Nomadic dani

If you’re on the hunt for a stunning cenote that’s a bit off the beaten path, Cenote Xcanahaltún should be on your list! Tucked away in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, this natural wonder offers a unique, peaceful experience compared to some of the more popular cenotes in the region. Whether you’re an avid adventurer, a photographer, or just someone looking for a beautiful place to relax, Cenote Xcanahaltún has something special to offer.

After a long day of exploring the nearby Ek Balam ruins we deicded to end our day cooling down in a cenote. This is my second ever cenote visit in my life and my goodness I did not expect how amazing this was.

It was the end of the hottest day so far and the cenote was open for 1.5 more hours. When we arrived there is a payment area and they provide you (like every cenote) with a life jacket. There are male and female changing areas, lockers and shower areas. They expect everyone to shower before entering a cenote to remove and sun cream etc.

A small walk away along a path surrounded by beautiful trees I was beginning to wonder “where is this cenote?” until my girlfriend stopped and pointed down at the ground to a spiral staircase going into the ground. “Time to go down” I said as she led me into the unknown.

All I can say is I was not expecting how BEAUTIFUL and breathtaking this place was. It made me feel like I had discovered a secret oasis. It was massive and the best thing is there was only one other couple here who were just about to leave. Safe to say we enjoyed a whole hour to ourselves, which was pretty romantic!

Unlike many other cenotes, Xcanahaltún is an open cenote, meaning it has a large, wide pool with no cave above. The sunlight pours down, illuminating the turquoise water below, creating a mesmerizing effect. It’s an ideal spot to relax and take in the surroundings, whether you’re swimming or simply lounging by the edge.

As we were both strong swimmers we decided not to use the life jackets. There is a safety line that runs across the cenote that you can grab hold of. In the middle is an area that is a little higher, so you can safely sit and get your feet nibbled by the many fish and watch the many birds flying in and out that live in the cenote. Some of the fish were pretty big too!

Key Features of Cenote Xcanahaltún:

• Crystal-clear water: Perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
• Natural beauty: Surrounded by jungle and lush greenery.
• Open air: The wide, open setting offers more space to move around and enjoy the sun.

This was the perfect end to an amazing and adventurous day (one of my favourites so far) apart from being attacked by hornets whilst we escaped in the car (a story for another time!) and to top it off we stopped and watched the sun set before heading back to Cancun.

Cenote Xcanahaltún is the perfect combination of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. Whether you’re into swimming, snorkeling, or just exploring the beauty of the Yucatán, this cenote offers something for everyone. Plus, it’s not as crowded as other cenotes, so you can enjoy a peaceful experience.

If you’re planning a trip to the Yucatán Peninsula, make sure to visit Cenote Xcanahaltún. It’s one of the area’s best-kept secrets, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it just as much as I did!