Check Out The Secluded
Cenote X’Canche For An Authentic Swimming Experience Near Ek Balam
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, in the center of Mexico,
Ek Balam is an alluring ancient ruins site. This Mayan ruin has a magnificent
pyramid called Acropolis as its main attraction. Looking at its incredible
architecture is a treat for the eyes. Climb on the top of the pyramid to enjoy
panoramic views of the surroundings. In addition, there are several more
structures to explore including a temple, ruined palaces, and other pyramids.
What makes Ek Balam stand out from other ruins in Mexico is the gorgeous cenote
built within the premise. The Ek Balam Cenote or Cenote X’Canche is a natural
sinkhole with cerulean colored water. The pristine water is perfect for
swimming.
With dense jungles in the surroundings, Ek Balam is a
peaceful site to tour on a day's outing to Valladolid. Download Action Tour
Guide’s Ek Balam Tour Guide app to plan the perfect trip. Available for Android and iOS, the app will set forth the Mayan culture,
advance science, and religion in forms of interesting stories. Just download
it, tour at your own will and impress the other tourists and locals. The app’s
accurate and timely information will reduce the time wastage to minimal and
help you tour the site effectively and efficiently. Start the day by visiting
the ancient ruins, have lunch in the neighboring town of Valladolid and unwind
in the pristine cenote at the end of the day.
Looking for something more? Camp under a starry sky to add
onto a memorable experience. The cost of camping is 100 Pesos per person, which
includes tent (2 person capacity), water, access to toilet and shower area, a
bonfire pit, best of all – it lets you enter the cenote after it is shut down
for the public.
There's a 24-hour security guard at the sight so the
location is completely safe.
Swimming In The
X’Canche Cenote
Most tourists choose the X’Canche Cenote to spend a relaxing
hour in the clear blue waters. Located 1.5 kilometers from Ek Balam, you can
choose to walk or cycle your way to the cenote.
Steep stairs would lead you downwards to the water – which
is deep under the ground with rocky walls covering it from all sides. It has a
leisurely vibe to it – like a hot spring in the middle of nowhere. The cenote
is no less than a private beach. The sound of birds chirping and wind howling
slowly create a pleasing environment. Natural roots hanging from the trees and
dipping into the water, and swimming with the catfishes add to the aesthetics
of the place.
The cenote is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To avoid crowds,
visit the place late in the evening or early in the morning. Due to Ek Balam's
secludedness, there are chances that you might have the whole cenote to
yourself.
A mere 50 Pesos would grant you entry inside, along with
access to old yet clean washrooms and changing area. There is no time limit on
the ticket. So swim at your own pace and enjoy the moment while it lasts.
Note that the cenote is a natural public swimming area and
not a 5-star private island. Hence, only the bare minimum facilities are
provided. Make sure to carry the essentials along with you.
Things To Carry
1. Carry fresh towels along with you as the management
doesn't provide any.
2. Pack sunscreen and sunglasses if you are planning to
visit in the afternoon. The heat can get unbearable sometimes.
3. Carry only the necessities and not anything valuable. Although
the management provides locker facility, there's a chance that things might get
stolen.
Swimming in the X’Canche Cenote is a one of a kind experience you wouldn't want to miss. Cenotes are Yucatan
Peninsula's specialty and are rarely found in other parts of the world. There
are other cenotes in the area such as the Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza but
they are usually crowded and have poor quality water.
An hour or more of swimming is bound to make you feel
hungry. So head over to Chaya's Natural Restaurant, the eatery closest to
Cenote X-Canche. You can grab a quick bite here before heading to your next
destination. The place serves mostly everything, from different types of meat
to vegan food, along with a variety of beers and wines.
This summer, beat the heat by swimming at the X’Canche
Cenote.
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