Dzibilchaltún Cenote


Useful Information

Location: Dzibilchaltún. North of the capital city of Mérida
Open: All year daily 8-17.
[2008]
Fee: sundays free.
[2008]
Classification: KarstCenote ArchaeologyTypesite
Light: n/a
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History


Description

Located about 15 minutes north of the capital city of Mérida is the delightful but little-known site of Dzibilchaltún with its Temple of Seven Dolls. Nearby is a beautiful cenote, which is used by the local people as a swimming hole. This cenote includes a cavity that extends over 130 feet deep. Archaeologists have found a large quantity of well-preserved ceramic, and stone artefacts, as well as bone and wood that were probably given as offerings.

The site is generally free of people, except on Sundays when entrance to the site is free and the locals come to swim. It is a spectacular location for photography. The site museum includes a wide array of artefacts from the site as well as a general collection from the Mayan region, displays of indigenous clothing, crafts and even a replica of a traditional house, as well as exhibits on Colonial history.

The cenote is 44 m deep with crystal clear water. Take a mask and snorkel as the cenote is full of fascinating and colourful fish.


Text by Tony Oldham (2003). With kind permission.

Dzibilchaltun is spoken tzee-BEEL-chahl-toon and means place where there is writing on the stones. The cenote is called Xlacah cenote (ISH-lah-cah) which means old village. It is an open ground level cenote and great for swimming.