Cenote Zaci — Local services in Valladolid

It's been 7 years since I've been to the Yucatan and it seems like so much has changed. Things are so much more commercialized now and Cenote Zaci is just another example--part of the allure of Mexico, to me, is just escaping the corporate feel that seeps its way into every aspect of American life. It's literally inescapable.

Sadly, Zaci is no longer free and you MUST wear a life jacket at all times. I get it, but for people who are strong swimmers, a life jacket is just a hindrance (and even dangerous to have one on if you are jumping into the water from height.) The fact that there is no longer a choice in the matter really irks me out. I know that seems like a small thing, but it's part of this commercialized feeling that the Yucatan now has that simply wasn't there before. The difference is stark.

Cenote Zaci is gorgeous and it's a shame that they will charge you to go down and get a good look at it. You get charged even if you don't go into the water and that just feels...

✅ Positives: Beautiful cenote with plenty of jump spots and a waterfall. Located right in the middle of Valladolid, making it convenient if you want to explore the city and grab food afterward. Life jackets are mandatory and included with the ticket (MXN 150 per person). We went on a weekend and it was busy with locals — try a weekday for fewer crowds.

🤷 OK: Water isn’t as crystal clear as some other cenotes, but still very beautiful.

❌ Negatives: Can get very crowded, especially on weekends. Limited places to store your bags. You even get charged for toilet paper when using the restroom (MXN 8).

Overall: Scenic and centrally located cenote, great for a quick swim if you’re exploring Valladolid, but best visited on a...

Great cenoté at a great price, right in town. 30 pesos (about $1.50 USD) entrance. I stayed in Valladolid for only two nights and was fortunate to have rented a place about a block away and went swimming there each morning and it was not crowded. I've read mixed reviews and some people saying that it wasn't that impressive, but it was beautiful. Not great for snorkeling as it's deep but the water is very nice and the overall ambiance was wonderful. Only weird thing is there is a "waterfall".... it's pretty, but it's actually not real. They pump water from the cenoté to ground level and then it cascades back into the cenoté. Makes for nice...