Before heading down the stairs into the cenote, its also mandatory to rinse off in the outdoor showers before going swimming. Forget the Express tours that offer Ik-Kil Cenote as a brief add-on to a Chichen Itza tour. The entrance fee at the time of writing (February 2021) is 150 MXN for adults and 100 MXN for children. CENOTE IK KIL - 268 Photos & 74 Reviews - Yelp Get a GeoPress today and never buy single-use plastic bottles again. Side note: when I was visiting Ik Kil, the public showers didnt work and there was no alternative! The water is home to various species of fish including catfish, along with frogs and even tortoises. Entrance fee is 150 Pesos (Dec 2021) which included the life jacket and the locker. It turns into a great lunch experience for the early afternoon or evening, if you decide to show up late. There are two ladders to enter the water. This one-of-a-kind convent boasts a kaleidoscopic exterior of stars and double-headed eagles. Once you reach the bottom, set your belongings down in a dry area against the wall and jump on in for a swim. The vines that reach down from the opening all the way to the water, and adjacent waterfalls give this cenote a beauty unmatched by anything youve ever seen before. We got there around 11am and left around noon or 1pm for . Instead, its the perfect vantage point to watch others splash into the dark waters below. Ik Kil Cenote - Everything you need to know before you go! | 2023 You may also encounter cenotes like the Sacred Cenote in Chichn Itz, that hold a very special value for the culture and are not open for swimming. Merida - Valladolid Km. Halfway down there is another lookout platform for parents of young children and those who hate water. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Beautyfulin one word. This is your best bid if you want to have the cenote all to yourself. They cost 35 Pesos and drop you right at the cenote Ik Kil entrance. Colectivos can be found on Calle 39 half way in and between Calle 44 and Calle 46. Finally, you will experience some of the great archaeological sites in the Cob area. Cenote Cristalino: Snorkeling, Diving, and a Free Fish Pedicure? 2023Enter the CavesAll rights reserved, Powered byWPDesigned with the Customizr theme, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). Ik Kil Cenote is located in proximity to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Big groups started around 11-12. In addition, some have said that over the years, as this cenote has become more popular, it turned into somewhat of a mini theme park. Life jackets is a must but a word of caution forthose who have phobia of swimming with fishes. Ik Kil Cenote Hours (updated 2022) Ik Kil Cenote is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Most people combine Chichen Itza tours with cenote Ik Kil and therefore it can get super busy at times. We recommend booking Cenote Ik kil tours ahead of time to secure your spot. We highly recommend reading on to see how you could remedy this, but either way, keep your expectations in check if you plan to visit during a busy time of the year. You can pay the Ik Kil entrance fee with credit card so you don't necessarily need to bring Mexican Pesos. While this is a good order to do things if you want fewer crowds, try visiting this cenote earlier in the day. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. This is strictly prohibited and will get you kicked out of the Ik Kil Cenote. Cenote Ik Kil Sacred Cenote Best Valladolid Hotels Mexico is well known for its amazing Cenotes and in my opinion, Valladolid had the best cenotes in Mexico by far! 2 stars. This is what the entrance of cenote Ik Kil looks like. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. If you want to further maximize your time here, why not spend a night at Ik Kil Hotel and have it entirely to yourself in the early hours of the morning before the tour buses arrive. The cenote is open every day from 9:00am till 5:00pm. Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour - Tripadvisor Cenote Ik Kil - What To Know BEFORE You Go | Viator When I arrived at 11:00am it was still pretty quiet and there were only about 30 people inside the cenote, an hour later there were surely more than 100 people around. You can hire lockers, towels and lifejackets. They will also take you straight to the cenote entrance, along with other cenotes if youd like to make stops. Yes and a really big one actually as you may have seen in my Ik Kil vlog. Thousand of people daily visit Chichen Itza Mayan ruins and many people do so by bus tours. For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melons Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community. A taxi from Chichen Itza or Piste should never cost more than $5. Tripadvisor gives a Travellers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. This is Cenote Ik Kil and in direct contrast to my first cenote that looked like I wandered into the woods, this one looks like something out of Disneyland. After twenty minutes of floating around, absorbing every moment, its time to get out and climb