The mysterious cenotes of Yucatán are natural sinkholes found on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. They are the result of collapsed bedrock, exposing the hidden pools of groundwater underneath the soil. It’s another Friday morning, so it’s time for 5 more facts about the Cenotes of Yucatán!
Fascinating Facts about the Cenotes of Yucatán
1. Sacred to the Mayans
Interestingly, Cenotes were a vital part of life to the Mayans. There are very few rivers and lakes in Yucatán, so the sinkholes actually served as their primary water source. This is also why we often find the remains of major Maya settlements close to cenotes, like Chichén Itzá. The Mayan word for cenotes is “dzonot”, meaning deep and abysmal. Understandably, the Mayans concluded that some of these natural wells were the gateways to the underworld or afterlife.
2. Human Sacrifice
Since Mayans thought cenotes were sacred, they often threw valuable items into the water as sacrificial offers. But these sacrifices to the Mayan rain deity Chaac weren’t always limited to things. Yes, some tribes even sacrificed live humans. During underwater explorations of the Segrado Cenote (Sacred Cenote) at Chichen Itzá, archaeologists found the remains of several human bodies, including males, females, and children. And this is just one of many examples.
3. 6000 Cenotes in Yucatán alone
Estimations indicate there should be over 6000 cenotes in Yucatán alone. It really is no wonder they were such a significant part of Mayan culture. There are currently only 2400 cenotes that have been studied and registered. Five of the most well-known cenotes are Dos Ojos, Ik Kil, Zaci, Gran Cenote and Segrado Cenote.
4. Cave Diving
Nowadays, cenotes are major tourist destinations. Many like to take a quick dip in the sparkly blue water. But cave diving has also become a popular activity. Technically, cenotes are considered “caverns”, so cave diving does not require an official diving certification. However, accidents do happen and cenotes can be very claustrophobic. The Ik Kil cenote was a stop on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2010 and 2011.
5. UNESCO Underwater Cultural Heritage
The UNESCO treaty of the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage protects special sites like the Sacred Cenote. This convention from 2001 aims to protect all traces of human existence having a cultural, historical, or archaeological character, which have been under water for at least 100 years.
Photos by: Vincente Villamón (Creative Commons), Adam Baker (Creative Commons) Lara Danielle (Creative Commons).
I was able to visit and swim in 4 cenotes. They are so wonderful, even the one smack in the middle of a town, Valladolid.
Very interesting sharing. I hope one day I can visit this lovely place.
I hope so too!
Had the pleasure of swimming in two of these during my last trip to Mexico. One with bright silver fish. Another with a larger, darker species. I suppose their relative isolation ensure that unique and delicate ecosystems develop. Glad to hear that some are protected
That’s very true, their isolated nature must also mean really eccentric ecosystems!
Interesting topic and information about Cenotes. If you like adventure, definitely visit one them and experience it for yourself.
Stunning photos! xx