Cenotes at Cuzama

This antique wooden buggy type cart pulled by the horse is the mode of transportation used on the almost-famous "Cuzama cenote trip." Traveling through the lush sisal plantations of the Yucatan with three wonderful refreshing cenotes as the goal of the trip, this day trip is something truly unique that you can do while visitng the Yucatan Peninsula.

Take a look at the Yucatan State map and locate Cuzama, which is southeast of Merida. Then read our general article on Cenotes. And then, start planning! You can count on a car trip of about 45 minutes from Merida to Cuzama. The time you take at the cenotes will of course be up to you.

Chelentun Cenote

Once in Cuzama, the thing to do is hire one of the "trucks" for about 100 pesos per truck. Each truck can hold about four people. Once you are settled and underway along the centuries old truck tracks you will begin your 9 kilometers adventure.

It's a good idea to take refreshments, as there are no convenient stores at the cenotes. When we did the trip, we took a cooler with water, sodas and beer. Remember, please do not leave even one piece of garbage. Pack it in, pack it out.

The goal of this trip is to relax, enjoy the peace of the Yucatan countryside, and have a refreshing swim in three different cenotes...a perfect trip for a hot day! The first cenote, Chelentun (Chay-len-TOON), has the easiest access. The cement stairs and handrail make it easy to go down for a swim in the crystal clear water. After a swim and some photography, it is time to head back up the stairs, back onto the truck and on to the next cenote.

This cenote, Chansinic'che (Chahn-seen-eek-CHAY), is a bit harder to get into. The first thing you will find is a hole in the ground and a ladder made out of the railroad tracks. Descend the ladder for about 10 meters or 30 feet and you are in another transparent cenote for another refreshing swim.

The next and last cenote is Bolonchoojol (Bow-lawn-chew-HOLE). This impressive cenote is the subject of MANY pictures used for publicity on cenotes in the Yucatan. The entrance is also a hole in the ground with a railroad tie ladder.

The hole looks narrow but once you get down, you will find yourself in a huge, well-lit cavern with the crystal clear blue toned water of the cenote. In the middle of the cenote the stalactites have formed what looks like a huge tree. Enjoy your swim here and don't forget those photographs!

Even though you brought some snacks, you'll probably be hungry by now. Something about fresh air and cool water has that effect on people. We recommend you a stop at the restaurant at Hacienda Tepich (Teh-PEACH) on the way home. The restaurant serves international and Yucatecan cuisine using chicken, pork, beef or rabbit. Tepich is on the way back to Merida, after Acanceh, about 24 kilometers or 18 miles from Cuzama.

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More interesting articles
 Cenotes, wonderful undeground caves.
 The sacred Mayan Caves.
Transportation in the Yucatan

Read more about day trips
 Day Trip to Campeche and Edzna
Day Trip to Yucatan Alps
 Day Trip to Celestun
 Day Trip to Oxkintok & Calcehtok Caves
 Day Trip to Tecoh Caves & Dzibilchaltun

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