Il Kil cenote and Valladolid
Imagine swimming under a stalactite, its stony tip slightly submerged ; hanging vines swooped along the ceiling high above – this is what it’s like to swim in Il Kil cenote.
Visiting Il Kil Cenote
This cenote is located directly next to Chichen Itza In the green heart of the Yucatán jungle .
Buses stop there to unload tourists coming from Chichen Itza – most tours combine the two , so it can get super busy at times .It is also got a lot of fame because of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
Il Kil cenote is a root-covered sacred well , one of the 6000 cenotes (pronounced say-NO-tays) in Yucatan . 6000 just in Yucatan !
They say that Cenotes are to the Yucatán Peninsula what the Alps are to Switzerland. Of course , there are cenotes in other parts of the world; however, not in the abundance or natural beauty that they have here .
The ancient cities — Cobá, Zací, Mayapán, Chichén Itzá — were built on their flanks , cenotes nurtured the human life .An advanced Mesoamerican civilization of temples, pyramids, ball courts grew in the middle of the jungle only because of the cenotes.
Il Kil Cenote mysteries
Gold and Human Remains
Archaeological found human remains, gold, jade and other offerings in the most significant cenotes
Ancient Maya considered cenotes to be portals to the underworld .
how deep is Il Kil Cenote?
Mind that when you free dive , there might be human remains on the bottom of the cenote . It is about 130 feet deep.
Il Il Kil prettiest cenote of the Yucatan ?
I don’t know , possibly . The most popular one – or sure .
The crowds and the mix of this stunning blue water with acid orange safety vests and a bunch of people in the water , kind of killed the mystery and the romance of it .
You will need cash
The place is very clean and organized . There are changing rooms and toilets in great sanitary condition .
- The lockers are available for 30 Pesos ($1,5). – bring cash
- Lifejackets are available for rent at 30 Pesos ($1,5) as well
- Towels are 30 Pesos ($1,5) and 70 Pesos deposit.
How to get to il Kil cenote
The best way to get tocenote Il Kil cenote from Valladolid is to take a Oriente bus from the bus station inValladolid.
There are plenty of tours from Playa del Carmen or Cancoon
Taxi from Valladolid to cenote Ik Ki – 300 Pesos ($20) one-way and it’s a 40 min drive one way
Collectivo is cost 35 Pesos ($2)
The entrance fee of 80 Pesos ($4) for adults and 40 Pesos ($2) for children.
Parking :
The parking space is huge and free of charge
Best time to go :
After 11:30am tour groups are arriving and big busses show up at the parking lot.
The last hour is also a good time to visit Ik Kil, as there are no tourist groups after 4 pm .
A distinctively Spanish town Valladolid, Mexico
Is a very Spanish town : Founded by invading Spaniards in 1543, its architecture, pastel stucco and paving-stone streets give Valladolid an Iberian feel. It is also one of Mexico’s oldest towns .
It’s known for its clean, safe , pleasant environment and you can feel everyone around being very chilled .
Named “Pueblo Mágico” and the home to the friendliest people
The central cathedral, a fortress of ascetic Franciscan architecture, is standing room only on Sunday evenings.
Culturally , the city is very authentic . Being distinctively Spanish , it has a lot of Mayan influence . Many women wear the traditional Mayan huipil
Busy Colonial streets of Valladolid , but feels pretty safe
Located in the vicinity of one of the World’s Seven Wonders – Chichen Itza , of course every store is full of Maya inspired souvenirs , especially calendars
You can find more information on cenotes of Yucatan here .
Based in Miami. Exploring the world.
I believe that you can travel the world without quitting your job. I believe that you can experience all the magic, the foodies and the cultures of the world while having a normal life. And, perhaps, two dogs. This is exactly what I’ve been doing for 15 years. This is exactly what my blog is about. Love, Lilia
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