back up the urine-covered stairs. Below is some information about IkKil that you should consider in order to make your visit even more enjoyable: IkKil is without a doubt a dreamlike paradise. Find the right car, in the right place, for the best price guaranteed! Cenote Ik kil (Chichen Itza) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go There you will have to take a taxi for a couple dollars to the entrance of cenote Ik Kil. Cenote Ik Kil is a major stop for many bus tours to Chichen Itza. From Piste to Ik Kil is only 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) and 3 kilometers (2 miles) from Chichen Itza. There are always two lifeguards on duty in cenote Ik Kil. Absolute amazing venue for those who havent seen or experienced Cenotes. At about 200 feet (60m) in diameter, and about 160 feet (50m) deep, its quite a drop. Map Directions Satellite Photo Map Photo: P199, CC BY-SA 3.0. Notable Places in the Area Balankanche Cave There are two separate tickets as well, to make things even more complicated. Cenote Ik Kil: The Place of the Winds - Enter the Caves Or head to my Mexico Page for more than 20 blogs about traveling in Yucatan Peninsula. Its sheer vertical walls are lined with vines and flowers and give way to crystal-blue waters at least 40 meters deep and populated by catfish. Cenote Ik kil Oficial | Tinum - Facebook Entrance fee: 80 pesos (about $4.25USD). We recommend that visitors use eco-friendly sunblock, because this helps to preserve the environment. Before heading down for a swim, we take advantage of the modern facilities. If you happen to be around Cenote Ik kil, visit this restaurant. Recommended option. Tours to Ik Kil wont show up anymore after 4:00pm, so the last hour is also a good time to visit Ik Kil as well. Este cenote no merece la pena es muy turstico y peligroso. But this list is all the nearby, great quality hotels for those who want to explore the cities inland more. It is forbidden to fly drones within the Ik Kil cenote park. This is an ideal option especially if you travel with a group. There are some who believe that in Merida alone, there are more than 7,000 cenotes, but only some of them are open to the sky. The private tour includes the 3 hour drive to the cenote, the drive to Chichen Itza, and any stop you want to add. Click here to see the location on Google Maps. A chest high brick wall prevents any spontaneous acts of stupidity. The best way to get to cenote Ik Kil from Valladolid is to take a Oriente bus from the bus station in Valladolid. I wasnt comfortable barefoot. At cenote Ik Kil there are multiple signs asking you to take a shower before entering the water and rinse your body. We've been today at Ik Kil and the cenote was closed bec of Covid. The IK KIL Cenote was a stop at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2010, 2011 and 2014. Small black catfish dodge amongst swimmers, occasional disturbed by the less than graceful splash of an obese back flop into the murky depths from a diving platform at the highest point of the cenote edge. Designed for travelers who need to return earlier to their hotels or who do not wish to make a full day trip. Visit the amazing Chichen Itza Ruins on a personalized private tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya. 3 Kilometros de la zona arqueologica de Chichen Itza. It is crowded but well organised. Book Hotel Ik Kil located next to the cenote. This cenote is quite deep, so it is not a great option for small children who don't like swimming, but the space is sufficient for them to wait without danger. There are also two restaurants, one being a buffet, and small shops that sell ice cream and drinks. There is a restroom outside in the parking lot that was more spacious to change into a bathing suit plenty of restrooms inside, but very small space. Archaeologists have found bones and jewelry in the deep water here, proving its significance historically to the Mayans. In Mayan, it translates roughly to Place of the Winds, and some would argue that it is the most beautiful cenote in the area. Its only three kilometres away from it, 30 minutes drive from Valladolid City and a couple of hours journey time from Cancn. I hope all these tips for visiting Ik Kil cenote were helpful. (After rinsing off in outdoorshowers so as not to bring unwanted chemicals or debris into the waters careful ecosystem.). Before you book a tour to Ik Kil Cenote, heres what you really need to know. East from Pist, it's about 10 minutes. 35 Best Cenotes By Tulum You Have to Visit - Destguides If you want to enjoy cenote Ik Kil the best way possible then come early. Well managed, reasonable entry fee for adults, kids under 5 go free. ! Cenote Ik Kil, Xcalacoop, Mexico - Book Tickets & Tours - GetYourGuide The height of the cenote is 27 meters and the water is 50 meters deep. You can rent a car, a taxi, or book private transportation to avoid any hassle. We have special locations for your events as you always dreamed. However, dont expect to see a huge variety of fish in Ik Kil. What's the best way to see Cenote Ik kil? Dolphins, ancient clams and hundreds of waterfalls make this one of the world's top tourist destinations. