Calle 39 x 34 and 36, C. 39, Sta Ana, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
The name Zaki (“White Hawk”) comes from the Maya settlement that once stood there. This is the place where the Kapul clan fought against the first conquistadors. Nearby, Valladolid was later founded. This cenote was once the city’s water source. The turquoise-blue waters gently wash this picturesque cenote, surrounded by lush vegetation.
The cenote is located in a partially collapsed cave. The cave is about 45 meters in diameter and 80 meters deep. There are several stalactites on the cave ceiling. A sloping passage with a staircase carved into the rock leads down to the water. It is larger in size and more open than most other cenotes. The flora around the cenote includes poplars, ferns, philodendrons, and orchids. The fauna includes swallows, bats, catfish, dragonflies, beetles, and snails. The stones inside the cave on the outside are covered with algae and moss. The water depth ranges from 25 to 30 meters in shallow areas and 100 meters at the deepest point. Swimming is allowed but not encouraged, as there are no changing rooms. Additionally, proximity to sewage pipes deters some visitors from swimming. Some jump from the ledge into the water. At the top of the cenote, there is an open-air restaurant. Maya artifacts found there can be seen in the museum.
The Zaki cenote is located in the center of Valladolid, making it one of the most convenient cenotes to visit, yet tourists rarely come here, especially group tour participants. So early in the morning, you might be lucky, and the cenote will be entirely at your disposal. It is just a few blocks northeast from the main square, in the block formed by streets 34, 36, 37, and 39.
This is a great place to spend a few hours.
