Santa Bárbara Cenotes, Acanceh, and Eknakan

Nestled near the quaint town of Acanceh lies a natural wonder that beckons visitors to explore. The Santa Bárbara Cenotes, with their crystal-clear waters, provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. But this destination offers more than just a relaxing swim – it’s a window into the rich history of the region, with the nearby Acanceh archaeological site and the unique Gothic architecture of the Eknakan church inviting you to uncover the captivating stories that lie within. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, this enchanting locale promises to leave you intrigued and eager to discover more.

Key Points

1. The tour includes a visit to the Acanceh archaeological site, where guests can discover the history of the Mayan city during a guided tour.
2. Visitors can explore the Eknakan church, which is notable for its Gothic architectural style, as part of the excursion.
3. One-hour swim in the stunning Santa Bárbara cenotes is offered for refreshment and relaxation during the tour.
4. The tour package includes round-trip transportation, a regional lunch at a local restaurant, and the accompaniment of a certified bilingual guide.
5. An optional add-on is available to visit the Cenote Homun, which provides a unique swimming experience in a natural limestone cave pool.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour takes visitors on an immersive experience through the captivating Mayan history and natural wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Priced at $115.10 per person, the 10-hour excursion allows guests to explore the archaeological site of Acanceh, visit the Eknakan church, and swim in the stunning Cenotes Santa Bárbara.

Led by certified bilingual guides, the tour offers round-trip transportation, regional lunch, and optional access to Cenote Homun.

Guests must meet at the designated meeting point near the San Ildefonso Cathedral on Sundays, as street closures in Mérida impact normal pick-up locations.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a comprehensive and flexible way to discover the region’s cultural and natural treasures.

Itinerary

The tour begins at the starting location of C. 60 61 in Acanceh.

Participants will embark on a guided tour of the Archaeological Zone of Acanceh, exploring the history of this Mayan city for about an hour.

Next, they’ll visit the Eknakan church, admiring its Gothic influence for around 15 minutes.

The highlight of the day is a one-hour swim at the Cenote Santa Bárbara, where visitors can refresh themselves.

After the cenote visit, the tour returns to the starting point at C. 60 61.

Highlights

Guests can discover the rich history of the Mayan city of Acanceh during the guided tour, learning about the ancient civilization that once thrived in the region.

They’ll also visit the Eknakan church, which features a Gothic architectural influence.

The main highlight, though, is swimming in the stunning Santa Bárbara cenotes, natural sinkholes where travelers can take a refreshing dip.

After the swim, guests will enjoy a regional lunch at a local restaurant, seeing the local culinary culture.

Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip transportation, providing a convenient and hassle-free way for guests to reach the various sites.

Access to the Cenotes Santa Bárbara is also included, allowing visitors to swim and cool off in these stunning natural wonders.

The tour also covers visits to the Archaeological Zone of Acanceh and the Eknakan Church, giving guests insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

A certified bilingual guide accompanies the group throughout the tour, sharing their expertise.

A regional lunch at a local restaurant is also part of the package, giving travelers a taste of the local cuisine.

Optionally, guests can add on a visit to the Cenote Homun for an additional $9.

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Important Information

Individuals with back problems may find the tour unsuitable, as the activities involved can be physically demanding.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. A minimum of 3 participants is required for the tour to proceed.

On Sundays, some streets in Mérida are closed, and transportation isn’t provided from hotels; clients must arrive at the meeting point near the San Ildefonso Cathedral.

The official meeting point is the Sol Turquesa Office, located at C. 60 498, Centro, Mérida, and the contact number is +529982421106.

Getting to the Meeting Point

Arriving at the designated meeting point is crucial for the smooth start of the tour.

The official meeting point is at the Sol Turquesa Office, located at C. 60 498 in the Centro district of Mérida. Clients must arrive at this meeting point, as transportation isn’t provided from hotels.

On Sundays, some streets in Mérida may be closed, so it’s important to plan accordingly and arrive at the meeting point near the San Ildefonso Cathedral.

The tour requires a minimum of 3 participants, so it’s essential to coordinate with the tour operator to ensure the tour proceeds as scheduled.

Contact Information

To get in touch with the tour operator, clients can contact the Sol Turquesa Office at +529982421106.

The office provides the following contact information:

1. Phone number: +529982421106 for inquiries and booking.
2. Address: C. 60 498, Centro, Mérida, the official meeting point for the tour.
3. Operating hours: Unknown, but clients should confirm availability prior to visiting.
4. Email: None provided, so phone is the primary method of contact.

Clients should use this information to coordinate their tour details and address any questions or concerns before the excursion.

Optional Add-On

For an additional $9 per person, visitors can opt to visit the Cenote Homun.

This stunning natural pool, formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave, offers a unique swimming experience. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or explore the crystal-clear waters and admire the impressive rock formations.

The cenote is surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a serene and picturesque environment. Visitors should bring appropriate swimwear, towels, and water shoes to fully enjoy this optional addition to the tour.

The Cenote Homun provides an opportunity to further take in the natural beauty of the region and is a perfect complement to the other activities included in the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

This tour may not be suitable for young children. The itinerary includes activities not recommended for kids, such as swimming in cenotes. It’s best suited for adults and older children who can participate in the physical activities safely.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour allows guests to bring their own food and drinks, but it’s best to avoid alcohol and non-biodegradable items. The included regional lunch is part of the experience, so bringing your own meal isn’t necessary.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

No, there doesn’t seem to be any discounts mentioned for seniors or students on this tour. The price listed is $115.10 per person, and it doesn’t indicate any special pricing for those groups.

Can I Extend My Time at the Cenotes?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary doesn’t allow for extended time at the cenotes. The 1-hour swim is part of the set schedule. Extending your time would require booking a separate cenote visit, which isn’t included in this tour package.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Any Historical Context?

The tour guides provide historical context during the guided tour of the Archaeological Zone of Acanceh, where they’ll explain the history and significance of the Mayan city. They also offer insights into the Gothic-influenced Eknakan church.

Recap

The Santa Bárbara Cenotes, Acanceh archaeological site, and Eknakan church offer a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear cenote waters, explore the Mayan ruins, and admire the unique Gothic architecture, creating an unforgettable experience for history and nature enthusiasts. This destination’s diverse attractions make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a refreshing and enriching escape.

You can check if your dates are available here: