Cenote Ik Kil, Mexico

There are much more beautiful cenotes in the Riviera, but this one is famous mainly for its cliff jumping experience. Quite crowded at all points of the day, but still a pretty sight and big enough to swim around in. While the washrooms are clean, they're not spotless or excellent as some of the other reviewers seem to have said. In fact, we only found one operational shower each in the men's and ladies' changing rooms, so you need to queue up for your turn. Try to go as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds.The cenote itself is beautiful with the hanging roots and the jingly feeling of it. However it's completely commercialized. To enter you have to pass through several shops and the area around the cenote is definitely not wild anymore but made of hotels, parking lots etc. Walking down the stairs to get to the water it smells really bad (like urine and moldy rotten). We were there very early in the morning and it was still mostly quiet but soon after it became immensely crowded. Huge line to jump into the water, which is also disgusting. Sun lotion etc are floating on top (even though you have to shower). I just quickly jumped in, snapped a pic and got out. Also they secured the walls of the cenote with cement, so don't expect to find a natural cave.
Beautiful place in the middle of a town. It is amazing how this beautiful place is in the middle of this small town. There are some local vendors outside, but they were not pushy and they had their small "kioskos" to sell. Kids were off school the week we visited and we had the opportunity to talk with them. They were trying to make money too by singing to us. It was so adorable and it helped my children really appreciate all they have. The cenote is 70 meters deep and the water is very cold. We did not have time to swim in it as we were on a scheduled excursion. I would recommend going to this town a whole day if not longer.
Pronounced “Z- not” by the ancient Mayans according to our guide but pronounced today as “C-note-a” by most everyone else, cenotes are a must stop on any vacation to the Yucatan. There are no surface rivers in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. All rivers are underground. A cenote is a spot where the limestone has collapsed into this underground water system. Usually the roof has collapsed to create an opening and one heck of a swimming hole. Some access large caverns that are suitable for scuba diving while others are more suited as excellent swimming holes. There are an estimated 7,000 cenotes in the Yucatan to choose from with Ik Kil being recognized as one of the most beautiful.
This big hole is 85 feet below ground level so you have to get there somehow. A circular staircase has been carved out of the limestone making for an easy walk down to the water. There are access windows carved out in two spots on the way down affording great views for pictures.