Cenote Chaak Tun

Av. Juárez Km 4.7 después Colegio Mayaland Playa del Carmen, México

Hours

Contact them directly for tour availability and packages.

Cost

Below are expected tour costs at Cenote Chaak Tun:

Adult Amazing Underground Adventure Tour: $50
Child Amazing Underground Adventure Tour: $32
Adult Ancient Traditions: $80
Child Ancient Traditions: $40

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

+52 984 218 0992

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About

Visitors to Playa del Carmen will appreciate the short drive to the must-see landmark of Cenote Chaak Tun. This natural wonder is steeped in Mayan history and offers thrilling discoveries. Moreover, it provides a breathtaking experience molded over centuries by water and stone.

Access to this underground world wasn’t available until 1999. Now, visitors can observe the towering stalactites and stalagmites firsthand and swim in the crystal-clear freshwater pools.

Cenote Chaak Tun is part of the sprawling network of underground rivers scattered throughout Riviera Maya. These natural sinkholes were formed over millennia as rainwater gradually dissolved the porous limestone bedrock. Over time, this process created vast cave systems, many of which remain undiscovered.

This cenote’s name comes from the Mayan words Chaak (the god of rain) and Tun (stone). The phrase translates into Spanish as “stone rain” or “water that comes from stone.” This further demonstrates the Mayans’ reverence and dependency on the cenotes. First, they were a crucial source of fresh water, and second, they served as sacred sites for spiritual rituals and offerings.

Tours to Cenote Chaak Tun are available for ages five and up. The experience is educational, adventurous, and fun for all. While you can rent snorkel gear from Playa Scuba or bring your own, snorkeling gear is included with your fee.

The landmark’s proximity to Playa del Carmen makes combining multiple attractions easy. For instance, after exploring this cenote, head to nearby Rio Secreto for another fascinating underground adventure. The combinations are endless!

Cenote Chaak Tun is a rich testament to nature’s beauty and Mayan history, making it a must-see destination on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Cenote Chaak Tun: Fun Facts & Cool Features

A fun fact is that cenotes populate the Yucatan Peninsula. Aside from Chaak Tun and Rio Secreto, other nearby standouts include Two Eyes Cenotes and Gran Cenote.

The popular Amazing Underground Adventure Tour at Cenote Chaak Tun is a two-hour trek into this fantastic world. You'll explore three caves and snorkel in the crystal-clear cenote's water. The price includes water shoes, a locker for changing, snorkeling gear, a life jacket, and an aquatic lamp.

Explorers with a spirit of adventure will love learning that the water remains refreshingly cool year-round. Such assurance is a welcome break from the Riviera Maya's tropical heat.

A fascinating fact is that visibility in cenotes is astounding. With very little settlement, the limestone-filtered water offers snorkelers up to 100 meters of underwater visibility. Add the beams of sunlight cutting through the water amidst the geological formations, and it's an experience of a lifetime.

Another cool feature is the Ancient Traditions tour. This package offers an immersive Mayan experience featuring meditation, purification ceremonies, and a swim in the refreshing cenote.

As mentioned, the attraction's proximity to Playa del Carmen makes it easy to combine sightseeing on Quinta Avenida with a tour. After exploring the caves and snorkeling, refuel at the popular Mia's HomeMade restaurant. Or plan a tour of the Museo Frida Kahlo to combine the arts with your nature and cultural tour at Chaak Tun.

Visiting Cenote Chaak Tun is an opportunity to experience natural artistry and connect with the past. Furthermore, it is an unforgettable experience that blends exploration, beauty, and Mayan history.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions from Playa del Carmen to Cenote Chaak Tun:

Head southwest on Calle 14 Nte toward 1st Avenue Nte.
Turn right onto Avenida 10.
Drive for 5 km and merge onto Benito Juarez Avenue.
Continue out of the town center toward Ejido.
Look for signage to the destination.
Address: Av. Benito Juárez 7-km 4, Ejidal, 77723 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico.

Local Tips

The Ancient Traditions tour is for those 11 and older.
Children 5 and older may participate in the Underground Adventure Tour.
Transportation options are available for an additional cost.
Bring a change of clothes and towel to change in the locker room.
Cameras and phones are not allowed; budget for professional photo packages.

