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Cenote Oxman Valladolid
With its stunning and tranquil atmosphere, Cenote Oxman is an extraordinary gem of the Yucatan Peninsula. This hidden treasure is located in Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman may not be as popular as other cenotes in Valladolid but it’s surely one of the most exquisite. As you explore this underground cave with natural light streaming through and tree roots cascading down to its waters below, don’t forget to take a swing on their rope swing! After having visited Cenote Oxman ourselves and falling head over heels for it, here are our tips that will help make your visit just as magical and unforgettable!
This cenote is set in a collapsed cave and illuminated by natural sunlight streaming through its open roof, creating sparkling waters below. Stunning tree roots hang down into the depths of this underground paradise, adding touches of whimsy everywhere you look. And if that weren’t enough – wait until you experience taking a plunge from the rope swing – it’s sure to make for quite a grand entrance!
Cascading tree roots adorn the entryway of open cenotes, like Cenote Ik Kil located near Chichen Itza. Legends tells that these ancient wonders are guarded by spirit trees at each entrance. Surrounded by Hacienda San Lorenzo, visitors will find this natural pool with a nearby regular swimming pool and restaurant serving local delicacies like tacos and cold beer. Perfect for independent travelers with families or couples alike, small groups could also explore this awe-inspiring experience–Cenote Oxman awaits your visit!
A cenote, otherwise known as a seh-NO-tay is essentially an underground pool formed by the collapse of limestone rock that exposes groundwater. In fact, there are thousands of these stunning natural pools across Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula! Locals and tourists alike flock to enjoy their cool depths on hot days – perfect for getting in some refreshing dips beneath the Mexican sunshine.
Dating back to the days of traditional Mayan culture, numerous cenotes were used for sacrificial practices and a plethora of artifacts were uncovered at their depths—including gold, pottery shards, human remains and animal bones.
The Yucatan Peninsula offers a unique selection of cenotes, ranging from open to semi-open and underground.
Read Next our favorite cenotes in Mexico:
And don’t forget to stay up to date with the latest safety updates on Mexico.
Traveling to all the cenotes in Mexico is simple when you know what you’re doing – and we’ve got your back! Cenote Oxman has a large parking lot, with an attendant available to help visitors park and make sure their car is safe. We highly recommend renting a vehicle during your time in Yucatan, as it makes traveling so much easier. You’ll thank us later for this recommendation!
To get to Cenote Oxman from Valladolid, it only takes about 15 minutes via car. We suggest you take either route 285 South or 180 West out of Valladolid as the roads are smoother than access from Calle 54. Upon arrival at the entrance, a short but bumpy road leads to your destination—the magnificent Cenote Oxman awaits!
Exploring the Yucatan Peninsula by car is a breeze. The roads are well-maintained, drivers are courteous, and there’s hardly any traffic – making renting a vehicle in Cancun an easy and enjoyable experience!
Taking a taxi to Cenote Oxman from Valladolid is doable and relatively inexpensive. For the outward-bound journey, you can expect to pay around $100 pesos. Keep in mind that for your return trip, you will have to call an additional cab from Valladolid which means paying double what it cost on the way out—so make sure to factor this into your budgeting!
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.
Ready to journey through some of Yucatan’s cenotes, Coba ruins, Tulum archeological site and Mayan villages? Then these guided tours are perfect for you! Not only do they come with air-conditioned transport that includes hotel pick up and drop off, but also certified guides along with a complimentary lunch and entrance fees.
Pedaling your way to the nearest cenotes near Valladolid is a great way to spend an afternoon. On average, you can expect a 40 minute bike ride out there!
Cenote Oxman offers ample parking that can easily accommodate the high influx of visitors, so you never have to worry about not finding a spot at peak times.
Tucked away around Valladolid, Cenote Oxman is part of the gorgeous Hacienda San Lorenzo – a plantation that dates back to 1746. When you arrive at its entrance, you’ll find an expansive car park with plenty of room for your vehicle and those of other visitors. Manned by an attendant, it’s only minutes away from where you can experience this exquisite cenote firsthand.
After exploring the walled garden’s lush beauty, ascend a few steps and purchase tickets at the ticket booth. We have various kinds of tickets suited to your needs – if you plan on eating or drinking- ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable experience! Explore what is available in our Tickets section below.
After snagging your tickets, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant hacienda gardens and refreshing swimming pool to reach the cenote entrance. For added convenience, there are changing rooms available nearby with bathrooms and outdoor showers as well. If you’d like some shade during your visit – no problem! You will find lots of thatched palapas scattered around the pool in addition to tables set up throughout the grounds.
Don’t forget to check out our viewing platform above the cenote for an astounding aerial view of all activity below!
As soon as you enter the cave, a total of 70 descending steps will lead you down to Cenote Oxman.
