Cenote Zaci

Cenote Zaci and the Water Legend: Dive into a Magical Adventure in Valladolid!

If you're planning an epic trip to Valladolid on the Yucatán Peninsula, you have to put Cenote Zaci on your list! Nestled in the heart of this charming city, Cenote Zaci offers a unique experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty, refreshing freshwater, and thrilling platform jumps. It is also famous because of an enchanting legend related to this place.

A Short Introduction to Cenotes

If you're new to the world of cenotes, let me give you a quick introduction.

Cenotes are natural wonders found in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. They are a type of sinkholes formed when limestone caves collapse and reveal stunning pools of fresh, crystal-clear water below the surface.

Cenotes held great significance for the ancient Mayan civilization, serving as sources of water and sacred places for rituals. Today, they are popular destinations for tourists, offering an extraordinary experience for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Cenotes come in various types, each with its unique characteristics. Here are the four most common types of cenotes:

• Cavern Cenotes: These are the youngest cenotes and have varying colors, ranging from emerald green to intense blue. They are partially covered by a vault, and you can see the water through holes in the ceiling.





• Semi-open Cenotes: These cenotes are middle-aged and have some parts exposed to the open air. They may also be connected to other cenotes in the area.





• Open Cenotes: These are the older cenotes where the vault has collapsed, creating a more open and spacious environment. They are often home to various species of plants and animals.





• Ancient Cenotes: These cenotes are similar to lagoons and oases, situated in the heart of the Mayan jungle. They offer a unique and enchanting experience amidst the natural surroundings.

Cenote Zaci is a semi-open cenote.

The Water Legend of Cenote Zaci

To truly appreciate the magic of Cenote Zaci, let's first start with the ancient legend to captivate your imagination. There are many versions of the legend with different details but this is the one I like most.

The tale begins with a beautiful young woman named Zac-Nicte, who belonged to an important family living near the cenote. With her long black hair and captivating presence, Zac-Nicte had many admirers. But her heart belonged to a young warrior from a rival tribe, named Hul-Kin.

Their love was of course forbidden and therefore had to be kept in secret. Still the boy’s father discovered their love, and he commanded his son to marry a princess from a different tribe. Hul-Kin obeyed his father's decree and left Zac-Nicte heartbroken and alone.

Zac-Nicte's grief was immense, and she confided in her grandmother, a famous sorceress and healer in the village. She told her grandmother that she carried Hul-Kin's child. Together, they performed nightly rituals next to the cenote in hopes of bringing him back.

During one such ritual, tragedy struck as Zac-Nicte got entangled in her long hair and lost her life in the depths of the cenote. The sorceress cursed Hul-Kin and the waters of the cenote. Overwhelmed with guilt, Hul-Kin returned to the cenote and threw himself into the cenote, joining Zac-Nicte in the afterlife.

The legend lives on and today Cenote Zaci is considered a magical spot, blessed with the eternal love of Zac-Nicte and Hul-Kin.

In another version, the young Zac-Nicte simply throws herself into the cenote with a stone tied to her neck.

Discovering Cenote Zaci

Now that you know the legend, let’s go back to reality and give you some practical information.

Cenote Zaci is considered one of the best cenotes in the area and has plenty to offer for adventure seekers and those who want to relax in nature.

In Mayan, Zaci means “white sparrow hawk” and the settlement where Valladolid is located now was originally called Zaci.

Location and Accessibility

Cenote Zaci is in a great location right in the middle of Valladolid, making it easy to get to. It’s just two blocks away from the main city center. You can walk, cycle, or take a short taxi ride from the main plaza to reach it. A taxi to anywhere in Valladolid costs just $30 pesos ($1,5 USD).

It's just a 5-minute walk from the main square. If you like biking, you can rent a bicycle for around $150 pesos per day and enjoy a relaxed ride through the charming streets.

If you have a rental car, driving to Cenote Zaci is super easy and safe. The Yucatán Peninsula is known for its safe driving conditions, so it's a great option if you prefer to explore on your own. And parking is free at the cenote.

Entrance Fee and Opening Hours

The primary entrance is located on Calle 39, and you'll find numerous souvenir shops nearby. Another entrance can be found on Calle 36, which is also where the entrance to the Zaci restaurant is located.

The ticket to Cenote Zaci costs only $60 pesos, making it one of the most affordable cenotes to visit in the Yucatán Peninsula. The cenote welcomes visitors from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, but everyone needs to go out of the water around 5:30 so you have plenty of time to enjoy its beauty and fresh waters.

