Cenotes

On our trip to Valladolid, we had the chance to explore one of the Yucatan's most treasured natural features - cenotes. Cenotes are freshwater pools that were created by meteorite impacts - the same ones that are thought to have killed the dinosaurs. They are connected by an underground water system throughout the peninsula. The Mayans have long regarded cenotes as gateways to the underworld and believe they hold spiritual properties. It is customary to ask permission of the cenote's guardian to enter and to maintain positive thoughts and energy while enjoying the cool water. 

Our participants dawned lifejackets and plunged into the refreshing water of two different cenotes. Since the underground waterways carve through the limestone of the Yucatan, all cenotes look very different. Our first cenote was Hubikú outside of Chichén Itzá. It is a semi-open cenote which gives it an extra touch of the underworld feeling. Participants swam, played and watched the fish.

The second cenote we visited was at Selva Maya. This was an open version with a beautiful waterfall trickling into the cenote. I think this was the favorite of the two for most of our participants and many were asking for more time as we gathered everyone up to catch the bus back to Mérida. 

Overall, it was a great weekend trip. I think many of the participants now have a new favorite swimming hole and definitely some new core memories.