Welcome to Cenote Zaci, an adventure off the beaten path of Valladolid, Mexico!
In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know to have an AMAZING experience at Cenote Cazi.
Let’s get started!
Cenote Zaci Location
Cenote Zaci is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Valladolid.
It’s only a FEW KILOMETERS from Chichen Itza – one of Mexico’s most iconic archaeological sites.
Though obviously not as well-known or visited as Chichen Itza, it’s an amazing place to explore!
The Yucatan Peninsula itself is THE HOTSPOT for cenotes, offering a multitude of these natural sinkholes that were considered sacred by the ancient Mayans.
What is Cenote Zaci?
Cenote Maya Zaci is a partially open cenote, which means that it has an exposed area and two subterranean galleries.
The walls of the cave are made of limestone – a type of rock that’s abundant in this region – and grow up to 20 metres high! The TEMPERATURE inside the cave remains fairly constant at around 24°C.
The entrance of the cave leads to a 10-metre wide pool which is surrounded by lush vegetation and trees, giving off a magical atmosphere.
Things To Do
Cliff-jumping
One of the main activities offered at Cenote Zaci is cliff-jumping. The cenote has several cliffs that range from 3 to 10 metres, so it’s perfect for thrill seekers of all levels.
Snorkeling
In Cenote Zaci Snorkeling is a popular activity overall when visiting cenotes BUT I would recommend sitting this one out in Cenote Zaci.
Don’t get me wrong, the water is gorgeous for SWIMMING.
You will not see anything if you try snorkelling because of the depth of the cenote.
How To Get To Cenote Zaci?
There are four options to get to Cenote Zaci; it all depends on where you are staying.
The options are on foot, by taxi, or by car.
On Foot To Cenote Zaci
Cenote Cazi is located literally in the center of Valladolid, so you can take a short 7-minute walk from the main square of Valladolid.
By Taxi
Taxis are a very convenient way to get to Cenote Zaci if you don’t have a car, and they shouldn’t cost you more than 60 pesos (3,5 USD) to get there. We shared the taxi with other travelers we met in the city, so this was a real bargain!
By Car
If you are staying in Valladolid for a couple of days, we recommend renting a car.
We visited Cenote Zaci the day we arrived, so we didn’t need a car, but afterward, we decided to rent a car to visit other cenotes in the area and other attractions outside of the city.
Every time we want to rent a car, we always rent through RentalCars.com. They have so many different rental companies on their website, so you are guaranteed to get the best prices.
They also have a large variety of cars, so there is an option for all types of travelers and budgets.
Best Time To Visit
Cenote Zaci is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting the cenote on a WEEKDAY in the MORNING.
Most visitors first go to the famous Chichen Itza before going to the cenote. That being said, when peak starts, it can get crowded fast!
Best Time To Visit Valladolid
The best time to visit Zaci, Cenote, and Valladolid is from November through April, as this is the dry season in Mexico.
This means that you’ll get beautiful sunny days with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59F) to 27°C (80F).
During these months, there won’t be a lot of tourists visiting Valladolid and Cenote Zaci, so you won’t have to worry about overcrowded places.
We thought it was the perfect time of year to appreciate all the beauty that Mexico has to offer!
Where To Stay in Valladolid
Luxury
Hotel Sutuk – This luxury hotel has it all: a spa, two swimming pools (one with a swim-up bar!), four restaurants, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Perfect for the sophisticated traveler who loves to be pampered!
Mid-range
TecnoHotel Valladolid – A modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of Valladolid. It’s perfect for those who want to be close to all the attractions but still far enough away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Budget
Hostal Guacamayas – This is a simple and cozy budget hostel located in the city center. It’s perfect for those who want to be close to all the attractions without spending too much money.
Restaurants in Valladolid
Valladolid is known for its delicious Mexican food. Here are some of the best restaurants in the city:
La Posada del Cazador – This restaurant is perfect for those looking for a romantic dinner in an elegant setting. They serve classic Mexican dishes as well as Mediterranean and international cuisine.
La Casa de Frida – This is the place to go for delicious vegan and vegetarian food! They serve traditional Mexican dishes made with organic ingredients.
Bonus: If you go to the restaurant located at Cenote Zaci and order more than 100 pesos, your entrance to the cenote will be completely FREE.
Nearby Attractions
There are many other attractions close to Cenote Zaci that you can visit. Here are some of our favorites:
- Chichen Itza – This ancient Mayan city is one of the most visited sites in Mexico and a must-see when visiting Valladolid.
- Ek Balam Archaeological Site – Its name means “black jaguar” and visitors can explore the ruins of this once powerful Maya city.
- Natural Park Rio Lagartos – This natural park is famous for its pink flamingoes and other bird species that inhabit the area. You can also take boat tours in the mangroves and spot some crocodiles.
- Cenote Samula: Located about a 20-minute drive from Valladolid, this cenote is one of the most beautiful and impressive in the Yucatan Peninsula. Its crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Practical Tips
When visiting Cenote Zaci, make sure to bring the following items:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Swimming suit and towel
- Camera (waterproof, if possible)
- Cash, as some cenotes don’t accept credit cards
Changing rooms and toilets are available at the entrance of the cenote, but there are no lockers. You have to pay 5 pesos to use these facilities.
Entrance fee is 30 pesos (0.33 USD) per person.
And lastly, remember to always respect nature and leave the cenote as it was before.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap!
We hope this blog post helped you plan your visit to the beautiful Cenote Zaci in Valladolid, Mexico.
Let us know in the comments how your experience was!
FAQ
Are cenotes clean?
Yes, cenotes are generally very clean and do not require any specific safety precautions. However, it is important to remember that the water in cenotes can be quite cold so make sure to bring a jacket if you plan on swimming!
Are cenotes safe?
Yes, cenotes are generally safe to swim in. However, it is important to use common sense and be aware of your surroundings at all times. We also recommend wearing life jackets if you plan on going snorkelling or diving in the cenote.
How is a cenote created?
A cenote is a natural underground cavern with a pool of fresh water on the bottom. They are created when limestone bedrock collapses due to erosion and exposes an underground river or lake below. The result is a unique body of water – both beautiful and mysterious!
Which cenote is near Chichen Itza?
The closest cenote to Chichen Itza is Zaci Cenote. Located about 15km (9 miles) from the archaeological site, it’s perfect for those who want to take a refreshing dip after exploring the ruins.
Can you swim in Cenote Zaci?
Yes, you can swim in Cenote Zaci! The crystal clear waters of the cenote are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Just make sure to bring your own snorkelling gear if you want to explore the hidden depths of the cenote!
What is the entrance fee to Zaci Cenote?
The entrance fee for Zaci cenote is 30 Mexican pesos per person.
Do I need water shoes for cenotes?
Yes, it is recommended to wear water shoes when exploring cenotes as the rocks can be slippery and there may also be sharp objects in the water. Water shoes will help protect your feet from any potential hazards.
What is the history of cenote Zaci?
Cenote Zaci is a natural sinkhole located in the city of Valladolid, Mexico. It was an important source of fresh water for the Mayan people who settled in this area more than 1,500 years ago. The cenote has been open to visitors since 1980 and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.
What are Cenote Zaci opening hours?
The opening hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
What is Cenote Zaci depth?
The depth is around 100 meters.
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