After a delightful morning exploring the charming city of Izamal, our journey to Uxmal took us through the captivating Zona de Cenotes. This not only added another tick to our UNESCO travel list but also posed the enticing question: What better way to spend the afternoon than immersing ourselves in the tranquil embrace of a cenote? However, this enchanting opportunity came with the challenge of selecting the perfect one from the hundreds in the peninsula, with 99 specifically shortlisted for consideration.

 

To pinpoint the ideal cenote, I meticulously examined coordinates on the website using Google Maps, ensuring it catered to the needs of our adventurous souls while accommodating our three-year-old daughter. After extensive research, we settled on "Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyche" for several compelling reasons. The historical charm of the old plantation, the picturesque abandoned buildings available for exploration, and the chic, well-maintained landscape all contributed to our decision. The facility's amenities, including showers, toilets, changing cabins, and lockers, ensured a comfortable visit, while the restaurant offered delectable food and drinks at affordable prices.

 

The cenote itself was a marvel, featuring a visible sinkhole connected to an underground counterpart by a long, half-open, half-covered tunnel. The ambiance was enhanced by a small artificial waterfall, creating a soothing soundtrack. The covered sinkhole, well-illuminated and echoing with sounds, provided a unique experience. Our guide cautioned us to maintain absolute silence upon entering the cave, an instruction we adhered to until my daughter, in a moment of unexpected hilarity, shouted, "Daddy, I need to poo!" Laughter erupted in the previously silent group, quickly followed by the collective concern of whether she might choose the water for her needs. To our relief, she waited until the tour's end, and we hurried to the facilities in the final minutes.

Despite the relatively high entrance fee (600 pesos per person, with toddlers free), the overall experience was undeniably worthwhile, considering the exceptional services and memorable moments we gained throughout the day.