While many trails in and around Asheville offer stunning views and serene environments, accessibility for all ensures everyone can enjoy these natural wonders. Here are seven accessible trails and outside spaces that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities.
With paved walkways and ADA parking, the French Broad Greenway — spanning 2.4 miles out-and-back — offers easy travel from its beginning at Hominy Park in West Asheville through the western banks of the French Broad River and into Carrier Park.
Charlie Brown, a former member of the Ludlow Hunt branch of the Pony Club, has been called up to Team GB after Myles Pillage withdrew on medical grounds.
Myles sustained a calf injury at the World Championships in June and “despite intensive rehabilitation he re-injured his calf upon return to training”, and there was not enough time for him to recover before Paris.
Team GB modern pentathlon team leader Georgina Harland said: “For Myles to have his dream of competing at the Olympic Games taken away from him due to injury is devastating. He has been such a valued member of the performance squad throughout his career and fully deserved his place in Paris. We all wish him well in his recovery and will do all we can to support him through this.
“This has given Charlie an incredible opportunity which I know he will grasp. He is a great athlete with so much potential and has been preparing alongside the team, so we are confident he is ready to perform.”
Charlie, who trains at the University of Bath where he is studying sports management and coaching, said he is “incredibly grateful for this opportunity”.
“To compete at an Olympic Games this early on in my career is something I am very proud of,” he said. “I am extremely gutted for my teammate and friend, Myles. He is an incredible athlete, who works exceptionally hard, and I wish him all the best with his recovery.
“I have worked really hard over the last few years leading up to Paris, with the aim to compete for Team GB for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. My results have really accelerated since my senior debut, 18 months ago, and I am so excited to represent Team GB and give it all I’ve got for the team.”
Pony Club CEO Marcus Capel said the organisation is very proud, adding: “Charlie’s dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent have led to this remarkable achievement.”
The modern pentathlon starts tomorrow (8 August). This is the last Olympics that will include showjumping, which is to be replaced with an obstacle race, and athletes will also compete in swimming, cross-country running, fencing and shooting.
To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
Mexico City is a vibrant metropolis filled with great food, fun nightlife, amazing art, sprawling parks, and cool neighborhoods. I was late to visit (I just went for the first time a few years ago), and I can’t believe I hadn’t made the trip sooner. It’s an amazing city.
Colloquially known as CDMX (Ciudad de Mexico), Mexico City is a world-class destination that’s absolutely worth a visit. But it’s also a massive, sprawling city. There are a ton of hotels here, and choosing the right one is essential for ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable stay.
Having been to the city a handful of times (and having even led tours there), I know what hotels are worth your money. Here’s my list of what I think are the best hotels in Mexico City:
Housed in a late-19th-century building right on the Zócalo (the city’s main square), you can’t get any more centrally located than this four-star hotel. The rooftop bar has absolutely incredible views over the square, and I love that the complimentary breakfast is served up here every morning (you can get both Mexican dishes and continental breakfast staples like yogurt and granola). There are also free bicycles for guests, a fitness center, and a steam room. A really unique perk they offer is the 24/7 café in the lobby where everything is complimentary for guests (it serves items like coffee, tea, pastries, fruit, sandwiches, and other snacks). There are also fridges of free water and fruit on every floor. (If only all hotels had amenities like this!)
The guest rooms have a historic, moody feel, with stormy grey walls, dark hardwood floors, wood-beamed ceilings, and even chandeliers. Even though you’re right on the square, you can’t hear a thing once you close the double-glazed windows, allowing for a great night’s sleep. All rooms feature a desk, plus-sized TV, AC, safe, and a coffee machine. The bathrooms are a bit small but feature showers with excellent water pressure as well as complimentary toiletries. This is an excellent choice if you want to be close to many of the city’s main sights.
This boutique property in Condesa is as leafy and stylish as the surrounding neighborhood. It’s housed in a 19th-century mansion and boasts a really cool interior courtyard that’s a calm oasis in the big city. A complimentary breakfast is served here every morning too (definitely try the chilaquiles and the huevos rancheros)!
Every one of the fifteen spacious and comfortable suites is different. Some are brightly decorated with colorful walls and couches, while others have a stately feel, with antique furniture and hardwood floors. Some rooms even have balconies, but all rooms come with a flatscreen TV and a desk. The bathrooms are a bit small but include complimentary toiletries and plush bathrobes. Since there are only a few rooms here, it feels really homey (the staff is really friendly and welcoming too), making it ideal for a quiet stay in one of the best neighborhoods of Mexico City.
This historic Art Nouveau hotel was built as a department store in 1899 and converted into a hotel for the 1968 Olympics. Featured in several James Bond films, this five-star property has an impressive interior lobby with a beautiful Tiffany stained-glass ceiling as well as wrought-iron elevators and balustrades. It’s right on the Zócalo, with two restaurants that serve Mexican cuisine as well as a fitness center. I especially like that you can take in views over the Zócalo while enjoying the expansive breakfast buffet. The only drawback of being right on the main square is that it can get a bit noisy if your room faces the square. (I personally prefer a quieter stay, so you can request an interior room if that’s the case for you as well.)
The huge rooms include classic wooden furniture that’s befitting of the hotel’s history (suites even have four-poster beds with curtains). Whether you choose a room or a suite, you’ll have a large TV, big work desk, a seating area, safe, coffee maker, and a mini bar. The marble bathrooms are spacious too, with bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Some even have both bathtubs and walk-in showers. Overall, this is the best choice for history lovers that are going to be focused on seeing the sites around the Zócalo.
