Cuzamá Cenote Circuit Trail

The Cuzamá Cenote Circuit Trail begins in the village of Chunkanán, reached by combi from Mérida's Noreste terminal to Cuzamá in about an hour, followed by a short local transfer to the cart cooperative that operates the route. The 8 km circuit is covered mostly by mule-drawn or motorized rail cart along a former henequen plantation line, with only short walking stretches, typically under 100 metres each, at the three cenote stops. There is no meaningful elevation change and no technical hiking difficulty, since the cart handles the bulk of the distance across flat former agricultural fields. At each cenote, Chelentún, Chansinic'che, and Bolonchoojol, the short footpaths from the cart stop to the water's edge are dirt or stone, and descent into the cenotes themselves is via wooden ladders through a narrow rock opening into a shaded underground chamber. Exposure along the rail line is high, with little shade across the open fields, while the cenote chambers themselves are cool and shaded. The three cenotes make natural stopping points, and most visitors complete all three before returning by cart to Chunkanán; there is no need to walk further than the ladders at each site. Bottled water is sold at the Chunkanán cart cooperative stand, but not at the cenotes themselves, so hikers should carry enough for the full circuit. Restrooms and changing areas are available near the cart departure point, though facilities at the cenotes themselves are minimal.