In This Cavern, You Can Swim By Ancient Mayan Ruins

Dive into a blue-watered cenote right beside a famous Mayan site

A yawning cavern that opens up to the sky, Ik Kil is a well-loved cenote outside Pisté in the Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán, Mexico. Vines dangle from the opening 40m down to the water, mingling against the backdrop of small waterfalls.

With its inviting blue waters that reach up to 26m deep, the 60m-wide cenote has a stairway leading down to a swimming platform.

Take a dip here, and you’ll find yourself in the company of black catfish. (Note: Don’t bother with the sunblock, as you’ll have to shower before you are allowed to swim here.)

Cenote Ik Kil is sacred to the Mayans, who have used this cenote for both relaxation and ritual services. It’s part of a larger complex that comprises a restaurant, a store, changing rooms, and cottages for rent. There is even the famous Mayan ruin, Chichen Itza, on the site.

Part of the Ik Kil Archeological Park, this beauty is open to the public, but you can also arrange for a private bus from your hotel.

More information at cenote-ik-kil.com.