Tulum Ancestral Waters Cave Cenotes Jungle Walk and Meal

Playa del Carmen , Mexico

Tulum Ancestral Waters Cave Cenotes Jungle Walk and Meal

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About this experience

The Ancestral Waters is a mystic & unique experience led by locals from Chemuyil. someone born and raised in this jungle. From the beginning, you are along with one of us, someone who explored these cenotes long before they were shown. You will visit three breathtaking cave cenotes, including one of the most extraordinary in all of Quintana Roo. You will enjoy some of the best cave snorkeling in Tulum, surrounded by ancient formations shaped by time. Inside these caves, we create moments designed for reflection and connection. As you explore these ancient chambers, these landscapes open your imagination to the past. Memories of when these were once dry, or when the Mayans visited them for connection. This intimate journey, guided with care by locals, offers a deep and authentic connection to nature, to the stories of the land, and to the timeless beauty that surrounds every step on your path.

Available options

Tulum Ancestral Waters Cave Cenotes Jungle Walk and Meal

What's included

Mask, wetsuit, diving flashlight, life jacket

Fruit of the season

Lunch

Drinking water

Entry to three cave cenotes

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

We'll greet you at our office in our community Chemuyil. You'll meet your guide, learn about the itinerary and important details. If early, you can enjoy complimentary coffee before we start. After that, we’ll hop into our vehicle and drive into the jungle. This ride takes us to a hidden area where we will start our experience.

Upon arrival, you'll gear up: wetsuit, lamp, helmet, and snorkel mask. Next, we'll start a walk through jungle paths for about 10 minutes.

Once we reach the first stop, we descend into Uj, a cenote filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient rock formations. There, we’ll get to its complement: Kiin, a cenote beautifully lit by sunlight. If lucky, we may spot the toh bird, a regional symbol of cenotes. After exploring, we’ll walk back to the majestic Templo Mayor. This cave, considered one of the most spectacular cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, will transport you into a surreal scenario. Swimming here feels unbelievable.

And finally, we return to the village to enjoy a delicious home cooked meal, prepared by ladies from Chemuyil. It’s the perfect way to connect with the land and its people.

What's not included

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not recommended for claustrophobic

Meeting point

Our meeting point is located in the town of Chemuyil, right in front of the baseball field. In front of our office, you will see some bicycles parked.

If you’re arriving by car, we are approximately:
25 minutes from Tulum Downtown
40 minutes from Playa del Carmen Downtown
2 hours from Cancun

About Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant coastal city in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Mayan heritage. It's a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, offering everything from world-class resorts to ancient ruins and vibrant nightlife.

Top Attractions

Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue)

A vibrant pedestrian street stretching over 20 blocks, lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and street performers. It's the heart of Playa del Carmen's nightlife and shopping scene.

Cultural/Shopping/Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, shopping and dining vary

Xcaret Park

An eco-archaeological park offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural performances, and adventure activities. It's one of the most famous attractions in the Riviera Maya.

Nature/Adventure/Cultural Full day Moderate to Expensive (around $100-$150 USD)

Cenote Azul

A stunning natural sinkhole with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. It's a popular spot for a refreshing dip in the jungle.

Nature/Adventure Half day Budget (around $5-$10 USD for entrance and gear rental)

Tulum Ruins

Ancient Mayan ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a breathtaking blend of history and natural beauty.

Historical/Archaeological Half day to full day Budget (around $10-$15 USD for entrance)

Musa (Museo Subacuático de Arte)

An underwater museum featuring over 500 life-sized sculptures submerged in the waters off Playa del Carmen. It's a unique snorkeling and diving experience.

Art/Nature/Adventure Half day Moderate (around $50-$80 USD for snorkeling tours)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cochinita Pibil

A traditional Yucatecan dish made with marinated pork, slow-cooked in banana leaves. It's tender, flavorful, and often served with pickled onions and habanero salsa.

Main Course Contains pork, gluten-free if no marinade contamination

Ceviche

A fresh seafood dish made with raw fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. It's a refreshing and light dish perfect for the tropical climate.

Appetizer Gluten-free, dairy-free, can be made vegetarian with vegetables

Tacos al Pastor

Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. It's a popular street food dish with a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Street Food Contains pork, gluten-free if no marinade contamination

Panuchos

A Yucatecan specialty made with fried tortillas stuffed with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken, pickled onions, and habanero salsa. It's a flavorful and satisfying snack.

Appetizer Contains chicken, gluten-free if no cross-contamination

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Scuba diving Cenote exploration Zip-lining ATV tours Beach relaxation Spa treatments Yoga

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the most popular time to visit with perfect weather, low humidity, and minimal rain. It's ideal for beach activities, exploring ruins, and enjoying outdoor adventures.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other parts

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution

Playa del Carmen is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or pre-arranged transportation
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Cancun International Airport • 70 km (43 miles)

By bus

ADO Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around. They are frequent and cover most areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown (Centro) Playacar Zona Hotelera Colosio

Day trips

Cozumel

80 km (50 miles) off the coast • Full day

A beautiful island known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving and snorkeling. It's a popular day trip from Playa del Carmen.

Tulum

60 km (37 miles) south • Half day to full day

A charming town with ancient Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, and a bohemian vibe. It's a popular destination for history lovers, beachgoers, and nature enthusiasts.

Akumal

30 km (19 miles) south • Half day

A small coastal village known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, as well as its population of wild sea turtles. It's a great spot for snorkeling and relaxation.

Festivals

Festival of the Mayan Culture • November Playa del Carmen International Film Festival • November Carnaval de Playa del Carmen • February or March (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat at popular attractions
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
Use official taxis or pre-arranged transportation to avoid scams and ensure safety
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots to discover the authentic culture and beauty of Playa del Carmen