Cenote Azul, Natural sinkhole in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Cenote Azul is a natural sinkhole in Quintana Roo with a deep limestone basin filled with clear freshwater suitable for swimming and diving. The water reaches considerable depths and allows exploration both at the surface and beneath.
Formation of the cenote dates back millions of years when acidified rainwater dissolved the limestone bedrock, creating an extensive system of underground caves. This geological process shaped the Yucatán Peninsula and created the many water sources that define the region.
The Maya held this sinkhole as sacred, using it for ceremonies and water collection. Local communities today still connect the cenote to spiritual meanings that remain woven into regional conversations and customs.
Water access is through constructed staircases, with changing rooms and basic facilities near the main entrance. The site is relatively easy to access, though visitors should be aware that walkways can be slippery, especially when wet.
The cenote connects to the Ponderosa cave system, which contains distinctive geological formations where fresh and salt water create visible separation lines. This boundary zone between two different water bodies creates a striking phenomenon that divers can observe during exploration.
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