How to visit Cenote Azul Riviera Maya: price and info

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Nestled in a lush natural garden of tropical vegetation the Cenote Azul is one of the most beautiful open cenotes of the Riviera Maya and probably the entire Yucatan Peninsula. In this post I will tell you why visiting Cenote Azul is a must, but also I will give you all the necessary tips that you need to know before visiting.

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Located at only 30 KM (12 miles) from Playa del Carmen and 40 km (18 miles) from Tulum Cenote Azul makes an ideal day trip from either destination and, why not, even from Cancun although it would be quite a drive.

You could either spend all day enjoying this beautiful cenote (and I will tell you why in a bit) or you can combine the visit of this cenote with a stop at one of the beautiful beaches in the surroundings or another cenote, such as the Taak bi ha, which is a cave cenote.

In fact, if I had to choose one among all the open cenotes of the Riviera Maya, I would pick Cenote Azul.

Do not mix it with the Cenote Azul Bacalar, though, which is further away and also one of the best cenotes in Quintana Roo. It ‘s a dark blue cenote very deep, located right in Bacalar down town, definitely not to miss it either.

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CENOTE AZUL PLAYA DEL CARMEN TRAVEL GUIDE

Why should you visit Cenote Azul?

There are many reasons why visiting Cenote Azul is a great idea, and here below I am listing them for you:

✅ It’s wide open and huge with many different pools

✅ The cenote swimming area is suitable for any kinds of swimmers and easily accessible through wooden stairs

✅ The water is crystal clear

✅ There are two platforms to jump from but also some low ones that make it easy to get to the water.

✅ It’s immersed in a lush vegetation

✅ It has a very reasonable price

✅ There are benches where to relax and enjoy the sound of nature (not on weekends)

✅ Huge and convenient car park

✅ There are lockers where to leave your stuff (great for solo travelers)

✅ There is a nice shaded space with chairs and tables and a small restaurant where you can chill and relax while looking at the beautiful cenote.

Where is Cenote Azul located?

Cenote Azul is located at only 30 minutes drive from Playa del Carmen and 40 minutes from Tulum and it’s right on the Carretera federal (federal highway) so you can easily get there with public transportation as well.

Here below you can find all the possible ways to get to Cenote Azul.

How to get to Cenote Azul

Getting to the Cenote Azul by car

The Cenote Azul is located on the Carretera Federal, the main road that goes from Playa del Carmen to Tulum (see the picture of Map).

You cannot miss it as there is a huge sign on the side of the road.

There is a huge car park available.

As I always say, hiring a car in Mexico is the best option as you are free to move around as you please and make any stops.

The last time I went to visit this cenote, I went to check out a couple of spots and then drove back to Puerto Aventura for a nice walk around and a coffee shop.

If I was with a taxi or public transportation it would have been really inconvenient.

Getting to Cenote Azul by public transport

Whether you are leaving from Tulum or Playa del Carmen, you can get to the Cenote Azul by Colectivo, a public minivan that is available 24/7 leaving from the main road in Tulum Centro (stop anywhere) or in Playa on Calle 2 between 10th and 15th av.

Tell the driver to leave you by the Cenote Azul. From the entrance, there is not much walking to do.

Getting to Cenote Azul by Taxi

It’s always advisable to ask your hotel for a reliable taxi driver and agree on the price beforehand.

Also:

• make sure you agree on the details, such as how long he’s willing to wait and such.
• Also, it’s better to exchange numbers, just in case.
• Pay him only after the service.
• Make sure the price you agree is for the entire trip, not one way.

Since you are there you can also make the most of your time and visit the Cenote Cristalino, which is just a few steps away. It’s smaller but very interesting.

Cenote Azul Price

Here below I included the information available at the entrance on prices as follows:

• Cenote Entrance fee 120 MXN ( 7 USD) Adults
• Rental of life jacket 40 MXN
• Mask and snorkel rental 70 MXN

Cenote Azul opening hours

Cenote Azul opens every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

Cenote Azul facilities

Once you turn into the Cenote Azul side road, you need to drive by the ticket office, pay for your entrance, and follow the path. It’s like a drive-through but you need to get out of the car in order to reach the window and pay.

You will then reach a huge car park “estacionamiento” where you can safely leave your vehicle. Before getting to the cenote you need to first shower.

This is the first rule of the cenote: you cannot swim if you don’t shower first.

Also, you cannot wear any body lotion of any sort, including mosquito repellent or sunscreen because it can pollute the water. Even the eco-friendly stuff.

So please be respectful.

If you don’t want to leave your belonging in the car or you want to lock your car keys and money you can use the lockers.

Just walk on the path around the cenote and ask the lady at the bar/shop and she will give you the key for a few pesos. This way you can enjoy your day at the Cenote Azul worry-free.

How to enjoy Cenote Azul to the fullest

Once you are all set up you can enjoy the view from above before getting in the water.

You will walk by a platform where the bravest will jump.

I enjoy watching and photographing them and never dared jump but it’s actually only 3.5 mt in height. It’s not a lot.

Also on that part of the cenote, below the platform, the water is 6 mt deep, even if it doesn’t seem like that, because it is so crystal clear.

Let me know if you made it 🙂

If you walk past the platform following the edges of the cliff surrounding the cenote, you will reach a nice shady area with tables and benches and a small restaurants/convenience store, and a souvenir shop where you can have your snacks or drinks.

From there some nicely made stares will take you down to the emerald green pool among a lush tropical jungle.

A few other platforms at the water level are there for you to practice your jumps but make sure you check the depth of the water before any shenanigans.

On the right side of the cenote, the water is definitely shallower.

I kept staring at this soothing view and although it was a Sunday and people were starting to come in and crowd up the place, it was still pleasant.

Some tourists were cheering up a girl in her shy attempt to jump, a stranger to them, and yet they felt for her and wanted to encourage her to win her fears. It was nice. Especially when she finally jumped. YAY!

There ar trails that run through and around the cenote Azul conveniently placed for the people to move around at ease.

You can definitely spend the entire day there, swimming, reading, sleeping, or just enjoying the mighty nature. Soaking in all the good vibes.

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What you can visit nearby

Near Cenote Azul there are many other attractions including:

➡️ Akumal Beach 14 km/ 8.6 miles

➡️ Xpu-ha beach 3.2 km/ 1.9 miles

➡️ Cenote Cristalino 450 mt/ 0.27 miles

➡️ Cenote Eden 1 km/ 0.6 miles

➡️ Cenote Chikin-ha 1.7 km

➡️ Puerto Aventuras

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