Visiting the Cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Many people visit the Yucatan for its beaches, but the cenotes are arguably more impressive. Cenotes are natural sink holes that form when limestone bedrock collapses, revealing a pool of water beneath. Not only are they visually striking, but cenotes make for great swimming spots.

In the heat of the Yucatan, cooling off is highly necessary. Some of the best cenotes are found in the jungle, and can sometimes only be reached on foot. By the time you’ve made it, you’ll be dying to leap in.

Splashing about in the freshwater pools takes on an extra dimension at Cenote Dos Ojos, near Tulum. Here you can head into a dark cave to snorkel in the near pitch black.

If you are going to see the impressive Mayan ruins at Chechen Itza, make time to visit Cenote Yokdzonot. Most tour groups stop at a cenote nearer to the ruins, but making the effort to reach Yokdzonot means you are more likely to have the place to yourself!

Outside Playa del Carmen is Cenote Ponderosa, where local Mayan communities allegedly used to make human sacrifices. At 15 meters, the depth of this cenote makes it seem mysterious, but you can hire diving equipment if you want to see what lies beneath its crystal-clear waters.