Cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula (Cuzama), Mexico

A cenote (from Yucatec Maya dzonot or ts'onot) is a natural pit, or sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. Especially associated with the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, cenotes were sometimes used by the ancient Maya for sacrificial offerings.
Cuzama is located to the south of the State of Yucatan to 42 km from the city of Merida.  To access the cenotes of Cuzama, a small “truck” is boarded, which was once used to transport the plant of henequen to the machine house for processing.  The truck is like a small train carriage, which is pulled by a horse on rails.

Chanusil (small insect)
The access to water level is via a rustic wooden stair that descends about 20 meters among plants and trees, the water is blue turquoise and very clear.  The size of the initial entrance is quite small, and I initially thought how am I going to move around once inside.

Once inside, the vault of the cenote is like a tunnel, and at the end of it is deeper. Inside there are several rock formations.

Deeper inside, there is a narrow like passage way of water which gets very deep - I was unable to touch the bottom for a majority of the swim.
I'm in, I look back and everyone else seem to be taking their time .... with a little trepidation.

Making may way out the end of the water passage ... these faces are more the look of relief than joy.


Chacsinicche (tree of the res ants)
The larger opening from ground level shows some of the beautiful blue turquoise to emerald green type colours of the water.

Upon descending down the stairs (about 20 meters from above ground to water level) the water is totally clear, and the colours become more spectacular.  Note:  The pictures, no pictures, will do justice to the water colours seen in "real life".

This cenote is perfect for jumping into the water, given the depth.



Thanks to Becky and her GoPro, videoing my dive ....

Bolonchojol (nine holes of the rat)
The entrance is totally vertical, with and wooden stairs that descend about 15 meters.

Again with the beautiful coloured water glimmering from the small rays of sunlight entering from above, makes for some great diving and exploring.



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