We visited Mexico last year, and decided to return to the area south of Merida see some more cenotes. The city of Homun and the surrounding area is known for having many cenotes. We found this cenote in Mucuyche, which was on the way back from seeing the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, before heading back to Merida. This makes for a nice day trip stop from Merida.
We got there in our rental car from Avant Car Rental. We had this saved on our map and had no problem getting there using Google Maps. This cenote is in the very small town of Mucuyche, so it feels like you are driving on back roads to get there.
There are signs for the cenote and the parking lot. The E and Estacionamiento refer to parking in Spanish.
There was plenty of parking there, and it was not crowded when we went in the afternoon.
This seemed like a quieter cenote that is less likely to have tour buses coming through.
We headed over to the cenote entrance, but needed some direction along the way as we had to walk through someone’s yard to get there. The cenote itself has signs and a fence around it.
We purchased our entrance fees from an older woman who did not speak English. It was inexpensive to get into the cenote – I believe it was only a few USD per person. Despite the language barrier, there was no problem communicating, and we were also directed to a small area with a curtain set up for changing.
Like other cenotes, the rules say not to wear sunscreen, bug spray, or other things on your skin before entering the cenote. This helps to preserve the water quality.
There is a long, steep staircase to get down into the cenote.
This cenote is beautiful. The water looks dark when it is not in the bright light, but it is nice and clear.
There is a very high jumping platform at Yaal Utzil. There is a solid concrete platform with a wooden bar to steady yourself. I think the only other cliff platform that we found that was this high was at Cenote Zaci in Valladolid. The platform is very high! You can see on the right side, there is a much lower platform as well.
We enjoyed Cenote Yaal Utzil because it was quiet and had different options for jumping in.
When we were done, there is a small snack stand set up next door, where we enjoyed cold sodas and some chips. The hosts were also kind enough to let us use their bathroom.
What to bring:
~ swimwear & towels for the cenote
~ camera / GoPro
~ money for snacks and/or food
Don’t bring:
~ sunscreen or bug spray
Check out our other Mexico blog posts.
About the Author: Marysa
Busy blogger and mom of two girls! We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!
This looks like such a beautiful place to visit! I may have to add Mexico to my bucket list.
Wow, that water is breathtaking. I would love to visit here. I’d be too scared to jump but my daughter would do it.
This looks like an incredible place to visit! The way looks so blue yet clear. I know you have fun exploring Mexico!
It’s amazing to see all great places you can visit around the world. The water looks spectacular!
Everything looked amazing around there. I love that you were able to explore during the visit.
The place looks marvelous, everywhere you look is just so mesmerizing. Such a wonderful trip you have there. Loved it!
This cenote looks so beautiful. I’d be afraid to jump off the platforms. But in my younger days I might would have attempted it. I have back and hip issues now so it is out of the question. But I do enjoy floating in the water. How deep is the cenote?
This looks like such a beautiful destination. I would love to take the family on a vacation here
The location is so pretty and the water is so beautiful that it looks surreal!
The cenote is so pretty! What a lovely place to visit. Looks like an amazing adventure!
I am so adding this place to my bucket list and I may have to go here first! Love it and love those caves and swimming holes! Thank you for sharing and love the pictures!
wow wow wow! I am impressed of this cenote! I hope to visit it one day!
Oh my gosh! Those stairs give me anxiety but the view once you’re there! Breath taking!
I would love to swim in those cenotes, but I would be able to jump off from the lower platform only!
I would love to visit this amazing place, thanks for sharing this with us.
The cenote looks absolutely beautiful. A once in a lifetime place to visit.
Wow, that looks amazing! I would love to visit there sometime. I’ve never been to Mexico before. I’m sure my family would definitely jump in there too.
I love to visit Mexico, living in South Texas we would go often. We haven’t been in a long time though.
What a beautiful place to visit for sure! I am showing this to my husband when he gets home 😉 I would love to go!
Oh, what a gorgeous place to visit. I would love to travel to different places like this one day. Such pretty pictures!
I think ti would be great to go to Mexico. I have friends who go annualy most years and they just love it.
I really hope I get to see a cenote in person someday. It looks like an amazing place.
This looks like such a beautiful place to visit in Mexico. So tranquil and lovely.
Louise x
This cenote is so particular. I am really impressed of the cenotes in Mexico. They are a unique life experience.
Ah, what a stunning place to visit! If I ever go to Mexico, will surely visit these beautiful places 😍.
We saw only one cenote in Mexico when we went scuba diving. That was so interesting that we always wanted to return and visit more cenotes. I like the idea that Cenote Yaal Utzil is quieter and you got to visit without a big bus crowd. That clear water sure looks like it was worth the long climb down and back up the staircase.
I would like to swim in this cenote, but I will skip the jumping for sure. It looks like fun and very affordable.
This looks like an amazing place to visit! I went to Mexico a very long time ago, but I’d love to go back!