Lake Ik Kil Cenote is one of the most popular cenotes in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula with its crystal clear waters and cascading vines!
The origin of the lake Ik Kil Cenote in the Yucatan . peninsula
Lake Ik Kil Cenote Yucatan is definitely one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico! It is also known as one of the famous cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula so when coming here you should go early morning or late afternoon to avoid overcrowding. A cenote is a water-filled pit in limestone created when the roof of an underground cave collapsed. And Cnotes are common in the Yucatan peninsula, where the ground is mainly made up of limestone, and there are thousands of cenotes and underground rivers there; They are the main water source of the area. Cenotes tend to have very clean, cool, fresh water.
Lake Ik Kil Cenote Yucatan @travelwithneweyes
Sinkholes have played an important role in learning about the origins of the Maya people, and are today a major attraction for tourists who come to swim and snorkel and explore the refreshing natural swimming holes. There are thousands of cenotes scattered throughout Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula and its existence determines this region's distinctiveness as a distinct geological feature.
Different types of cenotes are found throughout the peninsula with some being deep water-filled shafts with vertical walls, while some are shallow but wide. Other caves are semi-open with part of the water hidden from view in a cave. Entirely cave-like cenotes are a different kind and can only be reached by holes in the ceiling or by walking through tunnels.
Long before modern technology arrived, the inhabitants of Yucatan understood the importance of local freshwater sinkholes. The ancient Mayans, one of the most advanced indigenous civilizations of the Mesoamerican continent, migrated to the Yucatan Peninsula between 500 BC and 250 BC.
In an area with no rivers or lakes, such as the Yucatan, the cenotes provide year-round access to fresh water. Large numbers and the ability to sustain large human settlements formed the foundation upon which a sophisticated society could be built. All of the largest cities that the Maya built between 300 BC and 900 BC, such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal, were erected in the vicinity of several cenotes and the Ik Kil Cenote lake. is one of them - but it's the prettiest!
Cenote Ik Kil is an open type cenote. This means that the swimming area is open to the sky rather than enclosed in a cave like some cenotes. Swimming in the clear water with vines hanging over the water is breathtaking.
Visiting Lake Ik Kil Cenote
Cenote is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, but you can hang out until around 5:30pm.
If you want to enjoy the Ik Kil cenote in the best possible way then come early. After 11:30 am, tour groups will arrive and large buses appear at the parking lot.
According to archaeologists, Lake Ik Kil was the place where the Maya prayed to the rain god Chaac, where people were sacrificed to the rain god, and therefore it is also known as the sacred cenote.
Lake Ik Kil Cenote is a sacred place in Mexico @Cenoteikkiloficial
The walls of the Ik Kil cenote lake are covered with green leaves and vines that hang down from the top of the cenote. Most of the vines reach the water below giving the Ik Kil cenote this impressive appearance. In addition, Ik Kil's straight walls form a perfect circle, making it a beautiful sinkhole. Its size, vines, and tall, straight walls covered with green leaves make Ik Kil Cenote one of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan.
The entrance fee to Ik Kil includes a life jacket and is a must if you want to go swimming at the Ik Kil cenote.
Swimming in Ik Kil @andreideferrer
Although it's in the tank, you are not allowed to touch the vines and the lifeguards and security staff on duty will keep an eye on it as this is an action to preserve the beauty of the Ik Kil cenote!
In general, when visiting cenotes in Mexico, please do not wear makeup, use skin products, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Cenotes are part of the freshwater source of underground rivers. At the lake Ik Kil cenote, there are many signs asking you to shower before entering the water and washing your body.
Beautiful view inside Ik Kil lake @outside.worldwide
Why is the Ik Kil cenote so popular? First of all because of its beauty, but also because of its location right next to Chichen Itza, one of the 7 wonders of the world. From Chichen Itza to Ik Kil is only about 5 minutes by car. Lots of travelers looking to cool off after visiting Chichen Itza, stop by the Ik Kil cenote. In the past, the top of the cenote was made famous by the Red Bull cliff diving event.
Due to its proximity to this wonder of the world, Ik Kil cenote lake is often called Chichen Itza cenote. Chichen Itza is less than 3 km from Ik Kil.
The secret to enjoying Cenote Ik Kil for yourself? Booked Ik Kil hotel located next to cenote. When the cenote closes it's all yours! More information about the hotel follows. You won't find it on sites like booking, you need to book directly!
There are two restaurants and a few small shops selling ice cream and drinks. The snack bar is a great place for a drink after you go swimming in the cenote. A glass of guacamole costs only 55 Pesos ($2.5), a draft beer 65 Pesos ($3) a bottle. A cheeseburger or a sandwich is 70 Pesos ($3.5).
There are several bungalows on site that are part of the Ik Kil Hotel. This is your best place if you want to have all the cenotes to yourself. The tents are just a 1-minute walk from the entrance to the cenote and are located inside.
A bungalow for overnight guests @Cenoteikkiloficial
The water level of the Ik Kil cenote is about 30 meters below the surface, the walls of the Ik Kil cenote go directly to the bottom of the cenote at a depth of 50 meters below the waterline, giving the sinkhole a depth of 80 meters.
In case you want to jump, it is NOT allowed to jump from the top. There are a few signs around as well as security guards who will monitor this
Inside the area of Ik Kil Cenote @toyouwithlovee
Several other Cenote lakes in Yucatan
The cenote lakes in the Yucatan peninsula are a combination of open, semi-open or underground:
Open caves: These are caves that have completely collapsed inward and are exposed to the outdoors, you can swim in the open air, the water has a pleasant temperature, and there are usually plenty of areas to relax on the side. water. Among these the most beautiful are Cenote Azul, Cenote Zacil-Ha and Car Wash Cenote.
Semi-open cenotes: these pools are mostly underground but have small holes in the ceiling to let light and fresh air in. These cenotes can be especially beautiful when beams of light hit the crystal clear water below. Some of the most beautiful lakes include Cenote Suytun, Cenote Hubiku and Cenote Samula
Cenote Suytun @thedebilux
Subterranean cenotes: these lakes are completely underground in the cave system and have no natural light to shine into the water. These lakes tend to be more difficult to visit because they are located deep in the limestone. Some lakes like Cenote Multum-Ha, Tamchach-Ha and Cenote Choo Ha and Cenote Xkeken are great underground cenotes that you can easily visit.
