Cenote Chaok Tun
Cenote Chaok Tun
A cenote is a natural sinkhole created when cave ceilings collapse, and the Yucatan peninsula is full of them! There are over 5,000 cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula and swimming in one of them is an out of this world adventure.
I did my research before I arrived in Mexico and I decided to go to cenote Chaok Tun for various reasons: 1) It has an extensive network of underground rivers in which you can swim & snorkel; 2) it has amazing rock formations; 3) it is off-the-beaten path; and 4) it is easily accessible On Your Own from Playa del Carmen & Cancun.
Going to the cenote from Cancun you’ll first have to reach Playa which is easy & straightforward. You can either take one of the many scheduled buses that serves this route, or, I think by now you know my favorite transportation mode in Mexico, by a collective:) Not only it is cheaper to take the collective, it is more flexible and faster, so hop into one of those heading to Playa. From Playa, the only option to go to the cenote is by taxi, but be aware that not all taxi drivers will know where it is so you’ve to know you directions and the different landmarks on the road (click to request info). Expect to pay around 100-120 MXP for a one-way trip, but you can use your haggling skills and lower the price. Also, it is best if you agree with the driver to wait for you and take you back to Playa as there is no transportation at the cenote & your only option will be hitchhiking.
The road to the cenote is a gravel road that is totally a road to nowhere:)
And when I arrived at the cenote, there was only one other couple there, so I literally had it all to myself:)
The entrance ticket to the cenote is a bit expensive, but totally worth it, so don’t hesitate. Before you start your adventure, you’ll have to put on your swimwear and there are lockers at the entrance in which you can store your stuff. From the entrance, you’ll hike down on a wooden path surrounded by amazing rock formations
After 10-15 minutes, you’ll reach the hole in the ground that gives the cenote its name and the reflection of the sun rays on the rocks and the crystal clear water is amazing
Now it is time for the adventure, so get ready & plunge into the water 
You’ll be On Your Own and will have to navigate between the different chambers through narrow passageways; which is a bit scary to be honest:)
The water is so clear and cool that you’ll never want to get out; so take your time and explore the entire cenote because it is once in a lifetime experience!
