Cenote Zaci Valladolid
A stunning semi-open cavern cenote in the heart of Valladolid, perfect for swimming, cliff jumping, and experiencing Mayan history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Cenote Zaci Valladolid
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning semi-open cavern cenote in the heart of Valladolid, perfect for swimming, cliff jumping, and experiencing Mayan history.
"Scenic and centrally located cenote, great for a quick swim if you’re exploring Valladolid."
🚶 Walkable from City Center
Easily accessible on foot from Valladolid's main square. Perfect for a quick dip during city exploration. :walking:
💰 Great Value Entrance
Affordable entry fee includes life jacket. Excellent value compared to other cenotes. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Cavern
Main swimming area
Explore this stunning semi-open cavern with impressive stalactites and vibrant blue-green waters.

Cliff Jumping Fun
Designated platforms
Take a leap of faith from the 3-meter platform for an exhilarating dive into the refreshing cenote waters.

Waterfall Feature
Near the main swimming area
Enjoy the unique experience of swimming near a man-made waterfall, adding a special touch to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Easy Access, Big Value
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walkable from City Center
Easily accessible on foot from Valladolid's main square. Perfect for a quick dip during city exploration. :walking:
💰 Great Value Entrance
Affordable entry fee includes life jacket. Excellent value compared to other cenotes. :moneybag:
🤿 Life Jacket Mandatory
Life vests are required for all swimmers and included in the ticket price. :life_jacket:
📸 Capture the Moment
Beautiful spot for photos, especially proposals and romantic moments. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walkable from City Center
Easily accessible on foot from Valladolid's main square. Perfect for a quick dip during city exploration. :walking:
💰 Great Value Entrance
Affordable entry fee includes life jacket. Excellent value compared to other cenotes. :moneybag:
🤿 Life Jacket Mandatory
Life vests are required for all swimmers and included in the ticket price. :life_jacket:
📸 Capture the Moment
Beautiful spot for photos, especially proposals and romantic moments. :camerawithflash:
💧 Water Clarity
Water is beautiful but may not be as crystal clear as some other cenotes. Still very refreshing! :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cenote Zaci is praised for its incredible convenience, being centrally located in Valladolid and offering great value with an affordable entrance fee that includes a life jacket. Visitors enjoy the swimming, cliff jumping, and the unique waterfall feature. However, it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, and the water clarity isn't always pristine.
"✅ Positives: Beautiful cenote with plenty of jump spots and a waterfall. Located right in the middle of Valladolid, making it convenient if you want to explore the city and grab food afterward. Life jackets are mandatory and included with the ticket (MXN 150 per person). We went on a weekend and it was busy with locals — try a weekday for fewer crowds.
🤷 OK: Water isn’t as crystal clear as some other cenotes, but still very beautiful.
❌ Negatives: Can get very crowded, especially on weekends. Limited places to store your bags. You even get charged for toilet paper when using the restroom (MXN 8).
Overall: Scenic and centrally located cenote, great for a quick swim if you’re exploring Valladolid, but best visited on a quieter weekday."
Luiz Balbo
"The price at the front gate is 150 pesos which includes the life jacket. The price is NOT 300 pesos and the life jacket is NOT extra. Careful of the gatekeeper."
John Jordan
"Price is $150 pesos for adults and half the price for children, life jacket included in the price. Walkable for the centre so easy to get. We went just before 4pm and there were still quite a lot of people. Not sure whether it’s the bright orange lifejackets, or the man made features or just that it’s busy but didn’t quite feel like the typical nature swims I’m used to."
Kirsty Lightfoot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cenote Zaci is conveniently located right in the heart of Valladolid, making it easily accessible. Many visitors can walk from their hotels or the main square. If you're not walking, local taxis are readily available.
Yes, it's very easy to find! It's situated just a few blocks from the main square in Valladolid, making it a prominent landmark.
While there isn't direct public transport to the cenote itself, its central location means you can easily reach it by walking from the main bus station or town center.
Valladolid is well-connected by ADO buses from major cities like Cancun, Merida, and Tulum. Once in Valladolid, Cenote Zaci is a short walk or taxi ride away.
Some local services offer transportation to cenotes around Valladolid, including Cenote Zaci. It's always best to inquire locally or check with your accommodation for recommendations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Cenote Zaci is typically around MXN 150 for adults and half price for children. This price usually includes the mandatory life jacket.
Yes, life jackets are mandatory for all visitors swimming in Cenote Zaci, and they are included in the entrance fee.
Cenote Zaci generally operates during daylight hours. It's advisable to check the most current opening times closer to your visit, as they can sometimes vary.
Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance upon arrival. Due to its accessibility and popularity, advance booking is usually not necessary.
Yes, children usually receive a discounted entrance fee, often half the price of an adult ticket.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
You can swim, snorkel, and enjoy cliff jumping from designated platforms. It's a great spot for a refreshing dip and some fun.
While snorkeling is possible, the water clarity might not be as exceptional as in some other cenotes. However, it's still a pleasant experience.
Yes, there are platforms, including a 3-meter one, from which you can jump into the cenote. It's a popular activity for thrill-seekers.
It can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, as it's popular with locals. Visiting on a weekday or earlier in the day is recommended to avoid the biggest crowds.
Yes, there are restrooms available. Be aware that there might be a small charge for toilet paper. Changing facilities are also typically available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site at Cenote Zaci that serves local Yucatecan cuisine. It's a convenient option after your swim.
The restaurant offers traditional Yucatecan dishes, allowing you to savor local flavors right after your cenote experience.
Absolutely! Being in the center of Valladolid, you'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors just a short walk away.
It's generally best to check the specific rules regarding outside food and drinks, but often, bringing snacks is permissible, though consuming them might be restricted to certain areas.
The on-site restaurant is generally considered reasonably priced, offering good value for its convenient location and the quality of Yucatecan food.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Cenote Zaci is very photogenic! Its unique cavern setting, clear waters, and surrounding rock formations make for stunning shots.
Generally, casual photography is allowed. However, professional shoots or drone usage might require special permits or fees.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, but the open-top nature means it's well-lit throughout the day. The vibrant blue water is always a great subject.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to inquire at the entrance or with local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance with regulations.
The areas around the cliff jumping platforms and the main swimming cavern offer dramatic perspectives. Don't forget to capture the stalactites hanging from the ceiling.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Maya Connection
Visiting Cenote Zaci offers a glimpse into this rich history. The semi-open cavern structure, with stalactites forming over time, speaks to the geological processes that have shaped these natural wonders for millennia. It's a place where natural beauty meets cultural heritage, offering a unique perspective beyond just a swimming hole.
Navigating the Waters: Swimming and Safety
While the cenote is beautiful, some reviewers note that the water may not be as crystal clear as in other, more remote cenotes. This is partly due to its central location and the natural processes within the cavern. However, the vibrant blue-green hues and the overall ambiance of the semi-open cavern make for a delightful swimming experience. The presence of a waterfall, fed by a visible pipe, adds a unique, albeit man-made, element to the natural setting.
Beyond the Swim: Valladolid's Charm
The proximity to Valladolid's center also means a plethora of dining options are just a stone's throw away. After your swim, you can indulge in authentic Yucatecan cuisine at the cenote's own restaurant or explore the numerous eateries surrounding the main square. This makes Cenote Zaci an ideal destination for a day trip or a relaxed afternoon, offering a blend of natural wonder and cultural immersion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit