Riviera Maya Cenote Tours

Mexico’s Riviera Maya is more than a fabulous beach and resort destination – one of the area’s most amazing draws is its ancient Mayan culture, most visible to tourists at architectural sites such as Tulum and Coba. For a unique exploration of this fascinating culture, however, there is another option.

Cenotes are naturally formed pools of crystal-clear water that house underground rivers and date back thousands of years. Cenotes were not only a source of fresh water for the Mayans, but were also sacred sites that were believed to be entrances to Xibalba, the Mayan underworld.

Visitors can explore these sites in Riviera Maya on tours that combine culture and adventure. Experiencias Xcaret offers a tour of four different kinds of cenotes in the area, which includes kayaking, rappelling, snorkeling, ziplining and tubing, all with a dose of Mayan history and culture.

Tours include transportation to and from your hotel, complete with a welcome coffee, chocolate, Mexican sweet breads, water and soft drinks and season fruits served en route. A specialized guide accompanies participants, who are equipped with a life jacket, snorkel gear, rappel equipment, a kayak, an inner tube and a towel. Adventurers are also treated to a “Glam Picnic” meal including fussili vegetable soup, cheeses and deli meats, breads, fresh salads and drinks including beer and wine.

The cost of the tour is $109 per adult, and $54.50 for children.