Nomadic dani

Almost halfway between Merida and Vallodolid (and around 30 mins from Chichén Itzá) is a small Cenote. And you know whenever I pass one in this area (because there are thousands) I just had to give it a go.

Historically, cenotes like Chihuan were sacred to the ancient Maya, who considered them portals to the underworld (Xibalba) and sources of fresh water. The Yucatán Peninsula has no rivers or lakes, so cenotes were essential for survival, serving as key water sources for Mayan cities and villages. Some cenotes were also used for ritual offerings and ceremonies, though there is no strong evidence that Chihuan was one of them.

_{The cenote – as you can see its small but has a few areas to explore.}

This cenote we chosen because it was quite late in the day and we wanted a cooling dip after a hot day exploring. This cenote closes much later than the others surrounding it. Once we arrived there was a small car park surrounded by some houses. We got out of our vehicle and looked for the person to pay. This took about 20 minutes to find someone and in that time a whole car of 8 people also arrived.

Like the cenotes I have previously visited there is W/C and a changing area and they provide you with life jackets. Whilst here I made friends with a very lovely and cuddly cat who wouldn’t leave me alone. He even walked down the steps to the cenote with me and sat on the side cleaning himself and watched as we all floated in the crystal clear (and very cold) waters. Maybe he is a Mayan spirit coming to watch over us?

This was the first cenote that I have been to that was a semi covered cenote. Easily accessible steps lead you down into the cenote itself but you have to watch your head because the rocks are low. Once inside it does feel quite small but calm and it is full of stalactites and stalagmites and has lights surrounding. I would say that max 6 people would be the perfect amount here if you are here to swim and explore the small cavern areas. For me this was a first time experience in such a small cenote and bobbing in my life jacket into some of the darker areas did heighten the senses a little but I had my girlfriend (who really is a sea baby and not scared of anything) to guide me.

I would say this is the perfect place to stop off after a day of exploring and is so close to Chichén Itzá its worth spending an hour cooling off after a hot Yucatan day.