Between the sea and the archaeological sites of the Riviera Maya are the cenotes: deep natural wells that have existed for at least hundreds of thousands of years. Cenotes are formed thanks to rains that wash away the limestone soil, causing a system of underground caverns*1. This process is slow and can take hundreds of years to create a cenote.
A simple way to know how old a cenote is is by its structure. If the cenote is completely exposed, it is ancient since its vault has collapsed due to precipitation; if a dome covers it, it is younger*1. Nowadays, these wells are popular tourist attractions and sources of local and national pride, but what is their story?
In the Mayan World: An Encounter of Life and Death
The Mayan civilization gave cenotes great symbolism. For them, they were the gateway to the underworld and a source of life since cenotes were the setting for various religious rituals to invoke abundance. For example, during the dry season, the Mayans performed rituals to request rain from the god Chaak, the Mayan god of water.
Evidence of Mayan rituals, such as jewelry, ceramic remains and utensils, animal bones, and even human remains belonging to human sacrifices*2, has been found at the bottom of the cenotes.
In the Modern World: A Reason to Fall in Love with the Riviera Maya
Nowadays, cenotes are a study subject for biologists and a unique tourist attraction for those who want to dip. It is common for them to have fauna such as fish, crustaceans, and some types of eels, as well as impressive stalactites that leave even the bravest breathless.
Some cenotes you can visit in Tulum and Playa del Carmen are:
- Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich
- Cenote Dos Ojos
- Cenote Carwash
- Cenote Nicte-Ha
- Cenote Azul
- And many, many more!
Invest in Paradise with Grupo Emerita
Grupo Emerita is a real estate developer with over 30 years of experience and 67 completed developments. If you are interested in investing in real estate or land in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, contact us, and we will help you achieve your goals.
We have projects such as apartments, studios, and villas in the most exclusive areas of the Riviera Maya. Discover and fall in love with our variety.
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