Cenote Suytun Valladolid Guide
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!
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!
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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.
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:
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Opening hours for Cenote Suytun is open 9am to 5pm every day, with the last entry around 4:30 pm.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Read Next our favorite cenotes in Mexico:
And don’t forget to stay up to date with the latest safety updates on Mexico.
After you’ve explored this majestic cenote, why not take part in some thrilling activities?
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