Your Friend the Nomad
The Ultimate Guide to Cenote Saamal at Selva Maya
Planning a visit to Cenote Saamal in Valladolid, Mexico?
You’ve come to the right place! In this guide I share my firsthand experience visiting this stunning Selva Maya cenote without the crowds and tell you how to do the same. Plus, I outline other Valladolid cenotes and compare them to Saamal Cenote so you can figure out if this is the best cenote for you!
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My Valladolid Favorites 
Exprience Chichen Itza: Don’t miss Mexico’s most iconic ruins, they’re just 45 minutes away! Visit independently or book this Chichen Itza and Izamal day trip with a local guide.
Cenote Hopping: Valladolid is home to the most beautiful cenotes I’ve ever see! Cenote Xcanahaltun and Cenote Secreto Maya are the best, but Cenote Saamal and Xkeken are some other great options closer to town.
Wander along Calz. de Los Frailes: Valladolid’s most picturequse street, lined with colorful buildings housing vintage shops, cafes, bars, and plenty of hidden gems.
Visit Uayma Church: This gorgeous church’s facade is like nothing else I’ve seen in this part of Mexico! It is 15 minutes outside of Valladolid and definitely worth the drive just for a look!
Convento de San Bernardino de Siena: Step inside this picturequse pink convent during opening hours and come back in the evening for a lights show about the history of Valladolid (usually at 9pm).
Where to Stay: A modern boho jungleside suite at Olbil Hotel Boutique, a mid-range room at Zentik—a hotel with an underground cave pool, or a suite with a private hot tub at centrally-located Casa Tia Micha.
Find more of my Valladolid favorites and Mexico travel tips at the bottom of this article!
Hacienda Selva Maya’s Cenote Saamal in Valladolid, Mexico
Cenote Saamal is located inside Hacienda Selva Maya Valladolid, a historical hacienda with a famous buffet, ziplines, and other tourist attractions.
It is a truly gorgeous cenote and although I typically prefer less touristy spots, Selva Maya really impressed me. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, the (required) lifejackets were much higher quality compared to other nearby cenotes, and the whole place felt very well taken care of and professional.
Perhaps best of all, the cenote and Selva Maya hacienda are only about 10 minutes away from the historic center of the charming Valladolid in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula. The property is right off the highway, too, so it is very easy to get to!
As you’ll read below, I highly recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds of tour busses that drop off tourists on their way to and from Chichen Itza each day. Trust me, experiencing a cenote by yourself (or with a few others) is a completely different experience than trying to enjoy it with a huge crowd.
Selva Maya Cenote Information
Cenote Features: Well maintained jumping platform and decks, picturesque man-made waterfall
Cenote Type: Open cenote with deep water
Entrance Fee: $200 MXN per person, pay onsite with cash or card Included With Entry Fee: Access to cenote, quality lifejacket (required), locker, access to showers and changing rooms
Extra Cost: Buffet, zipline, bike rental, and more 
Lockers: Included in entry price!
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm, open daily
Address: Carretera Federal, Valladolid – Merida Km. 3.5, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
How to Avoid Crowds at Cenote Saamal
Given its pristine beauty and proximity to the highway, Cenote Saamal is one of the most popular cenotes for tours and individual travels to visit on a day trip to Chichen Itza.
After visiting dozens of cenotes across the Yucatan, I can attest that it is MUCH more enjoyable to swim in a cenote without a crowd of other tourists.
If you want to be able to take in the natural beauty of this cenote without the crowds, arrive right at opening time (9am), preferably on a weekday. I did this and was blessed with an empty cenote for about 20 minutes before a few others started showing up.
You can also visit right before closing time (5pm), when the majority of day trippers from Cancun, Merida, and Tulum have already left.
If you’re only able to visit during the day, Cenote Saamal still may be worth visiting (its beautiful and a refreshing swim either way), but you may want to also look into some other cenotes further away that will be less crowded. My recommendations are Cenote Xcanahaltun and Cenote Secreto Maya.
Enjoying the natural wonder of Saamal Cenote all my myself! (there were a few staff members sweeping the stairs)
How to Get to Selva Maya & Cenote Saamal
Cenote Saamal from Valladolid (10 minute drive)
Driving: From the center of Valladolid, head west on highway 180 until you’re outside of the city. You’ll pass an intersection then quickly turn left when you see the signs for Hacienda Selva Maya and Cenote Saamal.
Taxi: It cost me $120 pesos one way to get from Valladolid Centro to Selva Maya.
