We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. Despite that, it was a lovely (though crowded) experience. As you can see, however, there are only two good hotels here (besides Hotel Ik Kil which must be booked directly). Taxis charge at least 300 Pesos ($20) one-way. Dont worry if the height makes you feel intimidated; there is a lifeguard on duty at all times in case something goes wrong. Map Directions Satellite Photo Map Photo: P199, CC BY-SA 3.0. Notable Places in the Area Balankanche Cave In reality, its somewhat different. Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most visited cenotes in the Yucatan, and it was undoubtedly very beautiful before mass tourism. People were not as easily impressed by the management, and it felt like less of a remote location for some. $105.00. The use of any sunblock is forbidden when getting into the cenote. Or head to my Mexico Page for more than 20 blogs about traveling in Yucatan Peninsula. With an almost perfect circular shape of 60 meters in diameter, the cenote IkKil turns any regular activity such as swimming or simply just relaxing in its clear waters into a unique experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. $375.50. Learn how your comment data is processed. Having said that, there were loads of people having fun in the water but it just wasnt for me or my family who felt exactly the same as me. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Green leaves decorate these vines, and seeing them droop down for several meters makes it look like it was designed by human hand. Once you reach the bottom, set your belongings down in a dry area against the wall and jump on in for a swim. In this sacred place for the Maya, your senses will relax and the silence that embraces your mind will transform the noise of your own thoughts into a smooth melodic whisper. Although theres not much to see, its still possible to snorkel in Ik Kil. The cenote is part of a larger complex of a restaurant, store, changing rooms, and cottages for rent. The larger, more commercial hotels are closer to the beach, which may be where you end up staying. 153. Absolute amazing venue for those who havent seen or experienced Cenotes. I took the bus at 10:30am. The cenote is open to the sky with the water level about 26 metres (85 ft) below ground level. Cenote Ik kil See all things to do Cenote Ik kil 4.5 6,232 reviews #7 of 17 things to do in Chichen Itza Bodies of Water Geologic Formations Open now 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About The cenote is open to the sky with the water level about 26 metres (85 ft) below ground level. Explore different ways to experience this place. 3-Hr Professionally Guided Luxury Car Tour A, Rio Grande Bamboo Rafting Tour from Port Antonio, Skip the Line: Doge's Palace Ticket & Guide Book, Taj Mahal and Agra Overnight Tour from Amritsar with Flights. The facilities at Ik Kil Cenote do not rent snorkel equipment, so you should bring your own if you want to explore the depths. La Parrilla Cancun Mexican Grill, dynamic waiters, and zesty cuisine. Read more. The water at the base of the hole is 200 ft across and . After years of swimming like fish, three years away from water in NYC has damaged our confidence in our abilities and with a 60m deep pool, were not going to risk it. From Mrida: Chichn Itz, Izamal, Valladolid, & Cenote Trip. A lot of visitors that want to cool off after a Chichen Itza tour, swing by at the Ik Kil cenote. Valladolid has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Valladolid to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between. Tour Chichen Itz luxury two cenotes & Valladolid. Make sure to bring cash with you as they wont accept credit cards. Hotels near Cenote Ik Kil are all smaller, budget hotels. And at 60m deep, Ik-Kil Cenote is no doubt the easiest point of entry to the afterlife for someone whos not a strong swimmer. ''El Lugar de los Vientos'' However, others said that all is included, besides the lockers. $580.00. Life vests and lockers are not free, but cheap and worth it if you're passing through. The cenote and entire park are amazing. A wooden ladder makes it easy to get in and out of the Cenote. I guarantee you will be in awe and its the perfect opportunity to take it all in. One of the most ethereal qualities of Ik-Kil is the light filtering in from above, illuminating the mini waterfalls, vegetation, and vines that wrap their way around the edges of the cenote and hang directly from overhead like a curtain. 95% of travellers recommend this experience. After all cenotes are a fresh water source part of underground rivers. What some visitors have discovered is that you can book Hotel Ik Kil right next to the cenote. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. This is your best bid if you want to have the cenote all to yourself. Last but not least on my bucketlist was Cenote Ik Kil. Buffet of course. The water displays a mesmerizing shade of deep blue-green, while the cenote itself is enveloped by a verdant landscape adorned with vines and ferns. Designed for travelers who need to return earlier to their hotels or who do not wish to make a full day trip. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Bus Tours. The private tour includes the 3 hour drive to the cenote, the drive to Chichen Itza, and any stop you want to add. Dont forget to bring your towel, but if you do, youll be able to rent one from the stand inside. 