Ik Kil is close to Chichén Itzá
Swimming in a cenote is a sacred, almost mystical experience. It’s strange, but once you’ve visited one, you might understand why the Mayans believed that cenotes were gateways to the afterlife. In fact, this Spanish word(cenote) comes from the Mayan language, dz’onot, meaning « sacred well ».
Cenotes are naturally occurring sinkholes or chasms in the earth’s surface, formed when the ceiling of a water-filled cave collapses. It is estimated that Mexico‘s Yucatán Peninsula boasts some 10,000 cenotes! The explanation for this high number of cenotes lies in the peninsula’s soil, which consists mainly of porous limestone.
Flickr – transient musket
Cenotes were the main source of fresh water for the ancient Maya civilization. The Maya believed that cenotes were sacred and sometimes used them for offerings, particularly in the form of sacrifice. Indeed, valuables such as gold, jade and copper were thrown into the cenotes as an offering to the Mayan rain god, Chac (or Chaahk). But human beings were also sacrificed, usually young men.
You can visit Cénote Ik Kil on your way back from Chichén Itzá (which is only a few kilometers away). Cénote Ik Kil, or Sacred Blue Cenote, is around 40 metres deep, and the water surface is 26 metres below that of the earth. There’s a staircase leading down to the basin, so all you have to do is dive in!
Flickr – Jordi Joan Fabrega
It’s best to get there early in the morning (or before 1 p.m.), to avoid the busloads of tourists, as this cenote is quite famous for its location close to the site of Chichén Itzá. Bathing in the water of Ik Kil is a delight when there aren’t many people around…
What’s really cool about this cenote are the creepers that hang over the water’s surface and the little waterfalls that add atmosphere to this incredible natural spot. In the water, don’t be surprised to feel fish touching your feet – they’re catfish.
Flickr – Jordi Joan Fabrega
Swimming in the Ik Kil cenote is a really great experience (in this one or any other on the peninsula, for that matter). It’s refreshing and fun. In the same day, after a visit to an ancient Mayan site, it’s just exceptional.
There’s a restaurant on site. Nothing fancy, but it’s good enough if you’re feeling a bit hungry. If you go to the Ik Kil cenote and it’s crowded, remember to keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t touch the creepers– they’re sacred, and you’ll be called to order by the cenote staff if you do.
Flickr – Guillaume Capron
How to get to Cenote Ik Kil – Information
Here’s exactly where you’ll find the Ik Kil cenote. Coming back from Chichén Itzá, on Route 180, just turn right at kilometer 122.
Prices for access to the Ik Kil cenote: Adults 70 Mexican pesos (€4), children 35 Mexican pesos (€2). Access to the cenote is from 8am to 5pm.