don Gonzalo
It is a massive cenote one and a half kilometers into the jungle near Cobá. Its “off the beaten track” location means that you can enjoy it without the hordes of screaming and splashing masses of humanity normally found at cenotes in the area around the archeological site. On a recent visit to the area, I learned about how it had been discovered.
For our rapt audience of two, with a local caretaker looking on, our guide Rene explained that the cenote was only discovered some 17 years before when a group of villagers hunting game came upon a hole in the ground just big enough to fit a man into. Long roots from an overhead alamo tree led into the darkness. Three of these hunters clambered down and discovered the massive cave that was directly below their feet. And, dramatically pointing at the caretaker, Rene exclaimed "and this is one of those three!"
Astonishingly, Gonzalo (the man in question) then recounted how he and his compañeros had descended into the relative darkness and that while getting into the cenote was not so difficult, the getting back up to the surface proved much more challenging! When you are the third person trying to pull yourself up on tree roots that are soaking wet from the others who have clambered up ahead of you, it is very hard indeed.
“Pero, ni modo” he added “habia que salir!”
And salir he did, to tell the tale.
It is not every day that you get to meet someone who actually discovered a cenote and this was a perfect ending to an amazing cenote experience.
If you would like to experience this cenote, along with authentic Mayan experiences in the jungles around Coba, drop us a line and we can discuss a multi-day Mayan adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime, as well as benefitting local Mayan communities.
A civilized spiral staircase has replaced the more dramatic root access method. Even us older folks can now access the place.
