Where it is
The cenote lies about 300 meters north of El Castillo, at the end of Causeway 1, a road linking it to the monumental area. INAH's visitor guide marks it as one of the main stops.
Its dimensions
INAH's technical publication on excavations at Chichén Itzá describes the "Cenote of Sacrifice" as having:
- A diameter of about 60 meters.
- A water level 22 meters below ground.
- An estimated maximum depth of 13.5 meters.
These figures come from a technical study and may vary slightly between measurements.
A deposit of offerings
The Sacred Cenote has been studied as a deposit of offerings and ritual objects. Since the early 20th century, jade, gold and copper pieces have been recovered from its depths, materials that came from other parts of Mesoamerica. INAH's Gran Museo de Chichén Itzá incorporates some of these finds.
Visiting respectfully
- No swimming in the Sacred Cenote: you view it from the edge.
- Walk the causeway at an easy pace; there's little shade.
- Remember it's a ritual site: keep your voice down and respect the barriers.
From the Sacred Cenote to a cenote you can swim in
After seeing the Sacred Cenote, both trips end with a swim at Cenote Selva Maya. Mary Tours offers two guided options: the Chichén Itzá, Izamal, Selva Maya cenote and Valladolid trip by van, and Maya Train, Chichén Itzá and magical town, which rides the train to Izamal. If you'd rather go on your own, there's a private transfer to Chichén Itzá. The office is at Calle 61 #518-B in Mérida's historic center; schedules and prices are in the booking section.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Diameter | About 60 m |
| Distance to water | 22 m below ground |
| Estimated maximum depth | 13.5 m |
| Location | 300 m north of El Castillo |
Fun facts
- The Sacred Cenote's water lies 22 meters below the ground.
- A causeway links it to the main plaza.
- The jade and gold in its offerings came from outside Yucatán.
Related tours
Archaeology · 11 h
Chichén Itzá, Izamal and Valladolid
Four stops in one day, and none of them rushed
from $1,200 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Departure from the office — An hour on the road to Izamal. The guide uses the drive to set up what comes next.
- 9:00 AM San Antonio de Padua Convent — The story of the 16th-century Franciscan convent told in its atrium, then free time to walk the yellow town.
- 11:15 AM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Temple of Kukulkán, the Sacred Cenote, the Ball Court, the Tzompantli and the Jaguars and Eagles platform.
- 1:45 PM Regional lunch in Kaua — Buffet of Yucatecan dishes: cochinita, relleno negro, lime soup and meat-free options.
- 3:00 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim lands exactly when the sun is at its worst. Changing rooms and showers on site.
- 4:20 PM Valladolid — Francisco Cantón Rosado park with its original railings, the church of San Servacio and the murals in the town hall.
- 8:00 PM Back in Mérida — We drop you off where the day started.
Included: Air-conditioned transport, General culture guide, Regional buffet lunch
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
Archaeology · 11 h
Maya Train, Chichén Itzá and Izamal
The Mérida–Izamal leg by train, the rest by road
from $1,600 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Transfer to the station — From the office to the Maya Train station in Mérida.
- 9:18 AM Maya Train ride — Forty minutes from Mérida to Izamal. Ticket included.
- 10:15 AM Izamal — The yellow town, the three-tier Baroque altarpiece and free time on the main square.
- 12:30 PM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Sacred Cenote, the Temple of Kukulkán, the Jaguars and Eagles platform and the Ball Court.
- 2:30 PM Lunch in Kaua — Buffet of typical regional dishes.
- 3:45 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim of the day, with the heat already easing off.
- 5:00 PM Back to Mérida — Two hours on the road back.
Included: Transport, General culture guide, Maya Train ticket Mérida–Izamal, Midday meal
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
Transfers · 10.5 h
Transfer to Chichén Itzá
Four stops, your own pace and the van waiting
from $2,650 MXN per vehicle
Coupon −$300 MXN per personCaribbean · 14 h
Tulum and the Casa Tortuga cenotes
The only Maya city built facing the Caribbean
from $2,500 MXN per person
See itinerary
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM · daily
- 6:00 AM Boarding — We leave from the downtown office. If your accommodation is on the way, we collect you there — agreed beforehand on WhatsApp.
- 6:30 AM Motorway to the rest stop — An hour and three quarters, with fifteen minutes for toilets and something light.
- 8:30 AM On to Tulum — An hour and a half more to the Quintana Roo coast.
- 10:00 AM Tulum archaeological site — Guided visit to the walled city: El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and the Temple of the Descending God, with the sea behind.
- 12:15 PM Casa Tortuga cenotes and lunch — Four cenotes of different kinds, with a guided route, trails and changing rooms. Lunch is on site.
- 4:00 PM Back to Mérida — Four hours back, with a stop halfway.
Included: Guide accredited by the Ministry of Tourism, Round-trip transport, Lunch, Cenote entry
Not included: Tulum archaeological site entrance, Drinks
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the Sacred Cenote?
No, you can only view it from the edge.
How big is it?
About 60 m across, with the water 22 m below ground, according to INAH.
What was found in it?
Offerings and ritual objects, including jade, gold and copper pieces.
Where is it?
About 300 m north of El Castillo, at the end of Causeway 1.
