How to visit the gorgeous cenote Corazon del Paraiso Tulum

Among the cenotes to visit around Tulum, Cenote Corazon del Paraiso, better known as Cenote Corazon, is one that you absolutely cannot miss, and in this post, I will tell you all about it and how to make the most of your visit.

Located only 4 miles from downtown Tulum, cenote Corazon del Paraiso is one of a kind for its unusual shape that roughly resembles a large heart.

Of course, you can slightly see it from the ground but I went back for the second time with my brand new drone to get an aerial view shot and show it to you.

Here it is.

Cenote Corazon: an Overview

Now, considering that Tulum is one of the Mexican Magic Towns (Pueblos Magicos) we can indeed say that there is a lot of magic in this heart-shaped sinkhole as well.

Especially if you go early morning, and you are almost alone in the cenote, you can enjoy the sound of nature only, the gentle breeze, and the crystal clear pristine water.

Also, you should know that Cenotes were very important places in the Mayan civilization and besides being a source of water some of them were also used as ceremonial centers, and Cenote Corazon was precisely one.

I would suggest you respect the sacred origin of the place and keep your voice down while enjoying this beautiful oasis.

Fun Fact: they say the heart shape is completely natural but at a closer look you can see that it’s created with the help of a platform, built in a specific point to create the shape. I am sorry to take away the romantic but that’s what it is.

It’s magical anyway, I promise. Just be there by 9 am when it opens and be patient if they are late, so

Things to do in Cenote Corazon del Paraiso

Cenote Corazon del Paraiso is a tranquil open cenote surrounded by a lush jungle where you can swim and relax. I would suggest you bring your snorkel gear and check out what’s hiding beneath the surface.

Bring a book and enjoy a peaceful read while lying on one of the multiple decks and a small platform around the cenote.

The cenote is very much swimmable and its crystal clear water is quite appealing.

Divers also love Cenote Corazon and if you want to take your chance too, make sure you book it with a diving center.

Cenote Corazon is also a photogenic setting for stunning pictures.

Facilities available in the Cenote Corazon del Paraiso

One of the things to do is snorkel, to check out the spectacular underwater gardens and colorful fishes.

It is advisable to bring your own, but if you do not have the equipment to snorkel when you enter, you can rent it for 60 pesos. It includes a properly disinfected tube and mask

And, if you don’t know how to swim, you also find life jackets rentals for 30 pesos, always advisable for your own safety and that of others.

Toilet facilities are available too.

Also, showers and bathrooms are available for the guest’s use. Please note that it’s mandatory to shower before entering the cenote.

Cenote Corazon del Paraiso Practical tips

Opening Hours

From 9 to 5 every day (but sometimes they are late)

Entry fees

150 mxn (100 for permanent residents and Mexicans)

How to get to Cenote Corazón del Paraíso

Getting to Cenote Corazon del Paraiso from Tulum downtown is easy.

By car

Having a car is the best way to move around and see multiple spots on the same day without the pressure of a taxi or the uncertainty of local transportation.

By bus

There are local collectivos (minivans) that live from Downtown Tulum and go towards Felipe Carillo Puerto. You can jump on one of those and ask the driver to drop you off at Cenote Corazon.

By bike

If you love riding, you can easily reach the cenote by bike as it’s only 4 miles from Tulum, and the road is pretty good.

Things to do near Cenote Corazon del Paraiso

There are quite a few nearby attractions that you may want to check out. And that’s why I always suggest renting a car.

Cenote Escondido and Cristalino

Among all the Cenotes near Tulum, cenote Escondido and Cristalino are also creat places to visit.

Laguna Kaan Luum

Laguna Kaan Luum is a spectacular lagoon with an 84mt deep cenote inside creating a surreal landscape. It’s surrounded by a lush jungle and lined with platforms where to enjoy the lagoon and relax after a swim.

Muyil Archeological site

A lesser-known but interesting Mayan archeological site that faces the Sian Ka’an biosphere. Worth checking out.

Cenote Angelita

Cenote Angelita is not particularly interesting for those who love to sunbathe and enjoy some time by a cenote. In fact, is a favorite for Divers for its morphology.

You may also like: 25 amazing things to do in Tulum

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Things you should know when visiting a Cenote

One thing that I am never tired to say is that we must respect nature and even more the cenotes for their sacred ancient heritage. So please make sure to:

• never leave garbage
• take a shower before entering in the cenote
• don’t hang onto the roots or vegetation
• keep quiet
• respect the divers space when they are entering the cenote

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The cenotes of the Yucatan peninsula: an overview

Before moving forward with a detailed description of cenote Corazon, I think I should tell you more about the Mexican cenotes, what they are, and why they are so important.

In the Yucatan peninsula, there are more than 6000 cenotes all scattered around. Cenotes are sinkholes of limestone rocks where the top has collapsed forming a hole filled with waters coming from underground rivers and the sea.

The limestone rock filters the water coming from the sea and the rain and that is one of the reasons why the water you see in the cenote is so crystal clear, especially the one in the cave cenotes.

There are in fact 3 kinds of cenotes, cave cenotes which are completely underground and covered, open cenotes which look like lakes, and semi-open which are half covered by limestone rock and half-open.

Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido are completely open cenotes just like the majority of the cenotes on the Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo.

If you go further inside the peninsula, close to Valladolid and Merida you will have more chances to find cave cenotes, which are absolutely beautiful and worth checking out.

Cave divers love to explore cenotes and there are many that are suitable for diving, such as the Pit, Cenote Angelita, and Car wash.