All about Cenote Suytun in Mexico

Opened in 2009, Cenote Suytun is located on the former Ganadero cattle farm. Even though everyone only talks about the Suytun cenote, there are four cenotes, two of which are open to the public. Admission also includes the smaller Kaapeh cenote.

In fact, the complex now also includes a small hotel with a pool and a restaurant. However, it is not a classic hotel, but there are small houses with a bedroom and bathroom that you can rent.

The simply furnished houses all have air conditioning and Wi-Fi and are grouped around the beautiful pool. If you book a night, access to the cenote is included.

The main cenote

The main cenote Suytun is a relatively large cenote located underground. A stone platform was built in the middle of the cenote. Depending on the position of the sun, the circular platform is spectacularly illuminated.

When the sun is positioned right, a single beam of light shines down for an otherworldly look. This makes a very special photo motif, even if it can be on the border of kitschy. Generation Z would probably say, the motif is instagrammable.

Restaurant and events

The Don Carlos restaurant is also part of the complex and if you come in the morning, you can also buy a ticket that includes breakfast in the restaurant. The restaurant serves typical Yucatan food and is relatively inexpensive.

At weekends, the "Tour Nocturno" event is offered in the evening, which takes you into the Mayan underworld. Dinner is included in the event. As you have probably already noticed, the Cenote Suytun is a very touristy destination, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing.

The world of cenotes

Some interesting figures about cenotes:

Facilities at Cenote Suytun

There are basic bathrooms, shower facilities and changing rooms at Cenote Suytun and there are also locker rentals available to store your valuables (about 35 pesos).

As in many cenotes, life jackets are unfortunately mandatory in Cenote Suytun if you want to get into the water. And a discussion that you are the world's best swimmer will not help you.

A few tips

The cenote is a popular destination and accordingly it can be crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds and perhaps take an undisturbed photo, you should be there either right after it opens at 9:00 am or an hour before it closes at 4:00 pm. During the week there is usually less going on than on a weekend.

For a "perfect" photo in the sun's rays, it should not be too cloudy and the afternoon is most suitable when the sun’s directly over the hole in the top of the cenote. For 4,500 pesos you can also just book the cenote 60 minutes for yourself.

At the Cenote Suytun (like at many other locations in Yucatán) you can only pay with cash, whether at the entrance or in the restaurant. With regard to your mobile phone: There is at least a weak mobile phone signal.

A maximum of 150 people are allowed in the main cenote. During the main tourist season, a time limit is imposed (usually one or two hours per cenote, depending on how busy it is). During off-peak times or when it is less busy, you can stay as long as you like.

Children up to the age of 11 pay 50 pesos less and if you book in advance and pay with Paypal, you save a further 50 pesos per person. It is open all year round from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The last entrance is at 4:00 pm.

Combine a trip

From Mérida it takes a little longer than two hours to reach Cenote Suytun. So the distance is much too far just to visit the cenote. But if you on the way to Valladolid, Chichén Itzá, Cancun or Tulum, Cenote Suytun is definitely worth a side trip.

So if you have some time to spare, the Suytun cenote is about 15 minutes from Valladolid in eastern direction. A good half hour's drive to the north is also the spectacular and less visited archaeological site of Ek' Balam.

The very best cenotes tour

If you are interested in getting to know the two best places with six cenotes and a 17th century hacienda in a private tour (Cenotes Santa Barbara and Hacienda Mucuyché), you should take a look at this Viator Tour. It's not really cheap, but a memory for life.

How to get to Cenote Suytun from Mérida?

You can drive yourself or take an ADO bus from the CAME Station in Downtown Mérida to Valladolid, then use another transportation from Valladolid to reach the cenote.

From Valladolid it is only about 20 minutes to the cenote (less than 10km). If you come by car, there is a free parking space at your disposal.

You can also take a Colectivo in Valladolid (next to the bus station). Colectivos are small shared vans and the cheapest way to get around. They also go directly to Cenote Suytun and one ride costs only about 20 pesos.

Or you can take a cab (Uber is also available in Valladolid). Another option, as with many locations, is to book an organized tour. There are some tours that combine Cenote Suytun with other destinations.