Muul Ichi cenote: a journey into the underworld

The Muul Ichi cenote, whose Mayan name means “cenote of the pyramid” or “ruin in the cenote,” sits just a few meters from the town of San Juan de Dios near Tulum. It is partially exposed, with a small aperture through which a ladder descends into the depths. Because of the limited access to light and tourists, priceless Toh birds and bats, fabled inhabitants of these Mayan regions, live here.

Muul Ichi cenote: What to expect

A vast-diameter vault of crystalline water will greet you inside the cenotes. There is a wooden platform in the center, where the tree roots become thirsty.  To enter the semi-open site, visitors must descend a spiraling wooden staircase that was placed beneath a small aperture through which they enter this huge complex. When you get to the bottom, you’ll see a platform supported by an ancestral pyramid-shaped structure created by the Maya.

You can change and rinse off when you reach this cenote, then descend the wooden spiral stairs. You’ll be entering a sealed cenote deep underground. Because this cenote is not wide open, it is protected from debris and has crystal clear water.

Muul Ichi cenote: Useful info

The Muul Ichi cenote is in San Juan de Dios. Ask there where to find the cenote. If the road has closed the wooden gate, it indicates it has not yet opened. Bring goggles because the water is so clear and deep that you’ll want to look through them. Wearing lotions or chemicals to protect yourself from the water is not a good idea. Bring a swimsuit and a towel.

The opening hours for visitors to the cenote are from 8:00 to 17:00 every day. Because this cenote sits near a tiny town, the hours of operation are subject to change. Bathrooms and showers are available.