How to visit Chaak Tun Cenote: Info and Prices 2023

Chaak Tun Cenote is a precious sinkhole in Playa del Carmen, perfect if you want to have a cenote adventure without driving too far away from the town.

In this post, we will tell you all about it, including prices, how to get there and how to visit.

Read on.

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Things to know about Chaak Tun Cenote

• Cenote Chaak tun is located in Playa Del Carmen, one of the most popular towns on the Riviera Maya in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

• It was originally known for cave diving, as Las Brujas caves, and have been frequented for more than 30 years by the few inhabitants who dared to explore the thick Mayan jungles

• It was not until 1999 that access to these beautiful cenotes was facilitated, for all kinds of visitors, not only divers. So now everybody can enjoy the view of this beautiful landscape created by the decorative stalactites and stalagmites

• In order for you to explore Chaak tun Cenote you will need to join a tour organized by the community that looks after this precious place. You cannot visit the cenote on your own, for safety reasons. We will tell you more in a bit

What does Chaak Tun Mean?

Chaak Tun comes from the Mayan “Chac”, which means rain, and “Tun”, Stone. So it’s meaning in English is stone rain or water that comes from stone.

Where is Cenote Chaak Tun located and how to get there

Chaak Tun Cenote is just 5 minutes from Highway 307 at the end of Avenida Benito Juarez in Playa del Carmen, yes it’s right in the city and a short ride from the popular Quinta Avenida.

Chaak Tun Cenote Address – Av. Benito Juarez 7-km 4, Ejidal, 77723 Playa del Carmen, Q.R. – Google Maps

How to get to Chaak Tun Cenote by Car 

If you have rented a car you can follow the directions on google maps, and it’s very easy ad right on the popular Avenida Benito Juarez.

If you are coming from Cancun just turn right in Avenida Benito Juarez from the Federal Highway, while if you come from Tulum there are a bit more turns but you will find it easily. Just follow these google maps directions.

If you are undecided on whether to rent a car in the Yucatan Peninsula, we always recommend it. If you feel comfortable about driving in a foreign country (not everybody is, and that’s more than ok) it’s always the best choice, as it gives you the freedom to move around and visit more places in one day at your pace without having to depend on crowded busses with unreliable schedules.

Although it’s easy to drive in this part of Mexico, though, we always recommend getting full insurance with 0 deductible when you rent a car, just because you never know what can happen and you don’t have control over everything. The full insurance gives you peace of mind.

➣ When renting a car in Mexico we recommend Discover Cars because on their website you can compare different companies and their prices and you can choose between their car insurance or the ones offered by the car rental directly, or both.

How to get to Chaak Tun Cenote by Local Bus 

For sure there are public buses that will get you there but unfortunately, we don’t have this information. Our best guess is to stop on the Avenida Benito Juarez and you will see small combies (minivans) going in the direction of the Cenote. Ask the driver if they get there and they will drop you off at the entrance.

How to get to Chaak Tun Cenote by taxi

The easiest option is getting to the Cenote by taxi.

We can’t give you rates because they may change and, besides every taxi driver may have their own.  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 ask the driver the rate before starting the trip and also arrange for the driver to pick you up at a certain time.

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Things to do in the Chaak Tun Cenote

The Cenote Chaak Tun cannot be visited on your own. You must be accompanied by a local guide for safety reasons but also to learn about the history and geography of this amazing place. The tour is in fact included in the entrance fee.

Underground Adventure tour

This two-hour guided tour will take you to three underground caves through which the ancient Mayans entered their underworld, Xibalba.

Put on your safety equipment and enter the turquoise waters of our cenotes to cool off in waters that have traveled thousands of kilometers creating the complex and enormous hydrological system of the Yucatan Peninsula.

What does the tour include

✔️ wetsuit
✔️ water shoes
✔️ lifejacket
✔️ snorkeling gear
✔️ water lamp  
✔️ use of the lockers

This tour is not suitable for

❌ more than 3-month-pregnant women
❌ Children under 5 years of age.
❌ People with recent surgeries or with circumstances that require the use of a medical device.
❌ Severe cases of claustrophobia, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, or suffering from heart disease.

❌ Also, due to company policies, the use of cameras or cell phones is not allowed inside the facilities.

Temazcal Tour

On Thursday and Saturday, you can also book a Temazcal, an ancient purification ritual celebrated in a closed natural or man-made cave. It’s a sort of natural steam room with a specific ritual. If you are claustrophobic is not for you.