Location

Av. Juárez Km 4.7 después Colegio Mayaland Playa del Carmen, México

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to get to Playa del Carmen?

The Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the closest international airport to Playa del Carmen, at about an hour away. The Cancun airport serves major international airlines from across the world, making it one of the most accessible options for flying to the Yucatan. From Cancun, travelers need to take a transfer to Playa del Carmen, generally via a pre-booked shuttle, ride share, or the most popular and economic ADO Bus service directly from the airport.

In addition, the Tulum International Airport (TQO), in operation since March, 2024, is 2 hours from Playa del Carmen. There are more than 10 domestic and international flight currently flying to Tulum, with direct flights from more than 15 cities.

What is there to do in Playa del Carmen?

Most activities in Playa del Carmen revolve around the area’s gorgeous beaches and aqua blue waters, where fishing, diving and snorkeling are excellent year-round. Playa also plays host to several international events, including the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival and Carnival. If you’re interested in local nightlife, there are many trendy rooftop clubs where you can dance all night and party in style. Enjoy your time in Playa with this list of things to do:

Shop, wine, dine and people watch on La Quinta Avenida
Visit the ruins and unspoiled beaches of Tulum
Enjoy a variety of water sports on Playacar beach
Swim, snorkel or dive in the deep blue Cenotes (natural sinkholes)
Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal Bay
Revel in the wild stage shows at Coco Bongo nightclub
Take a boat trip to Cozumel Island
Zip-lining, swimming and cave diving at XPlor Adventure Park
Explore the beautiful caves of Rio Secreto
Go cave or wreck diving
Take a romantic sunset sail aboard a luxury catamaran

Are the beaches in Playa del Carmen swimmable? What are the most popular?

Yes! The expansive shoreline stretching along Playa del Carmen offers several family-friendly spots along over two miles of soft sandy beaches. Top beaches include the quieter Punta Esmeralda on the northeast end of town, as well as the more lively Playa Mamitas, and the main beach just blocks from the popular la Quinta shopping area. There are numerous access points to the central beach.

Calle 10 Beach

Revel in the beauty of the Caribbean’s stunning turquoise waters at Calle 10 Beach – another hot spot for sun lovers. This enticing stretch of shoreline is perhaps most famous for its abundance of trendy beach clubs — chic venues where you can enjoy live music while sipping on a frosty drink. Zenzi, El Pirata and Lido are among the area’s favored places to hang out. With most visitors patronizing the clubs, the rest of the beach is practically empty, so if you crave a quiet day by the surf, Calle 10 is an excellent option.

Mamita’s Beach

Mamita’s is arguably the liveliest of all Playa del Carmen beaches, drawing a younger crowd of party-loving 20-somethings. This beautiful, wide beach is the site of the annual BPM music festival and features two popular beach clubs that serve up delicious food, drinks and entertainment from the world’s top DJs. If you’re interested in watersports, this is the place to be. You’ll find Jet Ski and banana boats for rent, and there are parasailing and catamaran tours on offer.

Is Playa del Carmen safe?

Mexico’s Mayan Riviera is one of the most visited parts of the country, welcoming millions of visitors each year. As a top tourist destination, local safety measures help ensure peace of mind for travelers while enjoying the area’s beaches and historic sites. In general, visitors to Playa del Carmen are encouraged to exercise caution while traveling, and stick to well-lit areas after the sun has gone down.

Is seaweed an issue in Playa del Carmen?

Seaweed (sargassum) is a natural occurrence and tends to peak on some of the beaches in the Playa del Carmen area during the summer months. Since the arrival of seaweed is unpredictable, this can happen as early as April or extend through August. Seaweed is generally cleaned off the beaches quickly, while some beaches may have more seaweed than others. It’s also worth noting that not every beach gets seaweed.

When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen?

Winter is the peak season in Playa del Carmen, with great weather and clearer beaches (from seaweed), and more people. Travelers can expect hot and humid weather along the Mayan Riviera during the summer, with July being the warmest. Similarly, the rainy season on the Yucatan peninsula generally extends from June thru early October, with frequent though brief showers. Summer months are less crowded, though visitors can expect more seaweed on area beaches.