Valladolid & the East
Cenote Samulá Tours
A Cenote Samulá tour finishes off the Dzitnup pair with a cavern where a tree root descends to the water and a ray of sunlight enters through the ceiling. It suits visitors who want the look of a hidden grotto and are happy to go down some steps.
Cenote Samulá tour options
Samulá is almost always visited together with Xkekén. Walking between them is quick and flat. We can add a longer lunch in Valladolid afterwards.
If you want Samulá at its best, ask for a late-morning slot.
Samulá is often the favourite of the Dzitnup pair for people who like quiet corners.
What Cenote Samulá is like
Samulá is smaller than its neighbour, and what sets it apart is the single long root that hangs from the surface to the water, tinted by the light coming through the roof. A gentle staircase leads down to a pool with a mix of shallow ledges and deeper water.
The cavern is quiet and often a little less crowded than Xkekén.
Cenote Samulá tour itinerary
Together with Xkekén as a half-day.
- 09:00 Pickup in Valladolid
- 09:20 Arrive Dzitnup
- 09:30 Swim at Samulá
- 10:30 Walk to Xkekén
- 11:30 Return to Valladolid
Cenote Samulá tour prices
As with Xkekén, prices fall when cenotes are combined.
| Format | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Shared tour with several cenotes | USD 35-65 per person |
| Private half-day driver | USD 70-130 per vehicle |
| Entry fee if not included | About MXN 100-200 (2026) |
Swimming at Cenote Samulá: rules & facilities
Life jackets are standard. The pool has shallow ledges, but it deepens quickly, so non-swimmers should stay near them.
Wear shoes with grip and avoid touching the root, which is delicate.
The root is the star of the cenote, so avoid touching it. Bring a waterproof camera or case for your phone, and expect low light. Water shoes protect against slippery stone.
Best time to visit Cenote Samulá
Late morning sends the best light through the roof opening. Early starts keep the crowds down.
Like most Yucatán cave cenotes, it feels cool in any season.
The best time for photographs is late morning, when sun enters through the hole. Avoid weekends if you can, since the cave is small and the experience improves with fewer people.
Nearby cenotes & sites
Xkekén is a few minutes' walk away. Zací, Suytun and Oxman are all within a quarter of an hour by car. Valladolid's centre is a good place to eat afterwards.
If you want more cenotes, add Hubiku or Saamal in the same area.
The two Dzitnup cenotes are neighbours, and many visitors swim in both. Zací, Suytun, Oxman and the cave cenote Hubiku are within a short drive.
- Xkekén next door
- Zací, Suytun and Oxman
- Hubiku and Saamal
- Valladolid Centro
Cenote Samulá FAQs
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