CENOTES NEAR MERIDA

There are thousands of cenotes in the Yucatán and if you scratch the surface you can find some that are a lot less crowded. Chances are you’re reading this post because, like us, that’s what you’re in search of. Well, don’t worry we’ve got you covered with a list of cenotes in Homún!

Some of our favorite cenotes in the Yucatán are 50km away from Mérida in a traditional dusty village by the name of Homún. Scattered all around this pueblo pequeño are hundreds of cenotes in what has come to be known as anillo de los cenotes (the ring of cenotes).

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Because it’s quite a bit farther from Cancun and Tulum, it’s remained off of most tourist itineraries. As a result, the cenotes of Homún feel more rustic and maintain more of their natural appearance. Out of the many cenotes in the vicinity, only 15-20 of them are open to the public.

Some are owned by local farmers, while others are more commercialized and set up to attract tour groups. Plus, they tend to be a whole lot cheaper with an average entrance fee of 50 pesos ($3).

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Cenotes in Homún, Mexico

Cenote Canunchen

This is a jug-type cenote. It has a circular opening on top that lets in a beautiful beam of light and makes the water below it shimmer. There are some nice rays in the morning. Two sets of steep stairs lead you down to a wooden platform.

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There’s a small jump and a rope swing that’s fun to mess around on.

This is a newly discovered cenote in Homún. We arrived around 9am and had the place to ourselves for an hour. There are decent bathroom and shower facilities on the grounds. You can even stay the night here if you want.

Located on a dirt road to left off of Calle 19/YUC 10 going East out of town. Look for the signs.

Cenote Bal-Mil

This cenote also has two sets of steep stairs making it easy enough to enter and exit. There is a large tree nicknamed “The Alamo” at the entrance. The most characteristic part of this cave is its huge stalactites and stalagmites.

This one retains more of its original form underground, there are no artificial platforms, just dirt. It also appears to have a river inside of it but it’s only an illusion based on the shape of the pool.

When we arrived there was a family playing drums and participating in a traditional Maya ceremony to honor the spirits of the underworld, this gave our experience a spiritual vibe.

Accessed via the same dirt road along the way to Canunchen.

Cenote Hool Kosom

This one isn’t quite as big as the two mentioned before, but it’s still a cool one. What makes this cenote different is its smooth white limestone ceiling with a small hole in the top that creates a light beam that perfectly illuminates a shallow area of rocks below.

Swim out to that spot and snap a pic for an otherworldly shot. The cenote is easy to access by stairs a short distance from the parking lot. There is a wooden platform and a step ladder to help you get in.

Accessed via the same dirt road as Canunchen and Bal Mil.

Cenote Los Tres Oches

Los Tres Oches translates to the three foxes because there are three cenotes. None of them are very big, but for what they lack in size, they make up for in adventure. The first is a narrow open cenote with wooden stairs leading you down to a small pool surrounded by rock walls.

The second one requires a lot more effort and bravery. This one is accessed via a tiny hole in the ground with a rope inside of it leading down at least 6m (20 ft) underground. It’s surreal jumping into the dark pool below and admittedly it’s kinda freaky. Not for the claustrophobic!

The third cenote is crystal clear but it’s tight and confined. You’re swimming between giant boulders. You can jump in or climb down a ladder, it’s up to you.

There’s a young guy there that will show you how to access all three cenotes. They’re on his family’s property and because of him, we enjoyed this one more than we expected. This one doesn’t feel commercialized at all.

Located off of Calle 8, just follow the signs.

Cenote Santa Maria & Cave

This isn’t your average cenote, it also includes a subterranean river inside of a cave! This means you’ll have to be more adventurous to get to it, but it’s all part of the fun.

You begin by walking through a gate behind the Santa Maria Hotel and walking down some damp muddy stairs that lead underground. You’ll reach a point where you have to wade in ankle-deep water and some mud through a narrow rock corridor.

At the end of this passage, you’ll arrive at a stunning cenote that you might have to yourself.

There is electricity inside the cave, but it’s still pretty dark. The rock formations are beautiful and the water is transparent. I’m obsessed with caves, so I was thrilled about the cenote cave combo, but if you’re not up for getting dirty in the dark this one may not be for you.

Located behind Hotel Santa Maria on Calle 28.

Other Cenotes in the Homún Area

Tza Ujun Kat

This popular public cenote is located in front of the village cemetery. It is a closed cenote with a hole at the top where sunlight comes in. The spacious interior contains stalactites and stalagmites, and emerald green water. It has a maximum depth of 8m (26 ft), but it also has shallow areas making it ideal for kids or families.

Located off of Calle 30 B.

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Cenote Yaxbakaltun

This cenote is located on the same dirt road that leads to Tres Oches. This one is quite large and open, so it’s very well-lit. The sun seems to hit it nicely so that the water glistens and the vegetation growing on the walls look extra green.

You can either jump in or if you’re not feeling up to that, take the metal staircase down to the platform.

