Let’s be honest… If you are going to visit the Yucatan you probably are going to want to visit cenotes. Cenote Santa Barbara is your best bet since you can experience FOUR different types of cenotes in ONCE visit.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before going: how it works once you arrive, what to bring, and how to make your trip even easier by booking a tour.
What to Expect at Cenote Santa Bárbara
Cenote Santa Bárbara isn’t just one cenote, it’s actually four cenotes located on the same property. When you pay the entrance fee, you get access to all of them. Once in, you can move between them.
Once in, the adventure begins and you get to choose if you want to ride a bike to the cenotes, or take the tram that looks like neat little train.
The cenotes all have their own unique features:
Cenote Cascabel – A closed underground cenote with dramatic cave walls and cool, refreshing water.
Cenote Chacsikin – A semi-open cenote with natural light streaming in, perfect for photos.
Cenote Xooch’ – An open cenote surrounded by greenery, ideal for a long swim.
Pool Cocom – Recently added open cenote with waterfall. Features easy access stairs and an elevator.
After swimming, you can enjoy a traditional Yucatecan lunch at the on-site restaurant, which offers both meat and vegetarian options.
*Upon entrance you will be given the option to purchase tickets with or without lunch included. The Food is delicious and I definitely recommend eating there. Check with Cenote Santa Barbara for current pricing or book a tour from Merida from a trusted tour operator.
How to Get There
By car: Driving from Mérida to Homún takes about 1 hour. There’s parking at the entrance to Santa Bárbara.
By colectivo (shared van): From Mérida, colectivos to Homún leave from the Noreste bus station area. Tell the driver you’re going to Cenote Santa Bárbara and they’ll drop you at the entrance.
By tour: The most convenient option if you don’t want to deal with transport or logistics.
From Horse-Pulled Troca to Modern Train
For years, visitors were transported between the cenotes by a troca, a rustic cart pulled by horses along rail tracks. While it was a charming tradition, Santa Bárbara has now upgraded to a motorized train.
The train follows the same tracks but is faster, more comfortable, and animal-friendly. You can also choose to ride a bicycle if you prefer to explore the grounds on two wheels.
Both the train and bicycles are included with the cost of entry but tips are appreciated.
What to bring
Swimsuit and towel (wear your swimsuit under your clothes for quicker entry)
Water shoes or sandals with grip
Refillable water bottle
Cash (for entrance fee, food, or tips)
Camera with waterproof case or GoPro (cenotes are stunning for photos!)
Note: Sunscreen and bug spray are not allowed in the water, to help protect the cenote’s delicate ecosystem. Lockers are also available for an extra fee. Once you get to the cenote entrance, there is also a spot to set some items however it is public access.
Final Tips
- REALLY don’t use sunscreen. It ruins the very ecosystem that makes this place special.
- There are lockers on the grounds you can rent.
- There are restrooms and showers along the way
- There are places to buy snacks and drinks along the grounds so bring some pesos.
- Tips along the way are appreciated.
Booking a Tour to Cenote Santa Bárbara
If you’d rather not figure out transportation or worry about colectivos, booking a guided tour from Mérida is the easiest way to visit.
Most tours include:
Pickup and drop-off from Mérida
Entrance to Santa Bárbara
The train or bike ride between cenotes
Time to swim in all four cenotes
Optional traditional Yucatecan lunch
