Cenote Secreto Maya
Discover the magic of Cenote Secreto Maya, a stunning natural sinkhole offering crystal-clear waters, jungle tranquility, and rich Mayan culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Cenote Secreto Maya
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the magic of Cenote Secreto Maya, a stunning natural sinkhole offering crystal-clear waters, jungle tranquility, and rich Mayan culture.
"The best cenote we visited during our stay in Mexico. Truly unbelievable experience!"
🎯 Beat the Crowds
Arrive before 10 AM on weekdays for a peaceful experience and better photo ops.
💰 Great Value for Money
The 250 MXN entrance fee includes cenote access, pool, and sometimes life jackets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal-Clear Cenote Swim
Main Cenote
Dive into the refreshing, crystal-clear waters of this stunning natural sinkhole. Jump platforms and rope swings add to the fun!
Temazcal Ceremony
Spa Area
Participate in a traditional Mayan purification ritual for a deeply spiritual and rejuvenating experience.
Romantic Dinner by Candlelight
Cenote Edge
Enjoy a magical dining experience with delicious local cuisine served right by the cenote's edge under the stars.
Jungle Hammock & Pool Relaxation
Grounds
Unwind in a hammock amidst the lush jungle or take a dip in the refreshing pool after your cenote adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Serene Dip
Embrace the Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Crowds
Arrive before 10 AM on weekdays for a peaceful experience and better photo ops.
💰 Great Value for Money
The 250 MXN entrance fee includes cenote access, pool, and sometimes life jackets.
🍽️ Delicious On-Site Dining
Enjoy fresh, local Mayan cuisine at fair prices. The romantic dinner is a must-try!
🌿 Immerse in Nature
Explore the grounds for diverse flora and fauna; birdwatchers will love it!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Crowds
Arrive before 10 AM on weekdays for a peaceful experience and better photo ops.
💰 Great Value for Money
The 250 MXN entrance fee includes cenote access, pool, and sometimes life jackets.
🍽️ Delicious On-Site Dining
Enjoy fresh, local Mayan cuisine at fair prices. The romantic dinner is a must-try!
🌿 Immerse in Nature
Explore the grounds for diverse flora and fauna; birdwatchers will love it!
✨ Unique Experiences
Book a temazcal ceremony or massage for a truly memorable visit.
🛏️ Stay Overnight
Consider bungalow-style rooms for a full jungle immersion and romantic dinner.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cenote Secreto Maya, calling it an absolute highlight and an unbelievable experience. They praise the stunning natural beauty, the variety of activities beyond swimming, and the exceptional hospitality of the staff. The value for money is consistently highlighted, making it a top recommendation for an authentic and memorable Yucatan adventure.
"I stayed at Cenote Secreto Maya with a few friends, and it was nothing short of amazing. The accommodations were beautiful, comfortable, and full of charm. We had the chance to participate in a temazcal ceremony, which was such a unique and meaningful experience. The food on the property was delicious, fresh, local, and full of flavor. And of course, swimming in the cenote was absolutely magical! The entire vibe of the place was peaceful, fun, and rejuvenating. I loved everything about our stay and honestly can’t wait to come back. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable getaway in nature."
Melissa stern
"An amazing cenote, beautiful and a truly unbelievable experience. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Unfortunately we weren’t able to stay as long as we would have liked so we will definitely be coming back."
Robert “Bobby” Carreras
"The best cenote we visited during our stay in Mexico. The entrance fee is 250 pesos, with optional life jackets included.
Everywhere you go, there is very friendly staff who will help you with anything and tell you something about the history or the surroundings.
A beautiful place where you can easily spend the whole day – sunbeds, a pool, a lookout tower, and a very good restaurant with fair prices.
All the facilities (toilets, showers, changing rooms) are nice and clean.
Compared to other cenotes I’ve visited, this one really has a very pleasant atmosphere. The cenote itself is also quite large. There are couple od platforms you can jump from. One also has a swing rope. They also has floaties, which is a nice touch and you can relax on them.
Many thanks to the operators – it’s clear that they take excellent care of this place."
Karolina Štychová
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cenote Secreto Maya is located near Yalcobá, about 25 kilometers from Valladolid. You can hire a taxi or rent a car. Some visitors mention it's a scenic drive through the Yucatan jungle. 
Public transport options might be limited. Hiring a private taxi or joining a tour that includes transportation is often the most convenient way to reach the cenote.
Renting a car offers the most flexibility for visiting multiple cenotes like Secreto Maya, Chukum, and Oxman. Taxis are also an option, but can be more expensive for multiple stops.
Yes, the Yalcobá area is known for several cenotes. Cenote Secreto Maya is often visited alongside others like Cenote Chukum and Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman.
