we can call this Magic Mayan World . The tour guides were great. It is located in the northern center of the Yucatn Peninsula and is part of the Ik Kil Archeological Park near Chichen Itza. It's ideal for swimming and snorkeling. My second highlight was Suytun Cenote, its magical.the other places we visited was worth the drive as well. I think the website is www.xperiencia7cenotes.com. I can't wait to go in a few months. Not far from Tulum is theGran Cenote. The Cancn highway, which is the fastest way to Chichn Itz, has multiple tolls. Welcome to my oasis! Now, it's time to add your favorite experiences to this list for eligibility. ). . Aside from that, our main task was to rent a car in Cancn. There are black catfish which swim in the cenote. That is a thing of the past. With so few reviews, your opinion of Ik Kil Cenote could be huge. After our lunch here, we hopped in The Blueberry and headed to Tulum. Our 6-year-old son fit into the 2nd category, until he saw how much fun we were having, and then we, A trip to Mexico's Riviera Maya is not complete without a visit to at least one Experiencias Xcaret park. Click here to see the location on Google Maps. Please DO NOT include links, URLs or HTML in your comments - they will be automated deleted and you will waste your time. The bottom of the next screen will show you each toll and the total. The entire Yucatan peninsula is formed of limestone and thousands of years ago it was covered by the sea. Everything was above and beyond expectations. You've done a really great job at capturing the beauty of the place :). CENOTE IK KIL - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) : if youre planning on visiting Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, check out also my articles on Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres. Ik Kil is refreshingly fresh and cold, cold, cold. Really great day. The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. Find out more in the disclaimer. Drink options are mostly 35 pesos. The downtown area has a giant monastery from colonial times, with beautiful architecture. I can tell you something. We swing idly in our hammocks, the branches of the tall trees swaying in the wind. Once your screen looks like my screenshot below, click Consultar.. Yes, but you will still need cash. Hamel is located at 3853?15?N 8950?38?W / 38.8875N 89.84389W / 38.8875; -89.84389 (38.887524, -89.843949). A quaint little town with a very hippy vibe. Chichen Itza was the most memorable because of its history and amazing energy. Swimming in a Big Hole: The Ik Kil Cenote of Yucatan, Mexico How to get to Cenote Ik-Kil. You will find places that dont take Mastercard, Amex, and Discover, but I have yet to run into a place that takes cards, but doesnt take Visa. Heres a map to help you out: Tulum is just two hours from Chichn Itz, so youll also save time being based there. This takes chemicals off your body like sun creams. We took the granddaughters to see the Kidz Bop concert in October at the Stifel Theatre. We have special locations for your events as you always dreamed. To access the cenote, you must pay the admission fee for Ik Kil Archeological Park. 6,233 reviews #7 of 17 things to do in Chichen Itza Bodies of Water Geologic Formations Closed now 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About The cenote is open to the sky with the water level about 26 metres (85 ft) below ground level. If you are also spending some time in this part of Mexico, we have a large map with all the great places to visit here in our Playa Del Carmen tours and places to go article. The cenote is open to the sky with the water level about 26 metres (85 ft) below ground level. Cenote Suytn to Ik Kil - 4 ways to travel via bus, taxi - Rome2rio My son could not wait to jump in at the bottom, whereas my daughter was scared of the catfish. CENOTE IK KIL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) After you change and rinse off in the shower, you will decend down the stairs that were carved in the stone next to the cenote. Mia and I walked 15 minutes to 5thAvenue in Playa Del Carmen to pick up our car from Executive Car Rental/Ace. Find out where we stayed along with tips on how to make your family getaway not, Mexico is a big place and I havent visited anywhere as much of it as I should have, so our top 5 is based around Playa Del Carmen where we lived for the month. Part of Ik Kil Archeological Park, the cenote features vines hanging down from the rock walls. Thank you for reading and following