The Ik Kil Cenote is located a little under two miles from the famed Chichen Itza ruins. Like the 6,000 other cenotes across the Yucatan peninsula, Ik Kil has majestic charectieristics where the sunlight from 85 feet above filters through holes in the ground and vegetation. Known as “the Sacred Blue Cenote”, the fresh water is an intriguing clear  turquoise blue and hovers at a comfortable 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cenote Ik Kil (photo by Kyle Simourd courtesy of Flickr)

Ik Kil offers a dizzying array of scenry in addition to the gorgeous watering hole. Emerald green vines and plants decorate the area as well as picturesque waterfalls to explore. The stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over the past million years are breath taking and great care should be taken during your visit.

View from above (photo by R Mceoin courtesy of Flickr)

The cenote costs only 35 pesos and is open to the public from 8:00 in the morning until 6:00 at night. The 120 foot deep swimming area is accessible by a staircase that meanders down into the amazing area. The Ik Kil cenote boasts a restaurant with buffet-style eating, as well as, rental bungalows to enjoy an overnight stay.  A five star resort is in the works and will offer future visitors a luxurious experience when completed. Ik Kil is a wonderful example of the transformations of land and water that can occur over millions of years and superb are to revel in Mayan grandeur.

Swimming hole (photo by Kyle Simourd courtesy of Flickr)