CENOTE 'IK KIL'

Cenotes are naturally occurring phenomenons, sinkholes in the earth’s surface born when the roof of a water filled cave, collapses. It is estimated that the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico has 7,000 cenotes. The high number of cenotes is because the peninsula is primarily made up of porous limestone. The limestone has been eaten away by millions of years of rainfall, forming a large network of underground caverns.

 

Cenotes were the main source of fresh water for the ancient Mayan civilization. Mayans believed the cenotes to be sacred and sometimes used them for sacrificial offerings. Valuable objects such as gold, jade and copper were thrown into the cenotes as an offering to the Mayan rain god, Chaac. Human beings were also sacrificed, most commonly, young males.

 

“Ik Kil” is a well known cenote located just 3 kilometres from Chichén Itzá. When you visited Chichén Itzá, you should definitely go to Cenote “Ik Kil”. After hours of walking in the heat is this instantly refreshing! There are platforms carved out of the limestone for jumping and diving so go for it: you’re definitely not going to hit the bottom.

Go there in the morning or early afternoon before the tour buses show up and enjoy this peaceful, refreshing and relaxing stop on your tour!

 

The cenote is open daily from 8 am to 6pm and the entrance 70 pesos (€3,50). Furthermore, you can have a delicious buffet lunch here, use the changing rooms and showers, and there are lockers to store your clothes in!