Hacienda Cenote Oxmán — Attraction in Yucatán

I visited Cenote Oxman on March 1, 2020 while staying in Valladolid. I have previously visited here on two occasions in 2015, and this is one of my favourite cenotes in the Yucatan. It's kind of a secret local gem.

I had rented a bicycle from my hostel and cycled about 15 minutes to the cenote (approx. 4 km south of Valladolid). After cycling through the city south on Calle 54, the road turned to gravel and followed through the peaceful countryside. There was a sign at the corner of the road leading to the cenote pointing out the direction (turn right at the corner). This was a very bumpy and pothole-filled road that eventually led to the entrance to the cenote. There was some bike parking or you could lock it against a tree in the parking lot.

The cenote was on the property of a restored hacienda that was painted in a bright yellow colour with a cobbled path leading to the entrance. It was situated on a beautiful rural setting that was quiet and surrounded by jungle. There were two options for the entrance fee - you could pay 150 pesos which included access to the cenote, swimming pool on-site, and 150 pesos worth of food at the on-site restaurant; or you could pay 70 pesos for entrance to the cenote only. The 150 peso option was a fantastic deal and you essentially get your money back with free food at the restaurant.

The facilities had improved since my last visit here in 2015. There were new changing rooms, washrooms, locker area, hammocks, and picnic table seating with netting around the pool for the restaurant seating.

Cenote Oxman was sooo beautiful. It was a large, open cenote that was deep underground and there were quite a few winding stairs to get to a natural rock platform at the bottom. Long tree roots dangled from the ground into the cenote water. There was a rope swing to jump into the water, and it was fun watching people. The water was so cool and refreshing and there were lots of little black fish swimming around.

After swimming in the cenote, I enjoyed relaxing in one of the lounge chairs by the outdoor pool and a delicious lunch of guacamole and fresh juices. There were only a few local families and a few tourists at the cenote and pool during my visit, and it was pretty quiet which was awesome. Not crowded at all!

I love this cenote because it's off the beaten path and lesser known than others in the area. It's located in a peaceful rural setting and is absolutely beautiful! I visited during late morning and early afternoon and it was lovely....

My husband and I visited this place on Christmas Eve of 2021. Amazing place to visit with family and kids. The only issue we had was that the GPS took us down the old road and we later learned there was a newer road. I still believe both roads will take you there. Once you get to the Hacienda via the “new” road, you might get confused because there is a sign indicating to park at the back. Indeed you will park at the back and enter through the back. The front is roped off but it gives the appearance that you enter through the front. Again, the entrance is at the back near the parking lot. The cost to enter is $150 pesos per person. This includes a life jacket which is mandatory to be worn at all times. You must also have your mask on upon entering. At the ticket booth they will also offer you restaurant service. I couldn’t tell you the cost because we declined. However, if you do get restaurant service you have access to the pool and lounge chairs.

Once you are inside the grounds are very nice and clean. Uniformed staff is there to assist you. There is a concession stand for snacks and marquesitas and this is where you can rent a locker for $30 pesos each. There was no time limit. Restrooms, changing rooms, all were well maintained. Nice chairs and benches to sit.

The cenote is 73 steps down through a narrow staircase. Once you get there it is absolutely breath raking. Rope swing is very popular but line moves fast. There is also a diving board. There is plenty of natural light coming in so you can see the clear water below. Highly recommend goggles. It was a bit crowded when went because a tour bus had just arrived. But they left before we did so it got better. The cenote is very large to swim around just watch out for the people swinging off the rope. Life guard on duty all the time which is good. I truly recommend this place for a day trip with kids and family. Keep in mind though that no outside food or beverages are allowed into the cenote or hacienda. And of course, common sense, you wouldn’t want to wear a mask in the water to avoid polluting the area. I didn’t see anyone wearing one, however if you wish to wear one I don’t know what there policy would be since they’re are very careful about maintaining the cenote clean and free of...

Beautiful, wonderful Cenote in the jungle, 10min taxi from Vallodolid city center.

We stayed in their airbnb on the property. There are only 2 units above the check-in. Our unit had a large bedroom with TV, good working Air Conditioning, a mini fridge, private bathroom, 2 private balconies, and roof access with an amazing view of the sunset! Just make sure to open the small window on the roof door when you go outside as it locks behind you!

When you stay at their airbnb you get a special wristband that allows you access from 6am-6pm (public access is 7am-5pm), so you get a private hour before and after everyone else. This was great for pictures and quiet enjoyment of a beautiful cenote.

You enter the cenote by going down a well made staircase. There are pfd's (personal floatation devices / life jackets), which are required for swimming. There is an amazing rope swing to drop into the cenote. There are a series of 3 ropes at water level to help pull you around or sit on for a break floating. The water was nice and cool, this was the best part as it was 100°F / 37°C outside. After about 15-20min of floating, I was cold.

There are beautiful long strands of roots hanging down to the water level and we saw birds flying around. We could see the colors of the sunset above on the trees hanging over the top of the cenote. We saw fish swimming beneath us too.

There is an employee on staff to help visitors access the rope swing, which was nice.

There is a small fee if you have a drone and there is no food/alcohol allowed.

Since this is a sensitive ecological site, you need to shower before entering, which is great to help keep the water clean.

The staff was super friendly and helpful from the reception, to security, to airbnb hosts - thanks guys! Every message to our hosts was responded to quickly, as soon as 30sec. I believe the staff went out of our way to make sure we had all of our needs met.

We will definitely return and bring our friends.

I think this would be a great place to spend several days, as a home base for exploring Vallodolid and all the historical sites and other cenotes.

They also have on...