Ik Kil is close to Chichén Itzá
Swimming in a flash is a sacred, almost mystical experience. It’s strange, but after having visited one, you may understand why the Mayans believed that the cenotates were gateways to the beyond. Moreover, this Spanish word ( cenote ) comes from the Maya language, dz’onot which means "sacred well."
Cenotates are phenomena of natural origin, dolines or blows on the surface of the earth that formed when the ceiling of a cave filled with water collapsed. It is estimated that the Yucatán Peninsula, at Mexico , owns a few 10,000 cenotates ! The explanation of this high number of cenotates in the soil of the peninsula, consisting mainly of porous limestone.
Flickr – musket transient
Cenottes were the main source of fresh water for the ancient Mayan civilization. The Mayans believed that the cenotates were sacred and sometimes used them to make offerings, especially in the form of sacrifice. Indeed, valuable objects such as gold, jade and copper were thrown into the cenotates as an offering to the God of the rain maya, Chac (or Chaahk ). But human beings have also been sacrificed, young men most often.
You can visit Ik Kil returning from Chichén Itzá (which is only a few kilometers away). Ik Kil, or Holy blue note , has a depth of about 40 meters and the surface of the water is 26 meters below that of the earth. There is a staircase that leads to the basin, you just have to dip in the water!
Flickr – Jordi Joan Fabrega
The ideal is to get there early morning (or before 1 p.m.), to avoid tourist buses, as this note is quite famous given its location close to Chichén Itzá. Swimming in the water of Ik Kil is a happiness when there is no big world...
What's really nice in this flash, they're the ones lianes which hangs above the surface of the water as well as the small waterfalls that put atmosphere in this incredible natural place. In the water, do not be surprised to feel fish touching your feet, they are catfish.
Flickr – Jordi Joan Fabrega
Swim in Ik Kil is a really great experience (in this one or another of the peninsula). It’s refreshing and you can have fun. In the same day, after a visit to a former Mayan site, it is just exceptional.
There's a restaurant there. Nothing great, but it’s enough if you’re hungry. If you're going to Ik Kil And that this one is world black, think to keep an eye on your things. Don't touch the lianas , they are sacred and you will be reminded to order by the staff who handle the note if you touch them.
Flickr – Guillaume Capron
How to go to the Ik Kil Clip - Information
Here's exactly where Ik Kil is. When you get back from Chichén Itzá on Route 180, just turn right at kilometer 122.
Price for access to the Ik Kil note: Adult 70 Mexican pesos (4€), child 35 Mexican pesos (2€). Access to the note is from 8am to 5pm.
Have you been at the Ik Kil?
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