Bike: You can also bike! I rented a bike from this local business in Valladolid, and rode to Cenote Oxman, but didn’t make it all the way to Cenote Saamal as it was further than expected (and so hot mid-day!) I chose to take a taxi another day instead, but biking to Cenote Saamal is definitely possible, especially if you go in the morning.
Related: The Perfect Valladolid, Mexico Itinerary: 1-7 Days
Cenote Saamal from Cancun & Isla Mujeres (2 hour drive)
Driving (expect tolls): Depart from Cancun Centro, and drive west on highway 180D (Kantunil – Cancun) for about 2 hours, toward Valladolid. Once you get to Valladolid, follow highway 180 toward Cenote Saamal.
Tour: There are lots of Valladolid and Chichen Itza day trips from Cancun that include a stop at Cenote Saamal. I recommend this private tour as it is hosted by a reputable local guide, and not a huge overpacked tour group.
ADO Bus: You can travel between Cancun and Valladolid via ADO Bus. Check schedules and reserve your seat with ADO online, or head to the ADO station in Cancun for more info. Upon arrival, get a taxi to Cenote Saamal.
Planning tip: Cenote Saamal is in a different timezone than Cancun & Isla Mujeres.
Cenote Saamal from Playa del Carmen & Cozumel (1 hour 45 minute drive)
Driving (expect tolls): Depart from Playa del Carmen downtown and drive northwest along highway 305D (Playa del Carmen – El Tinta) toward Valladolid. After about an hour and 15 minutes, you’ll get onto 180D (Kantunil – Cancun) west toward Valladolid. Once you get to Valladolid, follow highway 180 toward Cenote Saamal.
Tour: There are lots of Valladolid and Chichen Itza day trips from Riviera Maya that include a stop at Cenote Saamal. I recommend this private tour as it is hosted by a reputable local guide, and not a huge overpacked tour group.
ADO Bus: You can travel between PDC and Valladolid via ADO Bus. Check schedules and reserve your seat with ADO online, or head to one of the two ADO stations in Playa del Carmen for more info. Upon arrival, get a taxi to Cenote Saamal. Keep in mind that the ADO bus to Valladolid from Playa del Carmen may stop in Tulum first, which will make the journey longer.
Planning tip: Cenote Saamal is in a different timezone than Playa del Carmen & Cozumel.
Cenote Saamal from Tulum (1.5 hour drive)
Driving: Depart from Tulum Centro on highway 109 north toward Coba. In Coba exit the main traffic circle onto Chemax – Cova toward Valladolid. In Chemax, turn left onto highway 180 (Carr. Costera del Golfo). In Valladolid follow highway 180 toward Cenote Saamal.
Tour: There are lots of Valladolid and Chichen Itza day trips from Riviera Maya that include a stop at Cenote Saamal. I recommend this private tour as it is hosted by a reputable local guide, and not a huge overpacked tour group.
ADO Bus: You can travel between Tulum and Valladolid via ADO Bus. Check schedules and reserve your seat with ADO online, or stop by the Tulum ADO station for more info. Upon arrival, get a taxi to Cenote Saamal.
Planning tip: Cenote Saamal is in a different timezone than Tulum.
Cenote Saamal from Merida (2 hour drive)
Driving (expect tolls): Follow highway 180 (Carr. Costera del Golfo) southeast all the way from Merida to Valladolid and Cenote Saamal.
ADO Bus: You can travel between Merida and Valladolid via ADO Bus. Check schedules and reserve your seat with ADO online. Upon arrival, get a taxi to Cenote Saamal.
What to Bring to Cenote Saamal
Bathing suit: Of course you’ll want a swim suit so you can jump in!
Travel towel: I love this fast drying, sand resistant travel towel. I bring it everywhere!
GoPro or waterproof phone case: I have a GoPro Hero11, which has 27 megapixels and screens on both sides, and I love it!
Travel insurance: While it is not a physical item to pack, please don’t forget to purchase travel insurance in case something happens! I always buy a policy with SafetyWing.
Dry bag: A dry bag like this can be very helpful!
Do not bring/use sunscreen, insect repellant, etc. before swimming in any cenote.
Two other nearby cenotes: Cenote Zaci (left) and Cenote Xcanahaltun (right)
Cenote Saamal vs Other Valladolid Cenotes
Cenote Saamal is probably my favorite cenote within a 10 minute radius of Valladolid. Here is how it compares to other Valladolid cenotes:
Cenote Oxman vs Cenote Saamal: These cenotes look quite similar and are close-by, but the facilities, platforms, and lifejackets were in much better shape at Cenote Saamal. Choosing between the two? Go to Cenote Saamal!
