Grutas Tzabnah

Cenote y Grutas Tzabnáh

Useful Information

Location:	Tecoh. 40 km from the city of Merida. At the old 184 which runs straight through town, south of the center, signposted. (20.730530, -89.474560)
Open:	All year daily 8-17. [2022]
Fee:
Classification:	Cenote
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided, VR=17 m.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Grutas Tzabnah, C. 28 107, Tecoh, 97820 Tecoh, Yucatan, Tel: +52-999-141-8770.
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History

Description

The Grutas Tzabnah is despite the name one of the thousands of cenotes on the Yucatan peninsula. Tzabnah is a Mayan word which means king's palace. It is a bathing spot for the locals with a long stone staircase leading down to the water. There are enough openings so the site is illuminated during the day, no light required. Bring swimsuit and towel.

Beneath the first cenote there are two more, which are connected by cave passages, Some sources talk about 13 cenotes of various sizes. We are actually unsure what they mean by cenotes in caves, lakes? Or rimstone pools? Actually cenote is a collapse doline which is open to the surface, has steep walls and water on the bottom. In this sense there is only one cenote here.

There are paths on the cave floor, trampled by the visitors, but no trails, railings, or electric light. If you want to see the other cenotes you might do so, but you will need a lamp and walking shoes, a little climbing is required. The site is run by an ejido group, which provides maintenance of the facilities and a helmet, headlamp and guide if you want to explore.

One day a Mayan prince kidnapped a princess. They took refuge in this cave. But they lost their way and were never heard of again.