Cenote Xunaan Ha ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5)
If you’re staying in Chemuyil or anywhere near the jungle communities off the beaten path between Tulum and Akumal, Cenote Xunaan-Ha is a hidden gem well worth the bike ride or short drive. It’s not overdeveloped, not commercialized, and, when timed right, offers a tranquil, stunning experience you won’t soon forget. This review is based on two recent visits within the same short trip.
⏰ Hours May Vary—Come Early
Officially, the cenote is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but in reality, the closing time is flexible—and not always in your favor. On our first visit, we arrived early and had no issues. But on our return trip just days later, we were told they would be closing around 3:30 p.m. Another member of our group who arrived shortly after us was told it would actually close at 3:00 p.m.
There seems to be a lack of consistency in communication, which can be frustrating if you’re making the effort to get there on foot or by bike (like we did from Chemuyil). That said, they were transparent about it at the gate, giving us the option to pay and stay anyway. So if you’re visiting, arrive before 2:00 p.m. to ensure you get a full experience.
💰 Cost & Entry
The current entry fee for international visitors is $200 pesos per person (around $11 USD at the time of writing). Locals may be charged a lower rate. The payment hut is small but friendly, and they’ll store any snacks or items not allowed inside in a secure area.
🚻 Facilities
There are two bathrooms that double as changing rooms, which is a nice convenience for such a rustic location. They’re basic but clean enough for a quick change or rinse before heading out. No food is allowed inside the cenote area—and no snacks or drinks are sold on-site—so eat beforehand or plan to grab something afterward in Chemuyil or along the road to Tulum.
🛑 Important Rules
• NO sunscreen (even biodegradable)
• NO bug spray
• YES to mosquito coils (which are much needed, especially if it rained that morning)
They’re strict with these rules, and for good reason—to keep the cenote water clean and healthy for fish and visitors alike.
🌿 The Cenote Itself
Absolutely breathtaking. Xunaan-Ha is an open cenote, meaning it’s not enclosed in a cave, but rather a natural freshwater pool surrounded by jungle. The water is crystal clear and shaded by lush greenery, giving it a peaceful, otherworldly vibe. It’s deep in the center but shallower around the edges, with small fish that nibble at your feet (like those fish spa experiences in Playa del Carmen or Xcaret—except this is real and wild!).
There are two diving platforms for thrill-seekers and a sturdy rope strung across the cenote—perfect for kids, swimmers. If jumping isn’t your thing, there’s also a rocky but manageable path that leads gently into the water, where you can sit at the edge or dive into the Cenote.. It’s suitable for most ages and abilities.
🚴♀️ Access & Location Tips
The cenote is just a short ride from Chemuyil, and there’s plenty of parking for bikes, cars, and vans. But the sign at the road is worn and hard to spot—you’ll likely miss the turn if you’re not using Google Maps or some GPS. Make sure to pin your location in advance or download offline maps if cell signal is spotty.
🌞 Crowds
On both of our visits, we were lucky enough to have the cenote nearly to ourselves—just one other group during the busiest time of day. This made the experience especially magical. Unlike some of the more tourist-heavy cenotes in the Riviera Maya, Xunaan-Ha retains a peaceful, almost sacred quality.
Cenote Xunaan-Ha offers something rare: a pristine, accessible, low-key cenote experience that still feels wild. It’s perfect for anyone staying nearby or road-tripping through the Riviera Maya who wants to escape the crowds and connect with nature. Just come early, come prepared, and bring your...
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