While staying at Hip Hotel you’d probably won’t think of anything else than enjoying the Tulum beach, but if you wanna go out for an adventure, one of the most recommended activities to do in Tulum is to visit the cenotes. Sure you’ve heard the word before; Yeah… but what are those, right? Well, cenotes are freshwater natural sinkholes that were once sacred places for the ancient Mayan civilization, so if you’re visiting any of the archaeological sites near Tulum or the Riviera Maya you may find cenotes closer than you may think. Most of these cenotes are open for visitors, who can swim, snorkel or dive in the crystal waters or explore the caverns. It is known that in some cenotes, explorers, and archeologists have found vessels and utensils that the ancient Mayans used for their sacred rituals. Sounds amazing, right? , So if you’re wondering of which are the best Things to do in Tulum, we definitely recommend visiting at least one, we’re sure you ’ll have a blast with your family, couple or friends. Here’s our pick of the top 5 cenotes near Tulum that you must visit when you come to paradise!

1.- AKTUN HA. The snorkeling area in this gorgeous cenote is about 5 meters deep, while the cavern -which is only accessible to divers with an authorized guide- reaches up to 15 meters deep. This cenote is connected by underground caverns with the Zacil Ha cenote It has a platform that allows both children and adults, to have fun diving into the water During Summer, a thin layer of algae turns the bottom green c and it is possible to spot turtles and fish. You can easily see the beautiful and large stalactite formation when snorkeling You can also see sunken trees and aquatic plants, making it more captivating. The light that passes through the layer of algae creates a unique effect forming different shades of greenish-blue water, it is undoubtedly one of the best cenotes in the Tulum are. Find this cenote 8 kilometers from Tulum, on the road to Coba.

2.- ZACIL-HA. Its name means "clear water". It was discovered 30 years ago and since then it has undergone through several changes to become an eco-touristic complex. With a depth between 2.5 to 3 meters and green crystal clear waters, Its edges are covered with a wooden floor so that you can admire its beauty from any point without fear of slipping. The Zacil-Ha cenote is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. For those who love diving (one of the best activities in Tulum), this cenote has a cave that leads to a chamber called "Las Lágrimas" (“the tears”) for its stalactites in the shape of water drops. Its depth ranges from 8 to 35 meters deep, and it’s connected by a cave system with other cenotes such as Aktun-Ha. In addition (like if you needed more) there’s a pool, changing rooms, a restaurant-bar, cabins, bathrooms, a parking area, and diving equipment available for rent, making it one of the most complete attractions in the areaThe Zacil Ha cenote is located at10 km from Tulum, on the road to Cobá.

3.- GRAN CENOTE. This spectacular cenote is located only a couple of kilometers from Tulum and is one of the most popular in the area. Perfect for snorkeling and diving, this almost perfect circular cenote is home to wonderful stalagmites and stalactites, as well as refreshing and crystalline water. With a depth of approximately 9 meters, swimming in this cenote is something really memorable that you shouldn’t miss during your next vacation in Tulum.

4.- CENOTE DOS OJOS. A tour of the Dos Ojos Cenote is the perfect way to have an unforgettable diving experience. Located just north of Tulum, its name refers to the two “mouths” that form this cenote. This underwater caverns system is one of the longest in the world and has crystal clear waters and an impressive sunken hole, called "Cenote Pit", with almost 121 meters of depth, making it a diver’s paradise One of the highlights of the Dos Ojos cenote is that it is home for a large resident population of bats. CENOTE ESCONDIDO. As the name says, this gorgeous cenote is hidden among the jungle vegetation and can be reached only after a long walk or by driving an ATV or a SUV. For those that love having fun jumping into the crystal waters, This cenote has a wood and rocks 4 meters high platform, for that purpose. You can also explore some of its underwater caves. If swimming is not your thing, you can relax under the palapa, while enjoying the impressive natural beauty.

So now you know! Visiting cenotes is one of the best things to do in Tulum, no doubt about it. Ask your concierge about the best way to get to all of these impressive cenotes near Tulum.