Traveler’s Guide to the Cenotes of Homún: The Best Spots You Need to Know About

If you’re visiting Mérida and looking for a fun, easy day trip that gets you out of the city and into the Yucatán countryside, Homún is the perfect choice. Just an hour southeast of Mérida, this small town is home to some of the best cenotes in the region — and compared to the more touristy areas around Tulum, the cenotes of Homún feel much more local, peaceful, and authentic.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting the cenotes of Homún, based on my own experience spending a full day exploring them.

What Is a Cenote?

Before we dive into the details (pun slightly intended), here’s a little background:

A cenote (pronounced seh-no-tay) is a natural sinkhole formed when limestone bedrock collapses, exposing groundwater underneath. The ancient Maya considered cenotes sacred, often using them for ceremonies and as a source of fresh water.

The Yucatán Peninsula is full of cenotes thanks to its unique geology, but Homún stands out — there are over 300 cenotes in the Homún area alone. Some are developed with facilities, while others feel wild and untouched. Either way, they offer a beautiful and refreshing way to experience a unique part of Mexico’s landscape and history.

Tips for Visiting the Cenotes of Homún

• Bring cash. Most cenotes charge a small entry fee, usually between 30–100 pesos, and card payments aren’t an option.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and ring dry undergarments for changing into later. Facilities for changing can be pretty basic.
• Biodegradable sunscreen is recommended. It protects the delicate ecosystems.
• Water shoes can be helpful. Some entrances are rocky or slippery.
• Plan for basic facilities. Don’t expect full restaurants, Wi-Fi, or big gift shops — part of the charm here is how low-key everything is.
• Go early or late. Midday is the hottest time and when tour groups are most likely to arrive.

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Where Is Homún?

Homún is a small town located about 50 km southeast of Mérida, easily accessible by car. It’s in the heart of what’s known as the “Cenote Ring” — an area of the Yucatán packed with sinkholes and underground rivers.

How to Get to the Cenotes of Homún

Driving yourself is the easiest option. Roads are well-paved and straightforward. You can rent a car in Mérida and make the trip in about an hour.

Alternatively, you can hire a driver or book a tour from Mérida if you don’t want to deal with logistics like I did.

How Many Days Do You Need to See the Cenotes of Homún?

You can visit several cenotes in a single day without rushing, making Homún a perfect day trip from Mérida. If you want to explore more thoroughly — or if you’re someone who likes a slow travel pace — you could stretch it to two days.

Best Time to Visit the Cenotes of Homún

The dry season (roughly November to March) is the best time to visit. The weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring.

That said, cenotes are open year-round, and visiting during the rainy season can mean fewer tourists — just pack a rain jacket and a flexible attitude.

What Is the Best Cenotes of Homún Tour?

While wandering around Mérida , I came across Tours Sol Turquesa, a small local operator located on the northeast corner of the main plaza. They don’t have an online presence — you’ll need to sign up in person — but the experience was excellent.

I booked their afternoon English-speaking tour for 1500 Mexican pesos (around $80 USD). It included transportation, a guide, entrance to several cenotes and a dinner homemade by the locals. If you prefer having logistics handled for you, I highly recommend it.

Can You Visit the Cenotes of Homún Without a Guide?

Yes — if you have a car, you can absolutely do a self-guided cenote tour. Signs are clear, and many cenotes are family-run businesses happy to welcome visitors.

A guide is helpful if you want local insights or prefer not to drive yourself.

Are the Cenotes of Homún Safe?

Generally, yes. Cenotes are safe if you follow common sense precautions. Use the stairs and platforms provided, watch your footing on wet surfaces, and respect any posted warnings.

A Guide to the Cenotes of Homún

Here’s a look at the cenotes and sites I visited, including a few tips you might not find elsewhere.

Aké Mayan Ruins

On the way to the cenotes of Homun, you should absolutely make a stop at the Aké Mayan ruins. The ruins date back to the Late Classic period (around 600–900 AD), although evidence suggests the site was inhabited as early as 300 AD. Aké was an important regional center, known for its extensive network of sacbeob — ancient raised stone roads that connected it to other major Maya cities. Unlike more famous sites like Chichen Itza, Aké remained relatively small and agricultural, focused on supporting local trade and farming.

The site isn’t huge, but the temples are incredible and it’s very peaceful — and surprisingly, you’re allowed to climb and explore freely, which is rare at larger ruins. The structures are set among towering trees and old haciendas, giving it a slightly forgotten, magical feeling. Entry is only 50 pesos ($3).

Chulul Cenote

After Aké, it’s about a 20-minute drive to the first cenote which should be on your list called Cenote Chulul. Entry is around 50 pesos.

When I arrived, I was incredibly surprised to find the place completely empty — a rare treat. A few locals were selling drinks and snacks outside, and a playful puppy was running around – it was perfect and only got better from there once we saw the cenote itself.

From above, it doesn’t look like anything special, but after climbing down the staircase the cenote opens up into a massive underground cave with crystal clear blue water. It felt a little surreal and was definitely one of those “is this real life?” moments.

A Hidden, Unnamed Cenote

From Chulul, we were told by our guide to pile into the back of a pickup truck (a common and fun way to reach remote cenotes). We started driving deep into the jungle to a cenote with no official name — it isn’t even on Google Maps.

The ride was bumpy but part of the adventure. When we arrived, there was just a small clearing in the forest and a narrow opening in the ground leading to a beautiful, hidden pool of water. No crowds, no facilities — just pure nature.

Wolpoch Cenote

Another 10-minute truck ride brought us to Wolpoch Cenote. Entrance is around 50 pesos.

This cenote was larger, set inside a wide, open cave with dramatic stalactites hanging overhead. Swimming here felt otherworldly.

Dinner in the Jungle

After a full afternoon of swimming and exploring, we ended the day with homemade salbutes and tacos cooked over an open fire by locals.

We ate surrounded by fairy lights strung through the trees, with a fire crackling nearby and nothing but the sounds of the jungle around us. No fancy setups, no trendy decor — just incredible food, fresh from the fire, and one of the most memorable meals of the trip.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cenote experience that feels authentic, relaxed, and slightly adventurous, Homún is absolutely worth your time. I would highly suggest booking the evening cenote tour with Tours Sol Turques in Mérida. It was excellent value and an adventure off the beaten path which felt very local.

Whether you explore independently or join a small group tour, spending a day swimming in the cenotes of Homún is a perfect way to experience a quieter, more natural side of the Yucatán Peninsula.