Immerse yourself in the cenote experience with a complimentary life jacket, located at the base of its stairs.
At the end of the set of steps is an elevated wooden platform, where you can take hold of a rope swing to dive into the cenote. You won’t have to wait around long as Cenote Oxman tends not to be too crowded. But before jumping in, make sure you hang on tight and only let go when you’re ready – we’ve all seen (and possibly participated!) in some cringe-worthy belly flops from those who released their grip prematurely!
Visitors can safely marvel at the cliff dives and cenote from the barricaded edges, or if they’re daring enough, take a set of steps down to experience the water-level view.
Cenote Oxman’s crystal-clear, refreshing waters are the perfect temperature for a leisurely swim. Plus, you can experience the majesty of swimming directly beneath its opening and looking up at the sky from below. But if that’s not enough to bring out your inner child, we also suggest trying out Cenote Oxman’s rope swing! Jumping into this hidden paradise is an unforgettable memory in itself.
Most cenotes come with added bonus: small fish nibbling on your feet and legs as you swim! It may feel strange at first, but eventually they’ll lose interest – just keep moving around if it bothers you too much!
Although deep, the waters of Cenote Oxman are clear enough to see the bottom. It’s fun to rent a snorkel and try and catch a glimpse of the fish which swim below the surface.
As you descend the staircase, you will find yourself in a remarkable amphitheater-like sinkhole with a panoramic view of the cenote. Stone benches serve as an ideal location to leave your personal belongings and get ready for some aquatic fun. The real draw is certainly the rope swing which can’t be found anywhere else in Valladolid!
The rope swing is perfect for both young and old, but younger children may need assistance to grab a hold of the rope. Nevertheless, everyone was eager to take the plunge into the water again and again after climbing up every single time! If you plan on visiting a cenote soon, make sure to pack a quick-dry travel towel and some slip-on waterproof shoes – they will come in especially useful when you’re exploring this magical place!
Descend 3 meters from the platform’s summit to reach the Oxman Cenote. Whether you opt for a jump, slide down on a rope swing or take it slow with stairs – your choice! The cenote plunges 45 meters deep and visibility is impeccable; bring goggles and a GoPro Camera so that you can fully appreciate what lies beneath its clear waters. Sunlight makes it even brighter – spot fish swimming around as if they were in an aquarium!
With a cenote experience, you’ll be able to soak up the sun and enjoy all that Mexico has to offer – from poolside lounging and hammock swinging, to savoring delicious Mexican cocktails and meals. Make your vacation dreams come true by combining an unforgettable cenote adventure with luxurious hotel amenities!
Stepping into a cenote is vastly different from taking a dip in your typical swimming pool. Exploring these magical subterranean aquatic structures of the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most exciting activities you can do, and we highly advise bringing some items with you when visiting Cenote Oxman!
To guarantee an unforgettable experience at the breathtaking Cenote Oxman, make sure to bring these essential items with you!
If you’re visiting Cenote Oxman, there are three ticket options available:
For an unforgettable experience, you must visit Cenote Oxman! Delicious tacos and Margaritas are available on-site, which makes it a perfect spot to spend some time. All tickets include access to the cenote as well as use of the swimming pool. Parking is complimentary but we recommend tipping the car park attendant for their service nonetheless. As with all other cenotes in Mexico, make sure you carry cash (preferably Mexican pesos) because credit cards may not be accepted at ticket booths here either.
Cenote Oxman is open and available for visitors from 8am sharp to 6pm daily, 7 days a week!
We suggest dedicating at least two to three hours to fully experience Cenote Oxman. The natural swimming pool and spectacular restaurant make it easy for you to spend the morning or afternoon there without worry!
To experience the best of what a cenote in Yucatan Peninsula has to offer, we strongly suggest visiting as soon as it opens in the morning. This allows you to avoid any crowds and fully enjoy your exploration!
Before plunging into a cenote, there are several rules that visitors need to be aware of. For example, at the Cenote Oxman, you must take a shower before swimming to maintain water quality and prohibit any sunscreen or mosquito repellent in order to keep it clean for everyone else. Additionally, showers will also be provided so guests can rinse off beforehand.
When it comes to food and drinks, they’re not allowed beyond the stairwell that leads into Cenote Oxman. Jumping is welcomed at this cenote, but diving isn’t permitted here. Lastly, drones are permitted in San Lorenzo Oxman – however, you will need to consult with management prior to using one as there may be a cost associated.
Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman is a must-see on any Mexico itinerary, and its natural beauty and unique features make it one of the best cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. With a great restaurant serving local food, my visit to this extraordinary place was an unparalleled adventure – I’m sure you won’t regret adding Cenote Oxman to your list!
After exploring the stunning Cenote Oxman, you may be wondering what else to do around this area. Having spent a good deal of time here myself, I humbly offer a few suggestions for activities that are sure to make your trip even more memorable.
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