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We recommend bringing a swimming costume, towels and sandals with you. 93% of travellers recommend this experience. There are a couple signs around as well as security guards. Its disgusting. The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling! 2 reviews. 16. Compared to other places in Mexico, the Ik Kil Cenote isnt overflowing with tropical fish or colorful corals. When traveling by colectivo, you can easily find one on Calle 39, and between Calle 44 and Calle 46. Next to the changing rooms is where you can grab a lifejacket which must be worn if you plan to go swimming inside the cenote. Ik Kil Cenote is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico! This place is clean, and beautiful! From romantic evenings to Mayan Weddings ! With very limited time, we chose to visit the Ik-Kil Cenote based on its accessible location and beauty. When the cenote closes for the public, it is all yours! Discover the fascinating world of the ancient Maya in this exclusive tour with an expert bilingual guide. Ik-Kil Cenote - an ancient waterhole, a sinkhole, a gateway to the underworld or just a choice venue for a Red Bull cliff diving championship? Visitors to this magicalplace descend down 85 feet of winding stone steps. After visiting 100 countries by the end of 2019 I felt inspired to visit every country in the world. Debido a la preservacin del medio ambiente y el mantenimiento de este El parque ecoarqueolgico, es posible observar que la vasta vegetacin y rboles son hogar de cardenales, cenzontles, loros, tucanes y el turquesa mot-mot o tambin conocido como Toh, especie caracterstica de esta regin entre otras aves; adems se han podido apreciar avistamientos de venados y monos. Cenote Ik-Ki, The Sacred Blue Cenote - GoChichen Also find a vlog below of my adventures visiting Cenote Ik Kil. A cheese burger or aclub sandwichis 70 Pesos ($3,5). Life vests and lockers are not free, but cheap and worth it if you're passing through. For all their evils, they come in handy. Ik Kil Cenote is located in between the cities of Valladolid and Pist in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Breakfast is included in the price of the night in a gorgeous cabin. 1,500+ Excellent Reviews. This will likely be more convenient, as colectivos come and go often. Overall rating. It is less than 3,7 miles from Chichen Itza on the busy road to Valladolid. It's all this and more (religious leanings and interests in extreme sports permitting). The entrance fee is only 100-150 MXN ($5-$7.50), which is quite cheap if youve been reading about some of the more popular cenotes (like Gran Cenote at a whopping 500 MXN). Own or manage this property? Description Looking down into the cenote If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Learn how your comment data is processed. You will have to climb down about 85 feet (26 meters) just to reach the water from above. Below is our guide to making the most of your visit to this amazing cenote. Every equinox this Maya pyramid puts on a spooky ancient light show. Monkeys and deer also live in the area. Cenote Ik Kil is located around Valladolid in the YucatnPeninsula. Chichen Itza with Valladolid and Suytun and Ik Kil Cenotes 2023 - Viator Start with a journey in an air-conditioned vehicle. You can rent a car, a taxi, or book private transportation to avoid any hassle. Pleas preserve the beauty of Ik Kil cenote! The use of any sunblock is forbidden when getting into the cenote. A guacamole only costs 55 Pesos ($2,5), it was a big portion and delicious, a beer is a little expensive with 65 Pesos($3) per bottle. Of course you are also able to buy a drink. IK KIL CENOTE In Yucatn - Ultimate Guide 2023 | Jonny Melon Beautiful cenote to visit after a morning walking thru the Chichen Itza ruins. There is a carved stairway down to a swimming platform. If youre lucky, you might be able to see some black catfish swimming around. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. There is a large parking lot, where parking is free. Parking is free of charge at cenote Ik Kil. If youre on the hunt for a professional camera for traveling, check out the Canon G7 X Mark II. This cenote is much further inland than the others weve covered so far. There are more than 10cenotes around Valladolidin Yucatan Peninsula and I visited all of them. Learn more document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); IK KIL CENOTE ENTRANCE FEE & OPENING HOURS. There are around 20 buses per day with the first one departing as early as 8:30 am. Search reviews. You can also rent lifejackets if you want assistance staying afloat while youre swimming in the cenote. Starting latest at 10:00 a.m. buses will arrive and the place will continue to be packed until 03:30 p.m. Hot Tip Remember to get there as early as possible when doors open at 9:00 am as its a much better experience without hoards of other tourists around during the day. Ik - Kil | Cenotes | Chichen Itza 2023 Atlas Obscura. For all its natural beauty, the Ik-Kil Cenote has been developed and landscaped heavily, damaging the experience. This place is famous for its great service and friendly staff, that is always ready to help you. