Cancun To Begin Regulating Cenote Tours

Image: Cenotes in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. (photo via Hoatzinexp/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: Cenotes in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. (photo via Hoatzinexp/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
by Valentín Fuentes
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Sat December 17, 2022

To ensure the safety of visitors, Mexico's Cancun Area Cenote Route will be strictly regulated starting in 2023.

According to the local authorities, the goal is to identify the establishments on the Cenote Route (about 25 miles from Cancun) and integrate them into the state's tourism services system. "The purpose is to give certainty as many establishments lack operating licenses and do not have civil protection permits," said Miguel Cámara Ruíz, director of Tourism at Puerto Morelos.

The Cenote Route is considered one of Quintana Roo's most attractive eco-tourist destinations. There are lots of different types of these natural wonders, including outdoor cenotes, caves, and the famous sacred cenotes of Maya culture that were considered sources of life because, in addition to providing water to the population, they were believed to be gateways for entry into another world and the center of communion with the gods.

Due to the geological composition, the Yucatan Peninsula's soil absorbs the rain's humidity by filtering the water, generating flooded caves.

Therefore, in addition to the regulations required of the establishments that administer them, the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico created a code for the protection and conservation of this archeological, historical, and paleontological cultural heritage so that owners and users know what actions should be taken to care for the cenotes properly.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Valentín Fuentes

Co Editor - Mexico & Latin America

Valentín Fuentes is a journalist who, over three decades of professional work, has ventured into various areas of communication...

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Every Island Tells a Story: Part 2 – Selling the Caribbean Through Immersive ExperiencesWednesday, August 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Continue the journey in the second installment of our Every Island Tells a Story webinar series. This...
Upcoming Webinar
The Art of Destination Recommendation: Alternative Destination Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, August 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
What if your next best sale is a destination your client hasn’t considered—and you’ve never visited?...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...
Upcoming Webinar
Every Island Tells a Story: Part 2 – Selling the Caribbean Through Immersive ExperiencesWednesday, August 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Continue the journey in the second installment of our Every Island Tells a Story webinar series. This...
Upcoming Webinar
The Art of Destination Recommendation: Alternative Destination Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, August 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
What if your next best sale is a destination your client hasn’t considered—and you’ve never visited?...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...