Hotels near Cenotes of the Riviera Maya

The Yucatán sits on a vast network of cenotes - freshwater sinkholes in the limestone that the Maya considered sacred. Within an hour of Cancún, the Ruta de los Cenotes near Puerto Morelos and the cenotes around Playa del Carmen let you swim, snorkel and zipline in crystalline, jungle-shaded pools. Options range from open swimming holes to cathedral-like caverns hung with stalactites. Cool, otherworldly and refreshing, they are the perfect antidote to a hot day of ruins.

Pro Tip: Rinse off all sunscreen and insect repellent before entering, as chemicals harm the delicate ecosystem; go on a weekday morning to have the quieter cenotes almost to yourself.