Housed in a gorgeous Art Deco building, The Green Park Hotel is directly across from the sprawling green oasis that is Chapultepec Park (the city’s largest park). It’s also in the middle of Polanco, a posh district known as the “Beverly Hills of Mexico.” The rooftop bar is a fun place to hang out, and there’s a complimentary breakfast too (though I personally don’t think it’s anything to write home about).
All rooms are large suites that are decorated in an aristocratic English style, with elegant wood furnishings, hardwood floors, and paintings on the walls. I really love the arched floor-to ceiling windows that offer views of either the adjacent park or the courtyard. The luxurious suites have nice desks, a seating area, and a smart TV. The large marble bathrooms feature both a jacuzzi and walk-in shower as well as complimentary toiletries and plush bathrobes. It’s a nice choice for a refined stay in a classy neighborhood.
If you’re looking for something in a totally different area of the city, this super stylish hotel is in bohemian Coyoacán, the area made famous by Frida Kahlo (her home, now a museum, is less than a ten-minute walk away). This boutique property only has four rooms, and the staff really goes out of their way to ensure a personalized stay. The complimentary healthy breakfast is cooked to order, and you can choose from a variety of options, including chia seed pudding, freshly made eggs, and heaps of fresh fruit. I love that it’s served on the terrace too.
The spacious rooms are decorated in soft neutral tones, with wooden accenting and interesting ceiling lights that look like cool upside-down woven baskets. All rooms have a seating area, Nespresso machine, safe, plus-sized TVs while selected rooms also offer a balcony. The bathrooms are stunning, with exposed brick walls, deep soaking tubs, walk-in showers, plush robes, and luxurious toiletries. This hotel feels almost like a wellness retreat, making it a great place for a tranquil and intimate stay.
I love Mexico City. There’s a never-ending number of museums, great restaurants, and excellent mezcal bars to explore here. I think it’s one of the most fascinating cultural destinations in the world and a city more travelers to Mexico need to visit. Just make sure that you choose a hotel from the list above to ensure you have a great stay in this vibrant destination!
Book Your Trip to Mexico City: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
A man who was spending his final days in a hospice was reunited on his birthday with the beloved pony he had hoped to see one last time.
Staff at the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Keighley “pulled out all the stops” so Peter could spend time with 15.2hh Dales mare Faith last month. He had moved to the hospice in May having spent some weeks in hospital.
“While Peter was in hospital he was desperate to get home and see his pony one last time but once we realised quite how ill he was, we knew he would be going to the hospice,” Peter’s wife Heather said.
“His sister was adamant that she was going to take Faith to see him and when we mentioned it to the staff they just said ‘That’s no problem’.”
The staff moved Peter into a room with a door to the garden and moved the furniture so he could spend time with eight-year-old Faith, whom he bought as a two-year-old, as well as his close family.
“It was lovely to be able to get together for his birthday at the hospice,” Heather said.
“It was a lovely sunny day so we were all able to be in the garden outside his room. Nothing was too much trouble for the hospice staff. They had swapped his room which meant it was much easier to get to his room from the outside, they moved all the furniture round in his room so that he could have the bed near the door, they even took the blind off the door so it would open a little bit further and he could actually get close to Faith.
“He was in tears to be honest. He fed her carrot after carrot and spoilt her rotten which he always said never to do but it meant such a lot to him.”
Peter died at the hospice a few days later, aged 58.
“Our team are so grateful that they could help Peter and his family share this special time together at the end of his life,” a Sue Ryder spokesperson said.
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Podcast Transcript One of the biggest problems that humanity has faced for thousands of years is heat. Excessive heat made it difficult to work in the middle of the day. Heat was especially problematic in the tropics, where a shockingly large percentage of humanity lived. As cities became more developed, excess heat, all year round, …
Picking travel insurance can be a very confusing part of planning your international trip. Is it worth the expense? Which insurance companies offer the best coverage?
Getting some travel insurance is an extremely important part of planning a trip to foreign countries. Many regular health insurance companies don’t cover much (if anything) when you travel. This means you should purchase a dedicated travel insurance plan.
Travel insurance plans can cover a mix of medical emergencies, accidents, theft of personal property, illness, and even trip cancellation or interruptions. It’s just a smart option if you want to travel safely these days.
But the best part is, decent plans can cost only a few dollars a day.
After 10-years of travel, I’ve had quite a few incidents happen on the road (Dengue Fever, a stolen camera, phone, etc.) So I never travel without insurance to protect me from these unexpected situations.
My goal with this travel insurance guide is to help you narrow down the overwhelming choices out there — and pick some good travel insurance whether you’re traveling for 2-weeks or 6-months.
Why listen to me? Experience! I’ve been traveling around the world for ten years as a digital nomad, while visiting over 50 countries.
There are a few different kinds of travel insurance, and some plans cover more than others.
You’ll have to ask yourself a few questions before picking a plan. Are you a short-term traveler going away for a week or two? Or are you a long-term traveler leaving for 6-months or more?
Do you carry a lot of expensive photo/computer gear, or not?
Will your current health insurance cover you overseas? How much will it cover? Does it include medical evacuation? Do you have any pre-existing conditions?
Are you the type of person who books hotels/flights/activities in advance? Or do you just wing it and pay for these services as you use them? Are you worried your trip might get canceled?
Travel Medical Insurance is coverage for accidents, injuries, illness, or hospital visits while you are away from home.
Medical Evacuation Insurance is coverage for emergency transportation (often via airplane) to a major hospital for better treatment.
Trip Cancellation Insurance is coverage for unexpected interruptions in your travel plans.
Baggage/Property Insurance is coverage for theft or damage to your gear while traveling.
