YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST (LESSER KNOWN) CENOTE IN TULUM

Travel Guides

One of the most unique and incredible sights to see in Yucatan and Quintana Roo is exploring cenotes. Cenotes are natural sinkholes, created by the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. These unique formations are often found in the Yucatan Peninsula.

There are hundreds of cenotes in and around Tulum, but a standout gem is Cenote Corazon del Paraiso, also known simply as Cenote Corazon. Nestled in the jungle just 4 miles from the heart of Tulum, this cenote has a distinctive heart shape. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting:

THE BEST CENOTE IN TULUM: CENOTE CORAZON

HISTORY OF CENOTES

Cenotes have a very strong cultural significance in Mexico, with roots deeply embedded in the traditions of ancient civilizations, particularly the Maya. The Mayans considered them to be sacred spaces, and many cenotes were perceived as portals to the underworld.

Cenotes also served as vital ceremonial sites where the ancient Maya conducted rituals and religious practices. These ceremonies often involved offerings to the gods, seeking divine favor for bountiful harvests, good health, and spiritual well-being.

Cenotes were also a very important source of fresh water for the Mayan people.

This cenote gets its name, Cenote Corazon del Paraiso, from the fact that from a bird’s eye view, it is shaped like a heart, which is ‘Corazon’ in Spanish. Heart of Paradise. So beautiful and fitting.

HOW TO GET THERE

BY BIKE, SCOOTER OR ATV:

Cenote Corazon is located 8 km (5 miles) from the centre of Tulum, so the easiest way to get there is by bicycle, scooter, or ATV. There are plenty of rental shops throughout Tulum. The cheapest options are bikes, and they can be rented for around $10 USD per day.

BY COLECTIVO:

You can take the Colectivo from Tulum Center towards Cenote Corazon. However, they will drop you off on the main road and it’s another 2 km walk to the Cenote entrance.

BY TAXI:

You can take a taxi from Tulum. However, taxis are notoriously expensive here, so make sure you have enough cash.

If you decide to call a taxi, a trustworthy Tulum taxi driver named Angel can be reached on WhatsApp at +52 984 234 1997.

To avoid getting stranded, you should plan a pickup time with your taxi driver before you enjoy the cenote.

CENOTE CORAZON HOURS, ENTRY FEE & FACILITIES

The cenote is open from 9 am to 4 pm every day.

The entry fee to Cenote Corazon is 200 MXN ($11 USD) per person.

They have lifejacket rentals for 30 MXN ($$1.50 USD), and snorkel rentals for 60 MXN ($3 USD). However, life jackets are not mandatory.

Inside, you have full use of the chairs and bathrooms. There is a little juice bar that sells drinks and snacks as well.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE

It is required to rinse off in the showers before entering the Cenote. Cenotes are ecologically sensitive areas, so the chemicals in sunscreen, bugspray, perfume, deodorant etc. can have negative effects on aquatic life and the cenote ecosystem. Tip: You can stay safe from the sun by covering up with a rashguard or UV shirt! Cenote Corazon also has plenty of shaded areas.

Because cenotes are from groundwater sources, they are usually colder than you would expect. The water temperatures generally range from around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24-27 degrees Celsius), which gives the cenotes a very refreshing feeling on a hot day.

There are little fish that might nibble at your feet. They are harmless but can feel weird!

THINGS TO DO AT CENOTE CORAZON

SWIM AND CHILL:

Enjoy the cool crystal clear waters while swimming and floating around in the jungle. You can bring a book to enjoy on the shores of the cenote.

JUMP OFF THE DIVING BOARD:

Cenote Corazon has a built-in diving board, so show off your best flips and tricks!

SNORKEL:

There are many cute little fish and amazing underwater cave features that can be seen just by snorkeling. If you’re not a certified scuba diver, you can snorkel around the cenote and see the entrance of the cave! Snorkels, masks, and life jackets are all available for rent inside.

SCUBA DIVE:

You need to be certified as an open-water diver and book an excursion with a guide, but it is possible to scuba dive in Cenote Corazon or nearby cenotes. The underwater cave goes on seemingly forever, so it would be a cool spot to dive!

BIRD WATCH:

As Cenote Corazon is nestled in the jungle, there are tons of really amazing birds that inhabit the area, including the beautiful Yucatan Jay.

TAKE PHOTOS:

Cenote Corazon is an incredible place for photos, especially with a drone! From the sky, you can see the beautiful heart shape that gave Cenote Corazon its name!