4 Rural Cenotes from Mérida: Swim & Traditional Lunch

Four cenotes, two open and two underground, each one run by the community that guards it

A full-day tour from Mérida to four rural cenotes managed by local Maya communities, with a bilingual guide, swim gear, and a traditional three-course Yucatecan lunch. You swim in two open cenotes and two cave cenotes with mineral formations, explore the jungle between stops, and support eco-friendly tourism in the Yucatan. Cenote entrance fees (350 pesos per person in cash) are separate from the tour price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore cenotes and enjoy traditional lunch

• Visit four rural cenotes
• Swim in crystal-clear waters
• Explore caves and mineral formations
• Jump from platforms at one cenote
• Experience Mayan spirituality and nature
• Enjoy traditional Yucatecan lunch

The experience

The cenotes themselves are the point: two sit open to the sky with turquoise water and jungle sounds, while two are cave systems with stalactites and stalagmites carved into the limestone. One cave cenote has jumping platforms at 3 and 10 meters if you want to dive. Another is known for its lush setting and has appeared in music videos. A bilingual guide leads the group through all four, explaining the geological and spiritual significance of these sacred Mayan sites. The route stays off the main tourist path. Each cenote is managed by the local community rather than a commercial operator.

Midway through the eight-hour day, you eat a traditional Yucatecan lunch prepared by locals: two salbutes and one panucho with your choice of protein, plus vegetarian and vegan options. Swim goggles and life jackets are provided. Transport is by van or SUV depending on group size, and the tour runs in English or Spanish.

Bring 350 pesos in cash per person for the cenote entrance fees. These are collected on the day and go directly to the communities. The tour suits all fitness levels, and infants or small children can travel in a pram or stroller if needed.

What’s included

• Bilingual guide throughout the day.
• swim goggles and life jackets.
• traditional three-course Yucatecan lunch with protein choice and vegetarian/vegan options.
• van or SUV transport based on group size.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour from Mérida that takes in four stunning cenotes, with lunch includedGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30

Private cenotes tourGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30PRIVATE: Enjoy a more personalized experience with your own private vehicle and private guide. Pickup is included in Mérida. Duration: 9 hours. This option offers greater flexibility throughout the day, so the itinerary and pace can be adjusted whenever possible. Private: Pickup is provided directly from your accommodation in Mérida. Transportation is by van or SUV.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (7 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendly

Operated by Aventura en el Mayab

Is this one for you?Book the private option if your group wants the cenotes without sharing the van and guide with other travelers. Choose the shared departure if you're flexible on timing and want to meet other visitors exploring the same four sites.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the open cenotes and the cave cenotes on this tour?

Two cenotes are open pools surrounded by jungle, while two are cave systems with stalactites and stalagmites inside. The cave cenote with jumping platforms lets you dive from 3 or 10 meters if you choose to. The other cave cenote is known for its natural beauty and mineral formations.

Is the cenote entrance fee included in the tour price?

No, cenote entrance fees are not included. Each person must bring 350 pesos in cash on the day of the tour to pay at each site. The money goes to the local communities that manage the cenotes.

What does the traditional lunch include?

Lunch consists of two salbutes and one panucho with a protein of your choice, prepared by locals. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

How long is the full tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs eight hours and includes a bilingual guide, swim goggles, life jackets, transport by van or SUV, and the traditional Yucatecan lunch. Cenote entrance fees and any tips are separate.

Are these cenotes crowded with tourists?

No. All four cenotes are in rural communities and managed locally, so they stay far from the main tourist crowds. The tour is designed to support eco-friendly, community-based tourism in the Yucatan.