SafetyWing is a fantastic budget travel insurance option for travelers. They offer the flexibility to purchase a plan before or after your trip has already started. Plans start at only $40 per month, and they include theft of personal property too!
Another big perk is that they can also cover you in your home country, or a dependent child who is traveling with you. Which is nice for digital nomads and families traveling with kids.
World Nomads specializes in short-term travel coverage, including theft, and are very popular among travelers. I used them for years before I decided to get long-term expat type insurance instead.
Buying insurance with World Nomads for your next vacation is quick & easy. You can even purchase a plan with little advanced notice. You can extend coverage online from anywhere too.
Health Coverage Worldwide: Yes. Coverage At Home: No. Medical Evacuation: Yes. Trip Cancellation: Yes. Theft/Damage Insurance: Yes. ($500 per-item limit)
Long-Term Insurance For Digital Nomads & Expats
Because I’m a digital nomad and travel with thousands of dollars of camera equipment for work, I have a more long-term travel insurance mindset. I use an expat dedicated health insurance policy, combined with a gear policy for professional photographers.
This mix is more expensive than a World Nomads Policy, but works best for my long-term travel lifestyle.
This plan specializes in long-term worldwide medical coverage, but does not cover theft or trip cancelation. Coverage inside the United States is included, but to qualify you must spend at least 6 months of the year living abroad. You can choose a deductible from $250-$10,000.
Health Coverage Worldwide: Yes. Coverage at Home: Yes. Medical Evacuation: Yes. Trip Cancellation: No. Theft/Damage Insurance: No. Example Quote: Global Gold (1 year policy) = $74/month with $1000 deductible
Full international medical insurance, including the United States. No limits as to how long you are in the US. Deductible waived for regular doctor checkups. Excellent insurance, but pricey. Sherry from OttsWorld.com is a happy customer.
Health Coverage Worldwide: Yes. Coverage at Home: Yes. Medical Evacuation: Yes. Trip Cancellation: No. Theft/Damage Insurance: No. Example Quote: Global Citizen (1 year policy) = $269/month with $1000 deductible
More Insurance Options
Your Current Health Insurance
Already have regular health insurance in your home country? Check to see if they provide coverage internationally. If they do, you might not need anything else.
Homeowners Or Renters Insurance
Your homeowners or renters insurance may cover your belongings when you’re traveling in foreign countries too. Call them up to verify the details.
Credit Card Travel Insurance
Many travel credit cards often include some basic travel, theft, and even car insurance (which is great for renting a car overseas). Call your card company up to get details on what is exactly covered (or not).
Do You Need Travel Insurance?
Exploring Iceland
This is the million-dollar question — and ultimately a personal decision. I’ve met plenty of people who travel without travel insurance and I’ve contemplated doing the same.
But after over 10-years of constant travel, hearing horror stories from other travelers, and getting into a few dangerous predicaments myself — if someone asks for my opinion on the subject I answer with:
YES. Everyone should carry some kind of health/property insurance when traveling.
Why? Because stuff happens. Whether you think it will or not. Despite your best-laid plans and preventative measures. Sure, if you sprain your ankle, it might not be a big deal.
But what if your appendix bursts? Or your bus crashes? Or you contract a deadly disease? Or require medical evacuation after breaking your leg?
These things definitely happen to travelers from time to time, and could cost you tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, you’re screwed!
My recommendation is based on listening to countless first-hand tales of disaster from other travelers, as well as my own personal experiences.
Real-Life Examples
I know a woman traveling in Costa Rica who fell off a ladder, shattering her arm. She did not have health insurance, received horrible treatment at the local hospital, and was basically held hostage there until she was able to pay the HUGE medical bill.
Another person I know lost everything he was traveling with when his locked guesthouse in Ecuador was broken into. Without personal property insurance, he would have needed to spend thousands replacing all his gear.
Another friend contracted a flesh-eating parasite while trekking through the jungles of Peru. He required months worth of treatment from specialized doctors, and a medical evacuation flight back to the United States.
These are all people I know personally.
Making An Insurance Claim
Insurance companies are notorious for trying to avoid paying out claims. Making a claim might take some work on your part, depending on the situation. Here are a few tips for getting paid through travel insurance:
If you’re having issues filing a claim, always work your way up the corporate ladder. Talk to a supervisor. Then talk to the supervisor’s supervisor. Make your claim issues public using Social Media if needed.
Record conversations. At the beginning of every phone call, tell the other party you’re recording the conversation to ensure no misunderstandings later.
When filing a police report of any kind, keep the story simple. The longer and more in-depth the report, the easier it is for insurance companies to find a loophole to deny your claim.
Living as Digital Nomads in Italy
Additional Travel Insurance Tips
Read the fine print first! Know what you’re covered for. For example, some policies don’t cover extreme sports or theft of unattended items.
Take photos or a video of all your travel gear with a date stamp.
Save PDF copies of any travel gear purchases & hospital receipts. Keep originals too.
Write down serial numbers, policy numbers, and insurance contact information.
Store this information online in a secure, easy to access place. I use Evernote. Another good option is Dropbox or Google Drive.
File a police report immediately after any theft or accident while traveling.
No one likes to think about theft or injury when they’re on vacation, but the threat is real, and without good travel insurance, an unexpected incident could ruin the rest of your year. Never travel without it! ★
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READ MORE TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best travel insurance options for travelers. Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:
Karl Cook and Caracole De La Roque on their way to Rolex grand prix victory in Rome, at the opening leg of the new Rolex Series.
A new prestigious showjumping series was revealed at its opening event at the CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena (22 to 26 May).
