Did you know that the word “cenote” comes from the Mayan word “dzonot”? It means “hole with water”. Right here at Cenote of the Sun we are standing at such a hole. But this is no ordinary hole.
The Cenote of the Sun is a window into a hidden world. These natural sinkholes are filled with fresh water. They expose groundwater and the term “cenote” originated here on the Yucatán Peninsula. The ancient Maya used cenotes like this one for water and sometimes for sacred offerings.
Imagine this place 65 million years ago. The Yucatán Peninsula didn’t exist. This entire area was a coral reef below the ocean. Coral polyps created layers of calcium carbonate. This formed a massive limestone slab over time.
Then, the Chicxulub meteorite struck Mexico. It shifted the plates of Central America. The Yucatán Peninsula rose out of the water. Ice ages caused the sea level to rise and fall repeatedly. Each time the peninsula emerged rain mixed with carbon dioxide. Acid rain slowly dissolved the limestone.
Water flowed to the lowest point and tunnels formed. Some tunnels stretched up to 600 miles. Stalactites formed when drops of carbonic acid hung from the ceiling. It took about 1000 years to grow only 0.4 inches. Stalagmites grew from the minerals that dropped on the ground.
The sea level rose again flooding the peninsula. About 18000 years ago the caves filled with rainwater. It takes rainwater three to four days to filter through the limestone. This results in visibility of over 100 meters. Sections of the ceilings collapsed as the jungle grew heavier.
Here at Cenote of the Sun the capillary effect causes something special. Salt water runs inland creating a halocline. It is a separation of salt and fresh water. This is due to different temperatures and density. When diving in the fresh water looking down on the salt water, it appears reflective.
Cenotes were very important to the Maya. There are no rivers or lakes in the Yucatán. The Maya believed Cenotes like the Cenote of the Sun were the home of Chac Mool. Chac Mool watched over Xibalba the place of fear. Legend says he was reborn as a jaguar at dusk. To appease him the Maya made offerings. These offerings ranged from pots and jade to living sacrifices.
Another god was Kukulkaan. He was responsible for the fertility of the land. By the peak of Chichen Itza’s development the Maya had cleared so much jungle. The ecosystem was out of balance. They blamed Kukulkaan for this. This imbalance resulted in a long period of drought. It was the beginning of the end of the Mayan civilization.
The Alux spirits of light served the Mayan gods and goddesses. Legend says they swept through the cenotes at 5 PM daily. They turned off all the lights. Most cenotes are still privately owned by Mayan families. Most of them still close at 4:59 in the afternoon.
The Cenote of the Sun is more than just a swimming hole. It is a place of history mystery and Mayan legend. As you explore remember the stories of the past. Respect the natural beauty and cultural significance of this sacred place.