On our Yucatan Peninsula excursion during ShipRocked 2019, we also went to the Ik Kil Cenote, a natural sinkhole with a pool of groundwater, which was open to the public for swimming. Surrounded by purifying limestone and hypnotizing vines all over, the Cenote (one of many) encompassed the enchanting essence of the Yucatan Peninsula and Mayan culture.
Most cave cenotes have fresh water that has been meticulously filtered by the earth, making them so clear and pure that you can see straight through. Open-air cenotes also have clear water, and often are home to vitamin- and mineral-rich algae that nourish and protect your skin.
Ancient Mayans believed that the cenotes were mystical. Ik Kil was considered sacred by the Mayans who used the site as a location for human sacrifice to their rain god, Chaac.
We had delicious food including grilled chicken and pork with rice and beans paired with homemade tortilla chips at the restaurant on site. It was a long trek back to the port and we watched the film Coco and there wasn’t a dry eye in the van.
