Cenote Zací
Cenote Zací (Spanish pronunciation: [seˈnote saˈki]) is a cenote located in the city of Valladolid, Yucatán.[1]
The name Zací (“White Hawk”) comes from the Mayan settlement that was located there.[1][2] It is where the Capul clan fought against the first conquistadors.[2] Valladolid was later founded in 1543.[3] The cenote was once the city’s water source.[4]
The cenote is in a partially collapsed cavern.[3] The cave is 150 feet across and 260 feet deep.[1] There are some stalactites on the ceiling of the cave.[3] There is a sloped passage with stairs carved from the rock that lead down to the water.[1] It is larger and more open than most other cenotes.[1][3] The flora around the cenote include poplars, ferns, philodendrons, and orchids.[3] The fauna include swallows, bats, catfish, dragonflies, beetles, and snails.[3] The rocks inside the cave have algae and moss on the outside.[3] The water depth is 25 to 30 meters in the shallow areas and 100 meters in the deepest area.[3] Swimming is allowed.[2] However, it is not encouraged since there are no changing rooms.[2] Furthermore, the proximity to sewer pipes discourages some visitors from swimming.[1] Some jump off a ledge into the water.[1] There is an open-air restaurant at the top of the cenote.[2][5] Mayan artifacts can be found at a museum.[5]
Its urban location makes it unique amongst other cenotes.[1] It is located only a few blocks northeast from the main plaza.[1][2] It is on the block formed by Calles 34, 36, 37, and 39.[2]
There is an entrance fee, which was M$ 60 per adult and M$ 30 per child in 2024 (July).
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Cenote Zací". Atlas Obscura. 2015-02-26. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
- ^ a b c d e f g Guides, R. (2011). The Rough Guide to Cancun and the Yucatan: Includes the Maya Sites of Tabasco & Chiapas. Rough Guide to... Rough Guides. p. 155. ISBN 978-1-4053-8260-1. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Zací". Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán (in Spanish). Retrieved 2021-12-08.
- ^ Rider, N. (2013). Top 10 Cancun and Yucatan. EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDES. DK Publishing. p. 197. ISBN 978-1-4654-0599-9. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
- ^ a b Grimsrud, J.M. (2013). Yucatan for Travelers - Side Trips: Valladolid to Tulum. Lulu.com. p. 16. ISBN 978-1-300-65412-4. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
