Cenote Suytun Valladolid - 2023 Guid

Cenote Suytun Valladolid

Cenote Suytun Valladolid (Suytun Cenote) near Valladolid is a dreamy destination for those exploring Mexico’s paradise-like Yucatan Peninsula – its mesmerizing light beams and circular viewing platform make it one of the most photogenic cenotes! 

Location: Cenote Suytun

What makes Cenote Suytun truly special is the viewing platform; take a narrow stone path (Cenote Suytun pier) to a round podium nestled directly under that same opening for some of the most remarkable photographs you’ll ever see (very instagrammable). Standing on this pedestal as beams from above light your path will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world!

Cenote Suytun has gained insurmountable fame across social media platforms – even earning itself a global reputation as the #1 Insta-famous cenote.

Cenote Suytun is not only a great photo op but also a stunning location to explore. You can take a dip and enjoy a great swimming experience and explore the stunning rock formations that adorn the walls of Cenote Suytun.  Visiting Cenote Suytun will truly be an unforgettable experience!

• Cenote Suytun is ideal for admiring the stunning natural beauty and views of the cenote, capturing incredible photos (with the right camera…if you are relying on your phone, you might be disappointed), and swimming and exploring the rock formations.

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We’ve visited Cenote Suytun from Playa del carmen, so here’s our guide on how to maximize your visit and get some awesome photos: we’ll share our tips on when to go as well as tricks for snapping perfect pictures so read on for our comprehensive guide to visiting this magnificent spot.

What is a Cenote?

If you are wondering what a cenote is, let me break it down for you: Essentially, they are sinkholes filled with water and fish that have been created by land collapsing away over time.

The Mayan people were known to use cenotes for sacrificial purposes, evidenced by the discovery of precious artifacts such as gold and pottery, as well as human and animal remains that have been found at the bottom of several cenotes.

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to literally thousands of cenotes that are a mix of open, semi-open, or underground:

• Open cenotes: Our favorite cavern cenotes (cave cenote) are those that have fully caved in and open up to the sky.  Some of our favorite open cenotes are Cenote Azul, Cenote Xcanche, Zaci and Cenote Carwash and other nearby cenotes to Tulum.

• Semi-open cenotes: The cenotes are mainly subterranean, with small openings in the ceiling that allow for light and a breath of fresh air. Our favorite semi-open cenotes are Cenote Ik Kil and Gran Cenote.

• Underground cenotes: Entering the hidden depths of these cave cenote systems, you will find cenotes absolutely void of natural light. Exploring such subterranean waters can be a tricky task considering their remoteness within the limestone rock. 

Visiting Cenote Suytun Mexico

Once you get here you can purchase a ticket at the booth located right at the Cenote Suytun car park, you can purchase your ticket (cash only). At that point, an attendant will check your ticket and admit you into the magical world of this cenote!

The bathrooms, lockers, and showers are located on your way from the parking to the cenote so keep an eye out for those if you need to use them. You can rent towels or snorkeling gear here and you can also buy food and drinks at the small kiosk next to the ticket office. If you are not a strong swimmer then good news…as life jackets are complimentary before you make your way into the crystal water of the cenote.

A welcome bonus are the stunning peacocks roaming around the cenote grounds..snap some pics!

Once you enter the cenote a first flight of steps will take you into the cave. A stone staircase will take you into the cenote pool below. Most underground caverns are actually quite extensive and involve numerous flights of stairs, so if climbing or going up and down stairs doesn’t come easy for you, it’s probably best that you enjoy their beauty from afar.

Cenote Suytun Photo tip: As you descend make sure you take some pictures of the stunning views of the platform. The scenes below are perfect for capturing some great memories that will last forever.

The base of the staircase is the perfect spot to sit or rest while you enjoy your swim. You can also take picturesque shots of the pathway from here!

The last few steps bring you down to a narrow, stone path that winds its way around the perimeter of the pool and eventually leads to a circular platform. 

Cenote Suytun Photo tip: This is a stunning place to take some priceless pictures. Please remember that everyone in the cenote has the same thing in mind and try to ensure everybody has a chance to take pics by being considerate and refraining from occupying the walkway or circular platform for extended periods. 

How to capture awesome Instagram photos at Cenote Suytun

Capturing the breathtaking views of Suytun is a must for all visitors here, so here are some technical tips that can help you take unbelievable photos at this phenomenal cenote!

