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Discover Kaan Luum Lagoon, a Hidden Paradise in the Riviera Maya

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In the middle of the rainforest near the luminous Caribbean Sea of Quintana Roo is a spectacular and unique ecosystem: the Kaan Luum Lagoon. It has an impressive and deep cenote in its center, with its waters separated by a beautiful wonder of nature.

How to get to Kaan Luum Lagoon

The lagoon is located about 7.5 miles southwest of Tulum in the direction of the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. From Playa del Carmen, you have to travel 40 miles southwest on the Riviera Maya road (Federal Highway Mexico 307) to Tulum and then make the 7.5 miles trip to Felipe Carrillo Puerto. The distance between Cancun and Tulum is 81 miles, which is one hour and 45 minutes by car. Then you have to take the route of 7.5 miles in the direction of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

Things to do in Laguna de Kaan Luum Tulum

The atmosphere in this dream lagoon is 100% ecological. The only constructions are a picturesque wooden pier, which is the access to the body of water, a large palapa, and ecological bathrooms. After traveling a short distance surrounded by mangroves, you reach the pier and the lagoon of emerald waters of impressive beauty. In the center of the lagoon, you can see a more intense color: it is the deep cenote. There are no shops, no restaurants, no music, except the sounds of nature. You will not find snacks or drinks for sale, so you must bring what you’re going to consume.

Swimming and Snorkeling

The lagoon is shallow, and, except in the cenote area, it’s almost always possible to stand on the bottom, making it ideal for swimming and splashing, especially with children. Except for the cenote, all the remaining surface of the lagoon is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The cenote is closed with ropes and buoys, and swimming is not allowed; only experienced and authorized divers can enter the cenote.

Almost all experienced Mexican divers know about this 262 feet deep cenote; however, few foreign divers make a special trip to Mexico just to dive in it. Those interested in diving in the cenote of Kaan  Luum should contact an authorized person, who will provide all the information about the cenote and determine the certifications to enter it.

Natural Wonder

There are fish and birds of beautiful plumage flying in their natural habitat worth photographing in the lagoon’s waters. The morning is the best time for bird sightings. Observing the contrast of colors between the virgin jungle, the emerald perimeter of the lagoon, and the deep blue of the deep cenote is a breathtaking sight. The Mayan phrase “Kaan  Luum” means “yellow earth” because of the coloration of the clay mud at the bottom of the lagoon. This mud is ideal for an exfoliating treatment of the skin, both for the body and face.

Entrance Fee for Kaan  Luum Lagoon

The entrance fee is 100 MXN (5.00 USD), and you can swim in the lagoon around the cenote, which is closed with a rope given its great depth. There’s an additional fee for diving in the cenote and flying a drone to take aerial photographs. Other water sports you can practice include paddle boarding, paddle yoga, and kayak, which you can rent at the site. Pets, insect repellents, or sunscreen lotions are not allowed, even if they are eco-friendly. It’s forbidden to introduce alcoholic beverages and smoking.

Cenote Kaan Luum

The light emerald green water of the lagoon suddenly changes in its central part to a dark blue hue. It’s the cenote which is more than 262 feet deep and 82 feet in diameter. The perimeter of the cenote is closed to prevent visitors from falling into the abyss that opens below the water’s surface. There are several signs in the lagoon warning of this risk. For greater safety, swimming in the cenote is not allowed, and its access is only possible for experienced divers with the supervision of authorized personnel.

We hope that you can go to the Riviera Maya very soon to meet the majestic Kaan Luum Lagoon, a natural wonder that you can visit on your next trip to the state of Quintana Roo.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com


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