Cenotes are deep water wells formed by rainwater infiltration and the currents of rivers that originate in the heart of the earth. These wells owe their name to the Maya, who called them Dz’onot, meaning “cavern with water,” from which the current term «cenotes» is derived.

Most cenotes are located in the Yucatán Peninsula and feature highly porous limestone bedrock. When this rock collapses due to rainfall and the flow of subterranean rivers, cenotes are formed.

In Mayan culture, cenotes have symbolized duality, representing both life and death. They served as sources of water for Mayan cities and were considered gateways to the underworld named “Xibalba.»