Yaal Cenote: Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

Yaal Cenote lies in the middle of the jungle. Before this area was explored and opened to the public, falling into this cenote was probably a common occurrence. However, now it’s open, and safe, for visitors to enjoy. Which is good, for it almost looks like a part of someone’s fantasy.

Where is Yaal Cenote?

If you’re staying in or near Mérida, Yucatan’s capital, this is a comfortable cenote to visit. It should take you about an hour traveling south to get here.

Yaal Cenote is almost a virgin cenote

Don’t expect many facilities here. There’s a place to park your car and you can rent a life jacket—that’s pretty much it. Though you might find someone selling (delicious) local food around, it’s no guarantee and depends on the time of day. Bring some food in a cooler if you’re planning to spend the whole day here.

What makes this cenote so special?

This is a sinkhole right in the middle of the woods. Plants, trees, shrubs, and all kinds of vegetation are falling right on top of it, giving it a fairy-tale feel.

A set of stairs lead all the way to the bottom, but you have the option to stop at a platform, around 10 ft. high, and take the plunge from there. Or, if you’re a bit more daring, you could jump right from the edge of the sinkhole itself, 25 ft high.

Something to have in mind: though they’re covered in roots and plants, the cenote’s walls are pretty much flat and smooth, and there are no shallow waters. If you’re not a good swimmer you should wear a life jacket.

The pool is around 82 ft. long and 127 ft. wide and has a maximum depth of 160 feet. It gets wider under the cenote’s walls, as it expands into a cave, making it a good place for divers.

The underwater cave is open to exploring for those with the equipment and the know-how. Some pieces of pottery have been found down there. Also, the bones of non-aquatic animals. Maybe jaguars?