Cenote Xkeken
The original Cenote Dzitnup: a hidden underground cavern of stalactites, roots and luminous blue water.
- TypeClosed caveUnderground cavern
- Size30 × 20 mApprox. cavern
- Max depth~20 m65 ft
- Ticket$226 MXNIncludes Samula
About Cenote Xkeken
Cenote Xkeken – also spelled X'kekén, Xkekén, Keken or Xquequen – is the cenote that made Dzitnup famous. For decades it was simply called Cenote Dzitnup, after the village that cares for it, and many maps and guidebooks still use that name.
You enter through a narrow tunnel and descend a stone staircase cut into the rock. At the bottom the cave opens into a domed chamber with a small hole in the ceiling. Stalactites – some several metres long – hang from the vault, roots from the jungle above snake down to the water, and soft lighting makes the pool glow turquoise.
The water is clear, fresh and still, and you can usually spot small fish. A rope crosses the pool so you can rest, and a lifeguard is always on duty.
The legend of the lost pig
According to local tradition, the cenote was discovered by a farmer from Dzitnup whose piglet kept disappearing and coming back covered in mud on a hot day. Following it, he found a small opening in the ground – and below, a hidden lake. In Yucatec Maya, k'éek'en means "pig", and the cave has been called X'kekén ever since.
How Xkeken was formed
Like all cenotes in Yucatán, Xkeken formed over thousands of years as rainwater dissolved the limestone, carving a cavern that later filled with groundwater. The stalactites grew drop by drop while the cave was dry; when sea levels rose after the last Ice Age, the water table climbed and flooded the chamber, creating the pool you swim in today.
Visiting Cenote Xkeken: what to expect
Stairs & tunnel
A short tunnel and stone stairs lead down. They can be wet and slippery – use the handrail and go slowly.
Life jacket required
Included with your ticket. Lifeguards make sure everyone wears one in the water.
Deep, clear water
Up to about 20 m deep and around 24–25 °C all year round.
Photography
It's darker than Samula. Use a phone night mode or action camera; avoid flash on wildlife.
Time needed
45–60 minutes is enough to swim and take photos. Allow 2–3 hours for both cenotes.
Quietest time
Right at 8:00 opening. Tour groups usually arrive late morning.
Cenote Xkeken location
Cenote Xkeken is in the village of Dzitnup, municipality of Valladolid, Yucatán, about 7 km west of Valladolid's main square. Samula is a 3–5 minute walk away inside the same park.
GPS coordinates: 20.66077, -88.24261
Address: Carretera Valladolid – Dzitnup, 97760 Dzitnup, Yucatán, Mexico
Cenote Xkeken prices and opening hours
There is one ticket for the whole Dzitnup park: it covers both Xkeken and Samula, and the life jacket you must wear is included. Prices are paid at the ticket office at the entrance. Published figures differ from source to source, which usually means the price has gone up over time, so take enough pesos in cash:
| Source | Price as listed |
|---|---|
| My Free Range Family | 226 MXN adult · 200 MXN child |
| Vive Cancún | 226 MXN (under-3s free) |
| A Dónde Viajar (2026 guide) | about 235 MXN, both cenotes |
| Lakes of Mexico | about 250–280 MXN adult |
Prices as listed by the sources below on 9 October 2026: verify at the ticket office before visiting.
The operator, Parque X'kekén, lists Monday–Thursday 8:00–17:00 and Friday–Sunday 8:00–17:30 on its website. Some guides give an earlier last entry (one lists 15:30), so arrive by mid-afternoon at the latest.
Time zone tip: Yucatán is one hour behind Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum). If you drive over from the coast, opening times here are in Yucatán time.
The official operator of the park is Parque X'kekén, which also offers jungle ATV rides and hosts private events. This site is an independent guide and is not connected to the park.
Xkeken or Samula: which is better?
You don't have to choose, because the ticket covers both and they are only a few minutes apart on foot. They are, however, very different:
| Cenote Xkeken | Cenote Samula | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Dark, enclosed cave with a small hole in the roof | Bigger, brighter cavern with a round skylight |
| Highlights | Stalactites, roots, coloured lighting, legend of the pig | Hanging tree roots and the midday light beam |
| Best time | At 8:00 opening, before groups | Around midday on a sunny day for the beam |
| Photos | Low light: use night mode | Bright beam: expose for the water |
A good plan is Xkeken first thing in the morning, while the cave is quiet, and Samula later when the sun is high. If you only have an hour, many visitors prefer Samula for the light, but Xkeken is the "original" Cenote Dzitnup and the more dramatic cave.
Rules and what to bring
- Shower before swimming. It is required and removes creams and sweat that damage the water.
- No sunscreen or insect repellent before entering the water, even "eco" ones, unless staff say otherwise.
- Life jacket on at all times in the water; it is handed out with your ticket.
- Cash in pesos for tickets, lockers and the snack and craft stalls; card payment at the booth is not guaranteed.
- Water shoes help on the wet stairs and rocks. A small towel and a dry bag are useful.
- No touching the formations. Stalactites grow extremely slowly and break easily.
Is Cenote Xkeken good for children?
Yes, as long as they are comfortable in deep water with a life jacket. There is no shallow area for small children to stand, and the stairs are steep and slippery, so hold hands on the way down. Lifeguards are on duty, but parents should stay close. Families often find Samula easier because it is brighter.
How deep is Cenote Xkeken?
The pool is commonly described as up to about 20 m deep in places, which is why a life jacket is required for everyone.
Is the water cold?
No. The water stays at roughly 24–25 °C all year, which feels cool and refreshing compared with the air temperature.
Can I visit only Xkeken?
The standard ticket covers both cenotes. Ask at the ticket office if a single-cenote ticket is available on the day you visit.
How long should I stay?
About 45–60 minutes is enough for Xkeken. Allow 2–3 hours if you want to swim in both cenotes without rushing.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is parking next to the entrance, and the craft and snack stalls are along the path to the cenotes.
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.
One ticket, two cenotes
Your Xkeken ticket also includes Cenote Samula, just steps away.