Cenote Oxman (San Lorenzo Oxman)

What is Cenote Oxman?

Cenote Oxman (also written Oxmán, and often called Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman) is a deep, round cenote in the grounds of Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman, a restored colonial hacienda on the edge of Valladolid. Unlike the caves at Dzitnup, Oxman is open to the sky in the middle: you walk down a long stone staircase into a wide sinkhole, where tree roots and vines hang from the rim to the water far below.

It is best known for its rope swing, which lets you swing out and drop into the turquoise water, and for its hacienda setting: besides the cenote there is a swimming pool, gardens and a restaurant, so many visitors make an afternoon of it. Guides describe the visit as taking about 45 minutes for a swim, but with the pool and lunch it easily becomes a half day.

Cenote Oxman prices and hours: what the sources say

Oxman does not appear to publish an official price list online, and the figures reported by travel sites differ. Here is what each source lists, as listed on 9 October 2026. Verify on arrival: prices and hours change.

In short: expect the basic cenote entry to be in the 150–250 MXN range, with packages that add food and drink credit at the restaurant. Several sources say payment is cash only, so bring pesos. The life jacket is mandatory and included.

The hacienda setting

Haciendas were the large estates that dominated rural Yucatán in the colonial period and especially during the henequen (sisal) boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many have since been restored as hotels, restaurants and event venues, often with a cenote on the grounds. At Oxman this means you get colonial architecture, gardens and a pool alongside the cenote, which makes it a relaxed place to spend a few hours. Nearby Cenote Saamal, at Hacienda Selva Maya on the road to Dzitnup, offers a similar mix.

Oxman, Saamal or Zací?

All three are within a short distance of Valladolid. Zací is in the city centre and the easiest to reach on foot. Saamal is a deep open cenote at a hacienda on the road to Dzitnup. Oxman stands out for the rope swing and the pool-and-restaurant setting. If you have time for only one with Dzitnup, choose by mood: swing and lunch (Oxman), or a quick dip on the way (Saamal).

What to bring

• Swimwear, a quick-dry towel and a change of clothes.
• Cash in pesos, in small notes.
• Water shoes or sandals with grip.
• A waterproof phone case or action camera.
• A dry bag for valuables, or coins for a locker.
• Drinking water and a hat for the walk or ride.
• No sunscreen or repellent on your skin when you swim: apply it after.

When to visit

Cenotes can be visited all year, and the water temperature hardly changes. The dry season (roughly November to April) brings cooler, sunnier days and more visitors, especially around Christmas, Easter (Semana Santa) and Mexican school holidays. The rainy season (roughly June to October) is hotter and more humid with afternoon storms; the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and cenotes can close temporarily after severe weather. Whatever the month, arrive at opening time for the calmest visit.

Getting to Valladolid

Valladolid is the natural base for this cenote. By car it is roughly 2 hours from Cancún or Mérida on the 180D toll highway, and about 1 h 30 from Tulum on the free 109 road via Cobá. ADO buses connect Valladolid's central bus station with Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Mérida. From the centre, a taxi is the simplest way to reach the cenotes around town. Remember that Valladolid is on Yucatán time, one hour behind the Caribbean coast.

Cenote rules worth knowing

• Shower before you enter the water, every time.
• No sunscreen, insect repellent, lotions or make-up in the water.
• Life jackets are mandatory for swimmers in most cenotes.
• Don't touch, climb on or break formations.
• No food, drinks or glass near the water.
• Follow staff and guide instructions, especially in caverns.

Best time to visit Oxman

Because Oxman is open to the sky, the water is at its most turquoise when the sun is high, from late morning to early afternoon. Arriving before lunch also lets you use the restaurant before the kitchen closes. Early in the morning is quieter if you want the rope swing without a queue.