- About millions of years ago, the Yucatan peninsula was a massive reef until the sea level dropped, this peninsula eventually became a flat piece of limestone. The area is composed of a boatload of caves and sinkholes also known as cenotes. A cenote is an underground chamber or cave filled with permanent water, in other words, it is a natural sinkhole, whereby the ceiling of the cave has collapsed. There are different types of cenotes in Mexico, and the most common ones are the semi-open and open cenotes. The oldest cenotes are those, where the ceilings have already been collapsed, while the youngest ones are known as cave cenotes.
Mexico offers a plethora of beautiful cenote excursions, and Ik-Kil cenote is one of the magical places to visit. One can also combine an excursion by visiting the ancient Maya remnants of Chichen Itza to learn lots of interesting facts. Tucked 1.5 miles east of the majestic Chichén Itzá ruins, cenote Ik-Kil is a blissful sanctuary, where one can take a deep dive. What makes Ik-Kil magical is the light which filters in from above and thus illuminating the waterfalls. The long vines wrap their way around the edges of the cenote and hang down like a curtain, which makes this place more enticing.To reach down the sinkhole one will have to take the carved winding stone staircase, which leads down about 85 feet to the swimming platform. The cenote measures about 200 feet in diameter and is about 157 feet deep. From the swimming platform, daredevils can take a refreshing plunge. But before one can enter the sinkhole, rinsing off at the outdoor showers is important as this will prevent any unwanted chemicals from polluting the water ecosystem. Such action will not only preserve the ecosystem of the attraction but will also ensure its existence for future generations.