The Blue Cenote

A cenote is a subterranean natural pit, or sinkhole, characteristic of the Yucatan Peninsula and some neighboring Caribbean islands, that is molded after the collapse of limestone substratum that leaks groundwater beneath. The term derives from a word used by the low-land Yucatec Maya, "Ts'onot" to refer to any location with accessible groundwater. Located in the northern center of the Yucatán Peninsula, The Sacred Blue Cenote, or Ik Kil Cenote is a cenote that charms tourists with its crystal-clear and healing waters and the natural and amazing flora and fauna that surround it.

Located in the eco-archeological park Ik Kil, in the northeast of Chetumal, and only 3 km from Chichen Itza, the Blue cenote is an idyllic natural wide pool which is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The crystal-clear water that gathers down the cenote is warm and has a pleasant temperature of approximately 77° F. The stalagmites and stalactites formed in the inner part are real natural works of art. You will be astonished by the effect of sunshine in this cenote: the holes in the ceiling allow the sunlight to filter into the subterranean sinkhole, giving the scene a feeling of magic and enchantment. The great numbers of cenotes in Yucatan are a gem that should be seen and protected by everyone.

This cenote is safe for kids of all ages, who may find beautiful tropical fish. The Blue cenote is a perfectly round well-type cenote with exuberant vegetation and waterfalls. This is another ideal place for swimming in the clear blue water. 196 feet wide and about 130 feet deep, it is an open cenote about 85 feet from the surface. A grand stairway leads you down the steps into the water. Entrance is not expensive and the place is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. There is also an excellent buffet style restaurant here and bungalows for overnight stay.

Natural wonders abound in the state of Yucatan, and some of the most important and unusual beauties are the cenotes, which are estimated to sum up more than 6,000, although only 2,400 are registered. The Mayans named them “dzonot”, a term that the conquering Spaniards then translated as “cenote”. In the 16th century, these underground caves captivated the military commander Geraldo Díaz Alpuche, who described “cenote” as meaning "deep thing". According to a dictionary of Mayan pictograms, dzonot means "abysmal and deep". Cenotes are mystic, mysterious and unique in the world and were once the only resource of freshwater in the vast Yucatan jungle. For this reason and because they represented the gateway to the underworld, the cenotes were considered sacred places.

The cenotes constitute a very important part in the Mayan civilization, as they were the Mayans’ source of freshwater supply and because they had a significant religious meaning. Nowadays, we can enjoy these amazing natural wonders that invite us to know about the great Mayan civilization but also about the stunning Mexican nature. Do not miss the opportunity of visiting the Blue cenote and all its magic, you won’t regret it!

V.T.