Cenote Zazil Tunich

Useful Information

Location:	Km 6 Carretera Yalcoba-Xtut, 97780 Valladolid, Mexico. From Valladoid 295 north, turn right on 180D, turn left to Yalcoba then towards X'Tut. On the left side of the road, signposted.. (20.8410880, -88.0117526)
Open:	All year Mon-Sat 12-19:30, Sun 13-19:30. Tours at 15, 17, 19. [2025]
Fee:	Cenote Museum: Adults MXN 398. [2025]
Classification:	Karst Cave Cenote
Light:	Incandescent
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Cenote Zazil Tunich, Km 6 Carretera Yalcoba-Xtut, 97780 Valladolid, Tel: +52-985-808-5827. E-mail: E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

Cenote Zazil Tunich has several different names, it is also known as Caverna Cenote "Zazil Tunich" and as Cenote Museo. And actually it is quite unique, not one of the hundreds of bathing spots. This is a huge cavern, with many speleothems and trails and electric light, so it is actually a show cave. This concept is so weird in the land of the cenotes that they call it a cenote nevertheless. And their marketing guy invented the term Cenote Museo de arte vivo y natural (Cenote Museum of living and natural art). And as they invented the term they are actually the only one of its kind in Mexico. They also state they have the longest stalactite in Yucatán.

There is a tour named Mayan Underworld, a guided tour through the cave, explaining the natural history as well as Mayan Mythology through the Legend of Xibalba and its 9 levels to the Mayan Underworld. On level 7, you will be part of a Mayan Purification Ceremony with a Xaman of the region. The 9th level is the cave river, and with a purified body, you will be allowed to submerge in the crystalline waters of a sacred cenote. The tours are included in the entrance ticket, but they are offered only at certain times. At other times the visit is self-guided.

The chamber has a large platform which is used for functions, festivals, and weddings. In other words, you may dine underground, to have a romantic dinner, and locals frequently marry in the cave.