Cenotes are natural features which pepper the limestone shelf known as the Yucatan Peninsula. Water dissolves away the limestone from underneath, causing a sinkhole. Eventually the sinkhole breaks through the surface, usually with a rather small opening revealing a large cavern underneath that's been in the making for thousands of years. The older the cenote is, the larger the hole becomes. Many cenotes have had their roofs completely eroded away over time, more resembling an abandoned quarry than a cave.
- Cenote Zaci
Cenote Zaci is located in the heart of downtown Valladolid. - Cenote X'canche
A very wide angle view of Cenote X'canche. Kira and I actually swam in this Cenote, which was a ton of fun. - Cenote Suytun
There are actually 2 cenotes at cenote suytun. This is one of the more open variety. - Cenote X'canche
X'Canche is the Mayan words for 'Snake Tree'. Presumably, it is named for this tree. Not visible in this picture are grooves in the limestone, right beside the tree, made by the ancient Mayans as they lowered buckets on ropes to retrieve water. - Cenote Suytun
There are actually 2 cenotes at cenote suytun. This is one is cave like with the only natural opening being a hole in the roof. - Cenote Suytun
There are actually 2 cenotes at cenote suytun. This is one is cave like with the only natural opening being a hole in the roof. - Cenote Zaci
Cenote Zaci is located in the heart of downtown Valladolid.