The Rolex Series unites six major shows, including the Jumping International de La Baule, the Jumping International de Dinard, Dublin Horse Show, Brussels Stephex Masters, and the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. The feature class at each will be the Rolex grand prix.
“The six shows that are part of the Rolex Series are some of the best shows in the world and the ones that we all, as riders, mark in our schedule every year,” said top showjumper and Rolex testimonee Steve Guerdat.
“They are some of the most prestigious and historically significant competitions on our calendar, and by bringing this amazing group of shows together as part of the Rolex Series, the prestige and desire to win is only going to increase.”
Rolex global communications director Arnaud Boetsch added that the Rolex Series will “build upon the legacy that the brand has cultivated” over almost 70 years of its support of equestrianism.
“The six shows within the Rolex Series are united in their qualities, each celebrated for their world-class competition, leading facilities and notable histories, and being part of the Rolex Series will provide a mark of distinction above and beyond other five-star shows,” he said.
Bevy of new HOYS deals announced
Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) has revealed a raft of new sponsorship deals ahead of its 75th anniversary (9 to 13 October).
Bakery Jacksons of Yorkshire takes on the Mountain & Moorland working hunter pony championship, LeMieux is extending is support to be the new title sponsor of the Pony Club mounted games, while Demolition Services sponsors the leading pony showjumper of the year.
LeMieux will also serve as the official champion rug supplier for a second year.
A spokesperson for HOYS organisers Grandstand Media said: “We are excited that LeMieux, a brand synonymous with high quality products, is supporting one of the most popular competitions and a firm favourite of our audience.
“In addition to the Pony Club Mounted Games, knowing that our champions will have a rug fit for the occasion is so important and we have no doubt that our HOYS 2024 champions will be thrilled with their prestigious LeMieux champion rug.”
The spokesman added that HOYS is “thrilled” to welcome Demolition Services Ltd and Jacksons of Yorkshire.
“[Jacksons of Yorkshire’s] commitment to supply lovingly baked bread is at the heart of this company, where generations of Jacksons bakers have dedicated themselves to early mornings and hard graft – something that many of our competitors know all too well!” said the spokesperson.
“We are proud to have the bakers of champion bread on board and we can’t wait to welcome Helena and the team to the show in October.”
The spokesperson added: “The Demolition Services leading pony showjumper of the year is an important series in the summer calendar as combinations battle it out for a place in this final, together we can’t wait to welcome the competitors to the show in October.”
Deal aims to maximise TV coverage of equestrian sport
UK production company Sunset+Vine is extending its partnership with the FEI with a new three-year contract – aiming to maximise TV coverage of horse sport worldwide.
FEI commercial director Ralph Straus said that Sunset+Vine’s “expertise and commitment to showcasing our sport will be invaluable”.
“This new agreement will not only enhance the visibility of our premier events, but also bring the excitement of equestrian sports to a broader global audience,” he added.
As part of this contract, Sunset+Vine will be supporting the distributing of the media rights at competitions including the 2025 and 2027 FEI European Championships and the 2026 FEI World Championships, plus the Longines League of Nations.
Sarsfield Brolly, head of media partnerships at Sunset+Vine, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to build on the consultancy that we have been providing to the FEI over the last two years, and cement a long-term contract in looking after their premium events.”
Holland Cooper branches out
British fashion brand Holland Cooper is extending its support of racing, signing a new deal to sponsor the Group One Coronation Cup on Friday (31 May) at the Betfred Derby Festival at Epsom.
The move is the first time that the brand has sponsored a Group or Graded race, and is also its initial foray into Flat racing. Holland Cooper has sponsored leading jockey and trainer awards at the Cheltenham Festival, and it is now the fashion partner at Cheltenham racecourse.
“Ladies Day celebrates the very best of British fashion and style, making this a very appropriate race sponsorship, as Holland Cooper make their first move into Flat racing support,” said Tom Sammes, Epsom Downs racecourse general manager.
“The 2024 renewal of the race looks all set to be a high-quality affair with last year’s impressive winner Emily Upjohn set to try and defend her crown.”
Jade Holland Cooper, founder and managing director of Holland Cooper, said that the development is an “honour and a privilege”, adding: “The races are no longer just about horses, they are now also a celebration of timeless fashion, style and elegance.”
Mars Equestrian signs new Burghley deal
Mars Equestrian has announced a new partnership as official veterinary and official pet nutrition partner of Defender Burghley Horse Trials (5 to 8 September).
“As official veterinary partner, Mars Equestrian will support an upgrading of the veterinary care and facilities we can offer our equestrian athletes, which is of the utmost importance at Burghley,” said Burghley event director Martyn Johnson.
There will be 19 vets, two equine nurses and four veterinary support staff on-site during Burghley. Mars brands will be providing onsite diagnostic and imaging support for the veterinary teams, plus a range of benefits for dogs including a new dog-friendly area at the members’ lawn.
“We are excited to return to Burghley Horse Trials and extend our commitment to the sport,” said William Clements, president of Mars Equestrian. “At Burghley, we will have the opportunity to share our iconic brands that help create a better world for horses, pets, and the people who love them.”
Emily King becomes Joules ambassador
British five-star event rider Emily King has signed a new sponsorship deal with Joules.
The news was announced during Mars Badminton Horse Trials and Emily will work with the brand throughout this season.
“I’m delighted to welcome Joules as a new partner,” said Emily. “Joules has long been associated with equestrian and the sport of eventing and having supported me in the very early days, it’s fantastic to be working with them again.
“The brand is synonymous with country style and doing things a little differently, injecting so much colour and fun into their pieces. I’m really looking forward to working with Tom, Alice and the team this season.”
Joules founder, Tom Joule, said that Emily’s “commitment to excellence and passion for her sport perfectly align with the values of our brand”.