You can always check the most recent prices and opening hours on their Facebook Page.

The Enchanting Ambiance

When you enter Cenote Zaci, you'll go down a stone staircase that leads you deep into the cenote. As you descend, the sunlight shines on the staircase, making it a perfect spot for stunning photos. The shape of the cenote and the way the sunlight filters through create a magical atmosphere.

The walls of the cenote are covered with lush green plants, making it feel like you've stepped into a fairytale. Sometimes, you'll also see man-made waterfalls flowing down like beautiful curtains into the swimming area below, adding to the enchantment of the place. The waterfall is turned on only on busy weekend days, so if you really want it to appear in your photos remember to choose Saturday or Sunday for your visit.

Swimming in Cenote Zaci.

Once you have your ticket, you can start exploring all the cool stuff in the cenote. Always remember to be careful, some areas can be slippery, so watch your step when you're near the water's edge.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can jump from one of the platforms. The lowest one is 2 meters (6 ft) and the highest one is 15 meters (45 ft) high, talk about an exciting moment you'll never forget! You can’t jump from the top of the cenote, but it’s understandable. It would be a 30-meter (90 ft) jump, maybe a bit too much…

But if you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can just dip your toes in the refreshing water or sit by the edge and enjoy the peaceful vibe. There are some shallow areas to have a rest.

Before you jump in, remember to rinse off in the showers to keep the water clean. Sunscreens and mosquito repellents are harmful to the delicate ecosystem.

Remember that life vests are obligatory in this cenote. It may not be the most comfortable thing in the world, but you might feel safer if you remember that this cenote is 100 meters (300 ft) deep in some places.

This cenote is not the best for snorkeling, there is not much life underwater here and it’s a bit murky.

The Convenience of Facilities

The cenote is a natural wonder, but they've got some helpful amenities for your visit. You'll find restrooms in the park, and it costs just $5 pesos to use them. There's also a restaurant on-site with a nice view of the cenote. You can try some local food and drinks there. If your order at the restaurant is more than $100 pesos you will get free entrance.

There are no lockers at the cenote, so don’t bring any valuables with you.

Recommendations for an Unforgettable Experience

For a smooth and enjoyable experience, try to arrive early in the morning when the cenote opens at 8:00 am. This way, you can avoid the crowds of tourists that usually come later in the day. Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends, so consider visiting then for a more peaceful time.

Don't forget to pack a quick-dry travel towel and slip-on waterproof shoes. These will come in handy during your cenote adventure, with all the pathways to explore.

Before you leave, take a stroll through the market stalls near the exit. You might find some souvenirs to remember your amazing Cenote Zaci visit and keep its magic in your heart.

Best Season to Visit Cenote Zaci

Cenote Zaci is a fantastic destination year-round, but some seasons offer a more enjoyable experience than others. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. During these months, you can expect sunny and warm weather, making it perfect for swimming and exploring the cenote's surroundings.

In contrast, the wet season, from May to October, brings more rain and occasional storms. While the rain can add to the beauty of the cenote, it may also lead to higher water levels and even murkier waters. If you don’t care about rain, you might choose this time of the year as there are usually fewer tourists.

What to See in the Area

If you have plenty of time and want to make the most of your visit to the area, there are many attractions to explore nearby.

• Chichén Itzá, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Mexico is just a short drive away.
• Ek Balam, another archaeological site worth visiting is located about 30 minutes from Valladolid.
• If you want to see more cenotes nearby consider: Cenote Suytun, Cenote Xkeken, Cenote Samula, Cenote Oxman, Cenote Hubiku, Cenote Xcanche, Cenote Ik Kil.

And of course, don’t miss the opportunity to take time to explore the colorful streets of Valladolid, full of colonial architecture. You should also try the famous Yucatecan cuisine at various restaurants or street food stalls. Look for tasty, traditional dishes such as Cochinita Pibil, Huevos Motuleños, or Sopa de Lima.

Ready for Your Visit?

Cenote Zaci is a truly special place. It's not just a spot for great photos, it has a unique charm and a legendary tragical love story that will make you feel like you're part of something magical.

So, gather your friends, pack your swimsuit, and head to Valladolid. Cenote Zaci is waiting for you with its beauty and warmth.

Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Cenote Zaci and its Water Legend. I promise you won't regret it!