Cenote Xlacah: Where History and Nature Meet in Dzibilchaltún

What Is Cenote Xlacah?

Cenote Xlacah is a large open-air cenote located at the heart of the Dzibilchaltún archaeological zone. Unlike cave cenotes hidden in jungles, Xlacah sits in an open landscape surrounded by temples, sacbés (ancient white roads), and ceremonial plazas.

Its name, “Xlacah”, means “old village” in the Mayan language, reflecting its importance as a long-standing settlement and water source for the city of Dzibilchaltún.

History and Cultural Significance

Dzibilchaltún was occupied from approximately 600 BCE to 1100 CE, making it one of the longest continuously inhabited Mayan cities in the region. Cenote Xlacah played a crucial role in sustaining the population, serving both as a freshwater source and a sacred ceremonial site.

Archaeological evidence suggests that cenotes like Xlacah were considered portals to the underworld (Xibalba) in Mayan cosmology. Ritual objects and offerings have been discovered in similar cenotes throughout Yucatán, highlighting their spiritual importance.

Cenote Xlacah Features

• Type: Open cenote
• Depth: From 1 to 45 meters (3 to 147 feet)
• Water: Clear, calm, with aquatic plants and fish
• Location: Inside Dzibilchaltún Archaeological Site
• Activities: Swimming, photography, archaeology exploration
• Facilities: Restrooms, parking, museum, certified guides

Where Is Cenote Xlacah Located?

Cenote Xlacah is located within the Dzibilchaltún Archaeological and Ecological Park, approximately 16–20 km (10–12 miles) north of Mérida, in the state of Yucatán, Mexico.

Distances and Travel Time

• From Mérida: ~20 minutes
• From Valladolid: ~2 hours
• From Playa del Carmen: ~2.5 hours
• From Cancún: ~3 hours

How to Get to Cenote Xlacah

Visitors can reach Dzibilchaltún by car, taxi, or private transportation. When traveling from Cancún or the Riviera Maya, private transportation is the most comfortable and efficient option, especially for day trips involving Mérida or multiple archaeological sites.

Travel Comfortably with Cancun Airport Transfers

• Private transfers from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum
• Professional, bilingual, certified drivers
• Modern, air-conditioned vehicles
• Custom routes to Mérida, cenotes, and Mayan ruins

Cancun Airport Transfers allows you to explore Yucatán comfortably without relying on public transportation or renting a car.

Tips for Visiting Cenote Xlacah

• Arrive early to avoid crowds and midday heat.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Visit the on-site museum and the Temple of the Seven Dolls.
• Use only biodegradable sunscreen to protect the cenote ecosystem.

Best Time to Visit Cenote Xlacah

The best season to visit is between November and April, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is low. During the spring and autumn equinoxes (March and September), visitors can witness the famous solar alignment at the Temple of the Seven Dolls, making this one of the most magical times to explore Dzibilchaltún.

Why Cenote Xlacah Is Worth Visiting

Cenote Xlacah offers a rare blend of swimming, archaeology, and tranquility. Surrounded by ancient Mayan ruins and tropical landscapes, it stands out as one of the most culturally significant cenotes in Yucatán. Book your private transportation with Cancun Airport Transfers and enjoy this extraordinary natural and historical experience in total comfort.