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. According to archeologists cenote Ik Kil was a place where the Mayans prayed to the rain god Chaac. Best Tulum Beach Clubs Where to Spend the Perfect Beach Day, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote, and Valladolid Tour , Complete list of available tours that include a visit to Ik Kil Cenote. Interested to join me on one of my trips? Tickets & Tours - Cenote Ik Kil, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan - Viator According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Cenote Ik kil: Cenote Ik kil, Chichen Itza: Hours, Address, Cenote Ik kil Reviews: 4.5/5. In the following YouTube video of me you can see my vlog about visiting Ik Kil and how to get there. . Want to know how to have this popular cenote all to yourself then keep on reading! For anyone walking bare foot, theres every risk of worms and germs. per adult. Cenote Ik kil See all things to do Cenote Ik kil 4.5 6,232 reviews #7 of 17 things to do in Chichen Itza Bodies of Water Geologic Formations Open now 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About The cenote is open to the sky with the water level about 26 metres (85 ft) below ground level. Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world. You will be offered good lemonade, agua fresca or coffee. One of the most ethereal qualities of Ik-Kil is the light filtering in from above, illuminating the mini waterfalls, vegetation, and vines that wrap their way around the edges of the cenote and hang directly from overhead like a curtain. It is along the highway and pretty affordable for about $40 per room per night. Cenote Ik Kil does have a grim past though, as the cenote was sacred to the Mayans and used for human sacrifices to their rain god, Chaac. Youll be required to shower before you enter the pool at the cenote. If you are driving yourself cenote Ik Kil is veryeasy to get to as it is just off Highway 180 between Piste and Valladolid. Viajo en Febrero del 2021. 91% of travellers recommend this experience. It is located in the northern center of the Yucatan Peninsula and is part of the Ik Kil Archeological Park near Chichen Itza. It's ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Arrive at opening 09:00 a.m. to avoid the crowd and enjoy the beauty of Ik Kil. 5 stars. There is a carved stairway that leads up to several diving platforms. Whatever you do, dont drop the mask, as it will probably sink to the bottom of the 150-foot sinkhole, never to be found again. Got some pictures with people in Mayan outfits who were fun. Take a deep dive into historic Ik-Kil Cenote, Mexico We visited here in June and we were very happy we did. Having said that, there were loads of people having fun in the water but it just wasnt for me or my family who felt exactly the same as me. Mexico's Cenotes, the Hidden Gems of the Yucatan - Culture Trip One of the most striking features of Cenote Ik-Kil is its sheer beauty. There is a large parking lot at Ik Kil Cenote Mexico where you can safely park your car during your visit. This wonder of nature is located inside the eco-archaeological park of IkKil and offers various services to its visitors such as restaurants and restrooms, a local handcraft shop, hire lockers, lifejackets, towels and accommodation in huts that even feature a jacuzzi. About. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Bscate otro Cenote menos masificado y ms seguro. If you are heading here from Valladolid, it will take about 45 minutes driving west. There are around 7,000 cenotes in Yucatan, and only 142 are available to visit, which means that 98% of the Yucatan cenotes are still unexplored. Since 2012 I am continuously traveling the world, now already more than 3,900 days. From Valladolid to cenote Ik Kil is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) and takes 40 minutes. Although swimming is at your own risks, the lifeguards keep an eye out. Cenote Ik kil (Chichen Itza) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). An improbable waterfall springs from an orange-white cliff face, tumbling into the headwaters of the Virgin River above Zion National Park. Ik Kil Cenote restaurant, Mexico - Restaurant reviews While not exactly a tip or trick, its important to mention. From Valladolid, its approximately a 45-minute drive west to reach the cenote, and if you are heading east from Pist, its a short 10-minute drive. CENOTE IK KIL - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) Life jackets are required to enter, so keep a few extra pesos on you just in case. Green leaves decorate these vines, and seeing them droop down for several meters makes it look like it was designed by human hand. I felt safe and it was easy to get in the water, next time I will wear water shoes or my flip flops to walk down the stairs. As one of the most popular attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula, the