Located close to the center of the city of Valladolid, the Cenote Zací is an impressive semi-open cavern of about 45 meters in diameter, from the ceiling of the cenote or vault hang some stalactites that are formed over time by the mineral debris carried by the water. The color of the water ranges from blue to slightly greenish, depending on the time of year.
Mexican cenotes are specially famous in the Yucatan Peninsula due the surface of the territory. If you find yourself in the Riviera Maya, or are looking for cenotes near Chichen Itza, Cenote Zaci is perfect for you and your whole family.
This cenote is probably Valladolid’s icon, it is literally in the middle of the city. It can be reached in 10 minutes by feet from the main square. This is a huge cenote with fantastic vegetation and deep waters to swim. Cenote Zaci is a unique semi-open cenote with a 45 meter (147 feet) diameter and a 40 meter (130 feet) depth. From its ceiling, as water filtrates from the surface, mineral residues form stalactites that make the cave much more magical.
The easiest way to get to Cenote Zaci from Cancun is by car. You can rent a car or book a private tour that drive you there. The private tour includes the 2.5 hour drive to the cenote, the drive to Chichen Itza, and any stop you want to add. The whole tour lasts 10 hours. This is an ideal option especially if you travel with a group.
Driving time to Cenote Zaci from Tulum is 1.5 hours. You can rent a car, a taxi, or book private transportation to avoid any hassle.
Driving time to Cenote Zaci from Playa del Carmen is 2 hours. You can rent a car, a taxi, or book private transportation to avoid any hassle.
Access to Cenote Zaci costs $30 pesos.
Cenote Zaci is open from Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
Cenote Zaci has a restaurant that offers local dishes and beverages.
There are two parking lots available at cenote Zaci.
Rent of lifejackets is available at the site.
The use of any sunblock is forbidden when getting into the cenote. Remember to rinse off any lotion you may have on before swimming in the cenote.
At cenote Zaci there’s an market where you can buy local souvenirs.
What’s a “cenote”?
Cenotes are underground caves that contain deep waters, created where a cave ceiling has collapsed. Cenotes were the Mayan civilization's only source of water in the jungle and are considered sacred by the Mayan people. The Mayans perceived these natural pools as an entrance to their "underworld" or "Xibalba" where their gods still exist and their spirits live after death.
Can you swim in a cenote?
In most of them yes! You’re always welcome to swim in a cenote, but some may be restricted to the public due safety measures. You may also encounter cenotes like the Sacred Cenote in Chichén Itzá, that hold a very special value for the culture and are not open for swimming.
How deep are cenotes?
Some cenotes in the Riviera Maya and Yucatan can go as deep as 10 to 40 meters (32 to 131 ft).
How many cenotes are in Yucatan?
There are around 7,000 cenotes in Yucatan, and only 142 are available to visit, which means that 98% of the Yucatan cenotes are still unexplored.
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