How to visit Cenote Santuario Maya in Homun in 2023

Cenote Santuario Maya is a tiny but spectacular cenote worth visiting even if there is not much space to hang out and enjoy it, unless you are there on your own.

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Also, it is located very close to the other cenotes that you will be visiting if you are in Homun, which is why it would be a shame to skip it.

In this post, you will be able to see it in the pictures we took so that you can decide if you want to see it in person. We definitely recommend it.

Things to know about Cenote Santuario Maya 

The Santuario Maya cenote is a closed cenote that you reach by a staircase about 10 meters high.

You will get to the narrow entrance where only one person at a time can go through. And you will find yourself in front of a magical cave embracing a small lake of crystal clear water.

The reflection of stallagtites and the rocky wall on the blue water create a surreal scenery that you will want to immortalize either by phone or a professional camera.

It’s an incredible work of art, just created by mother nature.

This cenote is mainly used for ceremonies, which is why it’s called Sanctuary. However it is possible to visit as a regular guest and swim in the cenote. Just keep in mind that is very small and not many people can fit it.

Besides, too many people would take away the mystical atmosphere of the place. It’s also a great cenote for photography lover, for the structure of the surrounding rocks and stalagtites.

Besides, its lighting system is perfect for photos.

FUN FACT- in mayan language they call Nú’kú’uch Tzo’no’ot. With this name you can find them on google maps

How to get to Cenote Santuario Maya

The Santuario Maya 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. There is a sign on the road.

You can visit the cenotes by yourself o you can rent a mototaxi service.

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How to get to Homún 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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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.

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How to get to Cenote Santuario Maya by taxi

In Homún you will find motorcycle taxi services to get to the cenotes. They offer a selection of Homún cenotes, and you can make your choice by browsing through photos and consulting with the guides.

Typically, they will take you to the nearest cenotes, but there are multiple alternatives available. As seasoned travelers, we prefer to make informed decisions based on our preferences.

This is why we are here – to assist you as local experts and provide you with comprehensive details about the Homún cenotes.

The prices are around 300 pesos for a tour of the cenotes by motorcycle taxi. You can see from 3 to 5 cenotes depending on the time you spend.

If you want to visit other cenotes that are further away, such as Mani Chan, Caliskutz, or Che en Yuc cenotes, among others, you must agree on a price beforehand.

Things to do in the Cenote Santuario Maya

• Swim and chill – you can just enjoy the cool waters and the cave
• Meditate – if you are up for it, and there are no people around, it could be a great place for meditation and reflections, or prayers, depending on your beliefs.
• Take great pictures – this is a very photogenic cenote for professional pictures

Practical information 

Cenote Santuario Maya Facilities

• Showers
• Toilets

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Cenote Santuario Maya Entrance fee – 

50 pesos per person (3 USD approx)

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Cenote Santuario Maya Opening Hours 

Open every day from 10 to 17 

How to visit Cenote Cenote Santuario Maya 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 in order 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 (available at the entrance) 

💙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 Santuario Maya

• Swimsuit
• Change of clothes
• Towel to dry off

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What we like about Cenote Santuario Maya

🪨The extraordinary rock formations

🤎The fact that it’s in a cave

💧The clear water

📷 The beautiful light for taking great pictures

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What we don’t like about Cenote Santuario Maya

We don’t have any negative comments about this cenote. The only thing, if anything, is that being so small it can feel crowded with more than 2 people in it, but if you are on your own, its a beauty.

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Tips to photograph the Cenote Santuario Maya

A wide-angle lens like the ones we use, 14 and 16 mm, is optimal thanks to its wide field of vision, which favors showing the entire space of the cenote.

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Category – family

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐4/5

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What to visit near Cenote Canunchen 

• Ruins Acanceh 24 km/15 miles 40 minutes by car
• Ruins Mayapan 46 km/28.5 miles 1 hour by car
• The closest cenotes to visit are: Sastal-Há, Chel Paak, Bal Mil, Canunchen, Chulul y Wolpoch.

Where to stay near Cenote Santuario Maya

The closest town to the cenotes where to stay is Homun. This small village 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