Gran Cenote Revealed: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide to a Natural Wonder

Since we visited Mexico, we knew this land has so many things to offer, and we decided to explore this land of wonders as deep as we could. In our research, we realized our experience wouldn’t be complete if we wouldn’t visit a cenote: an otherworldly place. 

But, what is a cenote and why is it so worthy to visit one? Well, briefly, a cenote is a natural swimming hole formed when limestone bedrock collapses, revealing crystal-clear freshwater underneath. It’s like a natural pool, underground. They’re found in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and offer a unique experience to swim, explore caves, and observe aquatic life. (That’s one of the best parts!) Visiting a cenote is a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the region, while also offering cultural significance as sacred sites for the ancient Maya civilization.  

And Gran Cenote is one of the best cenotes to visit! If you want to know what it looks like, how to get to Gran Cenote, and some other recommendations, grab a coffee and keep reading!

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PERFECT FOR: Swimming, snorkeling, diving, nature lovers

CLOSEST CITIES (approximately driving time):

Tulum: 10 minutes

Playa del Carmen: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Cancun: 2 hours

ENTRANCE PRICE: 500 MXN pesos per person

OPEN HOURS: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

If you’re planning to visit Tulum, Mexico, we highly recommend adding Gran Cenote to your list of things to do. It’s one of the best spots in the area, with stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. For a few pesos, you can take a day tour and explore this magnificent open-air cenote. You can also combine your visit with other nearby attractions like the Coba ruins and other cenotes tours to make the most of your time. You’ll get a chance to learn about the fascinating history of the Maya civilization, and trust me, this experience will be unforgettable!

If you’re staying in Tulum, there are a few ways to get to Gran Cenote. The easiest and most convenient option is to rent a car and drive there yourself. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Tulum and there is a parking lot available at the cenote. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Tulum, but be aware that taxi fares in Tulum can be quite expensive.

Another option is to take a colectivo (shared minibus) from Tulum to Coba and ask the driver to drop you off at Gran Cenote. Colectivos can be found at the Tulum bus station or along the main road. This is a more affordable option than taking a taxi, but keep in mind that you’ll need to walk a bit from the highway to the entrance of the cenote.

If you’re coming from Cancun, the easiest way to get to Gran Cenote is by renting a car and driving south on Highway 307 towards Tulum. The drive takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic. There is a parking lot available at the cenote.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cancun to Tulum and then follow the directions from Tulum above. Buses run regularly between Cancun and Tulum, with several companies offering this route. This is a more affordable option than renting a car, but keep in mind that you’ll need to take a taxi or colectivo from Tulum to Gran Cenote.

“Life is short, the world is wild. Let’s make some memories”. That’s what we thought when we decided to leave our sedentary life and start traveling the world. Swim, bike, snorkel, climb mountains, smile in other languages, travel the world. So we started our trip and we discovered amazing places that we would hardly have met if we hadn’t traveled. And Gran Cenote is really one of those spots,absolutely. 

What makes it so special is its stunning view: it’s a cave underground, and you can swim on it! But swimming and taking pictures is just the beginning. You can also go into the deep!

So check out our favorite activities to do when we visit a cenote: 

When you visit the cenote you will have a range of activities that cater to different interests and skill levels. The main attraction at Gran Cenote is its crystal-clear waters, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The cenote is home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life, so you can enjoy a unique underwater experience. For more experienced divers, Gran Cenote offers the opportunity to explore its underwater cave system. The cenote has several cave entrances that lead to intricate passageways and stunning rock formations.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, you can simply relax by the water’s edge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The lush jungle and natural rock formations create a serene atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding. Gran Cenote is part of a larger network of cenotes in the area, so you can also explore other nearby cenotes on foot or by bike. You can also visit the nearby Mayan ruins of Tulum or Coba, which are both within easy driving distance. 

Coba is a popular day trip destination from Tulum, because it is a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history and culture of the Maya civilization.

Coba is an ancient Mayan city located in the Yucatan Peninsula, near Tulum. It was once a bustling city with up to 50,000 inhabitants at its peak. Today, you can explore the Coba ruins and witness some of the impressive architecture and engineering feats of the Mayan civilization, including the towering Nohoch Mul pyramid.

Coba is spread out over a large area, and visitors can walk or bike along the many stone paths that connect the various structures. The city was built around a network of lakes and cenotes, which provided a reliable source of water for the inhabitants. The surrounding jungle is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and exotic birds, which adds to the unique atmosphere of the site.

Visiting Coba is a great way to learn about the fascinating history of the Maya civilization and to see some of the impressive structures they built. It’s also a great opportunity to get out of the city and experience the natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Here’s a list of some cenotes that you will find close to Gran Cenote, and you may visit on a one-day trip. Check them out! 

• Cenote Azul 
• Cenote Calavera
• Cenote Jaguar 
• Cenote Dos Ojos

On our blog, we have a review of all of them, so you can check out where they are located, the easiest ways to reach them, the amenities they have, the prices and what to expect from your adventure. Each one of them offers an amazing time!