All about Cenote San Ignacio on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico

Cenote San Ignacio, also known as Tuunich Ha, which means "water in the stone" in Mayan, is located on private land in the town of Chocholá. It is one of the closest cenotes to Mérida and has been developed with visitors in mind.

A small hotel and restaurant have been built around it, making it a convenient spot for a relaxing visit. The area includes a garden with sunbeds and hammocks, a swimming pool, and a small water feature.

The on-site restaurant serves traditional Yucatecan dishes, and amenities like free Wi-Fi, lockers, changing rooms, and restrooms are available. There is also a playground for younger children, making it a family-friendly destination.

The cenote itself is small, shallow, and fully underground. A natural opening allows sunlight to enter on one side, and additional lighting has been installed inside.

The clear water is home to small fish, while stalactites hang from the ceiling and stalagmites rise from the bottom. You can swim in the cenote, and if you bring your own gear, snorkeling is also an option.

Is it worth it?

The 350-peso entrance fee feels a bit steep for what’s offered, at least in my opinion. Our kids had mixed feelings about the experience, and their excitement was somewhat limited.

I usually prefer to give clear recommendations, but in this case, it really depends. I you’re already in the area and don’t mind the cost, it can still be worth checking out.

How do you get to Cenote San Ignacio from Mérida?

By car, drive southwest on highway 180 for about 20 minutes and then take the exit to Chocholá. The Cenote San Ignacio is located directly in Chocholá, a small village next to the highway.

Cenotes on the Yucatán Peninsula

Cenotes are one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most fascinating natural formations, created over thousands of years as rainwater gradually eroded the limestone bedrock, causing caves to collapse and expose the underground water system.

For the ancient Maya, these sinkholes were sacred, seen as gateways to the underworld and vital sources of fresh water in a region with no surface rivers. Many cenotes were used for ceremonies and offerings, and some even contain archaeological discoveries like pottery, jewelry, and human remains.

Today, cenotes have become a major attraction for visitors, whether for swimming, snorkeling, or simply taking in their unique surroundings. If you are in the area, visiting at least one is definitely worth it.

The best cenotes tour

If you are interested in getting to know the two best places with six cenotes and a 17th century hacienda in a private tour (Cenotes Santa Barbara and Hacienda Mucuyché), you should take a look at this Viator Tour. It's not really cheap, but a memory for life.