2 Sacred Cenotes, Chichen Itza and Valladolid from Tulum City, Chichen Itza Day Trip with Lunch, Valladolid & Cenote PICK UP, Mayan Ruins of Mexico Self-Guided Walking Tour Bundle, Must-See - Your Private Chichen Itza, Cenote, Valladolid Tour for up to 6 people, Full-day tour to Chichen Itza Deluxe with Cenotes, Private Travel to Chichen itza build your Itinerary, CHICHEN ITZA, VALLADOLID & CENOTE from HOLBOX (Private), CHICHEN ITZA, VALLADOLID and CENOTE from Riviera Maya, Cancun, Tulum (Private), Private 2 Day Yucatan Peninsula Highlights Tour Chichen Itza Ik-kil Merida and Uxmal, Mini Yucatan 3days 2 nights Chichen Itza Cenote Merida Uxmal Celestun Coba caves from Cancun, 2-Day Private Guided Tour to The Heart of Yucatan with Pickup, Private 3-Day Yucatan Sightseeing Tour from Playa del Carmen, Maya Classic 5 days TULUM BACALAR CHETUMAL CALACMUL PALENQUE GULF OF MEXICO CAMPECHE UXMAL MERIDA CHICHEN ITZA IK KIL from Tulum, 5-Day Private Tour in Riviera Maya with Pick Up, Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland - Buffet Restaurant. 16. Cenotes were the Mayan civilization's only source of water in the jungle and are considered sacred by the Mayan people. And by the time we head back for a second plate of Mexican delicacies and another frozen margarita, were resigned to the fact that yes, tourism has damaged the experience, but it has also made it bearable in other ways. The photos showed a natural rock waterhole covered in vines and plant matter. from . Also the straight walls of Ik Kil form a perfectly round cirkel, which makes it one damn good looking sinkhole. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Collectivos depart at multiple times throughout the day whenever they are full. Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while youre on the go with the Anker PowerBank! Hotel pickup provided from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya hotels. My daughter is a vegetarian, does anyone know if the lunch buffet has good options for her? It is less than 3,7 miles from Chichen Itza on the busy road to Valladolid. The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere! Quera saber si recogen en el hotel TRS Coral. These hidden refreshers offer so much more than a relaxing dip. In Mayan language Ik Kil means: The Place of The Winds! We recommend bringing a swimming costume, towels and sandals with you. Some others around are open. Actually this cenote is like a swimming pool. Beautiful cenote to visit after a morning walking thru the Chichen Itza ruins. There is adequate parking for hire cars or take it easy and join a day tour from Cancun. There are around 7,000 cenotes in Yucatan, and only 142 are available to visit, which means that 98% of the Yucatan cenotes are still unexplored. Head from Boston to Salem to learn about the dark and haunting 1692 Salem Witch Trials. You can also book the whole cenote to yourself for special events as well. Visit Valladolid, Chichen Itza (own expense), and Cenote on a daylong excursion. They cost 35 Pesos and drop you right at the cenote Ik Kil entrance. The cenote is 50 meters deep and the walls of the cenote are completely vertical which makes it a perfectly safe spot to cliff jump without having to worry about hitting anything on the way down. We mentioned earlier that we would share what makes this cenote so appealing. Most people combine Chichen Itza tours with cenote Ik Kil and therefore it can get super busy at times. Also, my personal recommendation is to take your quick-dry travel towel and slip-on waterproof shoes, both will come in handy when visiting the cenote. Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide! It was amazingly and beautiful, little black catfish are in the water, it was so refreshing to go to after visiting the Chichen Itza ruins! While this is a good order to do things if you want fewer crowds, try visiting this cenote earlier in the day. The steps down to the cenote were steep and slippery. There are two on-site restaurants, a locker (30 pesos), changing rooms, and even a souvenir shop. Although this sinkhole is quite large at 200 feet wide and over 150 feet deep, its Ik Kils lush, tropical setting that makes it one of the most stunning places to visit. The diameter of the cenote is around 60 meters, and the water is a staggering 40 meters deep. Parking is free of charge at cenote Ik Kil. Make sure not to pull, hang, or swing from the vines. You will have to climb down about 85 feet (26 meters) just to reach the water from above. Isnt that what at tour is really all about? There is a carved stairway down to a swimming platform. 96 medieval-looking rough-hewn steps are cut into the limestone. CENOTE IK KIL - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos). They have lockers, showers, restrooms and an OK, buffet. Every tour bus passes by and generally includes a stop. Heymondo offers low-cost Travel Insurance to keep you covered on all your adventures. For me life is about chasing happiness, not goals! It is likely to be propaganda made up by the Spanish. Its like everyone walking down uses the climb to evacuate their bladders. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The water is extremely deep, so you will only be able to see a few feet below you. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Before heading down the stairs into the cenote, its also mandatory to rinse off in the outdoor showers before going swimming. 2 stars. For anyone walking bare foot, theres every risk of worms and germs. Need travel insurance for your next trip? Ik Kil Cenote is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico! Best Tulum Beach Clubs Where to Spend the Perfect Beach Day, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, and Valladolid Tour , Complete list of available tours that include a visit to Ik Kil Cenote. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. As one of the most popular attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula, the Ik Kil Cenote continues to attract visitors from all over the world. 