Your Friend the Nomad
The Ultimate Guide to Cenote Xcanahaltun
Planning a visit to Cenote Xcanahaltun near Valladolid, Mexico? This might be the most beautiful cenote in Mexico, so I urge you not to miss it!
I recently was blessed with the chance to visit this breathtaking cenote and I’m going to tell you everything you need to know if you want to experience it as well.
Despite its striking beauty, Xcanahaltun Cenote is still a hidden gem that very few tourists know about. That means you can probably get the place to yourself, or enjoy this breathtaking natural wonder with only a few others.
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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 Dzitnup 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!
Visiting Cenote Xcanahaltun in Yucatán, Mexico
I’m not exaggerating when I say that Cenote Xcanahaltun might be the most beautiful cenote in Mexico.
I’ve visited dozens of cenotes across the Yucatan peninsula and Belize, and none compare to the grandeur of Xcanahaltun Cenote. Despite its innate beauty, this cenote is still very much under the radar so its very possible to get the whole place to yourself.
So, what is the hitch? How is such a gorgeous cenote so unknown? Well, many of Mexico’s most popular cenotes have become so well-known because tour busses bring in hundreds of visitors daily on the way back from destinations like Chichen Itza and Tulum.
The type of cenotes that work best for these tours are cenotes that are located right along the highway, and are able (and willing) to create facilities for mass tourism. Then, as thousands of tourists share photos of these beautiful cenotes online, they become popular for both tour groups and individual travelers.
In my opinion, visiting the popular cenotes is just not as enjoyable—you can never get a good photo, you often have to wear lifejackets, and you share a small pool with dozens of tourists. (Side note, you can visit these cenotes without the crowds by going early in the morning!)
Thankfully, Cenote Xcanahaltun does not require lifejackets and as far as I’m aware, does not have any partnerships with major tour companies. It is over 20 minutes from the main highway, and quite out of the way for tours traveling between the Riviera Maya and Chichen Itza.
Given there are so many cenotes within a 10-15 minute drive of downtown Valladolid, I think a lot of Valladolid vacations also skip Cenote Xcanahaltun since the 36-minute drive seems long. But trust me, it is worth it!
Cenote Xcanahaltun Information
Cenote Features: A large, but somewhat shallow turquoise water pool, stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations 
Cenote Type: Closed cenote with a large opening at the top that lets natural light stream in
Entrance Fee: $200 MXN per person, pay onsite with cash or card
Included With Entry Fee: Access to cenote
Other Amenities: There are hammock and a small restaurant onsite
Opening Hours: 9am-5:30pm, open daily
Address: 97744 Temozón, Yucatan, Mexico
What to Expect at Xcanahaltun Cenote
Enter through the spiral staircase: After parking in the parking lot and buying your ticket, you’ll have to walk down a long spiral staircase. As you journey down, you’re entering what was once thought of as the Mayan underworld (Xibalba).
No lifejackets required (yay!): Unlike most other cenotes in the Valladolid area, you aren’t required to wear a life preserver here, which makes it more enjoyable in my opinion!
Not many others: As I’ve mentioned earlier in this article, its not uncommon to get the entire cenote to yourself.
Expect cold water: As with many cenotes, the crystal-clear water is a bit cold! It is still so worth jumping in for a swim, though!
Clean bathrooms and changing rooms: After some less-than-ideal bathroom situations at other cenotes, I am thankful that Xcanahaltun has clean, well maintained changing rooms and bathrooms!
Photos will never capture the magic: The lighting is tricky and the sheer scale of this cenote is difficult to capture in image form! Of course you can still take photos but know that my photo are just a small glimpse of how beautiful this place is.
How to Get to Cenote Xcanahaltun
Cenote Xcanahaltun from Valladolid (36 minute drive)
Scooter: Rent a scooter for the day and explore the area’s best cenotes! This is probably the best way to do it if you want the freedom to visit several cenotes without paying for a rental car. Reserve a scooter in advance here. I recommend using Google Maps for directions.
Rental Car: You can also drive a rental car if you’re in a bigger group, or if you aren’t comfortable driving a moped. I recommend using Google Maps for directions.
Tour: This lovely private tour for 1-5 people includes four unique cenotes, including Xcanahaltun Cenote, Cenote Palomitas (Popcorn Cenote), Cenote Agua Dulce, and Cenote Hubiku. These are all gorgeous lesser known cenotes with a local English-speaking guide. Tour details.
Taxi: Local taxi drivers will happily take you to nearby cenotes, including Xcanahaltun. Just be sure to ask for the cost in advance and ask them to wait for you and give you a roundtrip ride.
Related: The Perfect Valladolid, Mexico Itinerary: 1-7 Days
Cenote Xcanahaltun from Cancun & Isla Mujeres (2 hour 20 minute 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, you’ll have to switch highways and then head on the backroads to the cenote. I recommend using Google Maps for directions.
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 Xcanahaltun.
Planning tip: Cenote Xcanahaltun is in a different timezone than Cancun & Isla Mujeres.
Related: 12 Cancun Hidden Gems: Cancun Off The Beaten Path
Cenote Xcanahaltun from Playa del Carmen & Cozumel (2 hour 20 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, you’ll have to switch highways and then head on the backroads to the cenote. I recommend using Google Maps for directions.
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 Xcanahaltun. 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 Xcanahaltun is in a different timezone than Playa del Carmen & Cozumel.
Cenote Xcanahaltun 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). Once you get to Valladolid, you’ll have to switch highways and then head on the backroads to the cenote. I recommend using Google Maps for directions.
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 Xcanahaltun.
Planning tip: Cenote Xcanahaltun is in a different timezone than Tulum.
Cenote Xcanahaltun from Merida (2 hour drive)
Driving (expect tolls): Follow highway 180 (Carr. Costera del Golfo) southeast all the way from Merida to Valladolid, then follow Google Maps directions to Xcanahaltun Cenote.
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 Xcanahaltun Cenote.
Pictures just don’t do it justice! The limestone ceiling, crystalline waters, and shimmering light are way more magical in person.
What to Bring to Xcanahaltun Cenote
Bathing suit: It is such a special experience to swim in this breathtaking cenote, be sure to bring a swim suit. I also had goggles for diving underwater, but there isn’t much to see down there!
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! But keep in mind that it is quite difficult to get photos in here because of the lighting.
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.
Other Things to do Near Xcanahaltun Cenote
Xcanahaltun Cenote is sort of in the middle of nowhere, but there are several other things I recommend doing in the areas if you make the trek out here!
Cenote Secreto Maya: Another one of my favorite Valladolid cenotes is just a few minutes down the road! Quite different from Xcanahaltun Cenote, but and nearly as fascinating, Cenote Secreto Maya is an open cenote with a thrilling rope swing and cliff jumping platforms ranging from a few feet to 69 meters (226 feet) high! Plus, you can stay overnight here and enjoy the onsite pool and restaurant if you wish!
Ek Balam: Often overshadowed by the famous Chichen Itza ruins nearby, Ek Balam archaeological site is an important ancient Mayan city with temples you can still climb! It is located in the same general area as Cenote Xcanahaltun, but the two spots are 35 minutes apart on backroads.
Other Cenotes: There are a handful of other cenotes scattered around the area. Browse on Google Maps and maybe you’ll even find your own hidden gem cenote!
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 Dzitnup 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 Xcanahaltun Cenote
Xcanahaltun Cenote is my favorite cenote I’ve ever visited. As soon as your eyes see the stunning cave formations and swim in the turquoise waters, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it as well. As you plan your adventure, be sure to check out my other Mexico travel guides.
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