“Having supported Emily at the start of her career, I am thrilled to announce her as an ambassador rider. Together, we look forward to injecting even more energy, colour and excitement to the world of eventing,” he said.
“We take the greatest care to ensure the health and comfort of our equine athletes, and supplying great bedding is a crucial part in achieving this,” said assistant event director Nicky Townsend.
“Bedmax has a reputation for the quality of their bedding, so in having Bedmax as our official shavings partner at this year’s horse trials, we know that the horses are given every possible chance to perform at their very best.”
Bedmax founder and managing director Tim Smalley added: “Blair Castle is Scotland’s premiere equestrian event, and it epitomises the best of equestrianism in every respect, including the care that is taken for the welfare of the wonderful horses that compete at this very challenging level.
“It is a privilege for us to be chosen to play a small part in helping to provide this standard of care for those competing this year.”
New partnerships to support industry’s workforce
The British Grooms Association (BGA) and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) have both signed several recent deals.
The pair have new partnerships with wheelbarrow firm Henchman, and with equine biosecurity specialists Equine Bio Genie.
Henchman’s head of marketing Clare Lenagham-Balmer said: “Our wheelbarrows are the perfect partner for grooms, making their busy day a little easier, therefore we are delighted to be working with both the British Grooms Association and the Equestrian Employers Association.”
Equine Bio Genie director Helen Tuckey added: “We are delighted to be partnering with the BGA and the EEA, our products are designed to make life easier, we all know the hard work involved with grooming and stable management. We look forward to supporting these important associations.”
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
One of my favorite things to do in Mexico is swim in the beautiful cenotes of the Yucatan. Here are tips for visiting a cenote in Mexico, and how to enjoy them responsibly.
Cenotes in Mexico are super cool! The Mayan people used cenotes to supply their ancient cities (like Chichen Itza) with fresh water, as well as a sacred place to conduct sacrificial offerings to their gods.
Offerings were made to the Mayan god Chaac, the god of rain, when drought threatened the area. The Maya also believed these underground wells were entrances to the afterlife.
Despite their slightly creepy history, these days cenotes in Mexico are enjoyed by foreigners and locals alike as refreshing jungle swimming holes and cave diving hot-spots. No trip to Mexico is complete without swimming in a cenote!
Here you’ll find details about Tulum cenotes, as well as cenotes near Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Valladolid too.
After spending years living in and regularly traveling to Mexico as a digital nomad, I wanted to put together a helpful guide to my favorite cenotes throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
I’ve been traveling the world for 10+ years as a professional photographer & writer. I hope you enjoy my Mexican cenote tips! If you find them useful, using my affiliate links to book something will give me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you’ll find a map of cenotes in Mexico. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places I mention in this travel guide. “Star” the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. Enjoy!
Cenote Swimming in Mexico
Best Cenotes In Mexico
What Exactly Is A Cenote?
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its amazing cenotes — natural pools of fresh water located in limestone caves. These pools are connected to each other through the world’s largest underground river system.
Rain water seeps through the porous limestone, collecting underground.
Cenotes themselves are created when the limestone surface collapses, creating a cave opening into this river system. Some cenotes are “open air” meaning the roof has completely collapsed, while “cave cenotes” may have most or all of their roof still intact.
Many cenotes in Mexico are home to a variety of fish and plant life, some even have turtles!
There are supposedly over 6000 different cenotes located in Mexico. Some have been turned into swimming holes for tourists, others are used for technical cave scuba diving, and many more are simply inaccessible – hidden in the remote Mexican jungle.
Best Cenotes In Tulum
Casa Cenote in Tulum
Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí)
One of my favorite Tulum cenotes, Casa is an open-air cenote that looks more like a river than a typical cenote. Jungle plants go right up to the edge of it, and it’s an excellent spot for snorkeling. It’s narrow but VERY long, so you might want to use a life jacket (they have them) if you’re not a strong swimmer.
Locals call it “Cenote Manati”, because there used to be a population of Manatees living in it. While they are no longer there, a friendly crocodile named “Panchito” does sometimes make appearances to swim with tourists. I wouldn’t pet it, but otherwise there’s nothing to be afraid of!
Dos Ojos Cenote is one of the coolest cenotes near Tulum. It’s very popular for scuba diving, due to its “two eyes” (sinkholes) separated by a 400m long underwater tunnel. But it’s also fun for snorkeling, as there are plenty of caves to explore that are just above the water line.
Because Dos Ojos is one of the most famous cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, it can get crowded fast. It’s actually part of a huge cenote complex, and there are many different ones you can visit in the area.
Gran Cenote (aka Great Cenote) is one of the closest cenotes to Tulum. In fact it’s possible to ride a bike here if you want to. It’s not super big, but has two cool chambers separated by a cave tunnel. They also have a mini turtle sanctuary!
A nice cenote for swimming and snorkeling, they also have showers and restrooms on site. It’s grown in popularity over the years, and can see huge crowds sometimes.
This cenote hidden in the jungle of Tulum is a special one. A full on cave cenote, it’s lit with led lights, but still kept looking natural, which I love. The water is super clear, and snorkeling here makes you feel like a cave diver. Which, by the way, you’ll see plenty scuba divers disappear into the abyss beyond.
It’s generally one of the less-crowded cenotes in Tulum, partly due to its steep price to enter compared to others.
The Car Wash Cenote is located right off the road from Tulum to Coba, and used to be where locals would wash their cars! Now it’s a proper Tulum swimming cenote where you’ll see tons of fish, water lilys, iguanas, and even some turtles from time to time.
