Tulum’s Sacred Cenotes: How to Visit With Respect

Tulum, Mexico — Beyond their tourist appeal, Tulum’s cenotes represent a living legacy of Mayan cosmology, where the connection to nature and spirituality remains present in every drop of crystal-clear water. These bodies of water, formed over thousands of years of geological history, are considered sacred spaces and portals to the spiritual world by the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region.

To this day, visitors and locals alike agree that immersing oneself in a cenote is an experience that transcends the physical—an intimate encounter with the earth, the energy of the surroundings, and oneself.

In this context, municipal authorities have called for experiencing these sites with mindfulness and respect.

“The water, the nature, the energy of the cenotes—everything here feels sacred. We are fortunate to live in such a magical place,” said Diego Castañón, municipal president of Tulum, who also emphasized the shared responsibility of preserving this natural heritage.

“Preserving this beauty depends on us: avoid using sunscreen, protect the flora and fauna, and never leave trash behind. The most valuable thing about Tulum is what we care for with love,” he stated.

The message not only seeks to raise awareness about the ecological value of these ecosystems but also to highlight their cultural and spiritual significance. Under the campaign #RaícesSagradasTulum (#SacredRootsTulum), both tourists and residents are invited to visit cenotes with reverence, allowing the environment to become a space for inner renewal.

With increasing tourist traffic, the challenges of preserving cenotes grow. However, the municipal government is promoting a vision that centers respect for nature as the foundation for sustainable and balanced development.

Visiting Tulum’s cenotes, then, is not merely a recreational experience but an opportunity to reconnect with ancestral roots and commit to protecting a natural legacy that belongs to all.