4 stars. Towels are also available for renting at 30 MXN ($1.50) but whos trying to rent a towel? There are several jumping heights from about 3 meters and up to 5 meters along the staircase which is regulated by lifeguards at all times. Although swimming is at your own risks, the lifeguards keep an eye out. Just bring your own. Hola! See. At the roundabout take the first exit towards the Mxico driveway to Merida. At cenote Ik Kil there are multiple signs asking you to take a shower before entering the water and rinse your body. The opening times, how to get there, prices, facilities and even how to get the cenote all to yourself! Since 2012 I am continuously traveling the world, now already more than 3,900 days. Some areas may have a charge of 15-20 USD for pickup. You can either take a bus, hop on a colectivo or grab a taxi. Tours to Ik Kil wont show up anymore after 4:00pm, so the last hour is also a good time to visit Ik Kil as well. One of the most striking features of Cenote Ik-Kil is its sheer beauty. Didnt feel safe in the water and couldnt wait to get out. Merida - Valladolid Km. This will likely be more convenient, as colectivos come and go often. You can even book the whole place to yourself if you are thinking about proposing your girlfriend! Yes,that is more than 10 years of constantly exploring, not living abroad, but the real deal: constantly traveling! This place is famous for its great service and friendly staff, that is always ready to help you. This is also where you can rent lockers for your valuables. 2012-2023 Copyrights Absolute Adventure Mexico, Chichen Itza Early Morning Tour: 3 Benefits for Arriving Early. For all their evils, they come in handy. Visit three of the top attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula - Chichen Itza, Coba, and the Saamal cenote for a full immersion into the history, culture, and nature of the region. Cenote Hubiku. A cheese burger or aclub sandwichis 70 Pesos ($3,5). Of course you are also able to buy a drink. Error validating access token: The session has been invalidated because the user changed their password or Facebook has changed the session for security reasons. The cenote is open to the sky with the water level about 26 metres (85 ft) below ground level. The facilities are very organized and lockers are provided for your belongings. Natural log ladders provide a rather precarious and slippery point of entry into the deep water, raising my anxiety levels somewhat (though that is possibly a side effect of the steep, pee stairs. There are lifejackets available at the cenote in case you dont feel comfortable swimming in such deep waters. Locker and Life Jackets are included in entry fee. I have put together this complete travel guide of Cenote Ik Kil including where it is, how to get there, how much it costs, and what to expect when you arrive. Although many people come to Ik Kil to swim, diving from one of the two diving platforms is possible. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Recommended option. Tours look to add on a visit to a cenote with a meal for their guest. The walls of cenote Ik Kil go straight down to the bottom of the cenote at 50 meter (150 feet) below the water level, which makes this sinkhole 80 meters (240 feet) deep. Featuring leaves and vines hanging beautifully down from the top of the cenote and covering the walls until they reach the water. GoChichen.com Blvd. Youll find a desk near the changing rooms that rents out lifejackets for 30 Pesos. For the best shots of the cenote, youll need a waterproof camera such as a GoPro HERO 11. Clap your hands at the base of the pyramid, and the song of a sacred Mayan bird will echo through the air. Another advantage with a private tour, you will have plenty of time to swim in the crystal clear water, learn how they are formed, and take beautiful pictures to share on Instagram. One of the reasons that Ik Kil is so well visited is its location. Click here to see the location on Google Maps. The cost is around 35 MXN and they will drop you right at the entrance. This one-of-a-kind convent boasts a kaleidoscopic exterior of stars and double-headed eagles. 1. I highly recommend swimming out to the middle of the natural pool, floating on your back, and marveling at the open-air circle above. Appreciating the showers more now than before, its a chance to try and wash off the stench and germs. The waters held sacred significance, as the Mayans revered it as the abode of their rain deity, Chaac. Interested to join me on one of my trips? Driving time to Cenote Ik-Kil from Playa del Carmen is 2 hours. Home North America Mexico Valladolid Yucatan. The rainy season in Valladolid is typically between May and October which sees higher temperatures due to the humidity. What's the best way to see Cenote Ik kil? Although you may not be able to experience the thrill of diving from the cenote opening, you can still make a splash by jumping several feet down into the cool, refreshing waters. First of all because of its beauty of course, but also because of its location directly next to Chichen Itza, one of the 7 World Wonders. Where else can you go and have a full buffet, washed down with a frozen margarita or beer before plunging in an ancient sinkhole? For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melons Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community. Perfect for those on a Yucatan road trip that have their own car. You will also not get away with it because of the security guards. X-Calacoop is situated nearby to the hamlet San Felipe and the village Xcatun. Chichen Itza is less than 3 kilometers away from Ik Kil. No purchase necessary. 5 stars. Red Bull Cliff Diving in Ik Kil was organized in 2010, 2011 and 2014. Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.