Cenote Escondido and Cenote Cristal: Essential Info to Know Before Visit

Cenote Escondido and Cenote Cristal are two beautiful Cenotes located in Tulum (one next to the other!) , lesser known and less crowded, but with incredible turquoise waters, and surrounded by a lush jungle, they are a must-visit destination if you are a nature lover! 

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!)  

In this article, we are going to explore everything you need to know before visiting Cenote Escondido: what to expect, surroundings, or how to get there. So if you are ready for your next adventure in Mexico, grab your coffee and keep reading!

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Cenote Escondido means “hidden cenote”, in Spanish. And this name makes a lot of sense! Cenote Escondido is like a hidden natural gem in Tulum, and it doesn’t come alone: there is another cenote next to it: Cenote Cristal, so it’s double fun! 

PERFECT FOR: Relaxing, swimming, connecting with nature

CLOSEST CITIES (approximately driving time):

• Tulum: 8 minutes 
• Playa del Carmen: 1 hour 
• Cancun: 2 hours and 20 minutes 

ENTRANCE PRICE: 120 MXN pesos (And you can enter to both cenotes!) 

OPEN HOURS: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

These natural wonders are seriously beautiful and have their own unique charm. If you’re someone who loves a peaceful and crowd-free experience and enjoys jumping in cenotes, then these are definitely for you. You can relax, snorkel, or even have a picnic on the benches with tables around the cenotes. And the best part? You only need to pay one entrance fee to access both!

If you’re wondering about the depth of the cenotes, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Cenote Escondido is about 17 meters deep and has a diameter of around. It’s perfect for divers who want to see underwater life without having to travel far from shore, thanks to its clear blue-green water with high salt content. Cenote Cristal, on the other hand, is about 10 meters deep, and it’s named “Cristal” for a reason, with crystal-clear water that you just have to see to believe!

Now, before you head out, keep in mind that Cenote Escondido doesn’t have a store nearby, isn’t pet-friendly, and has a small parking lot outside. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in these breathtaking cenotes!

Are you ready for some adventure in Cenote Escondido and Cristal Cenote? These amazing natural wonders offer a ton of activities that will leave you breathless!

First of all, let’s talk about scuba diving. If you’re a diving enthusiast or looking to learn some new skills, Cenote Escondido is the place to be! You can either opt for a tour or rent equipment from Tulum Diving Center and explore the cenote by yourself. (You can’t dive in Cristal Cenote, just in Cenote Escondido)  And unlike other cenotes, there’s no requirement to wear a lifejacket here, so you can free-dive down! Of course, only do this if you’re a strong swimmer and be sure to take safety precautions.

But if you’re not quite ready to dive down yet, don’t worry – there are plenty of other activities to enjoy! At Cenote Escondido, you’ll find a rope swing near the entrance that makes for an epic cliff-jumping spot. The water depth here is around 20 feet, so go crazy and live out your wildest rope-swinging, cliff-diving dreams!

And if you’re looking for something more laid-back, both cenotes are perfect for swimming and relaxing on the shores.Just imagine the stunning views you’ll enjoy while floating in the crystal-clear waters of Cristal Cenote. Last but not least, you can’t leave Cenote Escondido without having a good picnic. The cenotes have a section to relax while having a nice meal in the middle of nature! So pack your swimsuit, grab your friends, and head out to these amazing cenotes for an unforgettable adventure!

The easiest way to get to Cenote Escondido from Tulum is by renting a car, you should be in the cenotes within just 5 minutes driving! And there is a parking lot where you can leave your car or lock your bike as well. You can also take a colectivo (public transportation, a bus), or a taxi.

However, if you don’t want to drive or worry about the GPS, booking a tour would definitely be a good option. They will take care of your trip, and organize your activities. 

You could also travel by taxi, but we wouldn’t recommend this option! Sometimes the taxi can be overpriced and hard to find, but if you are traveling in a group you can split the cost and you will arrive quickly. 

If you are traveling on a budget, taking a colectivo (a public bus) will be a nice idea. However, keep in mind that although the cost is low, there is not a timely schedule, and some of the colectivos don’t have air conditioning. 

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If you guys are adventurers and looking to explore the area around Cenote Escondido, you’re in luck! There are plenty of nearby destinations worth checking out.

First up, we’ve got Gran Cenote, which is like the Beyoncé of cenotes in the Tulum area. It’s super popular and for good reason – the water is crystal clear and surrounded by lush greenery. You’ll feel like you’re in your own private oasis, and you can even do some snorkeling if you’re feeling adventurous.

Next on the list is Cenote Dos Ojos, which is located about 15 kilometers from Cenote Escondido. This one’s a bit of a hidden gem, as it’s not as well-known as Gran Cenote, but it’s still totally worth checking out. It’s known for its unique underwater cave system, which makes it a hot spot for diving and snorkeling. Plus, the water is super refreshing on a hot day.

So there you have it – two awesome cenotes to explore near Cenote Escondido. Of course, there are plenty more to discover in the area, but these are definitely some of the best. Have fun and don’t forget your swimsuit!

If you’re planning to visit Cenote Escondido and Cenote Cristal, here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your experience. 

Visiting a cenote alone is generally safe, but it’s always a good idea to travel with friends or family. However, if you’re traveling alone, you’ll be greeted by friendly locals and tourists on your journey. Just remember to keep your personal belongings close to you when you dive or swim. It’s always better to leave the most important stuff in the car or in lockers.

If you prefer going on adventures with less hassle, then hiring a tour agency may be the best option. You only need to pay once, and their service usually includes transportation, the entrance fee, and swimming gear for diving or snorkeling. They may also offer a package of cenote tours, which can be a great way to explore different cenotes in the area. The cost may vary depending on the agency and the tour, so be sure to check for great customer reviews or ask around.

Bring a small towel to dry off your body, a swimsuit, a snorkel mask, and a water bottle. Some light snacks can also be a great idea because there’s no bar or restaurant inside the cenote. Water is also very important to stay hydrated and to eventually wash your body after swimming or diving. As for the waterproof bag, you can use it to carry your wet swimming apparel so it is separated from any dry belongings.

Bring cash in MXN pesos rather than a card, as some places do not accept debit/credit cards as a form of payment. It is also better to pay with pesos than in USD because it saves the hassle and time of negotiating USD-to-MXN currency exchange just to pay the entrance fee.

First, check the weather forecast before visiting, as heavy rains can wash sediment and vegetation into the water, causing it to turn dark. When it comes to clothing, opt for comfortable and breathable attire and footwear suitable for water activities. 

Now that you have an idea of what to expect, remember to immerse yourself in the experience. Be aware of the natural surroundings, the cool water, and the vegetation around you. It’s easy to get caught up in capturing the moment on camera, but remember to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of the cenote.