The Ruta de los Cenotes is the closest cenote area to Cancun, and it's where we work every day: our park is at km 18.5. If you want jungle, fresh water and adventure without a three-hour drive, this is the place to start.
Where is the Ruta de los Cenotes?
It's the paved road that runs inland from Puerto Morelos, the small coastal town between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, toward the village of Leona Vicario. The road is roughly 35 km long, and the cenotes and parks are mostly spread between around km 12 and km 25, on both sides of the road.
The "km" numbers you see on signs and websites count from the start of the road at Highway 307, so they're the easiest way to find each place.
How far is it from Cancun?
- Cancun Hotel Zone: around an hour to the middle of the route
- Cancun airport: less, as it's already south of the city
- Puerto Morelos: just a few minutes to the start of the road
- Playa del Carmen: around 30–40 minutes to Puerto Morelos, then inland
How to get there
By tour (easiest)
Most cenote and adventure tours on the route include round-trip transportation. Ours include pickup from Cancun and Puerto Morelos, and from Playa del Carmen on morning tours. You don't have to think about parking, cash for fuel or finding the entrances.
By rental car
The most flexible option if you want to visit several cenotes. Take Highway 307 to Puerto Morelos and turn inland at the signposted junction for Leona Vicario / Ruta de los Cenotes. Several sources mention a large map sign near the start of the road showing the cenotes and their km markers. Fill up before you leave the highway; services on the route are limited.
By taxi or colectivo
Possible, but harder. Taxis from Puerto Morelos can take you, but arrange the return trip in advance because there's little traffic to flag down. Colectivos (shared vans) run on the highway more than on the Ruta itself.
What can you do there?
The route is more than swimming. Depending on the park, you can:
- Swim and snorkel in open, semi-open and cave cenotes
- Zipline over the jungle and sometimes over the water
- Ride ATVs on jungle trails
- Go horseback riding
- Jump from platforms into cenotes
- Try a tequila tasting or a traditional Mayan snack
Which cenotes to visit
Some of the best-known names along the road include Las Mojarras (a huge open cenote near km 12.5), Siete Bocas (seven openings into a shaded cave pool, around km 17), Verde Lucero, La Noria (an underground cenote with wooden stairs), Boca del Puma and Kin Ha (larger adventure parks around km 16 and km 20). Our list of the 15 best cenotes near Cancun describes each one.
Most cenotes are privately or community owned and charge their own entrance fee, usually in cash. Prices and rules change, so check each one before you go.
Visiting our park at km 18.5
At Mayan Jungle Rush you can combine a jungle ATV ride, a 4-zipline circuit with suspension bridges, a cenote swim, horseback riding and a tequila tasting, depending on the tour. If you just want to swim, our cenote tour gives you 3 hours at the cenote.
Planning tips
- Go early. Mornings are cooler and the most popular cenotes are quieter.
- Bring cash in pesos. Many places don't take cards.
- Don't try to do too many. Two or three cenotes, or one park with activities, is plenty for a day.
- Pack properly: swimsuit, towel, water shoes, biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent for after your swim.
- Respect the water. Shower before swimming and don't use chemical products in the cenotes.
Combine it with Puerto Morelos
Finish your day in Puerto Morelos with fresh seafood by the beach and a look at the famous leaning lighthouse. See our guide to things to do in Puerto Morelos.
Frequently asked questions
How many cenotes are on the Ruta de los Cenotes?
There are dozens of cenotes and parks along the road, and guides often mention more than 60 in the wider area. Only some are open to visitors.
Is the Ruta de los Cenotes worth it?
If you want cenotes without a long drive from Cancun, yes. It's the closest cenote area to the Hotel Zone and has options for every style, from quiet swims to adventure parks.
Can you visit the Ruta de los Cenotes without a car?
Yes, on a tour with transportation included. Taxis are possible but you need to arrange the return trip.
Visit us at km 18.5
ATV, ziplines, cenote and horses on the Ruta de los Cenotes, with pickup from Cancun.
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