If you think its name, Cenotillo, is related to cenotes, you are correct. This municipality, located just over 100 kilometers from Mérida on the road between Izamal and Tizimín, owes its name to the large number of cenotes (“dzonot”) found there, and specifically to a small one located right in the municipality.
When you get to the center of this town, you will notice a peaceful atmosphere. In its central square you will find a kiosk, benches and gardens… but not very many people; in the heat of the tropics most daily life takes place early in the morning or when the sun goes down.
To one side is the municipal, unique because of its clock tower which dates from 1884, and that still marks the hours with the sound of chimes. You can also visit the churches of Santa Clara, with a cenote for observation in the back, and the church dedicated to the Virgin of the Nativity; both built in the 17th century. On the outskirts of the city is the town of Tixbacab, where you can visit the former hacienda and the archaeological remains of Tzebtún.
But let’s return to what you are really waiting for: the cenotes of this town. To discover them, be aware that what stands out about the inhabitants of Cenotillo is their kindness, and their willingness to tell you how to discover those hidden cenotes that only they know about, since most of them are located on “ejidos” (cooperative lands) with access for locals.
In Cenotillo you’ll find open type cenotes and others located in caves. There are 12 cenotes registered for tourist purposes by the environmental authorities; however, the inhabitants know of more than 130. Noteworthy are the open-type Catak Dzonot, Itzamná, Mul’Dzonot, and K’ai-pech cenotes, suitable for swimming, diving and observing; A’yin, Xoch, and San Miguel are just to admire.
The most important is cenote Usil, a semi-closed cenote inside a cave, 2 kilometers from Cenotillo, on the Buctzotz-Tizimín road. Accessed by a side entrance and down some stairs to reach the mirror-like blue water, that measures 20 meters long and 6 meters wide. Its great depth of 112 meters makes it extremely attractive for diving. It is advisable to wear lifejackets even if all you do is swim, avoid the use of sunscreen, and be very careful when descending the slope.
There are many stories about Usil, because it is believed to be inhabited by a guardian that has been identified with an elder or with a snake that lives in its depths. What we can say is that you should be cautious and take a local along with you. Another cenote located 4 kilometers from Cenotillo is Xooch. It has palapas, life jackets and ideal conditions for cave diving; go to the Tsonot Kaaj tourist information center. To get to these cenotes don’t hesitate to grab a “tricitaxi” or “mototaxi” in the center of town. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
This route is ideal for those looking for different cenotes to discover, for those who love adventure and nature, as well as those who want to have up-close contact with locals.
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I was looking at Google Maps, and they finally have street view of Cenotilo, The person I went with past away in 2014
I have not seen the Town, Tzebtún, or the Cenote in Mayan called Blue Water ” Izul Ha ” since 1988
Arrived after a night in a Hotel in the center of Izamal which is not there today
But the bar on the corner where the two pool tables were I saw there, I had brought with me, a two piece pool stick
So I showed the locals how to play ONCE ( NINE BALL ) since the ONE and TWO balls were missing
This was at a time when you could climb the structures at Chichén Itzá
What I remember is staying in a Hammock in the local Baker’s house
Who introduced me to the old lady who made the hammocks by hand which I placed an order and it was mailed to me over a year later
Any idea who these people were or still around or at least their businesses…
This was part of a driving road trip from New York City, Therefore the Ferries were still around at Cuidad del Carmen
But the Cable Stay Bridge in Tampico was just opened
We also stopped into Mexico City to visit my College Friend, The Museo Nacional de Antropología
His Dad’s Horse Ranch, and toured, ” The House In The Air ” during its construction
Only a few pictures survived because of the scan of the undeveloped film at the border crossing back into the US
The one I like best was taking a picture in the same view as the rebel base in “Star Wars ” A New Hope ”
I believe the exchange rate is different now, Back then it was 2,280 Pesos to One Dollar
Each Peso was made up of 100 Centavos, 50 Centavos bought you a can of Coca Cola Soda as an idea of value
Hence why I could afford to buy a Custom Made Very Large Hammock – The only one I know of in existence
And due to very well built craftsmanship, I still enjoy it to this day
I was looking for the Cenotillo website and noticed your article. Very well written and well said in regards to the people and my beloved Pueblo. My family is from Cenotillo and there are many Americans that visit Cenotillo during the festival or better known as La Fiesta. It takes place August 3-12 with parties, dances, bull fights, etc… and experience you can not duplicate. Knowing that you visit Mérida or Yucatan, writing an article about Cenotillo and your experience of La Fiesta de Santa Clara would be awesome. People from all over come to visit and as your article indicated 3200 locals live in Cenotillo throughout the year and during the La Fiesta or August it swells to 20,000 plus.