Cenotes, or 'Dzonot', meaning abyss, were sacred places for the ancient Mayans. They were seen as the source of the purest water, untouched by light, and played a central role in many Mayan rituals. They were also considered gateways to Xibalba, the other world, and a place of communion with the gods. Today, cenotes still hold great significance within the Mayan community and are surrounded by mysticism and enchanting legends. They are among the most captivating attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula, with their crystal-clear waters and lush surrounding vegetation.

On your next vacation, consider a visit to the beautiful Mexican state of Yucatan. It boasts nearly 250 miles of beach, stunning henequen haciendas, magnificent archaeological sites, charming towns, and a vibrant cosmopolitan city known as the gastronomic and cultural capital of southeastern Mexico. But the highlight of your trip will undoubtedly be the magical cenotes.

Here are five cenotes you must visit. In Mucuyché, you can take guided tours and swim in the "Carlota" cenote, named after the Empress of Mexico, who was the first person to bathe in its waters in 1865. The cenote is renowned for its splendid crystal-clear waters.

The Chunkuy cenote, part of the Cuzamá cenote network, is a recent addition, having opened to the public in 2021. To access it, you descend into a cave via wooden stairs next to a poplar tree. The vast size of the cenote, the color of its water, and its spectacular stone formations are truly awe-inspiring.

Eknakán is another must-visit location. Its Church of San José de Eknakán is one of only five neo-Gothic style buildings in Yucatan. It is also home to the Papakal Paradise cenote, a hidden gem where you can swim at night and marvel at the crystal-clear water, stalactites, stalagmites, and column formations. After your swim, you can warm up by a bonfire and rest in a cabin or set up a tent to camp in the Mayan jungle.

Finally, the Sambulá cenote is a beautiful underground formation with an entrance marked by an opening in the ground. You descend stairs directly into its shallow waters, which can reach a depth of 1.60 meters in hot weather.