Cleotilde Cenote: All Angles at Once

Though generally considered exotic, cenotes are a common sight in the Riviera Maya, and even more so in the area around Homun. One can visit several in a single day and still not be done by the end of the week. What’s more, new cenotes are discovered and opened to the public all the time, like the Cleotilde cenote.

Cleotilde: a cenote under a poplar

There was a time when the Cleotilde cenote was private property. Fortunately, the ranch under which Cleotilde lays is no longer active, so we can enjoy the treasure buried underneath. There’s nothing much to see before you enter the cenote—just a poplar and some masonry marking the entrance.

Watch your step

Though the entrance is just a set of stairs—a long set of stairs—it should be approached carefully. Remember it’s used by people who have just been swimming. The sight can also be distracting because of how beautiful it is. The cenote opens right under your feet. Just wait for a little while until you’re down on firm ground to enjoy the view.

Surprises from the underworld

Of course, there are no locker rooms here; just benches. What awaits you: the clear pool hit by the sun. But not only that. It’s not often we get to see a tree from underneath, and yet, Cleotilde, as if she was a goddess of the underworld, will allow it. From down here you’ll see the roots of the poplar next to the entrance; its roots descending all the way, dipping into the water. What’s more, its foliage and branches above are reflected by the water. So, in effect, you’re looking at the tree from every angle at the same time.

Perhaps that’s one reason why the Mayans thought these places were sacred.