Car Wash has a few wooden jumping platforms, a rope swing, and is another cave diving spot. There are a lot of downed trees at the bottom too, making for a unique underwater world to view while snorkeling around.
Cenote Calavera gets its name from the appearance of a skull, with three openings into the ground. It’s a very deep cenote in Tulum which cave divers love. Perfect for jumping from the sides (there’s even a narrow opening you can drop into).
It’s sometimes called The Temple Of Doom by professional scuba divers. There is a swing, as well as a climbing rope. They have lounge chairs for sunbathing too.
This shallow water cave cenote is located next to the ruins of Coba (about 45-minutes from Tulum). It boasts crystal clear blue water and many stalagmites hanging from the ceiling. It’s a dramatic looking cenote, and one of my favorite cenotes near Tulum.
The shallow water makes this a great cenote to visit with a family or small kids, although the stairs down are pretty steep and slippery. So just be extra careful! Choo Ha is actually one of 3 cenotes located around Coba, and it’s possible to buy a ticket that covers all of them.
Laguna de Kaan Luum is a clear shallow lake with bright blue water which encircles a deep cenote (sinkhole). With a depth of approximately 262 feet, the waters of this cenote supposedly have magical properties.
Kaan Luum is also perfect for scuba diving or freediving with the deeper area cordoned off to prevent entry to swimmers. There are water hammocks, swings, and small tower that you can climb for a great view of the whole area.
The best cenotes near Cancun are located along the Ruta De Cenotes (Cenote Route) just outside the city of Puerto Morelos. La Noria was my favorite of these cenotes. It boasts milky blue water, some rope swings, a jumping platform, and dramatic cave stalactites hanging from the roof.
Cenote Verde Lucero is a fun one, with different cliff jumping spots and even a zipline! A very popular cenote that many tours stop at. They also have kayaks to rent here. If you are staying at a hotel in Cancun, these are some of the closest cenotes to go to.
Cenote Sol y Luna is the first cenote you’ll encounter on the Ruta de Cenotes. It’s a big complex, featuring the cenote itself, as well as a pool, waterslides, temazcal sauna, ATV rides, and more. The cenote is large and green, with fun zipline and some jumping platforms. Lifejackets are provided (and required) here.
A super fun cenote to visit near Cancun is called Boca de Puma (Mouth of the Puma). It’s actually comprised of two different cenotes, one in a cave, the other open-air. They also have a zipline course here, as well as a handful of rescued spider monkeys who roam free in the jungle, but aren’t afraid of people at all. One of them wouldn’t leave Anna’s side!
This cool cenote called Ojo de Agua has multiple openings (eyes) into the crystal clear water below. There are jumping platforms up to 20 feet high, and swimming through the caves below is super fun. You have to shower before getting in, and there’s a little place to buy lunch here too.
Cenote Jardin del Eden (Garden of Eden) is a large open-air cenote just outside Playa del Carmen. It’s pretty popular with locals and expats, with lots of shady trees, multiple decks for jumping or sunbathing, and plenty of little fish swimming around. A great spot for snorkeling!
Depending on the time of year, and time of day, it can get crowded here. However because it’s big, there is usually plenty of room to spread out.
Located right next to Garden of Eden, Cenote Azul has stunning blue water. The “blue” cenote boasts a nice small cliff you can jump from, a wooden boardwalk, and a few shaded areas to hang out.
There’s lots of small fish in this cenote too, who will nibble on your dead skin if you put your feet in the water. A natural Mexican fish spa! Make sure to walk the jungle path that circles the cenote too, it’s super cool.
Cenote Yax Kin is a wonderful cenote in Mexico for families and kids. This is due to its large shallow areas, something that most cenotes don’t have. They also have lounge chairs, and pathways that take you to even more cenotes that are part of the same complex.
There are grills and campsites available to rent too. Keep an eye out for all the HUGE iguana lizards who like to hang around this cenote! Sometimes they chase each other up trees. It’s pretty entertaining.
Cenote Ik-Kil is a super popular cenote near the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, and is often included as a stop on guided bus tours. As such, it’s often packed with people. Massive vines stretch down to the water, making it look very dramatic. While cool, due to the crowds, it’s not my favorite cenote in the area.
Cenote Zaci is located right in the heart of the Mexican town of Valladolid, and an easy bike ride from anywhere in town. It’s not quite as popular as others, but has a few different cliff jumps, some big black fish swimming around, and sometimes a little waterfall.
One of the most photogenic cenotes in the Yucatan, Suytun Cenote has become an Instagram sensation. Sunlight streams down from a hole in the ceiling, making for a very dramatic scene. Due to its popularity, it can get quite busy as everyone waits in line for a photo on the circular walkway.
Each person gets about a minute to pose on the walkway for photos, before they blow a whistle and let the next person in line get their turn. Makes a wonderful photo, but is not a very magical experience like some other cenotes can be. A bit of a tourist trap.
X’canche cenote is next to the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam, and part of the archaeological site. It’s pretty cool, and looks like a circular crater in the ground with steep sides. It’s about a mile (1.5 km) walk from the Mayan ruins, but they also offer bicycles to rent.
To get down to the water itself, you need to walk down a couple of very steep wooden staircases. The water is less clear than some other cenotes, so there isn’t much to see with snorkeling gear. There are some jumping platforms, a free rope swing, plus ziplines & a rappel that you do for an extra fee.
This cenote in Mexico is a bit off the beaten path, about 30-minutes from Valladolid. It doesn’t see as many tourists as others do. It’s actually part of a 3-cenote complex. It’s a massive cave cenote, with a single hole in the top that allows sunlight to stream in. There’s also a knotted rope hanging down for climbing!