Located off of Calle 8.

Cenote Santa Rosa

This subterranean cenote is illuminated with purple lights as there isn’t any natural light available. That’s either really cool or not, depending on your cenote preferences. No need to bring a snorkel mask as you probably won’t see much here.

The water’s maximum depth is only 5m (16 ft). They offer eco-style cabañas for lodging and a restaurant serving all the Yucatecan favorites.

Located on Calle 30A, right in town.

Cenote Santa Bárbara

This is one of the more popular cenotes of Homún for tour groups, most likely because it offers three cenotes. The first is Cascabel, an underground cenote, the second is Chaksikin which is semi-open, and the last is Xoch, which looks super picturesque, as it is an open cenote and has a large tree growing on the edge with roots dangling down to the water.

The entrance is 250 pesos ($15) and allows you access to all three swimming holes. You can travel between cenotes either by horse-drawn carriages or by bicycle. There’s also a restaurant on-site if you want lunch for the day you can opt to include that for more.

Located on the street after Tza Ujun Kat heading towards Cuzamà, look for a sign.

The Cenotes of Cuzamà

Cuzamà is a town located a 7-minute drive (3.3 km) from Homún. Your option here is to take a rustic ride through the jungle on a railway cart pulled by a horse. Three different underground cenotes are waiting for you to dive in!

You’ll see people flagging you down from the side of the road shortly after entering the town. At the time of writing it cost 500-600 pesos per cart ($30-35) to visit three cenotes. This is definitely less touristy.

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What to Bring to the Cenotes

• Towel & dry clothes (many of the cenotes have changing rooms)
• Sunscreen (please don’t apply any until after you’re done swimming)
• Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks, not all of the cenotes offer food
• Snorkel mask
• Underwater flashlight

Things to Keep in Mind

• Don’t apply sunscreen, sprays, or lotions before entering the pools. Don’t pollute them!
• Please don’t touch the stalactites and stalagmites, they’re alive and we should keep it that way!
• Don’t swallow the water. You might get sick. There is no chlorine in these pools!
• All cenotes are open every day of the year, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Each cenote has an admission fee, but most are really cheap, usually around 30 pesos ($1.50) pp.

Getting to Homún

By Rental Car

Renting a car is by far the best way to reach Homún. We used a combination of the maps.me app and google maps to navigate.

By Bus

Buses leaving Merida for Homún can be found at Terminal Norestre on Calle 67, between Calle 50 and 52. They depart at the following times: 7:45, 9:15, 10:45, 12:30, and 14:30. It will take about an hour and a half.

By Colectivo/Combi

Colectivos (shared taxis) leaving Merida for Homún can be found across the street from the bus station mentioned above. Combis leave when they’re full. It should be faster than the bus.

By Tour From Merida

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Getting Around Homún

By Rental Car

If you have a car, all of the cenotes of Homún can be reached easily. You can find most of them using GPS or maps.me and there will be plenty of signs pointing out the direction along the main road. Drive along Calle 19 out of Homún in the direction of Huhi until you see signs on the left side.

By Moto-Taxi

If you’re coming by bus or colectivo, or just want to support the local economy and get a guide, there are several guys on moto-taxis that can drive you around the cenotes for about 300 pesos ($15) for the day. You can’t miss them once you arrive in Homún, they all hang out near the main plaza and chances are they’ll find you.

Where to Stay in Homún, Mexico

Since we arrived late in the day to Homún we decided to stay a night. In case you do the same or just want more time to enjoy the cenotes of the area, here are a few options and ideas:

Budget: Hospedaje Papagrande

This is the best budget option in Homún. They have a pool and good Wi-Fi. It’s in a central location close to all of the cenotes too and within walking distance to stores and restaurants.

Book Hospedaje Papagrande 8.9/10

Mid-range: HAMEKI

Located just outside Homún town, this is your chance to sleep under the stars in a luxury tent. The grounds include a pool and hot tub, an on-site restaurant, and bikes for rent.

Book HAMEKI and get your glamping on! 9/10

Luxury: Hotel Hacienda Ticum

You can find Hotel Hacienda Ticum 26km southeast of Homún in a town called Tixkokob. This place looks like a true gem in the jungle, with a crystal clear pool and lush green garden.

Book Hacienda Dzina and unwind! 9/10

Final Thoughts

Exploring the cenotes in Homún is the perfect activity for people looking for something different. This place is no-frills and laid back, which is exactly our travel style. Every cenote may differ in its shape or character, but they all remain beautiful and mysterious.

Easily one of the most unique and interesting things to do in the Yucatán, we recommend picking a couple of them and spending a day or two swimming in what locals refer to as agua dulce (sweet water).

We hope this post helps you find the best cenotes near Merida! If you’re in the Riviera Maya area and can’t make it all this way, fear not, we have a post about the best cenotes near Cancun too!

Have you ever been to a cenote? Which is your favorite?