Ik-Kil Cenote: Day Trips and Tours from Cancún
The natural wonders of Yucatán are plentiful and the cenotes found across the region are among the most beautiful formations imaginable. Ik-Kil is one of these spectacular cenotes and is located right by Chichen Itza. These giant limestone sinkholes are deep and filled with clear turquoise water, perfect to cool down in after a long day of exploring Mayan ruins. A day trip to the Ik-Kil from Cancún is an ideal way of creating a space to unwind and recharge before you head back home.
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The natural wonders of Yucatán are plentiful and the cenotes found across the region are among the most beautiful formations imaginable. Ik-Kil is one of these spectacular cenotes and is located right by Chichen Itza. These giant limestone sinkholes are deep and filled with clear turquoise water, perfect to cool down in after a long day of exploring Mayan ruins. A day trip to the Ik-Kil from Cancún is an ideal way of creating a space to unwind and recharge before you head back home.
Read Full Guide
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The natural wonders of Yucatán are plentiful and the cenotes found across the region are among the most beautiful formations imaginable. Ik-Kil is one of these spectacular cenotes and is located right by Chichen Itza.
These giant limestone sinkholes are deep and filled with clear turquoise water, perfect to cool down in after a long day of exploring Mayan ruins. A day trip to the Ik-Kil from Cancún is an ideal way of creating a space to unwind and recharge before you head back home.
Here's all you need to know about the Ik-Kil cenote, one of the most exciting day trips from Cancún.
How to get to the Ik-Kil cenote from Cancún?
Ik-Kil is about 190 kilometers southwest of Cancún, close to the center of the state of Yucatán.
From Cancun to the Ik-Kil cenote by car
The drive from Cancún to the Ik-Kil cenote is around 2.5 hours. Drive for 135 kilometers on the 180D and then turn left towards Valladolid, taking the 180 bypass around the town. Continue on the 180 for another 45 km until you reach the cenote.
Guided tour to the Ik-Kil cenote from Cancun
The best way to experience the beauty of Ik-Kil is with a guided tour. These tours stop at several notable historical and natural landmarks, offering much better value for money than just visiting the cenote on its own.
How much does the entrance ticket to the Ik-Kil cenote cost?
Entry to the Ik-Kil cenote is MXN 180 (US$10) and children under 12 can enter for free.
What is the typical itinerary?
An excursion to the Ik-Kil cenote from Cancún is paired with other significant attractions in the area. You will leave your hotel around 7 AM and head to Chichen Itza for the first tour of the day.
Spend more than 2 hours on a guided tour of this sacred site and roam freely on your own to see more of its intricate details. Take a short drive to Ik-Kil cenote and swim in its refreshing clear water before lunch and a short visit to Valladolid.
There are also longer tours that replace the Valladolid visit with a tour to Ek Balam instead. These tours are all available as part of a group package or as a private tour with a more flexible itinerary.
What kinds of tours are available to go to the Ik-Kil cenote?
Whether you prioritize privacy or value for money, there is an Ik-Kil day trip option for every type of traveler.
Day trip to Ik-Kil cenote plus Chichen Itza from Cancún
A day trip to the Ik-Kil cenote from Cancun is always combined with another captivating historical stop. The most popular option is to visit Chichen Itza before taking a dip in the beautiful waters of Ik-Kil.
The two locations are close together and make for the ideal day trip combination from Cancun. These tours include a delectable lunch, hotel pick-up and a few short stops along the way.
Day tour to Ik-Kil Cenote plus Chichen Itza and Hubiku Cenote from Cancún
The most comprehensive day tour to Ik-Kil includes a visit to two of the best cenotes in the area. Both Ik-Kil and Hubiko are magnificent cenotes, showcasing the wonders of the Yucatán Peninsula.
These two swimming adventures follow an in-depth tour of Chichen Itza, where you will explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Private tour to Ik-Kil cenote from Cancún
Private day tours to Ik-Kil are among the most popular options. You will visit Chichen Itza and either Valladolid or Ek Balam, with private tours giving you the luxury of setting your own pace.
Lunch is also a more intimate affair and you have a private guide ushering you around, feeding you valuable information along the way. These tours are perfect for families or small groups, or simply travelers who value a luxury experience.
2-Day tour to Ik-Kil cenote from Cancún
The Yucatán Peninsula has several treasured locations and travelers who want to fully experience them all can choose a private 2-day tour. On the first day, you will visit Chichen Itza and the Ik-Kil Cenote and spend the night in Merida. On day two, you will have a city tour of Merida before exploring Uxmal on your way back to Cancún.
How much does a day trip to Ik-Kil from Cancún cost?
The most popular day tour to Ik-Kil from Cancún is one that includes a tour to Chichen Itza. These group tours cost around US$80 per person and include your entry fees and lunch. The more comprehensive option that also includes the Hubiko cenote costs around US$130 per person.
Private tours start from US$450 per person and include both Chichen Itza and Ek Balam before and after your visit to Ik-Kil cenote.
A 2-day tour of the Yucatán Peninsula costs US$800 per person and includes accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Merida.
What will you see and do?
Ik-Kil cenote is a picturesque limestone sinkhole with a deep turquoise pool at the bottom. There are several viewing platforms to see the hole from the top as you wind your way down the stairs to the basin. Once at the bottom, you can swim in the refreshing water. It is more than 40 meters deep and you can dive from the platforms on the side of the sheer rock face.
Ik-Kil cenote is only one stop on an adventure-filled day tour from Cancún. You will visit ancient Mayan ruins, eat a hearty local lunch and explore the lush forests of Yucatán.
What are the opening times?
Ik-Kil cenote is open every day between 8 AM and 5 PM.
When is the best time to visit the Ik-Kil cenote?
The best time to visit the Ik-Kil cenote is October to early December and then from February to March, when the weather is great and it is not as crowded. The busiest time of the year is December and January, while September is the rainiest.
Are there any tours to Ik-Kil Cenote from other cities in Mexico?
Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Mexico:
Travel tips
- Bring your swimsuit and towel. There are locker rooms to change in at Ik-Kil cenote, keeping your valuables safe and dry.
- There is a significant amount of walking in the Mayan complexes, so wear comfortable shoes.
- If your tour includes lunch, inform your tour operator of any specific dietary requests.
- Carry cash in local currencies to attractions. They often don’t take cards and not all tours cover entry fees.