Valladolid & the East
Cenote Xkekén Tours
A Cenote Xkekén tour takes you into one of the most dramatic cave cenotes near Valladolid, a cavern where stalactites hang from the ceiling above a pool lit by a single opening. It suits families, cave-lovers and anyone who finds big open cenotes too bright.
Cenote Xkekén tour options
Xkekén is a staple of Valladolid cenote itineraries, usually paired with Samulá because the two are almost next door. Taxi, bicycle and private vehicles all reach the site.
We can fit it into a day with Chichén Itzá or Ek Balam, or into a short, cenote-only morning.
If you can only do one cave cenote near Valladolid, many people choose Xkekén.
What Cenote Xkekén is like
Stairs lead down into a large chamber where stalactites hang above water that glows blue when light enters through the ceiling. It is cooler and more atmospheric than an open cenote.
Because the hole in the ceiling is small, the lighting changes through the day. The cavern also has a few bats, which some people enjoy and others avoid.
Cenote Xkekén tour itinerary
A short plan combining the two Dzitnup cenotes.
- 08:30 Pickup in Valladolid
- 08:50 Arrive at Dzitnup, Xkekén first
- 09:45 Walk to Samulá
- 10:45 Return to Valladolid
- 12:00 Lunch in the centre
Cenote Xkekén tour prices
Costs depend on whether you go alone or on a combined tour.
| Format | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Shared half-day tour with 2-3 cenotes | USD 35-65 per person |
| Private driver, half-day | USD 70-130 per vehicle |
| Entry fee if not included | About MXN 100-200 (2026) |
| Taxi from Valladolid | Typically cheap, ask for current rates |
Swimming at Cenote Xkekén: rules & facilities
Life jackets are provided, and a shower before entering is normal. The floor and stairs are wet, so grippy shoes matter.
The cave is cool, so a dry layer is nice afterward. Large backpacks are better left in the vehicle.
Bats may be present, but they are shy and keep to the ceiling. Do not use flash photography near them. Keep voices low, and avoid touching the stalactites.
Best time to visit Cenote Xkekén
Go early to beat the groups, since the cave is small and the experience improves with fewer swimmers. Mid-morning is when the light is most beautiful.
The water stays cool year-round, and the cave is a pleasant escape from the heat of midday.
Nearby cenotes & sites
Cenote Samulá is the next door neighbour. Zací is in Valladolid itself, Suytun is north of town and Oxman sits at a hacienda.
Ek Balam, Chichén Itzá and the Rio Lagartos coast can all be visited from Valladolid on other days.
A short walk takes you to Samulá. Other options are Zací in town, Suytun's light beam and Oxman's hacienda.
Ek Balam and Chichén Itzá are good day trips from Valladolid.
- Samulá, a short walk
- Zací in the centre
- Suytun to the north
- Oxman at a hacienda
Cenote Xkekén FAQs
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