me, I'm so happy to have you here! They are mysterious, dark, cool and so interesting. Bones and pieces of jewelry were found in the deep waters of this cenote by archaeologists and speleologists. If you buy through these links I may receive a small commission, with no additional cost to you. The 3 Best Cenotes In Mexico: Dos Ojos, Grand Cenote & Ik Kil If you continue to use this site, I'll assume that you are happy with it. Yucatan Cenotes | Cenote Ik Kil, Cenote Suytun and more - Chichen Itza It can be hard to retrieve your watch from the bones of some sacrificial victim at the bottom of the cenote. They will probably arrive in late afternoon. There is a restaurant and small palapa homes for overnight stays. Find the travel option that best suits you. There is an indoor option with air conditioning and an outdoor options on the porch. Recommended option Bus 4h 41m Take the bus from Pist to Valladolid Mrida Terminal Noreste Not my best night in Mexico. Acerca de Nosotros Ik-Kil, en maya "El lugar de los Vientos", es un parque rodeado de plantas exticas y viejos rboles de gran tamao, el hbitat ideal para diferentes aves silvestres tales como: los pjaros toh, tucanes, loros, cenzontles, cazadores de moscas y cardenales entre varios ms. Usually Josh and I both get sim cards in a country, but since I havent had a phone in so long (just was fixed after over a month) he was the only one with a phone. Unlike other cenotes with buffets, this one does not include a free entrance with the meal. A lot of visitors say that you can try nicely cooked catfish and tasty monkfish here. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. In this post, Ill show you what worked for us and what to avoid. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Definitely have to make a visit to see some of these, at some point in my life! (No, really. Through lianas falling from the top all the way to the surface of the water, we see people swimming in the Sacred Blue Cenote as its also called. This is the one and only time I have ever been interested in scuba diving. That explains the bones. The cenote is part of a larger complex of a restaurant, store, changing rooms, and cottages for rent. Most people will come here with a tour. I am a travel writer trying to see as much of the world as possible and share with you my stories and travel tips. The water is deep and entry is made by a pretty unsteady wooden ladder, which is hard to navigate with kids. Cenote Suytun It is easy to see the pride the Mayan people have. Nearly all excursions to Cenote Ik Kil are combo tours that include a visit to Chichen Itza, as well as possible stops at archaeological sites such as Coba or Ek Balam, or at towns such as Valladolid. Entry:100 pesos($7.68AUD) each, kids free. This large eco park like place fits the bill for many tours. We loved how we beat the crowds at every point our our day. Get Directions. The tour is extremely organized and comfortable. Pay reasonable prices for eating at this spot. This restaurant is ranked 4.6 within the Google grading system. Your package includes breakfast, a drink on the bus, a buffet lunch, a Valladolid stop and entrance fees: Chichen Itza preservation tax is at your own expense. Beautiful Place! Filter by rating. Gabriel and Jaime were wonderful. All the little people swimming in the dark depths below were just gorgeous. There is entrance gated security 24/7. There are 4 ways to get from Ik Kil to Playa del Carmen by bus, taxi, car or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. What did you think? We had a great time on this trip. :D I am leaning to Gran cenote side for now we are a family of 6. staying at the iberostar in playa carmen. It is a beautiful spot but that might not be why you see so many photos of this place. If youve done a Chichn Itz day trip using buses, comment below on how its done. Tours look to add on a visit to a cenote with a meal for their guest. The buffet was nice and the Mexican people too! There are life vest and lockers at an additional fee. Good quality toiletries. Unlike other cenotes around the Yucatn Peninsula, this one hasa big opening at the top, about 26 meters from the surface of the water, with vines hanging from the top. Even if you decide to eat in Pist (another adorable Mexican town) or somewhere else close to Chichn Itz, Valladolid is worth a stop and a stroll. When you enter this place, you notice the cool ambiance. We did have to wait for about 30 minutes, but the time passed easily. Stifel Theatre (Saint Louis) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Limestone's natural permeability and the amount of rainfall have luckily left us with some authentic natural swimming . The weather is cloudy and moody so we dont really prepare for swimming in the cenote. This town is adorable, so I highly recommend a stop there. VIP tour to Chichn Itza, Hubiku & Ik Kil. To complete it all, two swimming pools sparkle in the sun, surrounded by trees and silence. 