Things to Do

Visit a Cenote

Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, exposing fresh groundwater. Cenotes are beautiful places to swim, relax, snorkel, and scuba dive. Google the phrase cenote near me and there will be dozens of options.

Some tips:
-Arrive earlier in the day to avoid crowds, heat, afternoon storms
-Bring water shoes as the underground rocks can be slippery and sharp
-NO Sunscreen, bug spray, lotions or perfumes. These are harmful to the fish and the water. Please rinse off in the showers before entering any of the cenotes.
-Most cenotes have lifejackets and snorkels to rent, but feel free to bring your own. Some include jackets in their admission fee.
-Bring cash for entrance fee. Not everywhere accepts credit cards.

Here are some of our favorites:
(Distances are in relation to Xencasa)

Cenote Azul

Our go-to cenote. It is large enough, even with crowds. There are many places to sit and relax in the water on the various rocks.

12km (13min)

Cenote Jardin Del Eden

A much deeper cenote. You will often see scuba divers submerging into the underground caves.

12km (13min)

Cenote Cristalino

Another favorite. Places to sit, open caves to snorkel and swim through.

12km (13min)

All three are located next to eachother. If one is full, try the next! You can't go wrong.

Visit Mayan Ruins

Mayan Ruins are ancient stone cities and temples built by the Mayan civilizations across southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras. Chichen Itza is a famous one.

Some tips:
-Wear comfortable shoes for walking, there will be many uneven surfaces.
-Bring a full reusable water bottle, single use plastic is not allowed in most places.
-Wear sunscreen and bug spray.
-Don't forget your camera!
-We highly recommend taking a tour if offered, they know so much information and make the experience much more enjoyable.

Here are some of our favorites that you can visit as a day trip from Xencasa
(Distances are in relation to Xencasa)

Tulum

The ruins are a walled ancient Mayan City, located on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Tulum is the most visited ruin in the Yucatan, receiving thousands of visitors a day, so visit early to avoid, crowds.

24km (30min)

Coba

On your visit you can walk, ride a bike, or take a bike taxi along the ancient stone roads called sacbeob and visit multiple sites, including Nohoch Mul which stands 42m tall (138ft), making it the tallest Maya Pyramid in the Yucatan. New stairs constructed also make it climbable again.

78km (75min)

Muyil

Located on the Sian Ka-an Biosphere Reserve, it is one of the oldest and longest inhabited Mayan trading posts. Muyil is a quieter crowd-free ruin south of Tulum. There is a jungle trail (bring bug spray) that leads to the lagoon.

56km (50min)

Visit an adventure park

Some tips:
-Book your tickets on-line for better prices and easy admittance.

(Distances are in relation to Xencasa)

Xel-Ha Water Theme Park

An Eco Park with EVERY water activity you can think of. The park is simply a home base to adventuring and exploring. Activities include, but not limited to snorkeling, scuba, ziplines over the water, lazy river, water slide, kayaking, and a children's area.
Life jackets, snorkel gear, towels, food and drinks are all included.

16km (16min)

Visit a Lagoon

Some tips:
-Recommend wearing water shoes or sandals with straps to walk around the lagoon areas. No need in the water.
-No sunscreen, bug sprays, lotions or perfumes. Rinse off in the showers before you enter the water.
-Wear a life jacket! Lagoons are mostly protected from the ocean currents, but it can still pick up sometimes. Also, its more fun to rest ontop of the water and snorkel.

(Distances are in relation to Xencasa)

Yalku Lagoon

Located in Akumal Playa. Follow the road past the shops, through the arch and past the security guard. There are two entrances at the end of the road.

7km (12min)

Caleta Tankah

Technically, this is a caleta, or a small cove or inlet. It is closer to the ocean so it can get tides coming in, but the water is as clear as bath water. A short walk through the trees and there is a beautiful cenote. The beach is soft sands and the beach club has good food and drinks. This is good for a little bit of everything without big crowds.

29km (24min)

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