• Light / Sunbeams – If you want THE SHOT then you need to be here when the sunbeams shine directly into the cave entrance. That happens between 12 pm to 3 pm. Now there is an issue with this timeframe as it also happens to be the busiest and most crowded time at the cenote. And when we say crowded we mean people everywhere…on the platform, behind it, in front of it in the water..orange jackets everywhere. So if you don’t want anyone to photobomb your pics make sure you are here right at the opening. By coming early you won’t get the sunbeams shining on you, but you will get the cenote to yourself for some stunning pics.

• Bring a good low light camera – Now if you are relying on your phone for pics you might get really disappointed. When the light beams are absent, the cave quickly turns to darkness; yet this is when you can capture your best images. We used our  Sony A7iii on this trip with the  Sony 24mm f1.4 lens, and we managed to get some good shots after a lot of experimenting. If you don’t have a camera that is really good in low light, it’s very wise to bring a light tripod. 
• Use the different vantage points: Make sure you are capturing remarkable pictures from various perspectives of the stairwell – whether it’s from the top of the stairs, halfway down them, or even starting on the platform. Trust us… you won’t regret it.
• Be patient: There are a lot of people here that have traveled from very far to see the cenote and take pictures. To avoid disrupting the experience of others, please be patient while waiting in line and refrain from standing on the stone walkway or circular platform to take pictures.

Swimming in Cenote Suytun

Life jackets (complimentary at the entrance) are mandatory throughout your visit to the cenote. 

Swimming in the waters of Suytun is just a magical experience. While it can get really crowded, the cool and invigorating waters make this an unforgettable experience. It’s also fascinating to watch all of the photographers taking pictures in the cave! As with most cenotes, there are numerous small fish that may nip at your feet while you’re swimming; however, it doesn’t take long before you become accustomed to their presence.

What to bring Cenote Suytun

his incredible Yucatan Peninsula destination offers a world of fun, and there are some essential items you should bring with you if you plan on visiting this cenote!

Tripod / Low Light Camera

The Cenote is very dark which makes it extra hard to get that great shot. When shooting in dim lighting, you’ll need either a tripod or camera with outstanding low-light capability or preferably both. We used our Sony A7rii paired with the Sony 24mm f1.4 lens, which worked incredibly well; however, if you don’t want to invest in a high-end camera setup, then opting for a decent tripod is an excellent option too!

Bring Cash

When you visit the cenote Suytun, make sure you bring cash (preferably Mexican pesos) as they do not accept credit cards for your entrance ticket and for purchasing snacks/drinks and beer. 

Swim shoes

Swim shoes are a must-have in the Yucatan Peninsula! Not only do they provide traction on slippery walkways of the beautiful Cenote Suytun, but they also shield your feet from pesky fish. And if you’re exploring cenotes with shallow entrances, rough and slippery surfaces and submerged rocks, swim shoes will come to your rescue! Best of all, these lifesavers are lightweight and affordable – make sure to pack them before visiting this paradise.

Sunscreen

Please note that sunscreen and mosquito repellent are not permitted while you’re in the cenote. The cenote ecosystem is very fragile so we need to preserve it. Most cenotes require you to take a shower before entering,

Waterproof Camera

We highly recommend an action camera such as a GoPro or an Osmo Action is great for snapping photos and video underwater and not worrying about ruining your expensive gear. 

Towels

Most cenotes have towels for rent but it’s easier and more hygienic to just bring your own. Many people bring hotel towels, but we found that microfibre towels are much more versatile as they dry off quickly and pack easily into small spaces. No one likes lugging around a wet, heavy towel after their swim! With our lightweight microfiber option, you can jump right back in the car with ease.

How to get to Cenote Suytun

A taxi or rental car is the easiest and most convenient way to get to Cenote Suytun from Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Valladolid:

• Rent a car: You can rent a car and drive here like we did. Its very straightforward safe and easy (just try to avoid driving at night since some streets don’t have good lighting. Also no need to worry about parking here as there are plenty of parking spots.
• Taxi: It’s a short taxi ride from Valladolid and around a 3-hour drive from Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. You can get a driver recommendation at your hotel and book the driver for the day. Just remember to agree on the price before and the exact itinerary. 
• Tour: If you’re looking for an easy way to visit Cenote Suytun without needing to do any driving or preparation then join one of the many tours from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Many day trips include a visit to the magical site of Chichen Itza. Just be mindful that most tours will arrive at the cenote later in the day, meaning that when you get there…the cenote will be crowded. We highly recommend combing a cenote Tour with a visit to Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is just a fantastic site and a unique experience.