2023 TRIPOMATIC S.R.O. Children laughter and splashes of water travel from the natural pool all the way to the surface. Cenote Ik Kil is a sacred site to the Maya people, who once performed sacrificial rituals here. Hope to see you all another time if i visit Mexico. 2039'41.537" N -8833'0.608" E. Or just search for \"Sygic Travel\" in App Store or Google Play. My goal in life? You will be offered good lemonade, agua fresca or coffee. This post contains affiliate links. The cenote is beautiful and it is very close to the rooms. Packages. Read on to find out more about this wonderful place. 5 stars. You can tell from my very first Cenote adventure that it wasnt going to be my last. The tour is 109$/pp so with 6 of us it is well over 660$ us. CENOTE IK KIL - 262 Photos & 73 Reviews - Landmarks & Historical Buildings - Carretera Merida-Puerto Jurez Km. This is great news, but you still want to get up early. There are modern-day bilingual speakers of Maya and Spanish. We were shown to the car, given the keys to our little white Matiz and off we went without power steering, power windows or electronic doors, and no cruise control CRAZY! We will email you if you're a winner. It can be very hot and a lot of walking. A bucket list visit finally checked off. It is a part of the Illinois Metro-East portion of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Part of Ik Kil Archeological Park, the cenote features vines hanging down from the rock walls. To get in the water, you must climb down 85 feet (26 meters) of . On our visit to Chichen Itza with SP5.5 family we also visitedIk Kil. I cant see its the best one with children. Before we left for Mexico, I knew we would take our Chichn Itz day trip without a tour. We would use this service again. The cenote is about 60 metres (200 ft) in diameter and about 50 metres (164 ft) deep.There are vines which reach from the opening all the way down to the water along with small waterfalls. The comfortable ambiance has been . I did some research on the top 3 best cenotes in Mexico (near us - the Maya Riviera) and decided those were the ones we wanted to see. Marcel Proust, 2019-2022 - All Rights Reserved. The second most important tip for this day is to get up early. RELATED ARTICLE 20 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN TULUM Important note: There is a time change from Cancn to Chichn Itz, so youll gain time when traveling west. There are tiny black catfish that live in Ik Kil Cenote, but they keep to themselves. The entire Yucatan peninsula is formed of limestone and thousands of years ago it was covered by the sea. Which Croatian Park to Visit? Chichen Itza + Cenote Suytun & Cenote Ik Kil + Valladolid, Make sure you choose this tour! Wish we could have done Ik Kil with you guys as well. Hiring a mini van in Mexico is expensive, like over $60 per day. Unless you are some big name celebrity. Which is amazing because you get the whole cenote to yourself almost. Chichen Itza with Valladolid and Suytun and Ik Kil Cenotes 2023 - Viator The temperature is dropping and the wind starts to get chilly but its all so pleasant. Along the cave walls they disappear as the sandy ground drops under the cave and they go swimming through the dark. Before you book a tour to Ik Kil Cenote, here's what you really need to know Reality vs Expectation! It is literally down the street from Chichn Itz at a hotel. Cenote Ik Kil, Xcalacoop, Mexico - Book Tickets & Tours - GetYourGuide It is open to the public for swimming from 9am to 5pm all year long. There is a super high cliff jump, which Caius and Josh conquered several times, with Caius wishing to go again after every time. Entry:100 pesos(AUD$7.68) each, kids free. Check out this place on Booking.com. First of all, I want to thank you for reading my blog, it means a lot! CENOTE IK KIL - 262 Photos & 73 Reviews - Landmarks & Historical - Yelp We enter the park and walk along narrow paths in the forest, with virtually no other human in sight. I dont see how we could have used buses with our luggage, even though we were packing light. This overwhelms me, and