Cenotes Xkeken & Samula (Dzitnup) vs Cenote Saamal: These two cenotes are a 2-minute drive (20 minute walk) from Cenote Saamal and I think it’s worth visiting all three as Xkeken and Samula are both covered with stalactites and stalagmites, so they are completely different than Saamal! Just keep in mind that the facilities are much worse at Xkeken and Samula, but both are included in the same ticket.
Cenote Zaci vs Cenote Saamal: Cenote Zaci is conveniently located in downtown Valladolid, just steps from the main square. You can choose either, but I prefer Cenote Saamal for the friendly staff, professionalism, and the man-made waterfall.
Cenote Xcanahaltun vs Saamal Cenote: Cenote Xcanahaltun is the most beautiful cenote I’ve ever visited, but its further away from town. It is a covered cenote with striking stalactite and stalagmite formations, and an opening at the top where light trickles in. If you can, definitely visit Cenote Xcanahaltun, but since Saamal Cenote is so different both are worth visiting.
Cenote Secreto Maya vs Saamal Cenote: Cenote Secreto Maya is another beautiful open cenote similar to Saamal, but it is larger and has several cliff jumping platforms ranging from a few feet to 69 meters (226 feet) from the top (not for the faint of heart!) If I had to choose from the two, I would say Cenote Secreto Maya is better since there are less visitors, but it is further out of town, near Cenote Xcanahaltun.
Cenote Suytun vs Saamal Cenote: Full transparency, I have not been to the Instagram-famous Suytun Cenote but that is because I’ve heard from locals and other travelers that it is not worth it. You have to wait in a line to get a photo and it isn’t really possible to swim. Explore other Valladolid cenotes, like Saamal Cenote instead!
Cenote Saamal FAQs
What is a cenote?
A cenote is a natural sinkhole filled with water. They are formed as limestone bedrock collapses over time, which exposes groundwater. There are over six thousand cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula.
There are three types of cenotes:
Open centotes: These cenotes look like small lakes or ponds because there are no rock formations covering them.
Semi-open cenotes: These look similar to open cenotes but have hidden underground caves, making them perfect for scuba divers.
Underground cenotes: These cenotes are underground caves that cannot be seen from land.
Are life jackets required at Cenote Saamal in Valladolid?
Yes, all visitors are required to wear a life preserver when visiting Cenote Saamal. It is worth noting that the life jackets here are higher quality than at other nearby cenotes!
Are life jackets required at all cenotes in Valladolid?
Life jackets are required at most, but not all cenotes in Valladolid. Two cenotes I recommend that don’t require lifejackets are Cenote Xcanahaltun and Cenote Secreto Maya.
Where to Stay in Valladolid
Olbil Hotel Boutique: This luxurious boutique hotel is full of jungle charm and it is just minutes away from the historical center of Valladolid.
Zentik Project: This unique hotel features a 24-hour saltwater cave pool, plus another pool above ground, a spa, and an onsite restaurant and bar.
Casa Tia Micha: Stay in the heart of historical Valladolid at this highly-rated boutique hotel.
My Favorite Things to do in Valladolid
Exprience Chichen Itza: Don’t miss Mexico’s most iconic ruins, they’re just 45 minutes away! Visit independently or book this Chichen Itza and Izamal day trip with a local guide.
Cenote Hopping: Valladolid is home to the most beautiful cenotes I’ve ever see! Cenote Xcanahaltun and Cenote Secreto Maya are the best, but Cenote Saamal and Xkeken are some other great options closer to town.
Wander along Calz. de Los Frailes: Valladolid’s most picturequse street, lined with colorful buildings housing vintage shops, cafes, bars, and plenty of hidden gems.
Visit Uayma Church: This gorgeous church’s facade is like nothing else I’ve seen in this part of Mexico! It is 15 minutes outside of Valladolid and definitely worth the drive just for a look!
Convento de San Bernardino de Siena: Step inside this picturequse pink convent during opening hours and come back in the evening for a lights show about the history of Valladolid (usually at 9pm).
More Yucatan & Quintana Roo Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bacalar Itinerary: 1-7 Days in the Lagoon of Seven Colors
12 Cancun Hidden Gems: Cancun Off The Beaten Path
Ultimate Guide: Muyil River Float and Mayan Ruins
The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Scooter in Cozumel
How to Visit Xcacel Beach Turtle Sanctuary Near Tulum
Final Thoughts: Visiting Saamal Cenote, the Selva Maya Cenote in Valladolid
Close to the colonial city of Valladolid, Cenote Saamal is one of my favorite cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula! Whether its your next stop on a day trip to Chichen Itza, or you’re exploring Valladolid for several days, I hope this Cenote Saamal travel guide helped you out!
Be sure to browse my other Mexico travel guides as you plan your trip!
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