Cenote Suytun
Rating
Family of 4
$60-$80 USD for a family of 4.
Duration
1-2 hours at cenote (full day trip from Cancún, often combined with Chichén Itzá)
Best Ages
Best for ages 4 and up
About
Cenote Suytun is one of the most visually stunning cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula and a fantastic family-friendly stop, especially if you're already making the trip to Chichén Itzá from Cancún. Located just 10 kilometers east of the colonial town of Valladolid (about 2 hours from Cancún), this semi-open cenote is famous for the dramatic beam of light that shines through an opening in its limestone ceiling, illuminating the turquoise water below.
The cenote is inside a large underground cave accessed by a stone staircase. As you descend, the temperature drops noticeably — a welcome relief from the surface heat. At the bottom, you'll find a large pool of crystal-clear water with a distinctive circular stone platform in the center.
This platform has become Instagram-famous, but for kids, it's just an awesome place to stand in the middle of a cave and feel like an explorer.
Swimming is allowed and encouraged. Life jackets are provided and required for everyone in the water, which makes it safe for children who are still building water confidence. The water is cool (around 75°F year-round) and remarkably clear. You must rinse off before entering — no sunscreen, bug spray, or cosmetics are allowed in the water to preserve the ecosystem.
The property actually has two cenotes. The main one (Suytun) gets most of the attention and crowds, while the second cenote is smaller, quieter, and equally swimmable. If your kids want more time in the water without jostling for space, head straight to the second one.
Facilities are basic but adequate: there are restrooms, showers, lockers ($50 MXN rental), and a small snack kiosk. The ticket booth is cash-only — bring Mexican pesos. Entry is $250 MXN per person (~$14 USD), which includes life jacket rental.
For the best experience, arrive right when it opens at 9 AM. The famous light beam is strongest around noon when the sun is directly overhead, but midday also brings the biggest crowds and tour groups. If you're visiting as part of a Chichén Itzá day trip, most tours stop here on the way back in the early afternoon.
Cenote Suytun works well for kids ages 4 and up. The stone steps are steep and can be slippery, so carry younger children. Strollers won't work here. The whole visit takes about 1-2 hours, making it easy to pair with other attractions in the Valladolid area.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
No
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Arrive right at 9 AM opening or after 3 PM to avoid crowds. The famous beam of light shining through the cave opening is strongest around noon — but that's also peak crowd time. If photos are your priority, go at noon on a weekday. If a calm swim matters more, go early.
Wait Times
10-20 minute wait to access the platform during peak hours (11 AM-2 PM)
Nearby Food
There's a small snack kiosk at the cenote, but options are limited and overpriced. Valladolid (10 minutes away) has excellent restaurants: La Casona de Valladolid for traditional Yucatecan cuisine, Hostería del Marqués on the main plaza for family-friendly dining, and street vendors selling marquesitas (crispy rolled crepes) and elotes around the central park.
Why Kids Love It
Cenote Suytun is straight out of a fantasy movie. You walk down stone steps into a massive underground cave and find a crystal-clear pool of turquoise water with a beam of sunlight piercing through a hole in the ceiling. There's a circular stone platform in the center of the water that makes for incredible photos — kids feel like they've discovered a hidden treasure chamber.
The cave is cool (literally — a welcome break from the Yucatán heat) and the water is refreshingly cold at first but feels amazing after a few minutes. Life jackets are provided and required, so even kids who aren't strong swimmers can float around safely. The stalactite formations on the cave ceiling are massive and fascinating — kids love trying to spot different shapes in them, like nature's version of cloud-watching.
There's a second, smaller cenote on the property that tends to be less crowded and is great for a quieter swim.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Bring cash in Mexican pesos — the ticket booth does not accept credit cards
- Life jackets are required for swimming and included in the entry price
- The stone steps down to the cenote can be slippery — hold onto the handrail and carry small children
- You must shower before entering the water (rinse stations are provided) — no sunscreen allowed in the cenote
- There are two cenotes on the property — the second one is less crowded and great for kids who want more swim time
What to Bring
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
- Water shoes (the cave floor is rocky)
- Waterproof phone case for photos
- Cash in Mexican pesos (no cards accepted)
- A dry change of clothes for the ride home
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$60-$80 USD for a family of 4.
Entry is $250 MXN (~$14 USD) per person, which includes life jacket rental and access to both cenotes.
Children 5 and under are typically free.
Parking is free.
Add locker rental ($50 MXN).
If visiting as part of a Chichén Itzá day tour, it's usually included in the tour price.
Tips to Save
- This cenote is usually included free on Chichén Itzá day tours from Cancún, so combining them is the best value.
- If visiting independently, bring cash — credit cards are not accepted at the ticket booth.
- Kids under 5 are typically free.
- Skip the overpriced snack kiosk by bringing your own food.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9AM-5PM
- Monday
- 9AM-5PM
- Sunday
- 9AM-5PM
- Tuesday
- 9AM-5PM
- Saturday
- 9AM-5PM
- Thursday
- 9AM-5PM
- Wednesday
- 9AM-5PM