One of the most unique cenotes I visited in Mexico, Sac-Aua has a giant island in the middle of it, creating a doughnut shape. They rent kayaks here, so you can cruise around the island. There’s also a jumping platform, and a bunch of iguanas hanging around. They also have a cavern (cave) you can visit, and will cook a traditional Mayan meal for lunch too.
There’s lots to do at this cenote near Valladolid. A 22 meter jumping platform, 10 meter rope swing, caves to explore, and when you enter, you’re treated to a traditional Mayan blessing. There is also food, a swimming pool, hammocks, and a massive colorful mural to enjoy when you’re done with the cenote. Loved this one! It wasn’t too crowded either.
The best site to book a rental car in Mexico is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive in Mexico.
Renting a car offers the best flexibility for exploring and visiting some of the more remote cenotes around the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favorite way to get around! You can use my Mexico cenote map at the top of this article to help you find them all.
There are several tour options for visiting cenotes leaving from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum. Some are part of Mayan Ruins tours, while others combine cenote visits with ziplining, ATV’s and other adventure activities. One popular option leaving from Cancun is the Xenote Experience.
Bicycle Or Taxi
Some of the Tulum cenotes can be reached by bicycle, as well as some cenotes near the town of Valladolid. For most others, unless you have your own rental car, you’ll need to hire a local taxi to take you. Often taxi drivers will give you their business card, allowing you to call them when you’re done visiting the cenote to get a ride back into town.
Rent A Car In Mexico
Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.
To avoid polluting the water in cenotes, most places require you to shower before entering. Please don’t use sunscreen either, as it can be harmful to wildlife.
Many cenotes in Mexico provide life jackets for people who are not strong swimmers. Most cenotes don’t have a shallow area — they can be super deep.
Some cenotes include rope swings, jumping platforms, zip lines, and will rent you snorkeling gear.
Cave divers frequent some cenotes, so make sure to give them plenty of room, and be careful where you jump!
Some cenotes can get very crowded, depending on the season and time of day. If you arrive at a cenote and see a bunch of tour buses, it might be worth looking for another if you want to avoid crowds.
The water in most cenotes is pretty cold, as they are fed from underground sources.
I hope you enjoyed my guide on cenotes in Mexico! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:
Today, we are in our cabin in Oregon. I think we will try to kayak and maybe even check out the pickleball. We didn’t think we’d like playing, but it is FUN!
HERE WE GO!
I love this.
It took me a long time to figure this out… (hint: it is a water bird)
Oh My Gosh! This is extraordinary.
Beautiful. Those who are cruel to animals have disregarded that we are all animals… we all feel.
I’m going to do this!
Gorgeous. Such special lighting.
The stories it could tell…
Beautiful. I cannot remember if this is Oregon or California. If anyone knows, please let me know.
Renting a car in Mexico and driving around the country yourself is a wonderful way to experience the Land of the Maya. Here’s some advice about the best way to do it.
I love Mexico. I’ve both lived & vacationed there for many years, with most of my time spent in the country’s Yucatan Peninsula area. Mexico is a very big country with a lot to offer!
Whenever I visit, I ALWAYS rent a car to explore on my own. It’s much more fun!
Renting a car in Mexico and driving yourself can have its quirks and challenges, but they are minimal and shouldn’t deter you.
I love the freedom of road trips and planning my own travel itineraries. Mexico is such a diverse country that it makes sense to rent a car so you can stop anywhere to discover small villages, ancient Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza, and hidden beaches or secret cenotes at your own pace.
Not on some strict (less than ideal) schedule with a tour company.
Here are some important tips we learned from our many experiences renting a car in Mexico, to help you save money and stay safe while driving around the country!
I’ve been traveling the world for 10+ years as a professional photographer & writer. I hope you enjoy my Mexico driving tips! If you find them useful, using my affiliate links will give me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
Hey, if you love those big group bus tours, by all means, go book one. It’s a decent way to see Mexico if you don’t have a lot of time.
No planning, no driving, just sit back and let someone else do all the work!
But if you’re like me, you prefer the adventure of independent travel.
No set schedule or timetable — driving around Mexico with the freedom to stop anyplace cool you find along the way.
If that’s the kind of traveler you are, renting a car in Mexico is the way to go!
Just keep in mind that some roads in Mexico can be confusing, and some drivers are aggressive too. But with some practice, you’ll gain confidence driving there!
Another nice thing we enjoyed about having a car was the ability to store things in the trunk, stopping off in small Mexican villages with travel backpacks rather than hauling luggage everywhere.
2. Where To Rent Your Car In Mexico
Picking Up Your Car
Some common car rental companies in Mexico include Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, a local one called Fox Rentals, and many more.
But the best site to book your car is Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car in Mexico.
We often rent our cars in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. From there it’s very easy to drive down the coast exploring the famous Mexican Riviera Maya.
Cancun Airport: Plan to pick up your car about 60 minutes after your flight arrives. When departing, try to be at the airport at least 2.5 hours before your flight leaves. Because returning your rental car and catching a shuttle back to the airport can take up to 30 minutes.
Playa Del Carmen: There are many Mexican car rental companies based in downtown Playa del Carmen. You may decide to pick up your car in Playa del Carmen after you get dropped off at your hotel from the Cancun Airport Shuttle. Rentals based in Playa are often a bit cheaper than Cancun.
Rent A Car In Mexico
Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.
Some of the rumors about driving in Mexico are true, and the roads aren’t always maintained well, and drivers can be somewhat aggressive. Don’t worry, I’ll share some tips for dealing with them below.
This is why I highly recommend getting full insurance coverage.
