Hello, friends! Today I am going to tell you about my experience visiting a cenote for the first time.
A cenote is a natural formation that occurs when the roof of an underground cave collapses and a freshwater pool is formed. Cenotes are very common in the Yucatán peninsula, in Mexico, and are sacred places for the Mayans. They are also a very popular tourist attraction, offering spectacular scenery and a chance to cool off in the tropical heat.
Cenote Kixné
Some important aspects must be taken into account to enjoy the experience without putting our security or that of the ecosystem at risk.
For this reason, I am going to give you some tips that I learned in my first cenote (and how not to die trying).
Cenote Noria, Hda. Kampepen
There are all kinds of cenotes: open, semi-open or closed.
The open ones are the easiest to access and the most illuminated, but also the most crowded.
The semi-open ones have a part in the open air and another part underground, and usually have stalactites and stalagmites.
The cerrados are the darkest and deepest, and require special equipment and guidance to explore.
If you are a beginner , I recommend starting with an open cenote or semi-open cenote.
Cenote Caliskutz, Homún
Cenotes are fragile ecosystems that are home to great biodiversity.
To protect them, you must follow some basic rules: do not use sunscreen or insect repellent, do not throw garbage or objects into the water, do not touch or disturb the animals or rock formations, and do not do excessive noise.
In addition, you have to pay an entrance fee when you arrive at the cenote, which usually includes the use of a life jacket and a locker.
Cenotes are magical places to swim, dive or snorkel, but they also have their risks.
The water is usually very cold, which can lead to hypothermia if we stay too long. There may also be currents or eddies that drag us towards the bottom or towards another cave.
For this reason, you have to pay attention to the signs and the instructions of the cenote staff.
And if you don’t know how to swim or are afraid of the water, don’t worry: you can stay on the shore or wear a life jacket.
The cenotes were sacred places for the Maya, who used them to perform rituals and offer offerings to the gods. Some cenotes have archaeological remains or cave paintings that tell us about their history and worldview.
Others are near archaeological zones or Mayan towns that are worth visiting.
So don’t just see the cenote as a place to bathe: it is also a place to learn and admire. Cenote Pool Uinic, Homun
Visiting a cenote is a unique and unforgettable experience that you will surely want to remember and share with your friends and family.
Therefore, do not forget to bring your camera or cell phone (with a waterproof case) to capture the best images of the cenote. But also remember to enjoy the moment and disconnect from technology for a while.
And if you liked the cenote , feel free to leave a positive comment on social networks or travel platforms to help other travelers discover it.