Cenote Xcanche

Cenote Xcanche is the cenote experience that adventurous families dream about: a community-run, open-air cenote next to the Ek Balam ruins where your kids can swim, swing from a Tarzan rope, zip line, rappel, and jump off platforms into crystal-clear turquoise water. It is less famous than the cenotes near Chichen Itza, which means fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more authentic experience.

The cenote is located about 2 kilometers from the Ek Balam archaeological site parking area. To get there, you ride a bicycle through a flat jungle trail, with the bike included in your entry fee. This 15-minute ride through the trees is already an adventure for kids, and it sets the tone for the whole experience.

When you arrive, you descend wooden stairs into a large, circular open-air cenote. The water is about 30 meters deep, crystal clear, and a stunning shade of turquoise. The walls are covered in hanging vegetation and vines, and the surrounding jungle canopy provides dappled shade. It looks like a movie set, but it is 100 percent natural.

The activities are what make Xcanche special for families. The Tarzan rope swing is free with admission: you grab the rope, swing out over the cenote, and release into the water below. Kids will do this 10, 15, 20 times and never get bored.

Wooden platforms at different heights allow jumps for different comfort levels. Three zip lines cross over the cenote at various heights ($6-$10 each), and rappelling down the cenote wall is available for about $9. All safety equipment is provided.

Life jackets are available and essential for kids because there is no shallow end. The cenote is deep everywhere, so non-swimmers must wear a life jacket. The water is cool (around 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and incredibly refreshing after the jungle bike ride.

Xcanche is run by the local Maya community, and the vibe is distinctly different from the corporate eco-parks. There are no flashy facilities or polished marketing, just a stunning natural cenote with ropes, platforms, and a small restaurant serving excellent, cheap food (quesadillas, sopes, tacos for $3-5). The revenue goes directly to the community, which makes supporting this place feel good.

The cenote is about 2 hours from Cancun, near the town of Ek Balam in the Yucatan state. The smart play is combining it with a visit to the Ek Balam ruins, one of the few archaeological sites in the Yucatan where you can still climb the main pyramid. Do the ruins in the morning (they open at 8 AM), then bike to the cenote for swimming and adventure.

Pricing is extremely family-friendly. The cenote entry is about 170 MXN (around $10 USD) per person including bike rental. The Tarzan rope is free. Zip lines are $6-$10 each. The whole Ek Balam plus Xcanche experience costs a fraction of what you would spend at Xcaret, Xel-Ha, or Rio Secreto.

For families looking for an authentic, affordable, adventure-filled day trip that most Cancun tourists never discover, the Ek Balam ruins plus Cenote Xcanche combo is hard to beat.