Many travelers book rental cars using a travel friendly credit card that includes car rental insurance hoping that will save them some money, but in Mexico they won’t accept your credit card’s insurance, and will insist you buy additional Personal Liability insurance that costs $10-20 USD a day.
Some Mexican car rental companies will let you decline the insurance if you pay a large refundable deposit on your credit card (usually around $2500 USD). But if something happens that costs much more than that deposit, you’re paying out of pocket beyond that.
If it’s your first time driving in Mexico, I’d recommend getting the insurance just to be safe.
4. How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Mexico?
Driving by Mexico’s Pink Lakes
Renting a car in Mexico is going to cost you around $20-$50 USD a day, depending on the type of car you get. Our 4 door sedan was about $30 per day.
I recommend renting a car with an actual trunk (no hatchbacks) to hide your luggage from prying eyes. It helps to prevent break-ins if thieves can’t see your stuff.
Gas Prices
Gas (petrol) prices in Mexico might seem cheap to Americans, but remember that the rest of the world quotes gas in Liters, not Gallons (1 Gallon = 3.78 Liters). Currently, gas costs about $5.14 per gallon ($1.39 per liter) in Mexico. Diesel cars will often save you some money on gas.
Automatic vs Manual
Automatic cars are more expensive to rent than manual cars and you must specify what type you want when booking. If you’ve never driven a manual car before, don’t start in Mexico! It’s safer to pre-book an automatic.
One-Way Rentals
There’s an additional fee for one-way car rentals in Mexico, which can vary by company. For example, if you want to drop off the car in a different city than where you started from.
5. Age Requirements For Renting A Car
The minimum age for driving in Mexico is 18 years old, however most car rental companies enforce their own age limit of 21 years old to rent a car. They also charge an additional fee if you’re under 24 years old.
6. Mexican Driving Laws Tourists Should Know
Driving Through the Beach Town of Tulum
Be careful with parking tickets! If you park illegally in Mexico (like not paying for a metered parking spot), you’ll likely get a ticket along with the police removing your license plate or booting your car’s wheel until you’ve paid.
In many parts of Mexico you may come across occasional police road blocks. Often you just drive through them slowly unless an officer tells you to pull over. Don’t be scared or nervous, they are standard practice.
The speed limit on local roads is generally around 90 km/h while on national highways it’s up to 100 km/h.
Speeding Tickets In Mexico (Bribing The Police)
If you get pulled over for speeding while driving in Mexico, Mexican police officers will generally be looking for a bribe (aka “La Mordida”) from tourists. It’s just how things work. The amount is about $10 – $20 USD.
If you try and fight it, or ask for an official ticket instead, prepare to deal with a lot of hassle and paperwork that will certainly ruin the rest of your day.
7. International Driver’s License
No, you do not need an international driver’s license to drive in Mexico or rent a car there. Just bring your passport, credit card, and your driver’s license from your home country.
8. Helpful Tips For Driving In Mexico
Mexican Traffic Jam
You don’t have to stop for people! Pedestrians generally don’t have the right of way in Mexico, which means cars won’t stop for people walking across the street. This took some getting used to for me.
While you could be extra nice and stop for them anyway, you need to be careful because any local drivers behind you will NOT be expecting that, which can result in a bad accident. They hit you, you hit the people.
Merging onto a highway is very different than in the US. Often cars are stopped on the ramp waiting for an opening. And if you miss your opening (no matter how tight it may seem), you’ll certainly get honked at by those waiting behind you.
Beware of hidden speed bumps (called “Topes). While most of the time there will be a road sign announcing an upcoming speed bump, sometimes the signs are missing, and the speed bump paint has been worn off, and you’ll be rudely surprised by a very aggressive speed bump (that could wreck your suspension). You’ll generally find them as you enter and exit small towns.
Speeding drivers who are in a rush may tailgate you while flashing their lights. They just want you to pull over a bit so they can continue speeding past you. As long as it’s safe to do so, I would recommend doing it to avoid any road rage incidents.
9. Extra Advice For Renting A Car In Mexico
Gas Station Scams: In Mexico, gas station attendants fill your car for you. Some attendants will try and scam tourists if they think they can get away with it. Either by not resetting the pump (so it looks like you got more gas than you really did), or pretending you didn’t give them enough cash using slight of hand. Keep your eye on the attendant & the gas pump screen at all times
Don’t book a car without reading the company reviews. You’ll find plenty of bad reviews for every company (people love to complain online), but try to pick one with the LEAST bad reviews.
You may not always get the make/model/type of car you booked. If they give you a smaller car, or a manual when you asked for an automatic, be pushy and ask for an upgrade.
Inspect your car thoroughly and record video on your smartphone pointing out damage before you leave. This is a backup if they attempt to charge you for damage that was already there. This is a common car rental scam in Mexico….
Pay attention to if your Mexican rental car takes regular petrol or diesel fuel, so you fill up with the correct type at gas stations.
In a road emergency on a highway, you can dial the Green Angles (Ángeles Verdes) in Mexico by dialing 078. Alternatively, you can call: 250-82-21. They provide free travel information, mechanical assistance, and medical help for nationals and tourists.
If your car needs to be towed, or you need mechanical assistance, ran out of gas, or got in a wreck, you can call them for help.
Often the rental company’s own emergency roadside assistance number located on the rental agreement.
Enjoy Your Mexico Road Trip!
Exploring the small villages, hidden beaches, lush jungle, and coastal towns of Mexico in a rental car was definitely the right choice for us.
Self-drive road trips get off the beaten track to see things most people miss! ★
Rent A Car In Mexico
Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.
I hope you enjoyed my guide on renting cars & driving in Mexico! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:
