Riding the Rails to the Underworld: Cuzamá’s Cenote Circuit
Horse-drawn rails, limestone wells, and cool underground swims just outside Mérida
You push open a creaking gate and a cool breath of subterranean air answers—green light filtering down from a ring of collapsed limestone, water so clear the rock columns beneath look painted. A pair of weary horses stamps and shifts on a narrow-gauge rail, their driver calls a friendly command in Spanish, and the little wooden cart lurches forward. This is Cuzamá: a compact, uncompromising introduction to the Yucatán’s underworld of cenotes, reached in the most local of ways and experienced on a human scale.
Trail Wisdom
Wear water-ready shoes
Expect limestone steps and wet platforms; closed-toe water shoes will save you slips and sore feet.
Skip standard sunscreen
Use biodegradable sunscreen or rinse thoroughly before entering the water to protect the aquifer.
Bring cash
Small local operators often accept only cash for entry fees, tips, and lockers.
Go early
Morning light is best for photography and mornings are typically less crowded and cooler.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The original hacienda rail platform—an atmospheric spot to watch carts arrive and depart
- •A quieter cenote near the third stop where local families often picnic and snorkel
Wildlife
bats, kingfishers and small freshwater fish
Conservation Note
The cenotes feed the Yucatán aquifer—avoid chemical sunscreens, pack out trash, and hire operators who follow responsible water-use and animal-care practices.
The narrow-gauge rails in Cuzamá were repurposed from colonial-era plantation logistics; the cenotes themselves were critical water sources for Maya settlements and later village life.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: clear light in caverns, comfortable temperatures, bird and bat watching
Challenges: intermittent showers late in season, rising humidity
Spring offers warm days and vivid light shafts; expect increasing humidity toward late spring.
summer
Best for: lush vegetation, fewer seasonally crowds
Challenges: hot afternoons, teeny possibility of heavy storms and muddy tracks
Summer is hot and humid; plan morning visits to avoid midday heat and rain.
fall
Best for: still-warm water, migration birdwatching, off-peak travel
Challenges: hurricane season effects earlier in the season, sporadic heavy rain
Fall can be quieter with warm water, but watch the weather during the early fall hurricane window.
winter
Best for: dry, cool mornings, crystal-clear water, comfortable hiking and walking
Challenges: cooler water for some swimmers, higher visitor numbers around holidays
Winter (Nov–Apr) is the ideal period—dry, clear, and comfortable for exploration.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Water shoesEssential
Protect your feet on wet limestone steps and slippery platforms.
Biodegradable sunscreenEssential
Prevents chemical contamination of the cenote while protecting your skin.
Dry bagEssential
Keep phone, wallet, and spare clothes dry during swims and bumpy rail rides.
Light microfiber towel
Dries quickly after a swim and packs small for the trip home.
Common Questions
How do I get to Cuzamá from Mérida?
Cuzamá is about a 45–60 minute drive southeast of Mérida; many travelers hire a rental car, taxi, or book a guided shuttle from Mérida’s hotels.
Are the cenotes safe for swimming?
Yes—most cenotes on the Cuzamá circuit have ladders and platforms; use provided life jackets if you’re not a confident swimmer and follow local operator guidance.
Do I need to book ahead?
Booking ahead is useful in high season or for private carts, but many visitors purchase tickets locally—bring cash for on-site operators.
Are the carts animal-friendly?
Carts are pulled by horses; ethical operators care for their animals—ask about working hours and conditions and choose vendors who appear to treat animals well.
Can families with young children visit?
Yes—children can join the ride and swim with supervision; request life jackets and be cautious on stairs and platforms.
Is Cuzamá wheelchair accessible?
No—the site has narrow rail platforms, stairs down into cenotes, and uneven terrain that generally prevent wheelchair access.
What to Pack
water shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, dry bag for electronics, reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and protect the aquifer
Did You Know
Cenotes in the Yucatán are natural sinkholes formed when the limestone bedrock collapsed, exposing the groundwater below—these features form part of the region’s extensive karst aquifer that supplies fresh water to local communities.
Quick Travel Tips
Bring cash for local fees and tips; arrive early to avoid heat and crowds; wear quick-drying clothing and water shoes; hire a local cart operator who maintains horses well.
Local Flavor
Pair a Cuzamá morning with a Mérida lunch of cochinita pibil or panuchos—local markets and family-run eateries nearby serve Yucatecan staples that showcase achiote, citrus, and slow-roasted flavors.
Logistics Snapshot
Know-before-you-go: 45–60 minutes from Mérida, half-day outing, cash recommended, basic swimming required, not wheelchair accessible, bring biodegradable sunscreen and water shoes.
Sustainability Note
Protect the aquifer: use biodegradable products, avoid plastic waste, support small local operators who demonstrate good animal-care and minimal-impact practices.