Cenote Xcanché Ek Balam
A refreshing open-air cenote near Ek Balam ruins, offering swimming and ziplining amidst lush jungle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Cenote Xcanché Ek Balam
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A refreshing open-air cenote near Ek Balam ruins, offering swimming and ziplining amidst lush jungle.
"A great cenote hiding in the forest, take a ride on bike to enjoy both the forest and a swim."
🚲 Bike to the Cenote
Rent a bike near Ek Balam ruins to cycle the 2km to Cenote Xcanché. It's a fun way to explore!
💰 Negotiate Package Prices
If considering activity packages, try negotiating the price. Some visitors secured better deals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Refreshing Swim
Main pool
Dive into cool, turquoise waters for a refreshing escape from the Yucatan heat. A perfect natural oasis.
Zipline Adventure
Above the cenote
Experience the thrill of soaring over the cenote with an overhead zipline for an adrenaline rush.
Bike Ride Through Forest
Path to the cenote
Enjoy a scenic bike ride through the forest to reach the cenote, adding to the adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine with Ek Balam Ruins
Water Quality & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Bike to the Cenote
Rent a bike near Ek Balam ruins to cycle the 2km to Cenote Xcanché. It's a fun way to explore!
💰 Negotiate Package Prices
If considering activity packages, try negotiating the price. Some visitors secured better deals.
🌮 Try Local Tacos
Don't miss the delicious homemade tacos from local vendors near the cenote path.
🤿 Life Jackets Optional
Enjoy more freedom in the water as life jackets are optional here, unlike some other cenotes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Bike to the Cenote
Rent a bike near Ek Balam ruins to cycle the 2km to Cenote Xcanché. It's a fun way to explore!
💰 Negotiate Package Prices
If considering activity packages, try negotiating the price. Some visitors secured better deals.
🌮 Try Local Tacos
Don't miss the delicious homemade tacos from local vendors near the cenote path.
🤿 Life Jackets Optional
Enjoy more freedom in the water as life jackets are optional here, unlike some other cenotes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cenote Xcanché offers a refreshing open-air swimming experience and adventurous ziplining, conveniently located near Ek Balam. While some visitors enjoy the natural beauty and the bike ride to the cenote, others have raised concerns about water clarity and the condition of facilities. It's a good option for a quick dip and some fun activities, especially when combined with the nearby ruins.
"The cenote was conveniently located next to Ek Balam; however, it was really small and not very interesting. This was an open air type of cenote but the pool was very small. There were some black fish in the pool and I don't think it was very healthy for them to be swimming in sunscreen soaked water. There were some interesting cave structures along the side of the pool but these were not well kept (lots of dust and spiderwebs, no place to sit and enjoy, which is a pity). The cenote probably anticipated higher traffic originally so there was a set up for F&B but there was completely no service. The overall experience was a bit disappointing."
Annie Ho
"A great Cenote hiding in the forest, take a ride on bike to enjoy both the forest and a swim in this quiet cenote"
Frederic Orcival
"We had a very bad experience with this cenote! The most important thing was that the water didn’t look clean at all. It looked dirty and green. We did not even try to enter the water. We ended up paying 440 pesos for two people (entrance fee and parking fee) without being able to swim in the cenote. The facilities (shower, lockers, changing rooms) were not in a good condition also."
Ανδρομάχη Μακρή
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cenote Xcanché is located about 1.5 km from the Ek Balam archaeological site. You can rent a bicycle near the ruins to cycle to the cenote, which many visitors find to be a pleasant part of the experience. Some packages may also include transportation.
Yes, it's generally well-signposted from the Ek Balam area. Following the signs for the cenote after visiting the ruins should lead you there directly.
Yes, there is parking available at the cenote. However, many visitors opt for the bike ride from Ek Balam for a more scenic and active approach.
Cenote Xcanché is approximately 25-30 km from Valladolid. You can reach the Ek Balam area by car or taxi from Valladolid, and then proceed to the cenote.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee can vary, but some visitors reported paying around 170 Mexican Pesos per person for basic entry. Packages including activities might cost more, with one reported price of 700 Mexican Pesos, though negotiation is sometimes possible.
Yes, there appear to be different packages that may include activities like ziplining. It's worth inquiring about these upon arrival, and some travelers suggest negotiating prices for these packages.
Advance booking is generally not required for Cenote Xcanché. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary, but it's usually open during daylight hours, aligning with the typical visiting times for the nearby Ek Balam ruins. It's best to check locally or with your accommodation for the most current hours.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming in the open-air cenote, ziplining over the water, and enjoying the natural surroundings. Renting a bike to get there is also part of the experience. 
While it's an open-air cenote perfect for swimming, some reviews mention concerns about water clarity. Others describe it as a beautiful, quiet spot for a dip.
Basic facilities such as changing rooms and showers are available, though some visitors have noted they may not be in the best condition.
Lockers are typically available for rent to store your belongings while you swim and explore.
The cenote is generally considered safe for swimming. Life jackets are optional, giving you more freedom. However, be mindful of any personal concerns regarding water quality mentioned in some reviews.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the turquoise water, the surrounding jungle, and the zipline action. The open-air nature of the cenote provides great natural light.
Drone usage policies can vary and may be restricted. It's advisable to check with the cenote management upon arrival to avoid any issues.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or extensive equipment setups might require special permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The open-air nature of the cenote makes it feel less enclosed than some cave cenotes, which can be more comfortable for younger kids. Renting bicycles to reach the cenote can also be a fun family adventure, provided the children are comfortable cycling short distances. 💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cenote Experience: What to Expect
+1 The cenote is surrounded by lush jungle, adding to its natural beauty. Some visitors have noted that the facilities, such as changing rooms and showers, might not be in pristine condition, which is something to be aware of. Beyond swimming, Cenote Xcanché offers a zipline that allows you to soar over the water, adding an element of adventure.
Many visitors also enjoy the journey to the cenote itself. Renting a bicycle near the Ek Balam ruins and cycling the 2km through the forest is a popular and recommended way to arrive, enhancing the overall experience. Combining Cenote Xcanché with Ek Balam
+1 Visitors can easily spend the morning exploring the ancient Mayan city and then cool off at the cenote in the afternoon. This combination allows you to experience both the historical and natural wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula in a single outing.To make the transition between the two sites seamless, consider the bike rental option. Cycling from Ek Balam to Cenote Xcanché is not only practical but also an enjoyable way to see the local landscape.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit