LA RUTA DE LOS CENOTES
Explore a Mexico attraction away from the beaches, hotels and tourists of the Riviera Maya's coast. Adventurous locals know all about La Ruta de los Cenotes (The Cenotes Route), an idyllic place to spend an unforgettable weekend surrounded by nature.
This extensive road begins just off the main highway in the town of Puerto Morelos, running deeper inland through the dense jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula. Covering miles and miles, La Ruta de los Cenotes is lined with entrances to dirt paths that lead to breathtaking cenotes: natural wells connected to underground rivers carved into the limestone ground.
You can buy an afternoon of family fun for just a few pesos. Cenotes like Verde Lucero, Las Mojarras, Siete Bocas and Boca de Puma have zip lines and cliffs for jumping and diving, allowing kids to show off their bravery as they plunge into the crystal clear waters. Depths of up to 50 feet make these natural phenomenons truly fascinating, and on the cenote floor you can often see the entrance to the Yucatan's immense underground river system. Many local families bring along a small feast of sandwiches and snacks for a memorable picnic in the jungle, a great way to spend the day.
La Ruta de los Cenotes isn't only known for its cenotes; you'll also pass small souvenir shops with handcrafted items made by locals, as well as charming eco hotels with beautiful landscaping. Several adventure parks offer travelers thrilling opportunities for rock climbing, zip lining and ATV tours in the heart of the Yucatan.
How to get there: With no public transportation along this small highway, La Ruta de los Cenotes is most easily accessible by car. Try to bring along your own vehicle or a rental car to more easily explore the different cenotes, and keep in mind that you'll be driving along dirt roads to get from the highway to the cenotes.
Prices: Local cenotes tend to charge an admission price of $30 to $100 pesos per person, an inexpensive day for the family!