I needed more time to do some Internet sleuthing before choosing a company. Plitvice Lakes or Krka? Changing rooms are available. We were finishing up our self-guided visit of Chichn Itz when some groups were just starting. Find out where we ate and what foods to try - our recommendations might surprise you. As we waited for our turn the guy told me we would need to leave a $5000 deposit and, of course not having any credit cards with me, just cash for the $2.20 I had to walk home. Pro tip: To avoid fees, I use a Charles Schwab debit. It's all this and more (religious leanings and interests in extreme sports permitting). Great sense of humor and tremendous historical knowledge! With an almost perfect circular shape of 60 meters in diameter, the cenote IkKil turns any regular activity such as swimming or simply just relaxing in its clear waters into a unique experience. The water level of cenote Ik Kil is about 30 meters (90 feet) lower than the surface. When you get closer its like you are looking into another dimension. When you withdraw cash from an ATM not owned by your bank, there are two fees involved: one from your bank, and another from the ATM. Safe travels! Take a deep dive into historic Ik-Kil Cenote, Mexico Opening hours: The cenote is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. 16. I'll help make your next vacation awesome with first-hand guides and essential travel tips. We had a wonderful time jumping from the dock, swimming around, snorkeling, exploring. (Tours typically last eight to 14 hours given the number of sites visited.) Cenotes are very common in this region of Mexico and the Maya often used them for sacrificial offerings. I am a writer and budding entrepreneur with a love for caffeine, capital gains, and seeing the world. Located: About 3 miles from Chichen Itza. Lockers are for hire for 30 pesos (AUD$2.30), as are life jackets. Cenote Ik-Kil - Cenotes Of Mexico The pool was used by Red bull to host their Cliff Diving World Series in 2012. I left my full-time job (more than once actually, hopefully for good) because I wanted to be able to see and experience more of the world. This is a delicate eco system. They will tell you the history of chichen itza with a passion that is difficult to find in any other tour. Top activities in Riviera Maya & the Yucatan, Explore Riviera Maya & the Yucatan and beyond, Small Group Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil and Coba All Fees In. If you are heading to Mexico dont miss the cenotes, you will be gravely disappointed if you do. If you love resorts, heres an article on the best Cancn all-inclusive resorts, according to Travel and Leisure. When researching rental cars in Mexico, this blog post was especially helpful. Cenote Ik kil (Chichen Itza): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Day Tour to Chichen Cenote Ik Kil Cenote Suytun and Valladolid. Nios: 100 MXN That route would look like this: Cancn is roughly 3 hours from Chichn Itz, making this day trip doable, but long. 122, Valladolid - Merida SM Tablaje Catastral 510, Restaurante Sac-Be Maya (comida Yucateca). This same day trip can be done from Tulum if youve chosen to base yourself there instead of Cancn. Try perfectly cooked laing, catfish and monkfish that are served at Ik Kil Cenote. If you are a guest at the hotel you get early and late entrance privileges to the cenote. Chichn Itz is an ancient city that the Mayans believed was the center of the universe. This tour takes you to one of the new wonders of the modern world, a World Heritage Site, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet and swim in two of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula: Ik Kil and Suytun, and the town magic of Valladolid in a single day to spend an unforgettable day with the best attention of our staff who will take care of every detail. Ik Kil has a much larger presence of authority then any of the other cenotes. No one wants to deal with that, especially early in the morning. Cenote y Hotel Ik KIL, Chichen Itza Tours abound, but there are ways to do a Chichn Itz day trip on your own. We took a 3-day trip to Mexicos west coast for the first time and discovered a luxury all-inclusive, Take the guesswork out of choosing where to eat in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. I booked the car online the night before and paid $20. A restaurant and changing rooms are located on-site. Cenotes are very common in this region of Mexico and the Maya often used them for sacrificial offerings. Driving