How was the Ik Kil cenote formed?
These cenotes are formed when the rainfall, over millions of years, wore down the limestone, creating caverns and caves. Once these water tables were formed, sometimes the roof would collapse and what you get is the cenote. The Mayans believed that these cenotes were a sacred area and had healing properties.
How deep is the Ik Kil cenote?
about 48 metres
The cenote is about 60 metres (200 ft) in diameter and about 48 metres (157 ft) deep. Cenote Ik Kil is near the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, on the highway to Valladolid. Ik Kil was considered sacred by the Mayans who used the site as a location for human sacrifice to their rain god, Chaac.
What type of rock is Cenote Ik Kil?
limestone bedrock
A cenote is a natural pit resulting from a collapse of limestone bedrock exposing groundwater underneath. In other words, it’s a great big hole in the Earth. Not surprisingly, these types of sinkholes-on-steroids are only found in places where limestone is subversed by underground rivers.
What was the cenote used for?
The regional term is specifically associated with the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, where cenotes were commonly used for water supplies by the ancient Maya, and occasionally for sacrificial offerings.
Can you swim in the sacred cenote?
You CANNOT go up to the water or swimming in this cenote; there is no way in or out. In fact, the Mayans used to throw people in because then they couldn’t get out.
Do fish live in cenotes?
Therefore, cenotes are inhabited by fish species such as Poeciliids, Cichlids, Caracid, Pimelodid, and the Synbranchid, which are species used to living in these types of stable environments. Abiotic factors have been determined to have a large impact on the structure of fish communities in these aquatic systems.
Do cenotes have crocodiles?
Cenotes offer tunnels, ledges, overhangs, open areas, and even mangrove roots to explore. The limestone ledges and mangrove bushes around the opening were the perfect habitat for crocodiles. This large male is 2.5m (7.5 feet) long and has a head and jaws that are full of very impressive teeth.
Is cenote water drinkable?
Forming when underground limestone erodes, eventually collapsing into the groundwater below, cenotes often boast deep pools, wide caves and clear, clean water that’s been filtered through the earth. In fact, these pools are the only source of drinkable water for many people in the region.
What lives in a cenote?
Therefore, cenotes are inhabited by fish species such as Poeciliids, Cichlids, Caracid, Pimelodid, and the Synbranchid, which are species used to living in these types of stable environments. Cenotes are unique and beautiful environments that can be enjoyed by people and fishes alike.
How cold is the water in a cenote?
Water temperatures in the cenotes remain constant year-round and cool very minimally during the winter months. On average, temperatures are approximately 77ºF (24 to 25ºC).
How much does it cost to go to Ik Kil cenote?
IK KIL CENOTE ENTRANCE FEE & OPENING HOURS The entrance fee at the time of writing (February 2021) is 150 MXN for adults and 100 MXN for children. The fee includes entrance to the cenote, lockers, a life jacket, and you’ll also be given a wrist band to wear during your visit.
Why is This is the most recognized cenote on?
No doubt you have seen photos of Cenote Ik Kil. This is one of the most photographed cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is well liked because it looks like some deep tropical hidden paradise. There are vines and roots that hang down into the water and verdant plants around the lip of the entrance to this cenote.
How big is the sinkhole in Cenote Ik Kil?
The walls of cenote Ik Kil go straight down to the bottom of the cenote at 50 meter (150 feet) below the water level, which makes this sinkhole 80 meters (240 feet) deep. 18. Jumping from the top is NOT allowed In case you are feeling brave for your visit to Ik Kil: jumping from the top is NOT allowed.
Where is Ik Kil cenote in Yucatan Peninsula?
Ik Kil Cenote is located in between the cities of Valladolid and Pisté in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Click here to see the location on Google Maps. From Valladolid, it’s approximately a 45-minute drive west to reach the cenote, and if you are heading east from Pisté, it’s a short 10-minute drive.