Sac Aua cenote: bring your family

The Sac Aua cenote, located near Dzalbay, Yucatan, is a beautiful cavern with an island in the middle of its blue waters. We also call it “El Cenote de las Doncellas” (The Cenote of the Maidens), owing to a legend that it was originally used for virgin sacrifices. It’s also probably linked to a Mayan temple from the past. The Sac Aua cenote used to be an enclosed cenote, but it became an open-air cenote after the roof collapsed almost completely thousands of years ago. The roof collapsed in a perfect circle in the middle of the cenote, forming a spherical island.

What to expect

When you arrive at the location, you will see the caretakers in a palapa that doubles as a restaurant. They will lead you down a white dirt road that is clearly marked amongst the bush, welcoming you and ensuring that you have a good day. If you want to get there quickly, you can rent a bike because the walk will take about 15 minutes.

Here you will find a sense of tranquility and connection with history and nature, but in addition to this, many services and activities that you can enjoy with your family, friends, or partner. This entrance to the cenote is a huge hole in the ground with a handrail and wooden stairs. This protection is to avoid accidents and make access easier for you.

How to Get to Sac Aua Cenote

The cenote is located in Dzalbay, a small settlement northeast of Valladolid, within walking distance of the city center. It takes about 35 minutes to go 22 miles (35 kilometers) from Valladolid. Valladolid does not have car rental; however you can rent a scooter there. They are priced at 100 pesos ($5) each hour or 500 pesos ($25) for the day. Find a colectivo in the direction of Dzalbay near the major bus terminal. The one-way fare was roughly 35 pesos ($2).

What to bring

If you decide to come to Sac Aua Cenote by bike, come as comfortable as possible. Also, try to wear light-colored clothes, as light-colored fabrics will keep the heat away. Other items are comfortable closed shoes, mosquito repellent and your personal swimwear such as towel and bathing suit.