Discover the Beauty of Cenote Caracol: A Must-Visit Destination

Since our first visit to Tulum, we were absolutely in love with the city’s bohemian atmosphere and rich natural beauty. However, it wasn’t until we discovered the wonder of cenotes, a natural phenomenon well-known among locals, that our experience of Tulum’s paradise truly became complete.

Our visit to a cenote was nothing short of amazing and we highly recommend that anyone visiting Tulum should include visiting a cenote in their itinerary, to explore these natural wonders for themselves. With that in mind, we’d like to share our guide to discovering the magic of Tulum’s cenotes with all of you! In this article, we’re going through a really amazing cenote, Cenote Caracol Tulum! 

TRAVEL TIP: After enjoying a swim in stunning cenotes, why not try some delicious food at one of the Tumum’s top restaurants? Connect with our friend Virginia on WhatsApp to discover the best dining spots in town that cater to your culinary tastes. With her guidance, you can savor the best of Tulum’s cuisine scene, without having to worry about anything. Best of all, Virginia’s services are FREE! So, don’t hesitate – get in touch with her today and treat yourself to a memorable dining experience in Tulum.

In technical terms, it’s a sinkhole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater. In simpler terms, it’s like a natural pool where one can swim  in an underground landscape that feels like something out of a fairytale.

So basically, cenotes offer a unique experience for those who love swimming, diving or just relaxing while taking amazing pictures! Some history and geography lovers would also be amazed when visiting a cenote, due its history and importance for the Mayan civilization.

The cenotes represented life and death in the Mayan culture. They were a water source for the Maya cities and represented the gateway to the world of the dead, so that’s why some cenotes are even considered sacred places for the local communities. 

IMPORTANT: Have fun, take amazing pictures and swim a lot! But don’t forget to respect the environment, especially not leaving trash or damaging the installations. 

Location: 77770 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Closest cities (approximate driving time):

• Tulum: 35 minutes 
• Playa del Carmen: 1 hour 
• Cancun: 2 hours 

Entrance Fee: 300 MXN pesos

Open hours: 8am to 5pm 

Perfect for: swimming, taking amazing pictures 

Cenote Caracol Tulum is a sinkhole underground, a natural pool all made for Mexico’s mother’s earth! Caracol is a Spanish word that means “snail”. Cenote Caracol is a hidden gem of Tulum. This stunning sinkhole is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters.

As you enter the cenote, you’ll be transported to a magical world of light and water. The dry cenote is illuminated by beams of sunlight streaming in from several side openings, creating a breathtaking display of light and shadow.

But the real magic happens when you take a dip in the platform surrounded by deep clear water. The cool, refreshing water is the perfect antidote to the hot Mexican sun, and the underwater lights add a touch of enchantment to the experience. And if you look up, you’ll see stalactites and roots coming down from the roof, making you feel like you’re swimming in a mystical underground world.

Cenote Caracol is part of the Sac Aktun system, a vast network of underwater rivers and caves that is a wonder of nature. And the best part? This hidden oasis remains relatively uncrowded year-round, giving you the chance to relax and unwind in peace.

So come and experience the magic of Cenote Caracol for yourself. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

There are so many fun activities and amenities here that you won’t want to leave!

First up, we’ve got the main attraction – the cenote itself. You can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and cool off from the Mexican sun. The underwater lights make the experience super enchanting, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some stalactites and roots coming down from the roof.

When you are into the waters, you can enjoy a nice time swimming, snorkeling and relaxing in one of the most beautiful underground natural pools in Tulum! If you are into diving, you can also dive in the cenote! You will need a certification or booking a guide, though! 

But that’s not all! We’ve got changing rooms and restrooms, so you can freshen up before and after your swim. So yes, you can shower! And if you’re feeling peckish, there is a little snack bar where you can grab some refreshments and snacks to keep you going. For those who are going by car, there’s a free parking lot available too!

Whenever we move from one place to another place in Tulum, we love renting a car. This gives us not just privacy, but also the  freedom of choosing when to go or when to leave a site. To reach Cenote Caracol Tulum from Tulum, you just only have to drive 16 km and you’re there! 

Renting a car is specially recommended if you are thinking of taking some day trips from Tulum to different destinations, and it will allow you to save both: money and time. 

However, you can also take a taxi from Tulum’s center, and you should get into the cenote within 35 or 40 minutes.

As it is located 8 kilometers into the jungle off the main road, walking there or riding a bike is not really recommended because of the rough way, so better think of going by wheels: car, taxi, bus. 

If you are not that much into driving or planning a trip on your own, you can always book a tour, and your guide will take care about the time, places and route to take! 

TRAVEL TIP: Rent a car in the best Car Rental Company in Tulum – we’ve rented a car plenty of times with them, and we are so grateful for their services! BGH Car Rental Tulum is a trustable and affordable, and moreover Virginia is lovely. Contact them directly on WhatsApp to secure your car today!

Here are some tips for making the most of your day at Cenote Caracol Tulum:

• Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and get the best photos!
• Wear lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes as you will be walking and swimming.
• Don’t forget your camera – there are plenty of beautiful photo opportunities!
• Consider taking a guided tour if you want to learn more about the area’s history.
• Consider bringing cash with you when paying the entrance fee or renting equipment, as most cenotes do not accept card payments. Remember, cash is king!

There are several beautiful cenotes located near Cenote Zacil Ha that are definitely worth a visit during your trip to Tulum. One of the closest is Cenote Jardín del Edén, also known as Cenote Ponderosa, which is surrounded by lush vegetation and features an underwater cave system that divers and snorkelers alike will love.

For those interested in cave diving, the nearby Dos Ojos cenote is also worth checking out, with its intricate network of underwater tunnels and chambers that make for a truly unforgettable diving experience.

Overall, the Tulum area is home to some of the most beautiful cenotes in the world, and whether you’re looking for a relaxing swim or an adventurous diving experience, you’re sure to find it at one of the many stunning cenotes in the area.