Ik Kil Cenote continues to attract visitors from all over the world. Cenote Ik Kil itself forms an almost perfect circular shape, and there is an internal concrete staircase making it very easy to access the inside. Towel rental is 30 Pesos ($1,5) and 70 Pesos deposit. IkKil is the most visited place if youre staying near Chichn Itz. Because of its many features, Cenote Ik-Kil was titled a ' Red Bull Cliff Diving venue' in 2010, 2011, and 2014. The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If hungry, come here for tasty che. So well call it a draw. They also hold sacred significance for Mayans, who considered them gateways to the afterlife. Over time, archaeologists and speleologists have discovered remnants of this ancient practice, such as bones and jewelry, concealed in the profound waters of the cenote. I have put together this complete travel guide of Cenote Ik Kil including where it is, how to get there, how much it costs, and what to expect when you arrive. This tiny camera fits in your pocket, captures high-quality photos and videos, and has Wi-Fi so you can instantly transfer to your phone! Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Perhaps not the best place to visit for those with thalassophobia, Ik-Kil is a natural sinkhole into groundwater - a cenote - found in Yucatn, Mexico near Chichen Itza. But if youre looking for real privacy, theres something even better you can do. Your help would mean a lot to me! But at the same time, it meant we werent stressing about valuables being stolen or drowning. It was amazingly and beautiful, little black catfish are in the water, it was so refreshing to go to after visiting the Chichen Itza ruins! Click the button below to view all articles related to Mexico! Casa Cenote (AKA Cenote Manat) and Panchito, the Friendly Crocodile. Cenote Ik Kil is located outside Pist in the Tinm Municipality, Yucatn, Mexico. Draped in lush vines and green leaves, Ik Kil Cenote is a spectacular sight to behold. The sinkhole clocks in at a depth of over 130 feet, and archaeologists are said to have found bones and jewelry in the watery depths of what was once a sacred Mayan sacrificial site. Cenote IK KIL | Chichen Itza, Yucatn In this article, youll see how you can get there, what you should do to make your trip most enjoyable, and what makes Cenote Ik Kil so uniquely beautiful. In addition, well share a tip on how to get this cenote all to yourself, in case you are interested in something fancy like an extended photoshoot (or even a proposal). Cenote Ik kil (Chichen Itza): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go All rights reserved. Yes,that is more than 10 years of constantly exploring, not living abroad, but the real deal: constantly traveling! You can stick around a little after the closing time, as they are quite lenient with forcing everyone to leave. Looking up at the steep walls, it really is beautiful. There are ones that are smaller and more naturally beautiful. Location: Pickup from just about any hotel in the Riviera Maya area. Cenote Ik Kil has a restaurant that offers local dishes and beverages. People were not as easily impressed by the management, and it felt like less of a remote location for some. 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Dont forget to bring your towel, but if you do, youll be able to rent one from the stand inside. How to get to cenote Ik Kil If you are driving yourself cenote Ik Kil is very easy to get to as it is just off Highway 180 between Piste and Valladolid. The bus station is at the corner of Calle 46 and Calle 39 and there are almost 20 busses per day, starting at 08:30am, 09:30am, etc. X-Calacoop is situated nearby to the hamlet San Felipe and the village Xcatun. Although there's not much to see, it's still possible to snorkel in Ik Kil. The cenote was considered a sacred site by the Mayans who would use . From there its either a short jump into the water, or a considerably taller dive off a platform if you feel like joining the daredevils in line. Lagos . Because there isnt a whole lot to see under the water, snorkeling is something you can skip here. There are always personnel that guide you through the site. Once in the water, with the lifejacket immediately proving its worth, we relax. I traveled around the peninsula for more than 10 weeks and saw all the amazing places to visit in Yucatan Peninsula. If you choose to swim without a lifejacket, be prepared to tread water since there are limited places to stand while in the cenote. Collectivos depart at multiple times throughout the day whenever they are full. Tour Chichen Itz luxury two cenotes & Valladolid. Cenote Suytn to Ik Kil - 4 ways to travel via bus, taxi - Rome2rio However, there is still at least one good guided tour that will let you experience the cenote, and then some. The first provides a life jacket and locker, and the other provides everything above and one of five meals plus a beverage. From Mrida: Chichn Itz, Izamal, Valladolid, & Cenote Trip. Ik Kil is one of Mexicos most beautiful cenotes but also one of the most popular.