Discover this practically secret natural jewel in the state of Yucatan. Cenotillo, a region rich in cenotes and with a mixed culture between Mayan and American, is also home to the amazing natural wonder, Cenote Xooch.
Why Visit Cenotillo?
Cenotillo is a place full of history and natural beauty. Its name comes from the large number of cenotes that surround it, being the Xooch Cenote the most special of the region for its size and the exuberant nature that surrounds it.
This region offers a combination of traditional Yucatecan and American culture as the town offers “Chinese food” and other options that locals learned from working in large restaurants, a legacy of their long history of migration to the United States.
Xooch Cenote
Cenote Xooch is a unique natural wonder in Yucatan. With a water mirror of approximately 60m in diameter and surrounded by exuberant nature, it offers an almost exclusive swimming experience, since very few visitors dare to reach this hidden place.
To get to Cenote Xooch, you must venture on a 4km bike ride from the center of Cenotillo. Upon arrival, you will find a cool guano palapa to catch your breath before diving into the crystal clear waters.
Activities and Services
Cenotillo offers a variety of activities and services for its visitors:
- Swimming in cenote
- Bicycle tour
- Lodging in cabins and camping
- Traditional food
Cenote, bike and local guide (plus optional lunch)
Cenote Xooch is, without a doubt, the most special cenote in the eastern part of the state and unique in Yucatán, both for its large size, with a water mirror 60m in diameter, and for the exuberant nature that surrounds it. To get there, venture on a 4km bike ride from the center of Cenotillo to the entrance of the cenote, where you will find a cool guano palapa to catch your breath.
You will have an almost exclusive experience when swimming in its crystal clear waters, as very few visitors dare to reach this site. After visiting the cenote, enjoy a traditional meal at the cooperative’s facilities or in a local house (optional).
To access the cenote and enjoy its crystalline waters it is necessary to descend a 15-meter ladder, so it is not recommended for people with disabilities or the elderly.
Lodging in cabins
During your stay you can stay in one of the cooperative’s cabins with water, electricity and internal bathrooms, located 100 meters from the village, perfect for a quiet night and a tour of the village. The cabins also have a communal kitchen. Check in: 1 p.m., check out: 12 p.m.
Camping accommodations
You can stay at the edge of the cenote Xooch in the camping area of the cooperative. During the night you will have the opportunity to listen to the different sounds of the ka’ax (mountain). The area has dressing rooms and dry toilets. Check out 24 hours after check in. Equipment not included.
Food services
Enjoy delicious traditional Yucatán dishes and antojitos (breakfast, lunch, dinner) at the cooperative’s facilities or at a local home.
Traditional toys workshop
One of the most attractive workshops that the cooperative has prepared is the demonstration of a local artisan known as “El Duende”, the last toy maker in town who, through a 100% handcrafted workshop made of ropes, wood and wood, creates spinning tops, balls and other antique toys that children loved in ancient times.
Cabins in the middle of the tranquility of the Village
In the tourist center of the cooperative there are three cabins with private bathrooms available to welcome any visitor who wishes to spend the night and enjoy the tranquility of the village.
These cabins are located 5 kilometers from the Cenote, at the edge of town, they are double based with two beds and have electricity service as well, they have a fan. This center also has a space under a palapa that can be used as a multi-purpose space for groups or even for workshops.
A Commitment to Conservation
The town of Cenotillo is committed to the conservation of its cenotes. In 2012, a group of young people initiated a project to clean and monitor the town’s cenotes on a weekly basis, which eventually led to the creation of Cenote Xooch.
This group of young entrepreneurs saw in voluntary conservation an opportunity to generate their own jobs and not have to migrate, giving rise to the project “Alianza Ambiental Ts’ono’ot kaaj de Cenotillo”, whose commercial name is “Cenote Xooch”.
The Benefits of Tourism in Cenotillo
Tourism in Cenotillo not only benefits the local community, but also allows visitors to discover the natural and cultural riches of the region.
Through its participation in the Co’ox Mayab community tourism network and the Peninsular Alliance for Community Tourism, Cenotillo has been able to share its culture and traditions with members of other cooperatives, while learning from other communities.
Visiting Cenotillo is not only an opportunity to discover the incredible natural beauty of Yucatan, but also contributes to the well-being of the community.