We have been to Mexico several times, and this time we visited the large city of Merida. We had wanted to do a day trip to Homun so that we could visit a bunch of cenotes (swimming holes).
We hired a guide to get to the cenote Cenote Chel-Paak. We did a tour through Cenotes Homun Juan May, and communicated through WhatsApp.
The way the tour meets is that you meet in Homun, and the guides take you to a variety of cenotes using a motorized car.
I cannot find a location on Google Maps for this exact cenote, but there is a Facebook page with information.
We took some back roads to get there. (That is a bird nest hanging from the tree).
It was fun riding a motorized cart to get to the cenote!
There is a check-in area. I believe there were also snacks and drinks for sale.
Chel-Paak also means “Rainbow Wall”.
There is a steep staircase to get into the cenote.
There is not much natural light entering the cave, and there is a mirror set up on a stand to shine a ray of sun onto the water. (I also happened to catch a Turquoise-browed motmot “toh” bird in flight! Any time you go to a cenote, you can hear their distinctive call.)
The guides adjusted the mirror to reflect light directly into the water.
At the bottom of the stairs is a small platform that connects to other small platforms to jump or dive from.
The platforms are on the small side, and only a couple people can stand on each one. Since I wasn’t swimming, I took some photos and then headed back up to watch from the top. My kids used the platforms for jumping, and I didn’t want to get in the way or end up falling off! The platforms are probably the size of a coffee table, and without any railings.
This is a small cenote and the platforms are small, so it was good that there were not many visitors. According to the sign, they limit visitors to 30-45 minutes. With three people swimming and getting in and out of the water to jump in, it was just enough space.
There are changing rooms here, which are convenient if you need to change.
There was this taxidermied anteater on the way out! I had no idea there were anteaters in the Yucatan, but apparently there are.
We had a fun time at Cenote Chel-Paak. It was definitely unique and not crowded.
What to bring: towel, change of clothes, money, googles if desired, water shoes if desired.
Skip the sunscreen or bug spray, which is not allowed in cenotes.
Busy blogger and mom of two girls! We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!Feel free to contact me with questions: marysa@anationofmoms.com
Interesting to know about cenotes (swimming holes). Never seen one for real yet. I like the idea of the mirror reflecting light into the swimming hole. I find it very exciting that you visited a place not yet marked in Google maps. Great pictures.
I have been to a few cenotes in Mexico, but never to one that is so deep and small like the Cenote Chel-Paak. It looks really intriguing – I think it is the first time I see pictures of it. Good that you were alone as a familiy. I imagine it a bit uncomfortable if you have to share it with strangers.
We do love the idea of visiting cenotes on a visit to Mexico. And we would love to visit one like Cenote Chel-Paak that means “Rainbow Wall”. I would certainly love to jump or dive from the platforms. I just love the colour of the water!
The water at this cenote looks just surreal – what a color! When I was in Mexico, I missed out on swimming in a Cenote. However, I’ll be back, so there’s still time for that. Chel-Paak will certainly be on my list.
Wow, if google can’t find it, it must really be one heck of an adventure! Sounds like a lot of fun.
What a magical spot. I just love the water. It’s so blue.
These are so cool. They are a place that I need to visit.
That looks a little scary but also super fun. The color of the water is amazing!
I love that color blue. What a unique place to visit!
Wow….that water is beautiful. I’d love to visit here one day. Looks like a lot of fun.
Wow! So amazing and exciting! I would really love to visit here with the whole family!
Having a guide sounds like a good idea. Sounds like a great cenote to visit as it doesn’t have too many visitors so you don’t need to wait too long.
This makes me think of the location at Devil’s Den out here in Florida, so pretty although the depths seem a little spooky!
wow! This cenote is for sure different from others. I can say that is simple but somehow romantic!
That looks so amazing. I would love to visit there some day.
Wow now that is an experience. I am not sure I’d swim in there!! I’d love to see it though, and I know my kids would swim in it.
I have not seen an anteater in person, yet. Hopefully, I get to see one someday.
Awesome review of the place -I almost feel like I was there with you!
I can’t swim and have never seen a cenote to date! It looks so beautiful and peaceful 😍. Great guide!
That is so gorgeous! It looks so magical there. I’d love to swim in those pools
Interesting to know about cenotes (swimming holes). Never seen one for real yet. I like the idea of the mirror reflecting light into the swimming hole. I find it very exciting that you visited a place not yet marked in Google maps. Great pictures.
This looks like an amazing place to visit, and the pools look amazing to swim in
omg I don’t know what to say! The place is gorgeous GORGEOUS!!! A must see for sure. I would love to spend a couple of weeks exploring the area.
Oh wow! What an incredible experience! That place looks so cool..I’d love to explore it!
Cenote Chel-Paak looks absolutely beautiful. I do love caves and this is so unique, love the colour of the turquoise water looks so inviting as well
It looks so pretty but that steep staircase gives me anxiety – lol I struggle with things like that.
Wow! That looks amazing. What a unique experience. That would be a great place to try out my waterproof phone case!
Very interesting place! The water is so pure…haven’t been to a cave for the longest time lol. Great adventure for you!
I have been to a few cenotes in Mexico, but never to one that is so deep and small like the Cenote Chel-Paak. It looks really intriguing – I think it is the first time I see pictures of it. Good that you were alone as a familiy. I imagine it a bit uncomfortable if you have to share it with strangers.
We do love the idea of visiting cenotes on a visit to Mexico. And we would love to visit one like Cenote Chel-Paak that means “Rainbow Wall”. I would certainly love to jump or dive from the platforms. I just love the colour of the water!
The water at this cenote looks just surreal – what a color! When I was in Mexico, I missed out on swimming in a Cenote. However, I’ll be back, so there’s still time for that. Chel-Paak will certainly be on my list.
Oh my goodness what an incredible adventure!!! These are memories your kids will really cherish!
I love how your photos share the experience! I think this Mexico location might have to go on our list.
Hi there, do you have your tour guides details? Thank you