Two enormous sinkholes rimmed by jungle sit beside the village of Miguel Colorado, run as a community ecotourism centre. The basic package covering kayak hire and a life jacket for swimming costs about 75 MXN (approx. USD 4.41), while the full package including the zipline circuit costs about 150 MXN (approx. USD 8.82); some operators bundle guided walks, kayaks and ziplines for around 250 MXN (approx. USD 14.71). The main zipline crosses the cenote about 90 m above the water over a span of roughly 250 m, and howler monkeys are regularly heard on the surrounding trails.
The Cenotes de Miguel Colorado lie about 110 km southeast of San Francisco de Campeche, roughly 1h 45m by rental car via Highway 180 to Champotón and then the inland Escárcega road, with a signed turn-off past the village of Xbacab leading to the community ecotourism centre; the site is also about 30 minutes from Champotón town and 20 minutes from Escárcega, making it a reasonable stop for travellers already headed toward Xpujil or Calakmul. Two enormous jungle-rimmed sinkholes form the centre of the visit, one used mainly for swimming and kayaking, the other crossed by a zipline circuit that carries riders about 90 m above the water over a span of roughly 250 m. A typical visit begins with the basic package of kayak hire and a life jacket for a swim in the cooler cenote, followed by the zipline circuit for those wanting the adrenaline option, with community guides leading short jungle walks between the two sinkholes where howler monkeys are regularly heard, if not always seen, in the canopy. The site opens daily 09:00-17:00, and a late-morning arrival avoids both the coolest water temperatures of early morning and the midday sun on the open platforms around the cenotes. There is no restaurant on site, so visitors typically bring food or stop in Champotón or Escárcega before or after the visit; the dry season from November to April keeps trails between the cenotes firm and reduces the chance of the access road turning muddy after rain.
How to get there
- Rental car - the only reliable way in and out on the same day
- ADO or SUR bus to Champotón or Escárcega, then a local taxi
- Guided day tour from Campeche city or Escárcega
- Tren Maya to Escárcega station, then a hired taxi for the 20-minute drive
Location
Centro Ecoturístico Cenotes de Miguel Colorado, Miguel Colorado, Municipio de Champotón, Campeche
18.7852, -90.6556 View on map
Highlights
- Swim in two enormous jungle-rimmed sinkholes run as a community ecotourism centre
- Cross the 250 m zipline circuit roughly 90 m above the water
- Hear howler monkeys on the jungle trails connecting the two cenotes
- Kayak the calmer of the two sinkholes
- Support a community-run operation rather than a private concession
Tips for visiting
- Bring cash for the entrance packages, since the site is community-run without card facilities
- Arrive by rental car, since it is the only reliable way in and out on the same day
- Pack food and water, as there is no restaurant on site
- Combine the stop with Champotón or a longer trip toward Xpujil and Calakmul given its position along the inland route
- Bring water shoes, as the cenote edges can be slippery limestone
When to visit
November through April keeps access roads and jungle trails firmest; a late-morning arrival avoids both the coolest early water and the midday sun on the open platforms.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit the cenotes?
A basic package with kayak hire and a life jacket costs about 75 MXN, a package including the zipline costs about 150 MXN, and some operators bundle guided walks, kayaks and ziplines for around 250 MXN.
Is the zipline safe for beginners?
Yes, guides run the circuit for visitors of varying experience, though the 90 m height above the water may not suit those uncomfortable with heights.
What time does the site open?
The community ecotourism centre is open daily 09:00-17:00.
Can the cenotes be combined with other Campeche day trips?
Yes, the site sits on the inland route toward Escárcega and Xpujil, making it a convenient stop for travellers continuing south.