Cenote Azul: One of the Most Beautiful Destinations in the World

Cenote Azul is located in Othón Blanco municipality, in the state of Quintana Roo, at km 34 on the Chetumal–Cancún highway. This is an exceptional natural site to enjoy and cool off in a magnificent cenote sinkhole with deep water, considered the largest in Mexico and ranked among the world’s most beautiful. Discover all the information you need to include this destination in your next getaway.

The Magical Cenotes in Quintana Roo 

Caves and cenotes held great significance for the Mayans. In ancient times, these bodies of water were considered portals or windows into the world of the dead. 

Today, cenotes form ecosystems showcasing a rich diversity of flora and fauna inside and around them, maintaining their unique connections with other ecosystems through underground galleries that, in many cases, extend to the sea.

What Makes Cenote Azul in the Riviera Maya Special? 

Its privileged location between Playa del Carmen and Tulum makes its turquoise-blue waters an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter place away from large crowds. 

One of the major attractions of this “L”-shaped cenote is its areas with different depths, creating spaces for the whole family. In fact, the variety of shallow areas, combined with its classification as an open-type cenote—completely exposed to the sun—makes it one of the must-visit cenotes for families. 

In the deepest part of this cenote, water flows underground, connecting it with other cenotes across the Yucatan Peninsula. Cenote Azul is excellent for diving and family getaways.

If you decide to visit Cenote Azul, consider the following:

The general entrance fee is $120 MXN pesos ($6 USD), $100 MXN pesos for residents of Quintana Roo, and $80 MXN pesos ($4 USD) for children between the ages of 4 and 8.

The cenote is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the year.

Just after entering the premises, you’ll find the first two pools. These are shallow, shaded, less crowded, although the water may be cooler.

Further on, you’ll reach the main swimming area, a natural outdoor pool divided into two sections: a deep area and a shallower one. This is the most popular area of the cenote.

Cenote Azul offers the following services:

• Restrooms
• Rental of life jackets and snorkeling equipment
• Shop for basic supplies
• Parking