Cenote Suytun
The stone platform under a single beam of light: Valladolid's most photographed cenote.
What is Cenote Suytun?
Cenote Suytun is a cave cenote east of Valladolid famous for one image: a circular stone walkway leading to a round platform in the middle of the water, lit by a single shaft of light from a hole in the cave roof. It is one of the most photographed places in Yucatán, which also means it can be busy.
Your ticket also includes a second cenote on the same property, Cenote Kaapeh, at no extra charge, plus use of bathrooms and showers, according to Suytun's booking policy.
Cenote Suytun opening hours
Suytun's official website lists the park as open every day of the year, 9:00–17:00, with last access to the cenotes at 16:00. It also states a maximum capacity of 150 people and that it has removed the previous 60-minute time limit in the main cenote.
Time zone: Suytun itself points out that Yucatán is one hour behind Quintana Roo. If you are coming from Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, convert the times.
Cenote Suytun tickets and prices
These are the prices on Suytun's official ticket page as listed on 9 October 2026 (adults / children 5–11). Verify before visiting.
| Ticket | Adult | Child 5–11 | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online offer (buy ≥1 day ahead) | 250 MXN | 200 MXN | Suytun + Cenote Kaapeh |
| Ticket + food | 400 MXN | 350 MXN | Cenotes + meal |
| Day Pass | 420 MXN | 370 MXN | Cenotes, pool, one meal, Ruta del Alux |
| Guided tour (add-on, at ticket office) | +50 MXN / +100 MXN | 2 cenotes / 2 cenotes + Ruta del Alux |
According to Suytun's booking policy, discounted prices apply only to online purchases made at least one day in advance. Online purchases on the same day are charged the ticket-office price, and ticket-office prices are always the standard, non-discounted rate. Same-day access is subject to availability. Guided tours leave at 10:00, 12:30 and 15:00.
Best time for the light beam and photos
As at Samula, the beam is direct sunlight through a roof opening, so it appears when the sun is high: roughly around midday on clear days, and most vertically in late spring and summer. Midday is also the busiest time. If you care more about a calm visit than the beam, go at opening.
- Stay on the walkway and platform as directed by staff, and wait your turn for photos.
- Expose for the beam and the water; phones often handle this best in HDR mode.
- Shower before entering, and don't wear sunscreen or repellent in the cenote.
Suytun or Dzitnup?
Suytun is the place for the iconic platform photo. Dzitnup gives you two very different caves, Xkeken and Samula, on one ticket, with deep water that's made for swimming. With a car, you can do both in one day: Dzitnup at 8:00 (Suytun opens at 9:00), then Suytun later. See our guide to cenotes near Valladolid.
How to get to Cenote Suytun
Suytun's address is Carretera a Ticuch Km 8, Valladolid, Yucatán, east of the city. The usual ways are by car, taxi or a tour from Valladolid; Suytun is on the opposite side of town from Dzitnup.
Beyond the main cenote: Kaapeh and the Ruta del Alux
Suytun's ticket includes Cenote Kaapeh, a second cenote on the property, so it's worth leaving time for both. Suytun's Day Pass and guided tours also include the Ruta del Alux, a walking trail; according to the official site, guided departures are at 10:00, 12:30 and 15:00. In Yucatec Maya folklore, aluxes are small spirits said to guard the land and fields, and you'll hear about them all over the peninsula.
A day plan with Suytun
- 8:00: Xkeken and Samula at Dzitnup, west of Valladolid.
- 10:30: coffee and the colonial centre of Valladolid.
- 11:30–13:00: Suytun and Kaapeh, east of town, for the midday beam (book online the day before).
- Afternoon: lunch, then Cenote Zací in the centre or a rest at the hotel.
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.
Photography etiquette
At the most photographed cenotes, a few habits keep things pleasant for everyone: take your shots and move on so others get a turn, don't ask swimmers to leave the water for your photo, and check the site's rules before bringing a tripod, drone or professional gear. Many cenotes charge extra for professional photo or video sessions, so ask at the ticket office first.
How much is Cenote Suytun?
Suytun's official site lists 250 MXN for adults and 200 MXN for children 5–11 when bought online at least a day ahead (Suytun + Kaapeh). The ticket office charges the standard, higher rate. Verify before visiting.
What time does Cenote Suytun open?
Every day 9:00–17:00, with last access to the cenotes at 16:00, according to the official site.
Do I need to book Suytun?
It's recommended. Suytun sells discounted tickets online at least one day in advance, and says same-day access depends on availability because capacity is limited to 150 people.
What is Cenote Kaapeh?
A second cenote on the Suytun property. Access is included in the Suytun ticket.
Sources
Prices and hours below were taken from these pages on 9 October 2026. They are as listed there, not verified by us: confirm before visiting.