Cenote Chaak Tun
Chaak Tun Cenote, situated in Playa del Carmen, is the ideal destination for those looking to embark on a cenote adventure without going too far away from town. In this article we will provide information regarding price points and how to easily get there and visit the magnificent sinkhole!
Chaak Tun is a truly unforgettable family adventure. It is situated only a short distance from Playa del Carmen and accessible via car or taxi (costing around 250 pesos). As you stroll along the lengthy boardwalk through lush jungles, swim or snorkel in magnificent cenotes filled with refreshing crystal-clear water. Marvel at ancient stalagmites and stalactites while enjoying this unique experience!
If you are hunting for an awe-inspiring experience, then the cenotes of Yucatan Peninsula ought to be your next pit stop. Cenote (seh-NO-tay), a Spanish term for “sinkhole”, is formed when underground cavern walls collapse and expose a water reservoir below. Thousands of these natural wonders have drawn tourists from all over the world eager to marvel at their majestic beauty!
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With soaring temperatures in Mexico? They make ideal swimming spots while providing much needed respite from the heat! The hidden beauty of these underground pools is something that was revered by the Mayans, who offered gold artifacts, pottery and even human or animal sacrifices to its depths. Nowadays it’s a much more peaceful experience – so why not take advantage of this rare opportunity? Go ahead and jump in!
The cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula are a mix of open, semi-open or underground:
Playa Del Carmen, a beloved destination on the Riviera Maya of Quintana Roo in Mexico, is home to Cenote Chaak tun. This site has been historically known as Las Brujas caves and explored by the courageous few who ventured through the Mayan jungles for 30 years or more.
After 1999, locals and visitors alike were granted the opportunity to explore these stunning cenotes. You don’t need to be a diver; all you need is an appreciation for the exquisite stalactites and stalagmites! To traverse Chaak tun Cenote with ease, join one of many tours organized by its caretakers – it’s not advisable for safety reasons that individuals attempt solo visits. We’ll explain more in due time!
The term Chaak Tun derives from the Mayan language where ‘Chac’ signifies rain and ‘Tun’ translates to stone, thus resulting in a literal translation of Stone Rain or Water that Comes From Stone.
Cenote Chaak Tun is just 4 minutes away from Highway 307 at the end of Avenida Benito Juarez in Playa del Carmen. A short ride from the touristy Quinta Avenida. So if you’re ever in Playa del Carmen, be sure to check out Chaak Tun Cenote!
Whether you are coming from Cancun or Tulum, it is now easier than ever to find our location with the help of Google Maps. If you have rented a car, simply follow the directions and make your way to Avenida Benito Juarez; if driving from Cancun, turn right off Federal Highway onto Benito Juarez Avenue for easy access. From Tulum there may be additional turns required but nothing that can’t easily be conquered by following the helpful maps provided!
If you are uncertain about renting a car in the Yucatan Peninsula, we would always suggest it. If you feel comfortable driving in an unfamiliar country (not everyone does, and that’s totally fine!), then this is your best bet for independent mobility – allowing you to explore more locations of interest at your own speed without relying on crowded public transportation with unreliable timetables.
Driving in this area of Mexico is usually a breeze, but we always suggest obtaining full insurance with 0 deductible when you rent a car. You never know how events that are beyond your control will unfold, and the security provided by full coverage gives you peace of mind knowing that any damage to the vehicle won’t have to come out of pocket.
Taking a taxi is the simplest way to reach the Cenote. Unfortunately, it’s hard to provide accurate prices since they can fluctuate or vary by driver. That said, we recommend inquiring at your hotel’s reception desk or with your host for a trustworthy driver. Additionally, be sure you agree on an amount and pick up time before starting off on your journey!
Unfortunately, no. Even though the app is functional there has been a lot of push-back from the local taxi-mafia and some violence so for your safety, we would suggest against using it.
Although public buses are available, the precise information on their schedule is unknown. Our suggestion would be for you to disembark at Avenida Benito Juarez and look out for small minivans that travel towards Cenote. You can ask the driver if they will drop you off there; most likely, they will stop by at its entrance.
Read Next our favorite cenotes in Mexico:
And don’t forget to stay up to date with the latest safety updates on Mexico.
When visiting the awe-inspiring Cenote Chaak Tun, you must be accompanied by a local guide for both safety and educational purposes. Fortunately, this tour is already included in your entrance fee! Your guide will provide invaluable insight on the site’s unique history and geography while ensuring that you are safe during your exploration of this magnificent area.
Embark on a two-hour exploration of the Yucatan Peninsula and discover three underground Mayan caves, each with its own unique history. Gear up in your safety equipment to plunge into turquoise cenotes – pristine waters that have traveled thousands of kilometers beneath the surface. Revel in this crystal-clear liquid while cooling off from your adventure; it’s an experience unlike any other!
A wetsuit, life jacket and lockers are essential for your day at the beach. Don’t forget to take advantage of the available restrooms and ample parking lot too!
The 500 pesos entry fee (approximately US$30) includes a guided tour with snorkel gear, swimsuit, life vest, flashlight, and a locker that comes with a key.
Cnote is open from Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM and Sunday, 9 AM–3PM. To make the most of your visit, we suggest arriving after 1 PM when morning tours have concluded.
This cave cenote is truly one of a kind, as similar ones are usually only seen in the center of Yucatan and not in the Riviera Maya. With its luxuriant jungle surrounding it, this rare gem is taken care of by a local family who puts much effort into preserving its delicate environmental balance.
In order to dodge the throngs of people, it’s best to bypass weekends and instead arrive at opening time if you’re looking for a more tranquil experience.
Chaak Tun Cenote is bordered by a plethora of lodging options in Playa del Carmen, from luxury resorts to charming apartments. To make your search easier and more efficient, we’ve created an interactive map showcasing various hotels located nearby with different price ranges!
For an unforgettable journey to the breathtaking Cenote Chaak Tun, be sure to bring along these must-have items so you can enjoy a stress-free trip!
After you’ve explored the majestic Gran Cenote, why not take part in some thrilling activities?
Cenote Chaak Tun is accessible and welcomes visitors daily, from 8:30 am to 3 pm. Don’t forget your last entrance time of 3 pm!
Visiting the beautiful Cenote Chaak Tun is not a solitary endeavor, but instead requires you to join one of many captivating and expert-guided tours.
Absolutely! To guarantee your spot, it is highly advisable to book the cenote tour ahead of time.a
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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