Cenote Ik Kil, Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán, Mexico.

Cenote Ik Kil is a cenote outside Pisté in the Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán, Mexico. It is located in the northern center of the Yucatán Peninsula and is part of the Ik Kil Archeological Park near Chichen Itza. It is open to the public for swimming. The cenote is open to the sky with the water level about 26 metres (85 ft) below ground level. There is a carved stairway that leads down to a swimming platform. The cenote is about 60 metres (200 ft) in diameter and about 48 metres (157 ft) deep.

Cenote Ik Kil is near the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, on the highway to Valladolid. Ik Kil was considered sacred by the Mayans who used the site as a location for human sacrifice to their rain god, Chaac. Bones and pieces of jewelry were found in the deep waters of this cenote by archaeologists and speleologists. The cenote is part of a complex that includes a restaurant, giftshop, bicycles for rent, changing rooms, and a hotel in site. As of 2020, the price of admission to the cenote Ik Kil is 80 pesos (USD 4) for adults, and 40 pesos (USD 2) for minors.

 

Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most beautiful of the natural wells that stud the jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula. Tour the incredible Mayan ruins of nearby Chichén Itzá and then cool off with a dip in these vibrant turquoise waters. Get a sense of why the Mayans considered the cenotes to be sacred places. 

Cenotes are deep natural swimming holes that are often joined to caves. Many of them are in wells many feet below ground level and the water-filled parts stretch far down into the depths of the earth. Leap into Cenote Ik Kil and you certainly will not be able to touch the bottom.

Descend the staircase carved into the rock and stop at the viewing windows to take photos of the ethereally beautiful bright water and sun-dappled rock face as you go. Take advantage of the cenote’s facilities, which include showers and changing rooms. Step into the pool, or be brave and dive from one of the many platforms provided for the purpose. Once in the water, look up at the lush green vines that dangle from above. Try not to worry if something brushes your leg. The pool is inhabited by catfish, which are completely harmless. 

Imagine this magical place as it would have looked over a thousand years ago, when the Mayans conducted religious ceremonies here. Unlike the nearby Cenote Sagrada, Ik Kil is not known to have been used for human sacrifices. Visit Cenote Ik Kil on the same day that you visit Chichén Itzá. The cenote is only a few minutes’ drive away. There is a small entrance fee. Join one of the many guided tours that includes both this cenote and Chichén Itzá and all entry fees will be included.