Deep in jungles of southeastern Mexico, the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá combines the breathtaking natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula with some of South America’s must-see archaeological hotspots. Built amongst the rugged limestone landscapes of the rugged peninsula, Chichén Itzá was once an important pre-Columbian Mayan city that contained many sites of ritualistic significance for its ancient peoples.
One of the Chichén Itzá’s most interesting, if not creepy, historical sites is the world-famous Sacred Cenote. The naturally formed sinkhole in the limestone shelf is more than 200 feet wide and 72 feet deep, containing a large water filled cavern at its base. However, this giant sinkhole, one of 4 in Chichén Itzá, was not used for swimming or other domestic purposes – instead, it holds a dark secret that was only unearthed in recent decades.
According to the latest archaeological evidence, as well as testimonies gathered by early missionaries from natives of the Yucatan, the Sacred Cenote, or ‘Cenote Sagrado’, was once used in ritual offerings to the Mayan rain god, Chaac. These offerings included gold, jade, pottery, flint, obsidian, shells, and, bone-chillingly, human sacrifices. For generations this mysterious emerald green cenote baffled historians, but following well-equipped dives into the murky depths of its waters, thousands of artifacts were discovered, including the skeletons of more than 200 men, women, and children.
Fortunately, today, there are no more human sacrifices at the Sacred Cenote, and instead visitors can enjoy exploring the site without fear of displeasing the rain god, Chaac. There’s also lots more to see on the sprawling site of Chichén Itzá, such as the El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Great Ball Court – the biggest surviving Mayan Ball Court in Mesoamerica.
Chichén Itzá itself is just a short drive from the bustling city of Valladolid, the ideal place to stay during your visit to the Yucatan. The city has a great selection of local restaurants, several fascinating museums, lots of souvenir stores, and some excellent accommodation that’s extremely affordable.
How Do You Get To Sacred Cenote?
The easiest way for international travelers to reach the Sacred Cenote is to fly into the Cancun International Airport (CUN), in southeast Mexico. As the major international travel hub, Cancun is well-connected to other global destinations, so you can fly directly from numerous cities, including New York, London, Toronto, and Mexico City.
Once you reach Cancun, you can either rent a car, take a taxi, or catch a local bus service to get to Valladolid – the most convenient place to stay during your time in Yucatan. The journey from Cancun International Airport to the city of Valladolid passes through some of Mexico’s most picturesque landscapes and should take around 2.5 hours.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Sacred Cenote?
The best time to visit the Sacred Cenote is during the Yucatan’s dry season, between November and April. During the dry season, the temperatures range from around 20 to 30 Degrees Celsius during the day, and the weather is sunny and bright with low levels of humidity – ideal for exploring Chichén Itzá and the surrounding areas.
During the Yucatan’s rainy season, between May and October, you’ll experience heavy rains on an almost daily basis, extremely high levels of humidity, and temperatures that often soar above 35 Degrees Celsius. These conditions can make it quite difficult to enjoy your time in the Yucatan – although if you are accustomed to these types of challenging conditions, you can grab some amazing bargains on hotels and flights at this time of year.
What is There to Do at Chichén Itzá and Valladolid, Yucatan?
Take A Guided Tour of Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam
After a convenient hotel pickup in the morning, you’ll be driven to Chichén Itzá to explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Arriving early with your tour, you’ll beat the crowds, as your certified guide shows you around the impressive Maya-Toltec site, including stops at the Temple of Kukulkan, the Sacred Cenote, the Great Ball Court, and the Observatory where the Mayans used to track the movements of the stars. Next on the itinerary, you’ll be able to take a refreshing dip in the San Lorenzo Oxman Cenote – a gorgeous clear watered sinkhole pool with rope swings and seating areas – before resting and enjoying a delicious lunch of local cuisine.
The last stop of the tour takes you to Ek Balam, or ‘the Black Jaguar’ site. One of the highlights of Ek Balam site is that you are allowed to climb up the structures – unlike at Chichén Itzá – so you can really get a sense of the scale of these spectacular monuments. Once you’ve looked around Ek Balam you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel for about 5.30 pm.
You can book your spot on this fantastic tour of Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam, or find out more, here.
Learn about Mexican Folk Art at the Casa de los Venados, Valladolid
This remarkable collection of more than 3000 items of unique Mexican folk art is housed in a renovated 17th Century colonial-era townhouse. Full of bright, vibrant pieces of arts and crafts, paintings, tableware, statues, and lots of quirky pieces you won’t find anywhere else, this rare collection really brings the culture of post-colonial Yucatan to life. Guided tours are available each day at 10 am, or alternatively you can explore the collection of art by yourself. The entry fee, as well as the fee for the guided tour, is by donation, some of which is given to help local charities.
You can find out more about the Casa de los Venados, here.
Indulge Your Senses with a Romantic Dinner and Tour of the Cenote Museum Zazil Tunich
Step into the magical world of the Cenote Museum Zazil Tunich to see the awe-inspiring Mayan underworld on this lovely guided tour of the caves and the marvelous stone formations and stalactites they hide within. After your tour of the caves, you have the chance to take a little swim in the waters of the cenote before a full 3-course candlelit dinner is served.
Your dinner will include a delightful mix of Mayan flavours, such as Zikillpak with corn toast, Pibil chicken with rice and Mayan cream, and a sweet marzipan dessert, as well as a la carte drinks. And from your candlelit table with a complete 360 Degree view of the spectacular caves under a roof of stalactites, you’ll feel as though you woke up in a dream!
Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an evening tour and dinner at the Cenote Museum Zazil Tunich should be right at the top of your Yucatan itinerary. You can find out more, or book a seat for your tour and dinner, here.
Join a Guided Taco Tour of Valladolid
If you think you’ve tasted great tacos before, then think again, because you haven’t tried the best tacos that Valladolid has to offer! This casual walking tour of Valladolid starts at 7.30 pm and takes you on a unique trip through the city’s iconic landmarks. Starting at the Temple of San Servacio, you’ll walk on through the Plaza Francisco Canton and on through the winding streets of the city, stopping off at 4 of the top taco restaurants in the entire Yucatan.
Led by your expert guide, you’ll have the chance to taste Conchinita Pibil, a slow-roasted pork taco, classic Stewed tacos, and Birria tacos, a Guadalajara speciality, as well as much more besides – so you should definitely arrive for this tour with a big appetite.
You can book your spot on this fun taco tour, or find out more, here.
Stay at the Ecotel Quinta Regia
Situated near the historic center of the city of Valladolid, the Ecotel Quinta Regia is an idyllic place to stay during your visit to Yucatan’s Sacred Cenote. Housed in a centuries-old former fruit farm, this hotel offers bright, spacious rooms with views over the flourishing garden. Each room has a balcony, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, and an ensuite shower and bathroom. Guests also receive a free breakfast each day, and have full-time access to the outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, hot tubs, and the hotel’s daily shuttle bus service.
You can book your room at the Ecotel Quinta Regia, and find out more about the hotel and its amenities, here.