How much does Cenote Suytun Cost

The Cenote Suytun entrance fee is $200 pesos per person. Make sure you bring cash as credit cards are not accepted. This ticket includes access to the cenote and complimentary life jacket rentals, plus free parking! Credit cards are unfortunately not accepted at the ticket booth in 2023, so be prepared with some Mexican Pesos when you visit any of the lovely cenotes Mexico has to offer.

What are Cenote Suytun Opening Hours?

Opening hours for Cenote Suytun is open 9am to 5pm every day, with the last entry around 4:30 pm.

How long should you spend at Cenote Suytun

Plan to spend around 2 to 3 hours at Cenote Suytun. This will give you enough time to take some breathtaking photographs, enjoy a refreshing dip into its waters and explore the caves. The site is usually crowded with tourists, so you might have to spend around 30-45 minutes waiting in line for the pictures at the platform.

Best time to visit Cenote Suytun

The best time to visit Cenote Suytun is early at opening in order to sidestep the crowds. This is true for every popular cenote in the Yucatan. Now where it gets complicated with Cenote Suytun (Suytun Cenote), is that late morning or afternoon arrival is best for viewing its mesmerizing light beams on the platform. This time though is when the cenote gets very crowded with a sea of orange vests. So make sure you plan your trip according to the experience you wish to get at the cenote.

To get the most out of your experience book one of the Cenote Suytun tours. A private tour is a truly immersive experience by very knowledgeable guides.

What’s not allowed in Cenote Suytun!

Visiting the ecosystem of the cenotes is a very special experience but in order to preserve this unique and fragile ecosystem it is important to abide by the rules of each cenote. These are the rules at Cenote Suytun (Suytun Cenote) specifically:

• Showers – A shower is mandatory for all visitors before you enter the water
• Alcohol – Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited at the cenote for safety reasons. 
• Sunscreen / Mosquito repellent: No sunscreen or mosquito repellent is allowed in the cenote and none should be worn before entering the water. For this reason, showers are mandatory showers for all visitors 

Diving platforms

Unlike other popular cenotes, there are no dicing platforms in Cenote Suytun (Suytun Cenote) as the water depth makes one of the most shallow cenotes.

Facilities at Cenote Suytun

• Changing rooms and lockers: Lockers and changing rooms are available right by the showers so you can store your valuables and enjoy a relaxing swim at the cenote pool.
• Life jackets: Life jackets are complimentary with the entrance fee. They are also mandatory throughout your visit inside the cenote. 
• Parking: There is ample parking at its entrance even at peak hours.
• Food and drinks: Next to the entrance a stall serves an array of delicious food and refreshments. There are also some very nice picnic tables.

How Deep is Cenote Suytun

Cenote Suytun (Suytun Cenote) depth varies from 3 – 15 feet ( 1-5 meters). It is rather shallow compared to some of the other popular cenotes in the Yucatan.

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Read Next our favorite cenotes in Mexico:

• Best cenotes near Valladolid: are Cenotes Suytun, Cenote Ik Kil, Cenote Saamal, Oxman, Xkeken, Zaci, Hubiku

And don’t forget to stay up to date with the latest safety updates on Mexico.

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Other Things to Do Near Cenote Suytun

After you’ve explored this majestic cenote, why not take part in some thrilling activities?

• • Take off on an intrepid expedition to uncover Tulum’s wealth of awe-inspiring cenotes! With such a plethora of stunning locations, you and your closest companions will have days full of unforgettable memories. 
  • Unwind and relax at the gorgeous Tulum Beach, and don’t forget to try one of the many amazing restaurants in town (try the tacos and local beer)
  • Take a trip to the ancient Tulum ruins, National Parks and, if you find yourself with extra time, venture even further to ruins of Chichen Itza – a stunning location and one of the 7 Wonders of the World!
  • Enjoy an unforgettable day trip to the magnificent Sian Ka’an Biosphere breathtakingly blue waters and get up close with dolphins and even some crocodiles!