The Yucatán Peninsula is dotted with thousands of cenotes — natural sinkholes filled with fresh water. While some are crowded and commercial, others stay tucked away, offering quiet beauty far from the tour buses.
Here’s a list of 15 hidden cenotes that are worth finding.
Cenote Oxman
Near Valladolid, Oxman sits inside a deep, circular pit with roots hanging down the sides like ropes. The water glows deep blue, and there’s a rope swing if you’re feeling bold. It’s part of a quiet hacienda, so crowds stay small. The atmosphere is peaceful yet playful.
Cenote Kankirixche
Down a bumpy road outside Muna, this cenote stays off the radar. A wooden staircase leads to a crystal-clear pool inside a wide cavern. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, and the water is so still you can see straight to the bottom. It feels untouched.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cenote Xooch
You’ll need a guide and a bit of patience to reach this one. Hidden in the jungle near San Antonio Mulix, Xooch is wide, open, and quiet. Kayaks are available to float across the surface. No music, no crowds — just trees and silence.
Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman
Not to be confused with the other Oxman, this lesser-known cenote is part of a private ranch. It features a high dive platform and fewer amenities than big tourist spots. The water is cool and shaded by stone walls. It’s rustic and real.
Cenote Noh Mozon
A favorite of local freedivers, this remote cenote offers unbelievable clarity. Surrounded by forest, the only sounds are dripping water and birds overhead. The blue is almost electric. It takes effort to get here, but it’s worth it.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cenote Suytun (early morning only)
Yes, it’s popular — but show up at sunrise, and you’ll have it to yourself. The famous stone platform sits under a narrow skylight, sending a single beam of light into the pool. Tourists arrive late. Get there first, and it’s a different world.
Cenote Secreto Maya
This cenote is near Valladolid but tucked behind a small farm. It’s a semi-open sinkhole with vines draping into the water. Locals swim here, and sometimes, you’ll have it all to yourself. Facilities are basic, which keeps things calm.
Cenote Caliskutz
Rarely mentioned in guides, Caliskutz is a local gem. It’s wide and shallow, great for a quiet float or a long soak. The surrounding jungle feels close like it’s leaning in. There’s no entrance booth — just a path and water.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cenote Yokdzonot
Run by a women’s cooperative, this cenote offers a peaceful break from the crowds heading to Chichén Itzá. The water is surrounded by natural rock and shade trees. There’s a small restaurant and hammock area — but no noise. Just breeze and birds.
Cenote Chihuán
This partially enclosed cenote near Temozón has stairs carved directly into the stone. The water is cool and refreshing, and lights have been added without spoiling the vibe. It’s clean, quiet, and rarely busy. Perfect for a calm afternoon.
Cenote Santa Rosa
Found in Homún, a cenote-heavy town, Santa Rosa stays under the radar compared to its neighbors. The water glows turquoise under the natural skylight. A few families swim here in the evenings, but mornings are usually empty. It’s simple and scenic.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cenote X-Batun
This cenote winds through limestone formations and tree roots, with small tunnels perfect for swimming. It’s surrounded by a dry forest, which gives it a hidden oasis feeling. You won’t find snack stands or lockers — just nature.
Cenote Dzonbacal
Not far from Cenote X-Batun, Dzonbacal is darker and more enclosed. It’s less swimmable but stunning to look at. The cave ceiling curves in like a dome, amplifying even the quietest splash. It’s more of a marvel than a hangout.
Cenote Kanun
This hard-to-find cenote near Yaxunah has a deep pool and nearly no foot traffic. Locals sometimes use it for rituals or family gatherings. There are no signs or turnstiles — just a footpath and water that feels ancient. It’s sacred without saying so.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cenote Palomitas
Located on a ranch outside Tinum, this deep underground cenote is lit by a single shaft of light. A metal staircase leads down into the silence. The air cools the moment you descend. It feels more like a cathedral than a swimming hole.
Still Waters Run Deep
These hidden cenotes offer something the big tourist spots don’t: stillness. They remind you that the best places are sometimes the hardest to find — and that silence can be its kind of adventure.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.