A bunch of cenotes (limestone sinkholes) dot the Quintana Roo peninsula and there are quite a few around Tulum. The only cenote we visited was the one in Valladolid and while it was very nice, it wasn’t so impressive.

Gran Cenote was.

We drove three kilometres Northwest of Tulum and spotted the sign on the highway: “Gran Cenote.” Sure, why not?

We paid the admission fee and were greeted by birds, sheep and dogs. Well, at least Mark is getting to know animals, I thought.

Then we walked to the sinkhole, not expecting much.

It was beautiful.

Imagine a pool of turquoise water, a dark chamber, stalactites and stalagmites, rays of light and darkness. Imagine fishes and turtles. Imagine a quiet place, the sound of water and a slight echo. It’s not hard to understand why the Mayas saw cenotes as gateways to the underworld.

I stripped into my swimsuit and jumped in. The water was warmer than I expected. I swam under the rock, among the fish.

Mark was watching me from the wooden pier and seemed curious.

“Come on babe, wanna go for a swim?”

Naked, he wasn’t so sure. But toddlers go wherever mom goes, so he came into the water with me.

Fifteen-month-old climbing pyramids and swimming in mystic cenotes. Gee, I’m screwing him up, ain’t I!

Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote

Get the latest story, cultural shock and travel pictures right in your inbox

I don't spam, promise.

I literally don't have the time to write ten stories a day.

Visited 19 times, 1 visit(s) today

5 Comments

  1. Boeingbleu January 20, 2014 at 10:19 am

    So pretty!

    Mark is a spoiled little traveller!

    Reply
    1. Zhu January 24, 2014 at 12:01 am

      Yes he is!

      Reply
  2. Silvia January 21, 2014 at 9:02 am

    “Fif­teen months old climb­ing pyra­mids and swim­ming in mys­tic cenotes. Gee, I’m screw­ing him up, ain’t I!”

    You are giving him the best!

    Thanks for the photos and for the descriptions, it’s like travelling with you a little.

    Enjoy these wonderful days!

    Reply
    1. Zhu January 24, 2014 at 12:02 am

      Thank you! I am happy to show him the world… that’s fun!

      Reply

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *