Cenotes at Cuzama

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

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

Chelentún Cenote
Once in Cuzamá, hire one of the "trucks" for about 200 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 kilometer adventure.

 It's a good idea to take refreshments, as there are no convenience 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 Yucatán countryside, and have a refreshing swim in three different cenotes...a perfect trip for a hot day! The first cenote, Chelentún, 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, 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, and you are in another transparent cenote for another refreshing swim.

The next and last cenote is Bolonchoojol. This impressive cenote is the subject of MANY pictures used for publicity on cenotes in the Yucatán. 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 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!

From Chunkanaan, the hacienda/village where the tours originate: The cost (per most recent visit) is $200 pesos for the truck ride. There is no cost for swimming or descending into the cenotes beyond the 'truck' cost. It is 9 kms and you get 30-45 minutes at each cenote. The schedule is from sun-up to sun-down. The last tours leave Chunkanaan around 3 or 4 PM, and you will come back in the dark. There is no hotel at Cuzama or Chunkanaan.

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 stopping at the restaurant at Hacienda Tepich 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 from Cuzamá.

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