Xenotes Tour: The 4 Cenotes, What's Included, Price and What to Bring (2027)
November 3, 2026 · 5 min read
Xenotes is Grupo Xcaret's cenote tour: in a single day you visit four different cenotes (natural freshwater sinkholes), with a different activity at each one, such as assisted rappelling, ziplining, kayaking, or swimming. It's one of the best ways to see the cenotes of the Riviera Maya without having to organize a thing. In this guide we'll show you what the four cenotes are like, what the tour includes, how much it costs, and what to bring.
Quick Answer
- What it is: a full-day tour of about 9 hours to four different types of cenotes: open, semi-open, cavern, and ancient.
- Activities: assisted rappelling, ziplines, kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling.
- Includes: round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, all equipment, a light welcome breakfast, a picnic-style lunch with drinks, and a towel.
- Price with us: from 165 USD per adult and 125 USD per child (list price).
- Days: Monday through Saturday.
The 4 Cenotes of Xenotes
Each cenote carries the Mayan name of an element of nature, and each one is a different type:
| Cenote | Element | Type | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lu'um | Earth | Cavern | The water sits inside a cave; you go down by assisted rappel. |
| Ha' | Water | Semi-open | Part of the roof has collapsed and light pours onto the water; ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. |
| K'áak' | Fire | Open | Vertical walls covered in vegetation, open to the sky. |
| Ik' | Wind | Ancient | A very old, lagoon-shaped cenote where you fly over the water on a zipline. |
The order and the exact activity at each cenote are set by the operator and may vary; your guide will explain the route when you arrive.
What Does the Xenotes Tour Include?
- Round-trip transportation.
- Bilingual guide.
- Visits to four types of cenotes.
- Equipment: life jacket, snorkel gear, rappelling gear, kayak, and inner tube.
- Welcome coffee, hot chocolate, and Mexican sweet bread.
- Non-alcoholic drinks and fruit during the tour.
- Picnic-style lunch ("Glam Picnic") with water, coffee, wine, and beer.
- Restrooms, changing rooms, and a towel.
Tour photos are not included, but you can buy them at the end by card or in cash.
Xenotes Price
| List price | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 165 USD |
| Child | 125 USD |
List prices per person as of November 2026, with round-trip transportation. There are often promotions, so check the current price on the Xenotes Tour page. We compare Xenotes with the group's other parks in our guide to Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, and Xenses prices.
What to Bring to Xenotes
- Swimsuit (you can show up already wearing it).
- Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent: cenotes are fragile ecosystems, and only products that don't pollute them are allowed.
- Water shoes: they help when getting in and out of the cenotes.
- A towel and a change of dry clothes for the ride back.
- A card or cash if you want to buy the tour photos.
- A waterproof phone case, if you want to carry your phone during the tour.
Who Is Xenotes For?
- Nature lovers who want to see several types of cenotes in one day.
- Anyone looking for moderate adventure: the rappelling is assisted and the ziplines run over water, so no experience is needed.
- Couples and groups of friends who prefer a calmer, more natural day than a big park.
- Families with kids who can swim or feel comfortable in the water with a life jacket. Confirm age and height restrictions when you book.
Xenotes vs. Xplor and Other Cenote Tours
- Xenotes: four natural, open-air cenotes, with activities at each one and a picnic. Calmer and more natural.
- Xplor: an adventure park with ziplines, amphibious vehicles, and swimming in underground rivers. More adrenaline. Read Xplor vs. Xplor Fuego.
- Tulum and Casa Tortuga: combines the Tulum ruins with the four cenotes at Casa Tortuga.
- Chichén Itzá + Cenote Combo: if you want a cenote as part of a day of Mayan culture.
If cenotes are your thing, check out the best cenotes in the Riviera Maya and more ideas in things to do in Cancun.
Tips for Your Day at Xenotes
- Book ahead: groups are limited and the tour doesn't run on Sundays.
- Eat a light breakfast: there's sweet bread and coffee when you arrive, and lunch comes after several activities.
- Follow your guide's instructions on the rappel and the ziplines.
- Don't use regular lotions or repellents before getting in the water.
- Take your time: the tour is designed for spending time at each cenote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Xenotes?
It's a Grupo Xcaret tour that visits four different types of cenotes (open, semi-open, cavern, and ancient), with assisted rappelling, ziplines, kayaking, and swimming.
How much does Xenotes cost?
With us, the list price is 165 USD per adult and 125 USD per child, with transportation, equipment, a light breakfast, and lunch included.
Which cenotes does Xenotes visit?
Lu'um (Earth), Ha' (Water), K'áak' (Fire), and Ik' (Wind): one cavern cenote, one semi-open, one open, and one ancient.
How long is the Xenotes tour?
It's a full-day tour of about 9 hours, including transportation.
Do you have to know how to swim?
You always wear a life jacket, but it's more comfortable if you feel confident in the water. If you have any concerns, let us know when you book.
Book Your Day at Xenotes
Four cenotes, four adventures, and a picnic in the jungle: book the Xenotes Tour with round-trip transportation and all equipment included. If you have any questions, send us a message.
