What is a Cenote?
(pronouced Ce-No-Tay)
This is a cenote...a limestone erosion or collapse creating a cave or a sinkhole of water.
Mexico is dotted with them...open and closed.
In the US we call them Blue Holes, and have several.
The cenote above is one of the most popular and is called Ik Kil. It is known for the array of flowering plants and vines that trail over its edge and its clear blue water...perfect for an afternoon dip and escaping the hot sun.
Once used as a water source for the Mayans...as well as a place for human sacrifice to the rain god, Chaac.
They were known as the Gateway to the Dead.
Some of these are quite deep and gold, silver, jade and many human remains have been found by archeologists.
The water can be freshwater, salt water or a combination of both...a many types of marine life and fish are found in them.
Cenotes
https://youtu.be/kTY9Ou1Xyho
They can range from very small to open and sprawling, and the water remains a cool 77 degrees.
Diving Cenotes
https://youtu.be/rmnQLcOMz50
Ik Kil is also close to the next tourist attraction we will visit...
The Mayan Ruins.
Until next time...