How to visit cenote Isla Alamos
Cenote Isla Álamos is a hidden treasure near Tulum and one of the most beautiful cenotes to visit in the area. It’s one of the lesser-known cenotes far from the tourist radar. In this post, we will reveal how to get there and see it yourself.
We regret to inform you that this cenote is permanently closed.
We will advise if things change, of course!
El cenote Isla Álamos is located on the stretch of road between Tulum and Cobá only 15 minutes from Tulum.
On the road that leads to Cobá you will find several interesting cenotes to visit: cenote Calavera, Grand Cenote, cenote Carwash, cenote Canamayte or cenote Zacil Ha.
The Isla Álamos cenote is the least visited of all those on this road: for what reason? Since there is no sign on the road nobody is tempted to visit it. But we have decided to share our secret spot with you.
Read on to learn more about how to visit the Cenote Isla Álamos and make the most of your time there.
What are the cenotes ?
A cenote is a well of freshwater that is formed by the collapsing of the limestone soil, the type of stone that the Yucatan Peninsula is mainly made of. The cenotes allow us access to the water table. These holes are produced naturally by the collapse of the roof.
Sacred to the Mayan civilization they are now some of the main tourist attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Things to know about Cenote isla Álamos
You may be wondering where the name comes from since Isla means Island in Spanish and normally cenotes don’t have an island.
Well, Isla Álamos is named after its peculiar shape and structure, like a sandbank surrounded by cristal clear water.
The vegetation in the surrounding space is completely natural and includes, of course, many alamo trees.
When you see an Alamo tree it means that water is not far away. Its strong and long roots stretch out until they find the cenote water breaking everything in between and passing through the solid rocks.
That means that if you are walking in the jungle of the Yucatan peninsula and you fin an Alamo, you are probably close to a cenote as well.
Different from other cenotes, Cenote Isla Alamos doesn’t offer any service. You will find it in its natural environment without any man-made infrastructures.
So keep in mind that you won’t find any bathroom or restaurant on site.
Cenote Isla Álamos es perfect for an escape into the wilderness not far away from Tulum, where you can be an adventurer in the touristy Riviera Maya.
However, it is very easy to access and suitable for families as well.
How to get to Cenote Isla Álamos
You will need to remember that the turn is at Km 10 of the highway from Tulum to Coba. It’s the same turn that you need to take for the cenotes Mariposa and Chen Há. Cenote Isla Alamos is located only 2 km from the turn.
How to get to Cenote Los Alamos by Car
The best way to explore the Yucatan Peninsula is definitely by car because you have the freedom to travel around at your own pace with no pressure or deadlines.
When you choose your rental car we recommend including full insurance with 0 deductible so you will drive with no stress.
In this case, you will have to get on the Carretera Federal Tulum – Cobá and follow the direction to Cobá. It’s located only 10 km from Tulum and since there is no sign on where to turn, here we share a picture of the entrance.
Please keep in mind that if it has rained a lot in the previous days, the road to the cenote is going to be quite ugly.
How to get to Cenote Isla Álamos by Local Bus
In this case, getting to the cenote by public transport is somewhat tricky if not impossible.
There are not many public shared vans that run between Tulum and Cobá and after that, you will need to walk for 3 km in the jungle.
If you like this kind of adventure make sure to dress properly and bring water with you.
We suggest you should go by taxi if you don’t feel like driving yourself, although driving remains the most recommendable option.
How to get to Cenote isla Álamos by taxi
Hiring a Taxi could be another option. From Tulum is not that far and official taxi drivers have pre-established rates.
Make sure they will show them to you because, regrettably, they tend to rip you off, most of the time.
We are not able to give you the rates because they may change and we don’t want to give out the wrong information.
However, we suggest you should ask a recommended and trustworthy taxi driver from the reception of your hotel or your host.
Also, make sure you agree on the rate before getting in the taxi and arrange when he would pick you up as there are no taxis on site.
Things to do in the Cenote isla Álamos
✅ Swim and chill – you can just enjoy the cool waters while swimming and relaxing exploring around the natural pool.
There are no facilities in the area. if you have a hammock you can bring it with you and hang it between trees.
✅ Dive – This cenote is also loved by divers – you can go on your own if you are certified but it’s advisable to contact an experienced local dive shop to take you and share their local expertise.
✅ Snorkel – even if you are not a diver you can indeed explore the underwater world with some snorkeling. Make sure you bring your own snorkeling gear as there is no gear rentals in the area.
✅ Take amazing photos – Cenote Isla Álamos is a great place to play with light and shadows and use your camera to bring up the natural beauty of the place.
So make sure you take your camera or phone with you.
Practical information
Cenote isla Álamos Facilities
There are no facilities in the cenote at the moment.
Cenote isla Álamos Entrance fee –
100 MXN ( 5 USD approx)
Cenote isla Álamos Opening Hours
Open every day from 9 am to 5 pm
How to visit Cenote Isla Álamos 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.
- Don’t be loud
- Don’t trash
- Don’t use any kinds of cream spray or protectors on your skin as it would contaminate the environment (even the so-called – eco friendly)
- Always take a shower before entering in a cenote. En este cenote no hay regadera, procura ir sin químicos en el cuerpo cuando lo visites.
- Don’t hang on to the stalactites or stalagmites or any roots
- Just don’t do any foolishness that can damage the environment
If we appreciate the environment we will learn to respect it.
What to bring to Cenote isla Álamos
- Swimsuit
- Change of clothes. There are no changing rooms in the cenotes, but natural bushes will do the trick.
- A 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, bring your own equipment, they do not rent it here.
- 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 isla Álamos
✔️ It’s a kind of luxury being able to enjoy such a beautiful cenote near Tulum on your own since the majority of the cenote in the area is always crowded.
✔️ Its natural state
✔️ The lush vegetation in the surroundings
✔️ You don’t have any comfort and for some people, it can be quite rough, while for others, it’s just a blessing, the perfect place to connect with nature and spend some time on your own in silence.
INSIDER TIP #1 – You can enjoy the nearby Canamayte restaurant after your adventure to the cenote Isla Alamos. Very much recommended.
What we don’t like about cenote Isla Álamos
❌ They charge you an entry fee but they don’t provide any kind of service.
❌ There are indeed a lot of mosquitos in the surroundings, although some time of the year.
❌ The dirt road that gets you to the cenote is not the easiest to drive but we do love these kinds of road that takes us to unexplored paths.
INSIDER TIP #2 – Lots of mosquitos in the surroundings, not all year with the same intensity.
Tips to photograph the cenote isla Álamos
It’s a cenote with a lot of light contrast. It’s much easier to shoot during the soft lights of early morning or late afternoon.
If you are an expert you can enjoy playing with lights at any time of the day.
It’s a real playground for photographers for the amazing natural surrounding that create infinite shooting opportunities.
What to see nearby
➡️ Grand Cenote 6.7 km / 4.1 miles
➡️ Cenote Car Wash 2.8 km / 1.7 miles
➡️ Cenote Canamayte 2 km / 1.2 miles
➡️ Cenote ZemWay 4.2 km / 2.6 miles
➡️ Coba ruins 49 km / 30.44 miles
➡️ Tulum ruins 17 km / 10 miles
➡️ Tulum Beach 20 km / 12 miles
