Sacred Cenote (Chichén Itzá)
The great ritual sinkhole of Chichén Itzá, about 60 m across with sheer walls dropping to the water some 27 m below the rim. Dredged by Edward Thompson in 1904–1923 and explored by INAH-led expeditions in the 1960s, it yielded thousands of offerings and human remains. It lies inside the federal archaeological zone and is a research site, not a recreational dive.
Facts
- Region: Mexico – Yucatán Cenotes (Mérida)
- Area: Valladolid – Chichén Itzá
- Level: advanced
- Current: low
- Type: cave
- Coordinates: 20.6877, -88.5677
- Highlights: archaeological deposit of Maya offerings and human remains, ~60 m wide sinkhole, water ~27 m below the rim, murky water
- Permit: Diving only within INAH-authorised archaeological projects (e.g. INAH/Gran Acuífero Maya research); not open to tourists.
- Issuer / contact: INAH – Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia
- Website: https://www.inah.gob.mx/
- only general address published: Insurgentes Sur 1940, Col. Florida, CDMX; see site Directorio
- Unverified: No current written INAH rule banning swimming/diving was found; the restriction follows from its status as an archaeological deposit in a federal zone.
- Tips: No recreational, cavern or cave diving: underwater work here is archaeological research under INAH authorisation only. Visit as part of the Chichén Itzá archaeological zone ticket – check current rules.