Choj Ha Cenote… Yucatan’s hidden gem!

Looking for a special cenote to visit in the Yucatan? Want to go where mainstream tourists never go? Then come to Choj Ha Cenote.

Off the beaten path, it’s located in the jungle an hour’s drive northeast from Valladolid, Mexico. And worth the effort to find!

We specifically requested to stop at Choj Ha cenote on the way from Isla Holbox to Valladolid when we arranged a private transfer with MexiGo Tour company. And we’re so glad we did. Choj Ha cenote turned out to be our favorite cenote that we visited during our 2 week stay.

 

Our Experience

After changing into our suits and showering, we descended 15 meters below ground level along limestone steps, and entered a magical underworld inside an enclosed cave.

Crystalline blue-green water pools lie beneath a ceiling of impressive stalactites. Some were so old, that they grew into the rising stalagmites creating singular columns called colonnades.

Lights illuminated prominent features. Mesmerized, we stood there in awe, taking it all in. No wonder the Mayans hold these cenotes as sacred places.

A kind Mayan man smiled at our obvious appreciation of the incredible site. He was a representative of the community that owns and cares for Choj Ha cenote. He pointed out a path that led to the water.

Dipping our toes in the water, it felt cold, yet refreshing. The water temperature remains a constant 77 F inside the cave. We glided in shoulder deep, stepping on rocks underneath for security. The water is very deep beyond the rocks (50 meters) and riddled with limestone rock formations and stalagmites. But the water clarity is crystal-clear, making it easy to avoid swimming into the formations.

I swam into the middle of the cenote and began exploring the little niches, tunnels and crevices freely without a life jacket. I detected no current. But life jackets are available to those who want one. There is also a kayak or paddleboard to rent if you desire.

 

Kayaking

How often do you get to kayak in a cenote? Like never? So my friend Donna and I both had a turn paddling around this mystical cave.

Cenotes

A small blue bird flew in to land on the tip of a stalagmite inside the Choj Ha cenote. Our guide, Gilberto, explained that this Motmot bird is useful for finding cenotes in the Yucatan. Currently over discovered 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions of Mexico.

Acid rain dissolves the limestone surfaces causing cave ceilings to collapse, and create these wonderful spaces.

 

Photo Tips at Choj Ha cenote

Equipment: I used my Go Pro 9 waterproof camera. And also a plastic dome port to take over/under split pictures. For this shot, I had Donna hold the dome (with my GroPro inside) halfway submerged under water and aim a flashlight under water. Then I swam out to face the lens.

Using my tripod, I also took a few pics with my Sony a7S from land.

We were the only ones there until we were preparing to leave. Then a group of teens came to climb up and jump off of the rocks. What a fun place to explore!

 

How to Find Choj Ha Cenote

Travel by car one hour NE from Valladolid on Hwy 180, and look for the Choj Ha sign to turn off into the jungle. You might also see a sign with the Mayan spelling of the cenote, Cho’o’oj ha (which means dripping water). A short drive will bring you to a parking area, restrooms, changing area and showers.

Admission: entrance cost is 100 pesos ($5). Guests must shower to remove all sunscreen/bug repellent before entering the cenote to help keep it pristine!

Entrance: Look for the palapas.  Hours: Open 9-5pm.

 

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