Landmark
Sacred Cenote
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The Sacred Cenote is a dramatic natural sinkhole about 60 meters in diameter, located 300 meters north of El Castillo at Chichen Itza. For centuries, the Maya considered it a portal to the underworld and conducted rituals here, depositing offerings of jade, gold, pottery, and human sacrifices to appease the rain god Chaac. Divers have recovered thousands of artifacts, now displayed in museums. Visitors can view the cenote from a viewing platform, its dark green waters surrounded by lush vegetation, and imagine the ancient ceremonies that once took place.
Don't miss
- Peer into the dark, algae-green waters from the viewing platform
- Learn about the sacrificial offerings recovered by divers
- Spot the surrounding jungle and listen for birds in the trees
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Sacred Cenote
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inDrive an Atv shared, swim in a Cenote and ziplines in the Cancun4★ · 50 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →
Best full dayChichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour4.7★ · 25,215 travelers~12 hoursFree cancellationFrom$49 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Cenotes tour5★ · 154 travelers4–6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$245 per personSee dates →More attractions in Piste