes in the area.
How long to stay
About 1 to 1.5 hours is enough. It works well before dinner in town or on a rainy day when longer trips are not worth it.
What to do at Cenote Zací
- Swimming
- Jumping (from low ledges)
Highlights
- Water surface about 35 × 25 m (Yucatán environment ministry)
- Maximum depth reported at about 40 m by the state; other sources report deeper
- Stalactites on the half-collapsed cave roof
- Restaurant above the cenote; catfish and swallows
How to get to Cenote Zací
Location: In Valladolid, Yucatán, a few blocks east of the main square.
Walk from Valladolid's main square, roughly 5–10 minutes. No car is needed.
Cenote Zací entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Zací yet. Ask at the Valladolid entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Zací is a semi-open cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is Cenote Zací?
Approximate driving times to the Valladolid cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Valladolid centre to Cenote Zací: 5–20 min
- Chichén Itzá to Cenote Zací: 45 min
- Tulum to Cenote Zací: 1 h 30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Zací: 2 h
- Mérida to Cenote Zací: 2 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Zací
- 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 Zací worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for walking from town, history, strong swimmers. At Cenote Zací you can do: swimming, jumping (from low ledges).
Tips and rules for visiting
- The water is deep everywhere; weak swimmers should wear a life jacket.
- Go early or late for fewer people.
- Combine with Dzitnup's cenotes in the afternoon.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in ValladolidLearn more: The Maya and cenotes, How deep are cenotes?, Types of cenotes, Maya cities built around cenotes
Cenote Zací FAQs
Can you walk to Cenote Zací?
Yes, it is about a 10-minute walk from Valladolid's main square.
How deep is Zací?
About 40 m is reported.
Is Cenote Zaci in Valladolid town?
Yes. It is a few blocks from Valladolid's main square, so you can walk there.
How deep is Cenote Zací?
The Yucatán environment ministry lists a maximum depth of about 40 m; other sources report more, so estimates vary.
Can you walk to Cenote Zací?
Yes, it is inside Valladolid, a few blocks from the main square.
What does Zací mean?
It is usually translated as "white hawk", the name of the Maya settlement that stood where Valladolid is now.
How much is Cenote Zací?
Recent visitor reports mention around 150 MXN for adults; we could not confirm this from an official source, so check at the entrance.