Cenote Suytun

The Basics

Suytun Cenote sits within a tourist complex that includes souvenir shops, a buffet restaurant, a cafeteria-style eatery, guest cabins in the jungle, and a total of four cenotes, only two of which are open to the public. Swimming in the second cenote, which is open to the sky, is not permitted.

The complex is less than 15 minutes by car from the pretty heritage city of Valladolid. It’s also a popular stop on day trips from Cancun and the Riviera Maya: many tours combine visits to the Chichén Itzá UNESCO World Heritage Site with a quick stops at Valladolid and a swim at Suytun or other cenotes in the area.another area cenote.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The entire cenote can be booked for private events, ceremonies, or photo shoots during early mornings and evenings. The shaft of light, however, isn't visible when the sun is low.

• Avoid applying sunscreen (or other lotions) before swimming in any cenote. Chemicals in sunscreen can affect these fragile ecosystems.

• Expect a line for photos on the platform and be aware that most pictures are heavily edited.

• Bring cash: credit cards are not accepted. Steps make the cenote inaccessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

How to Get There

Suytun Cenote sits about 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of Valladolid, roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Cancún. It’s challenging to reach by public transport, so your best option is to drive, take a taxi, or join an organized tour.

When to Get There

Cenote Suytun is open daily from morning to late afternoon. Tour groups tend to start the day at Chichén Itzá, so visiting early is the best way to beat the crowds. The ray of light hits the platform most dramatically in the middle of the day, which is also when the cenote is at its busiest: clear weather is a must to get the full effect.

The Best Cenotes Around Valladolid

The Yucatan peninsula has many stunning cenotes, some open to the elements, others fully- or semi-closed. In addition to visiting Cenote Suytun, travelers in Valladolid can easily enjoy Hubiku Cenote, with its ceiling pierced by shafts of light; Oxman Cenote, with dramatic tree roots and jungle vines; Cenote Xkeken, with its dreamy stalactites; Cenote Zaci, which is open to the elements; and X’Canche Cenote, an open cenote with ziplines and rappelling lines.