Mexico is a diverse country filled with so much culture and beauty. I recently visited Mexico staying in the Playa Del Carmen area in Riveria Maya. While visiting, I learned and discovered cenotes, which are natural freshwater sinkholes. There are many different kinds of the thousands of cenotes in Mexico, including manmade or natural and enclosed or open. I had the opportunity to go on a tour with Aventuras Mayas to visit two different kinds of cenotes.

Cenote Pakal Nah

This was an open, natural, and private cenote within the jungle where you can zip line into the water or participate in the Mayan Sacrifice plunge (cliff jumping). Additionally, people are welcomed to swim around and snorkel or sit on the relaxing hammocks to enjoy the breathtaking view.

Cenote Aktun Koh

After the open cenote, we were driven less than five minutes away to the private enclosed Cenote Aktun Koh. They equipped us with snorkeling gear and we swam in the natural freshwater through limestone caves with catfish swimming below and bats flying above, minding their own business. It was an unbelievable and surreal experience.

Overall, I highly recommend this natural cenote excursion. There were only eight of us in the group meaning that these two locations were not filled with hundreds of other tourists. Our tour guide, ChuCho was so friendly, hardworking, welcoming, and patient with us. It was a peaceful and amazing experience that left us with amazing memories.