Dzitnup cenote gives you a 2×1

The Dzitnup cenote is very near Valladolid. It consists of two cenotes, Samulá and X’Kekén. These extraordinary natural formations serve as sacred portals to the ancient Maya underworld. Thus offering a mesmerizing exploration. Here are some tips on the Dzitnup cenote.

The gates to the underworld

Xib’alb’a is the name the Mayan gave to this place, ruled by the gods of sickness and death. Scientists have gone into the interior of cenote Dzitnup and the Sacred Cenote of Chichén Itzá. They have found offerings that the Maya put to honor their gods. Many of the objects found in such places are exhibited in the Great Museum of the Maya World in Merida.

What to expect

This place consists of a medium-sized grotto, which leads to a narrow tunnel that connects to a beautiful cenote of crystal clear water, where you can swim, snorkel and enjoy the perfect water temperature. This cenote was most likely the residence of the gods and the entrance to the other world. As its name suggests, it is a ‘blue cave’, which provided drinking water to the nearby inhabitants for centuries.

For the Samulá cenote, you have to go down some stone stairs. There is a first level that is perfect to admire the beauty of the cenote in all its splendor. Go down a little further. You will find a platform from which you can jump into the cenote swim.

Dzitnup cenote: what to do

Observe and admire the way the sun enters through the top of the dome creating a beautiful optical illusion. Take your camera and capture this beautiful landscape.

If you want to observe the depths of the cenote, its constitution and the fish that live there, the best idea is to dive. In the cenote you can rent all the necessary equipment for this activity. If you don’t have practice as a diver, what you can do is snorkel.

To learn more about the formation of the Dzitnup Cenote, hire a Yucatecan guide. This way you will hear the famous ‘bombas’. They are narrations about the beliefs that revolve around the Dzitnup Cenote.

If you want to take home a souvenir of this amazing corner of Mexico, you will be in the perfect place. Visit the handicrafts store, you will find original and colorful pieces.

How to get to Dzitnup cenote

This magical water cave is only 15 miles from Valladolid and 100 miles from Merida. The nearest airports are Cozumel and Cancun. If you wish to arrive by car, leave Valladolid and take Federal Highway 295. At kilometer 6 take the detour to the cenote. To get there by public transportation you can take a cab or rent a bicycle.