Merida, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan , Mexico

Santa Barbara Cenotes 1 Day Tour

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(4 reviews)

10h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Shared service tour. Duration of tour 10 hr.
We will pick you up at 8:00 am at your hotel in downtown Merida.
We will live the adventure of exploring 3 of the most beautiful cenotes in all of Mexico, while we learn about their history and why they are so important to the state of Yucatan.
The cenotes of Santa Barbara in Homun, Yucatan, famous in the region for its cenotes and the peculiar way to visit them. The tour through the different cenotes is done in "trucks", which are small carts pulled by horses in an incredible taste of adventure.
At the end of the tour we will return to Merida.

Available options

Santa Barbara Cenotes 1 Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Travel insurance

Tickets

Lunch

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Truck/ bicycles

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

The word Cenote comes from the Mayan dzonoot: ‘hole with water’. These are caverns or flooded grottos connected to each other.
The cenotes of Santa Barbara in Homun are:
Poolcocom Cenote: open type with coarse ramones vegetation, the body of water is not relatively large with an approximate length of 13 meters by 5 meters wide with a depth of between 1.5 to 2 meters on the shore and a maximum average of 15 meters in the deepest part.
Cenote Cascabel closed type (cavern) with few rock formations; the depth is between 1.5 meters to 15 meters.
Chacksikin cenote: it is semi-open; It has an entrance of 5 to 6 meters wide, free fall approximately 12 meters. The surface of the water is 40 meters wide with a huge 10 high vault adorned on the ceiling with lots of speleothems such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns and stone curtains, the water is crystal blue with a fairly deep visibility .

Homún, which in the Mayan language means Five Tenders.
Homún is one of the 106 municipalities in the state of Yucatán, in southeastern Mexico. Located in the south central portion of the state. The municipal seat has the same name.
The town has become known for having a large number of cenotes, caves and archaeological sites that protect stories of the Mayan culture.
Homún is located approximately 60 minutes from the city of Mérida, Yucatán, and is a town open to tourism, with great beauty in each of its streets.

What's not included

Beverages

Gratuities

Activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Merida, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan

Merida, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan offer a rich blend of ancient Mayan culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant colonial cities. This region is a paradise for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking relaxation in tropical settings.

Top Attractions

Chichen Itza

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this ancient Mayan city features the iconic El Castillo pyramid.

Historical Half to full day Moderate (around 500 MXN for entrance)

Uxmal

A stunning example of Puuc architecture, Uxmal is another significant Mayan archaeological site.

Historical Half day Moderate (around 350 MXN for entrance)

Celestún

A beautiful coastal village known for its flamingo-filled lagoons and pristine beaches.

Nature Full day Budget to moderate (boat tours around 500 MXN)

Riviera Maya

A stretch of Caribbean coastline known for its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

Beach Overnight or multi-day trip Variable (budget to luxury options available)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cochinita Pibil

Slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, wrapped in banana leaves.

Main Dish Contains pork

Panuchos

Fried tortillas filled with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken, pickled onions, and avocado.

Appetizer Vegetarian options available

Sopa de Lima

A tangy and comforting soup made with lime, chicken, and tortilla strips.

Soup Contains chicken

Popular Activities

Cenote diving Jungle trekking Zip-lining Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga retreats Visiting archaeological sites Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring archaeological sites.

22-28°C 72-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5)

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Merida and the Yucatan are generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates compared to other parts of Mexico. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport • 10 km from Merida city center
Cancún International Airport • 300 km from Merida

By bus

Terminal de Autobuses de Mérida

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and efficient, combís are small vans that follow fixed routes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro Histórico Colonia García Ginerés Altabrisa

Day trips

Valladolid

150 km from Merida • Full day

A charming colonial town with a rich history and beautiful architecture.

Izamal

70 km from Merida • Half day

A picturesque town known for its yellow buildings and significant archaeological sites.

Cenotes Route

Varies, typically 30-60 km from Merida • Full day

A series of stunning cenotes (natural sinkholes) perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Festivals

Festival de la Ciudad • January Hanal Pixán • November 1-2

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Visit cenotes early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures
Explore the region's lesser-known archaeological sites for a more authentic experience
Try local street food for an affordable and delicious culinary adventure
Book tours and accommodations in advance during peak season (November to April)