The natural feature known as cenote (a connection between the surface and a subterranean body of water) is very special to the Mexican region of the Yucatán Peninsula, which is dotted with thousands of these. The word “cenote” itself comes from Yucatec Mayan, the country’s second most widely spoken indigenous language and was originally ts’onot.

Palomitas is one of the least known of these cenotes and is far from other tourists routes. Additionally, it’s one of Mexico’s cenotes that is mostly a complete cave with two entrances, one of which leads you right down through the ceiling. Cenotes come in a few basic types. The open and ancient types resemble open-air lakes or swimming holes. Semi-open cenotes are an in-between of the open and cavern types. Palomitas is an almost-textbook example of the cavern cenote.

The pool is filled with crystalline water surrounded by rock formations of all types. About 200 feet wide and 150 feet deep, Palomitas is one of many cenotes in the country located on private land and accessible by paid entry. At MXN $90, it is inexpensive. Kayaks are available for rent, and life vests, parking, food, and changing rooms are available.