Cenote Secreto Maya is closer to Valladolid. From Tulum, it's about an hour's drive, and from Cancun, it's approximately a 2-hour drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 250 MXN, which is considered a great value as it often includes access to the cenote, pool, and sometimes life jackets.
Cenote Secreto Maya is generally open from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official social media or website for the most current hours.
Advance booking is usually not required for general entry, but it's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, to avoid crowds.
While general entry is affordable, inquire about packages that might include temazcal ceremonies, massages, or overnight stays for a more comprehensive experience.
Life jackets are often included in the entrance fee, which is a nice touch. Floaties are also usually available for guests to use.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can relax by the pool, swing in hammocks, enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant, participate in a temazcal ceremony, get a massage, or even have a romantic dinner by the cenote.
Yes, families often enjoy Cenote Secreto Maya. There are safe areas to swim, a pool, and the natural surroundings offer a great adventure for kids.
Absolutely! There are platforms of varying heights for jumping into the cenote, and a rope swing for added fun.
The cenote offers clean restrooms, showers, changing rooms, sunbeds, a pool, a lookout tower, and a restaurant.
Yes, some areas of Cenote Secreto Maya, including the zone with hammocks, offer Wi-Fi, which is a convenient amenity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant serves delicious, fresh, and local Mayan cuisine. They also offer cocktails and a special romantic dinner experience.
Visitors consistently praise the restaurant for its fair prices and high-quality food, making it a great value.
Yes, Cenote Secreto Maya offers a unique and romantic dinner experience by candlelight right at the cenote's edge.
While specific options aren't detailed, the focus on fresh, local ingredients suggests that vegetarian dishes are likely available. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant.
It's generally recommended to support the on-site restaurant. Bringing outside food and drinks might not be permitted, so check their policy upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings on weekdays offer the best light and fewest people for stunning photos. The golden hour before closing can also provide beautiful lighting.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with the management upon arrival to ensure compliance with any regulations.
Capture the crystal-clear water, the jungle surroundings, jumping shots, the temazcal area, and the romantic dinner setup. The lookout tower offers panoramic views.
Photography during the temazcal ceremony is generally not permitted out of respect for the spiritual nature of the ritual.
The lookout tower provides an excellent vantage point for panoramic shots of the cenote and surrounding jungle. The platforms for jumping also offer dynamic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents often appreciate the friendly staff who are helpful and attentive. The inclusion of life jackets in the entrance fee adds an extra layer of safety. Consider arriving earlier in the day to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. The overall atmosphere is welcoming and conducive to a fun family outing.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
The tranquil ambiance of the cenote and its surroundings provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and connection. You can spend your days swimming in the clear waters, enjoying the pool, or exploring the jungle. The option of a temazcal ceremony can also add a unique, shared spiritual experience to your getaway.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Beyond wildlife, the cenote itself is a marvel of natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters and the unique geological formations are a photographer's dream. The lookout tower offers panoramic views of the lush landscape, providing excellent opportunities for landscape photography and appreciating the vastness of the Yucatan jungle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Mayan Cenotes
The experience at Cenote Secreto Maya goes beyond a simple swim. Visitors can immerse themselves in Mayan culture through optional activities like a temazcal ceremony, a traditional sweat lodge ritual believed to purify the body and spirit. This connection to ancient traditions adds a profound layer to the visit, making it more than just a tourist attraction but a cultural journey. The natural acoustics within the cenote also create a unique ambiance, enhancing the sense of wonder and tranquility.
Many travelers highlight the peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere of Cenote Secreto Maya. Unlike some of the more crowded cenotes, Secreto Maya offers a more intimate and authentic experience. The staff's genuine hospitality and the well-maintained grounds contribute to this feeling of being welcomed into a special place. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a cultural connection, Cenote Secreto Maya provides a memorable escape into the heart of the Yucatan.
Beyond the Swim: Experiences at Cenote Secreto Maya
For those seeking deeper engagement, the temazcal ceremony is a standout offering. This ancient Mayan ritual is a powerful way to connect with nature and oneself. Additionally, the cenote provides a unique setting for a romantic dinner by candlelight, creating an unforgettable evening. Other optional activities include massages and exploring the hiking trails that wind through the surrounding jungle, revealing diverse flora and fauna.
The accommodations, described as bungalow-style rooms, offer a comfortable and charming stay for those wishing to extend their visit. These rooms provide a peaceful retreat, allowing guests to fully absorb the tranquil environment. The combination of natural beauty, cultural activities, and comfortable amenities makes Cenote Secreto Maya a destination that caters to a variety of interests, promising a truly holistic experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit