Chichén Itzá Dog Rescued From Sacred Cenote After Hours
Chichén Itzá, Yucatán — A dog was rescued from the Sacred Cenote at the Chichén Itzá archaeological site after spending several hours in the water, according to footage shared on TikTok.
The video, posted by user Sandy Tec, shows people inside the cenote searching for and pulling the animal to safety. The dog’s cries alerted workers at the site, who coordinated the rescue.
With authorization from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), personnel entered the restricted area to retrieve the dog. The animal was eventually brought out safe and sound, ending a tense scene for visitors.
Although the rescue may raise questions, swimming in the Sacred Cenote is not permitted. INAH restricts access to the site, which was used for ancient Maya ceremonies and offerings. Officials emphasized that the rescue was an extraordinary case and does not mean visitors can enter the water.
Visitors looking to swim in a cenote during a trip to Chichén Itzá can find other bodies of water outside the archaeological zone that are open to the public.
Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx
