Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Know the rules and time your arrival. Bring cash, pack water shoes, and shower before swimming.
Getting there
Drive, take a taxi, or ride a colectivo from Valladolid.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive east from Valladolid on Highway 180 (Carretera Libre Valladolid-Cancun) towards Ticuch. The turnoff will be on your left. | 10-15 minutes from Valladolid | Free parking | Renting a scooter in Valladolid is a popular and cheap alternative to a car for this short distance. |
| Tour: Book a full-day guided bus or van tour departing from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. | 10-12 hours total (full day) | $80-$150 USD | Most tours combine Cenote Suytun with Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil, and a stop in the colonial town of Valladolid. |
| Bus: Take a local 'colectivo' (shared van) heading toward Ticuch from the center of Valladolid. | 15-20 minutes | 30-50 MXN | You can ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to Cenote Suytun right off the highway. |
| Taxi: Hire a local taxi from the town center in Valladolid. | 10-15 minutes | 100-150 MXN each way | Arrange for your driver to return and pick you up at a specified time, as empty taxis rarely wait at the cenote. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The light beam is most vertical between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Summer months offer the strongest light. The gates open at 9:00 AM.
What to bring
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You must shower before entering the water.
This removes bodily oils and protects the ecosystem.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to structure your trip.
Arrive early for a quiet swim, then see the famous light beam.
- Arrive and enter
Pay the entrance fee in cash and get your life jacket.
- Cenote Kaapeh
Visit the second cenote while it is quiet.
- Main Cave
Head to the main cavern to see the light beam.
- Lunch
Eat at the on-site buffet restaurant.
Combine the cenote with nearby ruins.
- Chichen Itza
Explore the archaeological site early to beat the heat.
- Travel to Suytun
Drive 40-45 minutes to the cenote.
- Swim
Shower and swim in the shallow cave waters.
- Valladolid
Head into the nearby town for food and sightseeing.
Packing for the cenote
Bring a swimsuit to wear under your clothes. You will also need a quick-dry towel and water shoes. The stone stairs into the cave are slippery. Leave your sunscreen in your bag, as it is banned in the water.
Pack Mexican Pesos for lockers, tips, and entry fees. You can bring a GoPro, but professional tripods may require a permit.
Easiest way to do it
Tickets to the Suytun cenote with breakfast
3 h 4.2 (11)
- You can choose between two dishes eggs or chilaquiles , includes American coffee and seasonal fruit.
From$22per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How deep is the water?
The water is relatively shallow. It ranges from 1.5 to 5 meters at its deepest point.
Can I wear shoes on the platform?
No. Shoes and sandals are strictly forbidden on the central stone platform.
How far is it from Chichen Itza?
Driving takes roughly 40 to 45 minutes from the Chichen Itza ruins.