from Tulum it will take just under 2 hours. Recommended option. I took my own pictures and video footage, which I always recommend when renting a car. I was wondering what is the best time of day to visit a cenote. Youll get to meet other people and wont have to worry about every single detail. There are barriers you must stay behind, but some temples have closer access. Our guide, Jesus was knowledgeable and entertaining and worked hard, we felt, to deliver an enjoyable experience to his clients. The little known local huaya fruit (aka guaya), Acanto Hotel and Condominiums-a small hotel tucked into the center of Playa Del Carmen, Copyright 2023 | MH Magazine WordPress Theme by MH Themes, Bacalar Real Estate Market and Investing Information, How to have a Seaweed Free Vacation in the Riviera Maya (almost garanteed), Playa Del Carmen Half Marathon is set for 2023. If youre curious, go read the very interesting explanation of the Chicxlub crater and the cenotes. A short walk through a cave resulted ineven another beautiful pool. Red Bull Diving Competition Ik Kil was a stop on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2010, 2011 and 2014 Suggested duration 2-3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. Recommended: Check cheapest prices for flights, hotels & car rental in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Top Riviera Maya & the Yucatan landmarks tickets, Top Riviera Maya & the Yucatan categories, Mayan Ruins of Coba (Zona Arqueolgica de Cob), Mayan Ruins of Coba (Zona Arqueolgica de Cob) tickets, 9 of the Most Impressive Ancient Ruins Around the World, Thrill-Seeker's Guide to the Riviera Maya, 9 Yellow Places Around the World You Shouldn't Skip. Find out more in the. Ik Kil Cenote restaurant, - Restaurant reviews See all Riviera Maya & the Yucatan articles, Things to do in Riviera Maya & the Yucatan, Carretera Costera del Golfo,3 Kilometros de la zona arqueologica de Chichen Itza, Tinm, Yucatan, El Caracol (Zona Arqueolgica El Caracol), Punta Laguna Nature Reserve (Otoch Ma'ax Yetel Kooh), Sotuta de Pen Agave Plantation (Hacienda Sotuta de Pen), Museo Fernando Garca Ponce (MACAY Museum), St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco). 2 stars. For better or worse, most of them are no longer forgotten, rather popular and frequented by thousands of tourists. The ground was sand, the water gorgeous and not half as scary as theCenote Cristiano. From Cancun it will take you about 2 hours and 16 minute to get to the cenote. Be prepared for a long day, but you see so much!! As with other cenotes, you'll get some of the same beautiful tropical and remote, mysterious aura. Cenote Hubiku. Ik Kil is often paired with a trip to the Chichen Itza Ruins since there is only a short distance apart. You can swim in that cool, turquoise water. However, it is not as big as other ancient cities, like Angkor in Cambodia. Search reviews. Theyre cash-only, so use the Santander ATM next to the bathrooms to get pesos before walking outside. I LOVED ik kil cenote and dos ojos. When you need a rejuvenating break, sometimes a mini getaway fits the bill. Once you have your car and your route (also above), youre ready to hit the road. [1] Cenote Ik Kil is near the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, on the highway to Valladolid. It's like that one you see in the books or brochures, it really is! Looks gorgeous! There are vines and roots that hang down into the water and verdant plants around the lip of the entrance to this cenote. From Playa Del Carmen it will take just over 2 hours. Elevators are available inside. I do not recommend doing this in the airport, because the options are overwhelming and people will be trying to sell you on their service left and right. Manny our driver was great. Looked like fun and I would have enjoyed the cliff jumping. Disgruntled I walked all the way home in the hot sun, let our friends know we would be late and got my husband and baby. See what it is like to take a swim or jump into this cenote. We took extra snacks and drinks back to our room to have for later. The main pyramid, El Castillo, was both a political and religious center. Via de la Plata Stages: From Sevilla to Isla Mujeres: Underwater Marvels Travel with new eyes. Hamel, IL Map & Directions - MapQuest We got to just relax and float on the water instead of exerting ourselves after a long morning of walking. Once back in the car we all listened to the hunger grumbles and headed to Valladolidfor lunch. Have you been to Cenote Ik Kil before?