What does the tour include

✔️ water and fruit after the ceremony
✔️ swim in the cave after the ceremony
✔️ transportation

The Temazcal is not for

❌ Pregnant women after their 6th month.
❌ Children under 11 years of age.
❌ People with recent surgeries or with circumstances that require the use of a medical device.

❌ NO cameras or cell phones allowed inside the facilities.

Visit the Cenote Chaak Tun with an organized tour

It is possible to join an organized tour from a local travel agent to visit the Cenote Chaak Tun. Joining such a tour you will just relax and the only thing you need to worry about is having fun! Here below a few options.

We recommend joining a tour that combines different attractions otherwise you can visit this cenote on your own as you will have a guide inside the complex.

► PRIVATE Cenote Exploration Caving Tour – Mayan culture & ancient fossils & FUN!

5⭐️ – 24 Reviews

This tour is the best option for those who are coming from Cancun or Tulum because it spares the search for a taxi or private transportation.

If you are in Playa del Carmen already it would be more convenient to get a taxi, instead.

👉 Book the PRIVATE Cenote Exploration Caving Tour VIATOR

► Tulum Mayan Ruins and cenote swim

4⭐️ – 8 reviews

The tour includes a guided visit to the spectacular Tulum Mayan Ruins and a full tour of the cenote Chaak Tun.

👉 Book the Tulum Mayan Ruins and cenote swim on VIATOR

► Tulum Day Tour with Archaeological Site Admission

5⭐️ – 1 review

This tour will leave from Cancun but pick-up is possible from any other hotel on the Riviera Maya. It includes transportation to the Tulum Archeological site and a full tour of Chaak Tun Cenote.

👉 Book the Tulum Day Tour with Archaeological Site Admission + Cenote Chaak Tun VIATOR

Chaak Tun Cenote Practical information 

Chaak Tun Cenote Facilities

• Wetsuit.
• Life jacket.
• Lockers.
• Restrooms.
• Parking lot.

Chaak Tun Cenote Entrance fees

• Entrance fee 800 MXN

Chaak Tun Cenote Opening Hours 

Open every day from 8.30 am to 3 pm

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How to visit Chaak Tun Cenote and respect the environment 

Protecting the beautiful nature we live in is our main concern and an aspect of traveling that is so dear to us.

Besides, if we want to continue to enjoy the incredible natural wonders on this earth, it is very important that we respect the environment and help preserve it.

During the tour, the local guide will give you more instructions on how we need to preserve this delicate ecosystem.

In the meantime, here we are sharing some simple rules to follow so that we may make as little an impact as possible on this earth. 

• Bring trash with you
• Don’t be loud
• 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 a cenote 
• Don’t hang on trees
• Just don’t do any silliness that can damage the environment 

If we appreciate the environment we will learn to respect it. 

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What to bring to Chaak Tun Cenote

• Swimsuit
• Change of clothes
• Towel to dry off
• Eco-friendly Mosquito repellent to wear after you come out of the water as there may be 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 for 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 bug bites. But it’s totally up to you

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What we like about Chaak Tun Cenote

✔️ We believe it is one of the most spectacular cave cenotes, those are rare in the Riviera Maya as it’s easier to find similar cenotes in the center of Yucatan.

✔️ The lush jungle surrounding it

✔️ The fact that the local family that manages it is very concerned and active about the preservation of the environment

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What we don’t like about Chaak Tun Cenote

❌ It can get crowded, especially during weekends.

INSIDER TIP – try to avoid weekends and be there early in the morning when they open if you want to avoid crowds. 

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What you can visit nearby

Near Cenote Azul, there are many other attractions including:

➡️ Playa Del Carmen Beach and Quinta Avenida

➡️ Cenote Azul 34 Km / 21 miles

➡️ Cenote Cristalino 34 Km / 21 miles

➡️ Cenote Eden 35 Km / 21,6 miles

➡️ Cenote Chikin-ha 34 Km / 21 miles

Where to stay near Chaak Tun Cenote

The closest hotels to Chaak Tun Cenote are in Playa del Carmen, where you can find all sorts of accommodations from apartments to small boutique hotels and big resorts. Below, we leave a useful interactive map where you can pick your hotel by location and prices.

Chaak Tun Cenote FAQ

When is Cenote Chaak Tun open?

Cenote Chaak Tun is open every day from 8.30 am to 3 pm (last entrance)

Do you need to book a tour or can you visit on your own?

No, it’s not possible to visit the Cenote Chaak Tun on your own, you need to join a tour.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Cenote Chaak Tun?

Yes, it’s better to book the cenote tour in advance to secure your spot.