How to visit Cenote Hool Kosom, Homun [2023] Complete Guide
Cenote Hool Kosom is just one of the many stunning tourist cenotes you can explore in the town of Homún.
For those who have never heard of this region, Homún is a renowned hub for cenote tourism in Yucatán, boasting over 20 different options for visitors to discover and enjoy.
Thanks to their accessibility by road and the wide range of cenote types on offer, Homún is an ideal destination for anyone seeking to experience the magic of these crystalline underground waters.
Our personal favorite is Cenote Hool Kosom – let’s delve into why this cenote stands out from the rest! 😊
Things to know about Cenote Hool Kosom
The Hool Kosom cenote boasts a unique wall of whitish-speckled rock that will immediately catch your attention.
Upon descending about 8 meters down a comfortable wooden staircase, followed by a few more meters down a somewhat narrower iron staircase, you’ll reach a wooden platform.
From there, you can marvel at the grand vault of the Hool Kosom cenote and the natural decoration of tree roots.
The opening of the vault provides stunning natural lighting that illuminates the area. As a common characteristic of basically every cenote, a magnificent poplar Alamo tree serves as the guardian of Hool Kosom.
Its powerful roots filter through the limestone rock until they reach the crystal-clear waters below. Take in the breathtaking nature of this magnificent cenote and allow yourself to be immersed in its beauty.
Hool Kosom means swallow’s hollow.

What are the cenotes?
Cenotes are natural sinkholes that contain freshwater and are formed by the collapse of limestone soil, which is the predominant type of rock in the Yucatan Peninsula. They provide access to the water table and occur due to the natural collapse of the roof.
Sacred to the Mayan civilization they are now some of the main tourist attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula. Read more about the Mexico cenotes.
How to get to Cenote Hool Kosom
The Hool Kosom cenote is located in Homún, 50 kilometers from Mérida, the capital of Yucatán. Once you get to Homún you must continue 2 kilometers towards the exit that takes you to Huhí.
You will see on your left a sign indicating several cenotes, including the Hool Kosom. In this dirt, road detour are the Balmil, Chulul, Canunchen, Wolpoch, and small Chel Paak cenotes.

How to get to Homún (cenote Canunchen) by Car
To reach the Homún cenotes from Mérida, by car, take Calle 59 to get to the outskirts of the city and follow the signs for Chichén Itzá. After about 5 kilometers, there will be a turnoff to Acanceh. From Acanceh, continue towards Cuzamá and then Homún.
While traveling along the road to Homún, it’s common to encounter locals who offer motorcycle taxi tours of the area. However, they may be a bit persistent in trying to get you to stop.
It’s possible to explore the Homún cenotes on your own, or you can opt to take a motorcycle taxi tour in town. See below about the Taxi option.
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When you choose your rental car we recommend including full insurance with 0 deductible so you will drive without stress. On Discover Cars, you can purchase that too. Make sure you read the fine print.

How to get to Homún by Local Bus
From Mérida the bus leaves (medium van) from the colonial Centro (calle 52 x 65 y 67). Mini-vans from Mérida to Homún start running from 6 in the morning, and the last departure is at 5:30 pm.
From Homún to Mérida, the first departure is at 5:30 in the morning and the last between 5 and 6 in the afternoon. The price is 34 pesos per person.
The schedules of the buses are approximate as they leave when they are full. It is a very busy route, so it is easy for the bus to fill up quickly.
The ride is approximately 1 hour.
How to get to Cenote Hool Kosom by taxi
When you arrive in Homún, you’ll have the option of hiring a motorcycle taxi to take you to the cenotes.
The drivers usually offer a variety of Homún cenotes to choose from and can help you decide by showing you photos and providing advice.
While they typically take visitors to the nearest cenotes, there are many options available. As experienced travelers ourselves, we understand the importance of making informed decisions that align with personal preferences.
This is where we come in as local experts, providing you with detailed information about the Homún cenotes to help you plan your visit.

Practical information
Hool Kosom Facilities
- Showers
- Toilets
- Life jackets are included in the price, they are mandatory
Hool Kosom Entrance fee –
50 pesos for person (3 USD approx)
Hool Kosom Opening Hours
Open every day from 10 to 17

How to visit Cenote Hool Kosom and respect the environment
We would like the cenote (and nature in general) to stay as beautiful as it is. The good part is that it’s not that difficult. We have put together some simple rules to follow to inflict as little damage as possible to the environment.
- 💙Keep noise levels low.
- 💙Dispose of trash properly.
- 💙Avoid using skin creams, sprays, or protectors that could harm the environment, even those marketed as eco-friendly.
- 💙Take a shower before entering a cenote (showers are available at the entrance).
- 💙Refrain from touching or hanging onto stalactites, stalagmites, or roots.
- 💙Avoid any actions that could cause damage to the environment.
If we appreciate the environment we will learn to respect it.

Things to do in the Cenote Hool Kosom
- Swim and chill – you can just enjoy the cool waters and the cave
- Snorkel – it is a good idea to wear a diving mask to explore what’s beneath the surface and find cute tiny fishes.
What to bring to Cenote Hool Kosom
- Swimsuit
- Change of clothes
- Towel to dry off
- Mosquito repellent to wear after you come out of the water as there are many mosquitos around
- Mask and snorkel gear and life jacket are available for rent but it would be much better if you have your own, both for hygienic purposes and saving
- You can walk on your flip flop although I always like to wear closed shoes when I am in the wilderness, mainly to avoid bugs bites. But it’s totally up to you
What we like about cenote Hool Kosom
👍🏽 The extraordinary rock formations and magical roots
👍🏽 The fact that it’s in a cave
👍🏽 The clear water
What we don’t like about Hool Kosom
👎🏼 Make sure you go very early to avoid big crowds and have more chances to have the cenote all for yourself.
INSIDER TIP – try to avoid weekends and be there an early morning when they open if you want to avoid crowds.
Tips for photographing the cenote Hool Kosom
Light conditions change a lot if light enters through the hole. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the sunlight enters.
You should keep in mind that light contrasts are always difficult to capture in cenotes, maybe a cloudy day is better for beginner photographers.

Category – family
Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
What to visit near Cenote Hool Kosom
- Ruins Acanceh 24 km/15 miles 40 minutes by car
- Ruins Mayapan 46 km/28.5 miles 1 hour by car
- The other cenotes of Homún😁
Where to stay in Homún
Homun has grown a lot over the years and you can now find many different kinds of stays from the simplest local hotel to more sophisticated luxury places. Here below we will share our hotel recommendations.
🏨 Hameki
Great laid-back luxury glamping just outside Homun downtown. Guests also love their pool and deck chairs and the on-site restaurant offering also vegan dishes.
👉🏽 Check availability and rates on Booking.com
🏨 Hotel Santa Maria
Simple local hotel for a budget stay. The rooms are not fancy but spacious and clean. They have a pool and an indoor restaurant with local dishes.
👉🏽 Check availability and rates on Booking.com
🏨 Reset Atemporal
Interesting luxury stay just outside Homun downtown. This new hotel offer luxurious cabañas equipped with thoughtful details.
👉🏽 Check availability and rates on Booking.com