Cenote San Ignacio, Cenote in Chocholá, Mexico
Cenote San Ignacio is a closed cenote inside a cave in Chocholá, Mexico. It has a blue water pool about 125 feet long and 65 feet wide, with a maximum depth of 20 feet, and you enter by a stone staircase from the side.
The cenote was discovered when a water well was dug, opening access to the underground chamber. Over time, the site grew into a tourist complex with a restaurant, pool, and cabins, while keeping the natural cave as its centerpiece.
The name San Ignacio comes from the hacienda that once stood here, and today the place blends a natural cenote with a heart-shaped pool and a green river. Visitors can swim in the main cave, relax in hammocks, or dine in a restaurant that serves Yucatecan dishes like poc chuc and cochinita.
The site is easy to reach from Mérida by car, and the walk down to the water is short but the steps can be slippery. It is best to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, and remember to bring a towel and avoid sunscreen before swimming.
A ceiba tree stands on the grounds and is considered sacred in Maya culture, representing the connection between the sky, earth, and underworld. The cenote also has a heart-shaped pool, which makes it a popular spot for proposals and romantic photos.
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