Visiting Cancun? Take a Day Trip to Ik Kil Cenote But You Should Know These 12 Things Before You Go!
- Jonna Royer
- Apr 27, 2024
- 7 min read
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As you plan your next adventure to the mesmerizing beaches of Cancun, Mexico, allow me to introduce you to an unforgettable day trip across the Yucatan Peninsula that combines culture, history, and the beauty of nature. Picture this: a journey that takes you from the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza to the breathtaking Ik Kil Cenote, a hidden gem waiting to be explored. But before you embark on this enchanting excursion, let's dive into everything you should know before you go to Ik Kil Cenote.
1. What is a cenote and why should I visit the Ik Kil Cenote?
A cenote is a sinkhole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, revealing a pool of groundwater beneath. These sinkholes can vary greatly in size and shape, ranging from small, shallow pools to large, deep bodies of water.
Cenotes hold significant cultural and ecological importance in the Yucatan Peninsula, especially to the ancient Maya civilization. They served as vital water sources in an area where surface water is scarce. Additionally, cenotes were often considered sacred by the Maya and believed to be entrances to the underworld or portals to the realm of the gods. As such, they were frequently used for religious ceremonies, offerings, and rituals. The grounds of Chichen Itza contain a sacred cenote that was used for religious purposes and for human sacrifice.
The Ik Kil Cenote is located only a few minutes from Chichen Itza and is the perfect way to finish a fulfilling, but tiring and dusty day at Chichén Itzá. See my post “16 Things You Must Know Before You Go to the Mayan Ruins at Chichén Itzá in Mexico.”
2. When should I go?
Ik kil Cenote is open every day, even holidays. Most people go after visiting Chichen Itza because it’s so close and most tours include a dip in the cenote afterward. However, if you’re staying locally, you may want to come in the morning to avoid the crowds. But, if your goal is stunning photographs, you’ll want to go between 1 and 3 p.m. because that is when the sun shines down into the water and creates the best lighting.
3. Is Ik Kil Cenote handicap accessible and kid friendly?
While the entrance to the attraction is doesn’t pose any issues to those with disabilities, the cenote itself is not handicap accessible. Likewise, there isn’t an age restriction for swimming in the cenote. However, the cenote is 157 feet deep, so you need to make sure your little ones are proficient swimmers. You get to the cenote by traversing a set of hand-hewn rock stairs that are slippery and treacherous. We were barefoot which made the trip even more precarious. I highly recommend swim shoes like these.
4. What is included in my ticket to ik kil cenote?
First, parking is free, so you don’t have to worry about adding that into your budget. Beyond that, there are two packages to choose from. The first package is entrance only and the second package is entrance with food. Both packages include locker rentals and life vests, which are required to enter the water. There is one restaurant on site that offers a buffet and has indoor and outdoor seating. We booked our tour through Sated Ventures Travel and I highly recommend their services. You can check them out at www.satedventures.com or you can check out one of this sunrise tour of Chichen Itza that includes a dip in the cenote or this day trip that includes the ruins, the cenote, and a visit to Valladolid.
5. What do I need to take to make the most of my visit to Ik Kil Cenote?
You will want swim shoes, a towel (check out this quicky dry towel with travel bag), a swimsuit (here's one for the men to check out and here's one I love for the ladies), and dry clothes at the minimum. You may also like to have a waterproof bag for wet items to go in when you’re done. I love this set of waterproof bags from Amazon! You’ll also need makeup wipes because you need to remove all outside products from your body before getting in. If you’re a woman who wants to do your hair and makeup, you’ll want to bring those products, too, if you plan on jumping in. Here’s a great travel makeup bag!
6. Is there a changing area?
Yes, there are facilities for changing your clothes. However, keep in mind the “changing rooms” actually public bathroom stalls, complete with gaps around the doors. And, trust me, the stalls are not all created equal. There are some that are quite large and you can easily move about. Others are quite small and you’ll find yourself changing while straddling the toilet. And, even though there are attendants who are continually trying to keep the place clean, this is a very busy area where people are tracking in water and dirt. There may be a line, but it’s worth it to wait for one of the bigger stalls.
7. What are the lockers like at ik kil cenote?
They are small and you only get one. However, there isn’t anywhere else to stash your items, so keep this in mind when packing your day bag. Because the lockers are tall and narrow, this is the perfect bag to take because it will fit nicely.
8. Prepare for a cold shower!
Before you get in, you’ll have to step under a stream of cold water to wash any outside substances from your body. The ecological structure of the cenote is very sensitive and there are hundreds of visitors per hour so everyone needs to respect the delicate balance of this ecosystem.
9. Can I take a camera to Ik Kil Cenote?
I asked repeatedly if I could take my phone down to the cenote and everyone that worked there assured me that I could. However, once you get down there, there isn’t any place to put a cell phone if that’s what you’re using for your camera. You’ll want a waterproof bag like this at a minimum. But they can be difficult to operate and the bag may prevent you from taking clear pictures. To truly capture the beauty of swimming in this place, you’ll want a waterproof camera that can record video and pictures like this one.
10. How do I get in the water?
Once you get down to the water, you either jump in or climb down a ladder to get in. I highly recommend that you take a pair of swim shoes like these. To get to the jumping platform, you climb another set of slippery rock stairs with no hand rail. The lifeguards on duty will instruct you to cross your arms over your chest and jump in feet first like an arrow piercing the water. If you’re going down the ladder, be aware that it is a hand-hewn wooden ladder and can feel kind of precarious.
11. What is the water like at ik kil cenote?
It’s a beautiful turquoise color and will feel quite chilly at first because the water temperature ranges from 70-80 degrees. But once you’re in, you adjust quickly and it feels great, especially if you’ve just spent a full day at Chichén Itzá. But, you should be aware you’re not the only living thing in the water. On the wall was a visual chart of all the creatures that could be swimming with you including crabs and eels, but during our visit, we only saw some fish. However, these fish are very accustomed to people and don’t think twice about putting their puffy little lips on you!
12. Was it worth it to visit ik kil cenote?
Yes and no. I am glad I saw it, but honestly, I wouldn’t go there just to visit the cenote. Once we were in the water and swam around for a few minutes, we grew bored. It’s not a huge cavern and unless you want to swim in circles (which can be difficult because of all the people), you’re basically just treading water. Since it was part of our tour, it was interesting enough and I’m glad I had the experience, but again, I wouldn’t go out of my way to do it.
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