If you live in Mérida or are new to the area, this article will help you recognize different kinds of cenotes, understand how they form, and learn how to enjoy them responsibly.
What is a cenote?
“Tzonot,” which means “well” in the Maya language, is the root of the word cenote.
A cenote is a natural freshwater sinkhole formed when limestone bedrock collapses and exposes underground water. These formations can be very deep and are often connected to underground rivers and cave systems. The water in cenotes is meteoric in origin—coming from rain and surface water—so it tends to be clear and relatively pure.
How cenotes form
Rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide and becomes slightly acidic. Over thousands of years, this acidic water slowly dissolves limestone, creating cavities and tunnels beneath the surface. Eventually, parts of the cave system collapse, opening the water below and creating a cenote. These underground channels also form the freshwater aquifers that supply many communities around Mérida.
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Types of cenotes (what you’ll see around Mérida)
- Open (sky-open) cenotes: These have no roof, exposing the water directly to sunlight. They often look like deep, circular pools surrounded by vegetation.
- Semi-open cenotes: These have partially collapsed roofs so that sunlight reaches part of the water. They create dramatic shafts of light and are common tourist sites.
- Subterranean or cave cenotes: Fully roofed cenotes remain in caves and receive little to no direct sunlight. They can contain stalactites and stalagmites and are popular with experienced divers. Examples mentioned in regional studies include well-known sites like Cenote Angelita and other cave systems.
Why cenotes matter: biodiversity, culture, and water
Cenotes are ecological hotspots. They support unique communities of fish, reptiles, birds, and aquatic plants adapted to the cave and freshwater environments. For people living near Mérida, cenotes have historically been crucial sources of drinking water and irrigation.
Beyond ecology and water supply, cenotes hold cultural significance for the Maya and are important sites for archaeology and scientific research. Studies of cenotes provide data on geology, hydrology, biology, and human history—information that helps guide sustainable use and conservation.
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Practical tips for expats in Mérida: visiting and protecting cenotes
- When you visit a cenote, choose managed parks or community-run sites that follow conservation practices.
- Avoid using sunscreen or insect repellent before entering cenote water unless the product is cenote-friendly; many chemicals harm aquatic life.
- Respect local rules: some cenotes require life vests, guided tours, or limit visitor numbers.
- Learn basic safety: cave cenotes and deep sites are for experienced divers only. Swim with a buddy and follow local guidance.
- Support sustainable tourism by choosing operators that prioritize conservation and local communities around Mérida.
Photo by Darren Lawrence on Unsplash
Cenotes are more than scenic swimming holes—they are vital freshwater resources, biodiversity havens, and cultural treasures. By understanding what cenotes are and the different types you can find near Mérida, you can enjoy them safely and help protect these fragile systems for future generations. If you’re thinking of moving to Mérida, a short personalized consultation can help you choose neighborhoods close to responsibly managed cenotes, connect you with local guides and sustainable operators, and outline practical steps for a smooth, eco-friendly relocation—book a call and we’ll help you plan the move. Treat cenotes with care, follow local guidelines, and support research and conservation efforts that keep these natural wonders healthy.
