Can you swim in the sacred cenote at Chichen Itza?

However, the sacred cenote is part of Chichen Itza itself and not a place for swiming as the water is stagnant. There's no reason not to go see it - especially because it's next to the bathrooms and snack stand, but don't be confused by the other reviews on this site.



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Unlike the ocean where there can be big waves or a strong undertow, cenotes are closed off – within caves – that protect the calm, azure waters from the elements. This typically makes them an ideal spot for a restful swimming experience.

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The cenote is about 60 metres (200 ft) in diameter and about 48 metres (157 ft) deep. Cenote Ik Kil is near the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, on the highway to Valladolid. Ik Kil was considered sacred by the Mayans who used the site as a location for human sacrifice to their rain god, Chaac.

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What is the temperature of the water in the cenotes? The water temperature in the cenotes is around 77°-78° Fahrenheit or 25°-26° Celsius.

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Cenotes are famous for their strikingly clear water. The water is so clear because it comes from rain water that has slowly filtered through the ground, which removes particulates from the water along the way.

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Also, you cannot wear regular sunscreen or bug repellent when visiting the cenotes. You MUST wear an organic, reef friendly sunscreen from companies like Sun Bum.

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To this day, over 200 bodies, jewels, ceramics and gold pieces have been found as part of the archaeological findings in the cenote. The Sacred Cenote is one of the cenotes that has held the most tributes and sacrifices.

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Outbreak of histoplasmosis detected in tourists visiting cenotes in Yucatan. Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by inhaling the spores of a fungus usually found in bird and bat droppings.

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Flora and Fauna of the cenotes Flora and fauna of a cenote are unique. There are species of fish such as guppy and catfish, as well as some varieties of marine crustaceans.

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Maya priests in the city of Chichen Itza in the Yucatan peninsula sacrificed children to petition the gods for rain and fertile fields by throwing them into sacred sinkhole caves, known as “cenotes.” The caves served as a source of water for the Mayans and were also thought to be an entrance to the underworld.

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The water is fresh and so clean that even your hair and skin feel different after taking a dip. It has been said that the waters possess healing properties. Perhaps it is the tranquility and nature that heal as well!

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Most cave cenotes have fresh water that has been meticulously filtered by the earth, making them so clear and pure that you can see straight through to small fish frolicking amidst the plant life below.

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