Cenotes- The Sacred Waters of Mexico Written and Photographed by Lusine Stepanian
The Yucatan Peninsula, south-eastern tip of Mexico, is mainly
composed of limestone; hence the region has almost no rivers and
only a few lakes. Instead, one finds thousands of underground
rivers, exposed to the outer world through cavern formations and
passageways. It has taken thousands of years for these flooded
underground rivers and caves to form. And once the roof of a cavern
collapses due to erosion, it forms a water hole known as - cenote.
Over four thousand cenotes are spread through Yucatan, with many
still not having been studied nor registered. Since limestone
can serve as a filter system, the cenote water is turquoise coloured
and pure. Therefore, it was and still remains the main water source
for many ancient and contemporary Maya families.
Cenote – translated by the conquering
Spaniards from the Maya word dzonot, literally means
‘deep thing’. It has been used by Mayas not only as
a water source but as a vital part of their religious beliefs.
Known as sacred wells, cenotes believed to be paths to Xabalba,
the Underworld and the key to after life. It was believed that
a cenote was home to Chac, the God of rain, hence Mayas used it
as a lieu for prayers and sacrifice. Valuables and human skeletons
have been found by archaeologists in the early 20th century which
lead to the conclusion that human sacrifice has in fact taken
place.
For years archaeologists have been uncertain about the types
of sacrifices. Some argued Mayan priests would sacrifice children
while praying for rain, yet there was an uncertainty about the
gender of the children. According to the research conducted by
Guillermo de Anda most sacrifices were young boys. It is however
difficult to determine the gender of a young skeleton, he stated.
Cenotes were divided into two categories; ritual and domestic.
While the ritual cenotes were clearly distinguished by the finding
of human bones, the domestic ones contained pots and other domestic
materials. These discoveries helped archaeologists to better understand
the history and use of a cenote.
Today, these natural wonders attract thousands
of tourists into the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Many tours to
Chichen Itza include a stop over at one of the refreshing lagoons
to take a bath and relax. Because cenote waters are still used
by many locals for domestic purposes, tourists are asked to avoid
using sunscreen, lotions and perfumes. It also protects the beauty
and purity of a million year old creation.
There are four types of cenotes, distinguished by their location
- deeply underground, semi-underground, at land level and open
wells. Each represents a unique beauty and a different experience.
One way of exploring an underground cenote is through a guided
diving tour. These however are assumed for experienced divers
only. Some of the less commercial cenotes can also be accessed
by a rappel, offering tourists an adventurous refresher.
With numerous cenotes to choose from, one will never get bored.
On your way to Chichen Itza, make a stop at the Eco-archaeological
Park Ik-kil. Its name deprives from its pure
blue colour, ‘Sacred Blue Cenote’. Located at 40 meters
underground, it is surrounded by green vegetation, lush waterfalls
and crystalline waters, inhabited by little black fish. A grand
staircase takes you into a 25 meter deep lagoon. The waters are
so clear that you can see the black fish peacefully swimming at
your side. As I made an effort not to hit any of the little creatures
I wondered how they survive through the masses of tourist groups
visiting each day.
Ik-kil is only one of thousands waiting to be awed; and although
it is a fun relaxing park for the tired explorer of Mayan ruins,
we shall not forget its purpose and still respect it as a sacred
lieu.
Join Jennifer Lee O’Donnell as she explores a Mexican
Fiesta.
Lusine Stepanian
is The Compass Editor. She has just returned from
Mexico, where she studied Spanish and the Mayan history. Aside
from travel writing she is inspired by Latin dancing with
her second performance on its way.
