(CENOTE SAGRADO)
The Sacred Cenote is a mysterious, natural water filled sinkhole at the pre-Columbian Maya archaeological site of Chichen Itza which is located in Tinum Municipality in the Northern Yucatan State, Mexico. It was used by the Mayans as a sacrificial pit for virgins, warriors and even infants.
Cenotes were central in Maya cosmology as the threshold that served as vital portals between the earthly realm and the Mayan watery underworld of the dead, known as Xibalbá. Through this opening, the deceased passed, and from this opening, humans and deities were reborn.
Spanning 60 meters in diameter and reaching a depth of 22 meters this huge sinkhole was once the site of ceremonies to appease Chaac, the Mayan God of rain, lightning and storms.
According to legend, this Sacred Cenote was a place of pilgrimage for ancient Maya people and a place where priests threw jade, pottery and other treasures into the water. They also offered human sacrifices to the all-powerful deity Chaac. Cenote Sagrado is one of the cenotes that has held the most tributes and sacrifices. Edward Herbert Thompson dredged it from 1904 to 1910, and recovered artifacts of gold, jade, pottery, and incense, as well as over 200 human skeletons.
In 1998 the Sacred Cenote became a Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO.
HOW TO GET THERE
ROAD: Chichen Itza is on the main highway (180D) between the capital city of Merida and the resort city of Cancun.
There are many private taxi hire companies if you are not driving yourself.
BUS: The ADO bus company offers service from the ADO station in Cancún to Chichén Itzá daily. There are also regular buses from Valladolid.
AIR: There’s a small airport near Chichén Itzá and a few companies offer transportation by plane or helicopter.
TICKETS
The fee to enter the Chichen Itza for an International visiting adult (13 plus) is $614 MXN.
PARKING
There is a small parking area outside the Sacred Cenote.
OPENING TIMES
Chichen Itza is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Last entry is at 4:00 pm.
TOURS/GUIDES
There are many tours and guides available.
FACILITIES
There are refreshments available at the entrance to Chichén Itzá. Toilets are available at different sites around Chichen Itza.
DOGS
Dogs and other pets are not allowed.
NEAREST TOWN
Pisté is just under 2 miles away.
ACCOMMODATION
There are a few hotels ranging in price along the highway nearby, and in the nearby town of Piste.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
November to April is an ideal time to visit, avoiding the rainy season and the coldest months.
On Sundays, Mexican nationals get free entry to Chichén Itzá, so the site will be busier than on other days of the week. Similarly, national holidays will be busier too.
ADDRESS
Address: Yucatan, Mexico, Cancun.